Missoula County To Support Services For At-Risk Populations

Missoula MT

02 April, 2022

8:23 AM

Description

Press release from the Missoula County Government: March 29, 2022 Missoula County will open grant applications Tuesday, March 29, for both the Community Assistance Fund and the Substance Abuse Prevention Mill Levy. Government and nonprofit organizations are encouraged to apply online at http://missoula.co/FundingOpp before 3 p.m. Wednesday, May 11. Funding is for fiscal year 2023 (July 1, 2022, through June 30, 2023). "Through these grants, Missoula County is able to work with community partners to help meet critical needs and reduce gaps in services," Commissioner Juanita Vero said. "From application to distribution of funds, the whole process is a testament of working together and being responsive to the greatest community needs with intention and purpose." The Community Assistance Fund has roots going back to 1877, when the Montana Legislative Assembly of the Territory of Montana created an act that directed county commissions to use taxes for a special fund to assist the poor by collecting annual bids for the "care, support and maintenance of the sick, poor and infirm of the county." While many iterations of state law have occurred over the decades, it is this foundation that guides the work of the Community Assistance Fund review committee and ultimately the decisions by the county commissioners. Applicants for the Substance Abuse Prevention Mill Levy must demonstrate how they use effective strategies based on one or more of the following proven programs: A coalition that coordinates prevention efforts and community members to prevent substance abuse and its negative impacts on the citizens of Missoula County. Community education about the risks and costs of abusing alcohol, tobacco and other drugs. A supervised non-school hour activity that gives young people alternatives to drug use and opportunities for positive youth development. Early intervention to help youth and families address alcohol, tobacco and other drug problems. This press release was produced by the Missoula County Government. The views expressed here are the author's own.