As we step into the heart of summer, I hope this message finds you well and filled with the excitement that this season brings. July is a month of celebration, reflection, and renewed commitment to our mission at AWARE.
As a nation, the 4th of July is a time to celebrate the ideals of freedom and independence. These values resonate deeply with our mission at AWARE—to help individuals with mental health and developmental disabilities lead independent, fulfilling lives. Just as our nation cherishes freedom, we strive to empower those we serve to achieve their personal independence, unlocking their full potential and fostering a sense of self-reliance and dignity.
As we celebrate this spirit of independence, it's also an opportune moment to reflect on the core values that drive our work every day. Over the coming months, we will be sharing more about these values and how they shape our approach to care and support. Our core values of integrity, resiliency, innovation and community are not just words—they are the principles that guide our interactions with the individuals and families we serve, our colleagues, and our community partners.
Recently, a long-time provider of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) in Missoula was forced to close their doors. Our priority is the people we serve. In the spirit of our core values that drive our work in combination with the growth of our ABA team across the state and this unfortunate change in Missoula, the decision has been made for AWARE to start offering ABA services in Missoula. We believe that as an experienced and longtime provider of community-based services in Montana, it is our duty to ensure these services are available to the children in Missoula with little to no gap time between services.
If you are unfamiliar with ABA, it is a program that offers evidence-based therapy that is crucial for individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities. Learn more about our services and how you can make a referral here.
Another program that continues to see tremendous growth and impact is our Therapeutic Recreation program. Our therapeutic recreation programs are designed to enhance the physical, emotional, and social well-being of participants. From outdoor activities to creative arts, we offer a variety of options that cater to different interests and abilities, promoting holistic development and joy. I invite you to read more about this incredible program later in this issue of Ink.
I have had the opportunity to reflect on many of our successes in the last five years as we work on our new strategic plan. The evolution of our organization and the number of people we serve, despite navigating the challenges of a pandemic, is incredible. On June 30, we wrapped up our fiscal year. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to our administrative team for their diligence in managing our books - it is no small feat and the work we do is impossible without them. Additionally, with the conclusion of the fiscal year, we will begin working on our next annual report where we will display more evidence of the incredible and positive impact our work has on the lives of Montanans. I am so proud to be a part of this team.
Summer is a time of growth and vitality, and it’s also a critical period for us at AWARE. We rely on the generosity of our community to continue providing essential services and programs. Your donations directly impact the lives of those we support, helping them to achieve their goals and live independently. Please consider making a donation this summer to help us continue our vital work. Your gift, in whatever way is meaningful to you, will make a difference. You may donate anytime at www.aware-inc.org/donate.
Thank you for being a part of our community and for your unwavering support. Together, we are making a difference, one step at a time, helping those we serve to achieve true independence and live fulfilling lives.
With gratitude,
Matt Bugni, CEO
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