Note from Matt Bugni, CEO

Happy New Year! As we step into 2025, I want to take a moment to reflect on our collective achievements and share the exciting opportunities ahead. This year holds immense promise for AWARE and the individuals and families we serve. With your continued support, we’re poised to make a bigger impact where the need is greatest in Montana.

Looking Ahead: Advocacy in the 2025 Legislative Session

The upcoming legislative session presents critical opportunities to advocate for policies that strengthen Montana’s community-based mental health and developmental disability services. AWARE is committed to championing initiatives that ensure individuals receive the care they need in their communities, not in hospitals or institutions. We need your help in supporting the following priorities:

• Commensurate Acuity-Based Rates for Intensive Level Group Homes

  We urge policymakers to adopt Behavioral Health System for Future Generations (BHSFG) recommendation #1 and #17, ensuring acuity-based rates for intensive-level group homes are aligned with the actual cost of providing care.

• Medicaid Rates That Reflect Market Costs

  It is essential that Medicaid reimbursement rates keep pace with current market conditions to sustain quality care for Montana’s most vulnerable populations.

• Policies Supporting Local Purchasing

  We advocate Investment in Montana-Based Expertise: Building local capacity to meet the unique needs of our state.

Your voice matters. By joining us in these advocacy efforts, you help ensure that Montana’s most vulnerable residents receive the care and support they deserve. I am passionate about advocacy. If you would like to dive deeper into our initiatives, please email me here.

Growth and Opportunity

In 2024, AWARE experienced significant growth partly because of the investment in our services from the 2023 Legislature, expanding our reach and enhancing our services, including the announcement of our partnership with Liberty Place. As we grow, we remain steadfast in our mission to empower individuals and families to live independent, fulfilling lives.

This year, we have a unique opportunity to leverage our growth to address gaps in care and drive meaningful change. With your support, we can:

• Strengthen the continuum of care across the state.

• Advocate for upstream investments that prevent crises and reduce costs to taxpayers.

• Expand innovative programs that address the root causes of mental health challenges.

Join Us in Making a Difference

As we embark on this journey, I invite you to stand with us. Whether working directly with the people we serve, through advocacy, volunteering, or donating, your support fuels our mission and drives change. Together, we can create a brighter future for all Montanans.

Thank you for being an integral part of the AWARE team. Let’s make 2025 a year of impact, growth, and hope.

Warm regards,

Matt Bugni - CEO