Big Sky Times

Officials from the Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS), Chabad Lubavitch of Montana, and various community partners have unveiled a newly remodeled family visitation room at the Bozeman Child and Family Services Division office. The event marked the culmination of months of collaborative efforts by several community organizations.

“This is another excellent example of local community organizations joining forces to support Montana’s children and families,” said DPHHS Director Charlie Brereton. He emphasized that such efforts are appreciated by DPHHS and make a significant difference.

The renovation project was led by Rob Lawler, Coordinator for the DPHHS Office of Faith and Community Based Services, with input from Bozeman CFSD staff. Visitation rooms are essential for safe parenting time between children in foster care and their parents. “Family connections are crucial while a child is in foster care, and these family visitation rooms help in this process,” Brereton added.

Parenting time plays an integral role in reunification processes, allowing parents to maintain connections with their children. This valuable interaction fosters positive relationships and supports eventual reunification goals.

“We truly appreciate our local partners for their generosity and commitment to Montana children and families,” Lawler stated. The project began as a conversation with Rabbi Chaim Bruk, eventually leading to broader collaboration.

Rabbi Bruk explained that Chabad Lubavitch of Montana's social service division, Project Dignity, spearheaded fundraising efforts with support from about 15 individuals, businesses, and foundations. These funds covered all remodeling expenses for the visitation room.

Improvements include new furniture, a large wall-mounted TV with Disney Channel access, children's clothing for those in need, baby furniture like highchairs and seats, stuffed animals, and fresh paint.

“These are the types of projects that we truly enjoy taking on every year,” Rabbi Bruk said. “Helping those in our community is very important... We want what’s best for families.”

Project Dignity provides vital assistance such as emergency medical care, hunger relief, temporary shelter during financial crises or family emergencies.

Toys for Tots also contributed generously to the room's updates. In 2023 alone they donated around 2,000 toys; part will benefit Bozeman CFSD directly—aiding interactions during parenting times positively through suitable youth toys onsite.

Lawler highlighted faith-based groups' roles strengthening Montanan communities’ health & wellness via information/resource exchanges facilitated by OFCBS between state agencies/faith-community organizations across Montana aimed at addressing specific needs effectively within each locality served year-round towards replicating similar volunteer partnerships elsewhere statewide supporting child welfare systems better over time connectedly related recent legislation Senate Bill163 sponsored Sen Dennis Lenz establishing volunteer programs assisting CPS activities too alongside online portals linking potential volunteers available opportunities aligned purposes similarly enhancing protections/services provided ultimately