November 2023

Dear Friends,

November is Native American Heritage Month and the Women's Foundation of Montana (WFM) would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the central role that Native women play within and beyond Indigenous communities.

The Native women leaders that WFM is privileged to support through our grantmaking demonstrate how leading with integrity, humility, respect, and reciprocity can transform systems for the better. They have taught WFM that because Native women are the caretakers, of their families and communities, they are the first to see the harm created by injustice and the first to identify solutions. Learn more about WFM grantees here.

In that spirit of caretaking, WFM is pleased to feature Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies (HMHB) as the guest grantee blog writer this month. HMHB works across the state to improve the health, safety, and well-being of Montana families. The well-being of mothers is critical to the strength and vitality of any community, and I hope that by exploring the intersection of Native American heritage and maternal health, we can help foster understanding, promote dialogue, and advocate for comprehensive, culturally sensitive approaches to maternal care.

Sincerely,

Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies - MT

Over the past 39 years, the work of Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies (HMHB) on behalf of moms, babies, and families across Montana, has depended on one key thing: relationships. When it comes to supporting and advocating for families with children ages zero to three, we approach each interaction with patience and respect. We strive to listen with curiosity and to keep our connections to our partners, our co-workers, and the families we serve at the heart of all we do. It is the fuel that keeps this fire burning bright.

We also launched our Native American Initiatives Program this past spring. The initiative is led by Dr. Amy Stiffarm who specializes in Maternal Mental Health issues in American Indian communities. Amy is a member of the Aaniiih (White Clay) Tribe of the Fort Belknap Indian Community and is also a descendant of the Chippewa Cree and Blackfeet Tribes of Montana. Amy’s combination of lived experience and research in the area of Indigenous Maternal Health is incredibly valuable. It has helped care providers deepen their understanding of the strengths of Indigenous culture and implement best practices in caring for Native American women and families. Our focus on relationships in this work has opened many doors and is offering insight, hope and more quality care for every mother and birthgiver across the state. 

Throughout November, we are celebrating Native American Heritage Month by hosting some of the most powerful leaders in Indigenous Maternal Health on HMHB’s Mother Love Podcast. These women share their wisdom and speak about what it’s like to work directly with families and providers and advocate for policy changes on a national level. Together with our guests and listeners, we celebrate and acknowledge the culture, traditions, and achievements of the nation's original inhabitants and of their descendants. One of the most powerful ways to change is to simply listen. This series is only the beginning of our intention to help Indigenous mothers and families share their stories on the Mother Love podcast. You can find these interviews and many other powerful stories here or by searching “Mother Love” on your favorite streaming platform.

Our work continues and we are eager to build and strengthen relationships with those who are working to improve the lives of families in Montana and we encourage you to reach out to connect with us.

Read more here.

Guest blogs are written by WFM grantees.

Montana Budget and Policy Center is hiring a policy analyst focusing on affordable housing, services, and care for people facing houselessness or housing insecurity. Find out more here.

Promote your business in WELL WBC’s holiday gift guide. Submit your business here.

Plenty Doors Community Development Center (Crow Agency) is now offering Individual Development Accounts to community members, designed to help participants acquire assets and/or increase the value of assets already held. Learn more here. 

Mountain Home Montana (Missoula) is stocking their shelves! Donations of diapers and wipes can be dropped off or directly shipped to 2606 South Avenue West, Missoula, Montana 59804. Contact mary@mountainhome.org with any questions.

WFM grantees are paving the way for a better quality of life for women, children, and families in Montana. The Women's Foundation of Montana is proud to support them. Because of your support, WFM is a powerful force for philanthropy in our state.

Will you help us create strong and equitable communities for

women and girls with a year-end donation to WFM?

Learn more about WFM grantees here and see our 2023 funding summary.