| kidsLINK is an initiative of the Greater Gallatin United Way. With the ultimate vision of changing community conditions by increasing the number of out of school time programs to promote children's success in school and in life, the program works towards 4 goals:
- Decrease the number of kids home alone during out-of-school time
- Provide safe places and enrichment activities for children in out-of-school time
- Increase participants’ success physically, academically, emotionally, and socially
- Provide support to working families
With 20 programs in 4 different counties, kidsLINK is able to affect the lives of over 1,000 children and their families. The programs center around four basic components: healthy snack, physical activity, homework support, and enrichment activities. By partnering with the Greater Gallatin United Way, programs are able to run autonomously, serving their families in unique ways.
The initiative began in 1997 in Three Forks in response to the need of that community for support for working families in the after-school time. Based on the model of success created, other rural schools in the area wanted the same support for their communities. At 21st Century Community Learning Centers grant was awarded to Greater Gallatin United Way and the Bozeman School District in 2007. As a result, it was possible to hire a full-time program Director.
Greater Gallatin United Way has many partners who invest in the achievement of our goals and fulfillment of our mission. Key stakeholders in the organization include Bozeman Deaconess Hospital, Gallatin City/County Health Department, Community Health Partners of Park County, the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council Advisory Committee, Gallatin County Commission, school districts and schools, a minimum of 30 health and human service organizations at any time, Foundations, over 2200 local businesses, families, individuals and workplace employees who are donors, the faith community, and many others.
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