Friends of the Children nears fundraising goal for Ronan clubhouse

Friends of the Children–Western Montana is entering the final stretch of its capital campaign to establish a permanent clubhouse at 124 Main Street SW in Ronan for its Flathead Nation Program, with just $250,000 left to raise toward the project goal.

The campaign will create a larger, dedicated space to support the continued growth of its program on the Flathead Reservation, allowing more youth and families to access long-term mentoring, academic support, cultural programming and community connection, while also contributing to the ongoing revitalization of downtown Ronan.

According to program director Nicole Callahan, the new clubhouse will replace the Polson location, which has become “way too small for our growing program.”

“Friends of the Children’s program is an investment in youth across the Mission Valley,” said Ronan Mayor Ryan Corum. “The new clubhouse in Ronan will create a safe, supportive space for young people while bringing new energy and activity to downtown Ronan — a project that strengthens our community.”

Friends of the Children–Western Montana pairs youth facing the greatest obstacles with paid, professional mentors for 12-plus years — from kindergarten through high school graduation — helping break generational cycles of poverty and trauma through long-term relationships and whole-family support. Currently there are 32 youth and families enrolled in the program.

“We are incredibly close to making this vision a reality,” said Callahan. “This clubhouse will be a place where youth and families feel supported, connected, and surrounded by caring adults and community.”

The need for expanded services continues to grow. During the organization’s most recent enrollment period, more than 80 youngsters were referred by area schools and organizational partners for just 16 available program slots.

“What we’ve seen with Friends of the Children goes beyond the individual students they serve,” said Mike Ellis, principal at K. William Harvey Elementary in Ronan. “When a child has a consistent, trusted adult, behavior and engagement improve, and they’re more ready to learn. That ripple effect strengthens the entire school environment by allowing teachers and staff to better support all students.”

Growing up in Polson, Friends of the Children board member and Valley Bank loan officer Brynn Dellwo says she has seen firsthand both the strengths and challenges facing families across the Mission Valley.

By offering consistent, long-term support, the organization “helps local kids build brighter futures close to home,” said Dellwo.

To help close the remaining $250,000 gap or learn more about Friends of the Children, visit www.friendswesternmt.org to donate or call Jamie McConnell at 406-531-1811.