History

Family Outreach was founded on March 22, 1977 as a nonprofit agency to serve families in southwestern Montana whose children were affected by—or at risk of—developmental disability.

We are proud to have been among the first nonprofit organizations to follow the modern model of supporting and integrating people with disabilities in their communities, using an inclusive approach that fosters dignity and respect for an often marginalized population. Whether a family needs more education about their child’s diagnosis, assistance with teaching living skills to an adult, or a friendly, well-trained person to work with their family member in their own home, Family Outreach has been there for more than forty-five years.

Our Timeline

We began operations by providing family support and respite services to 64 families in 1977, and have since expanded to provide a wide array of services across the lifespan to over 500 families and individuals today.

1977

Family Outreach is founded in Helena, Montana, serving 64 families by the end of the year

1978

First agency logo

1978

Agency operations expand into Butte, Montana and surrounding areas

1980

The main office moves to 825 Ewing Street in Helena, Montana

1980

The FY 80 budget totals $231,575.00

1981

Family Outreach maintains offices at 825 Ewing Street, Helena; 1117 N 7th Avenue, Bozeman; and 100 E Broadway Street, Butte

1983

The Specialized Family Care program is introduced, which later becomes Family Education and Support

1985

Family Outreach purchases its first computer for $3,000 (equivalent to ~$8,800 in 2024)

1987

Family Outreach participates in the Governor’s Early Intervention Screening Committee to promote the interests of families and children

1991

Part C of the I.D.E.A. Early Intervention services are introduced (originally known as Part H)

1991

The Family Outreach main office is moved to 1212 Helena Avenue in Helena, Montana

1992

FY 92 revenue totals $1,154,574.00

1992

New logo introduced

1993

The Supported Living program is introduced for adults with developmental disabilities, marking the first time Family Outreach programs covered the entire lifespan

1993

Fleet vehicles and company cell phones are introduced

1996

FY 96 revenue totals $2,037,736.00

1997

Family Outreach holds Open House events at all offices for its 20th Anniversary

1999

Family Outreach begins using computers to track client progress

2000

FY 00 revenue totals $3,006,378.00

2010

Applied Behavior Analysis services are offered for the first time through a State program called Child Autism Waiver

2013

FY 13 revenue totals $6,160,912.00

2015

New logo introduced

2015

Family Outreach offers in-house Applied Behavior Analysis clinics in Helena and Bozeman, Montana

2019

Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) are introduced to support transition-age youth with disabilities (ages 14–21)

2022

Family Outreach hosts its 45th Anniversary Street Fair, which includes food trucks, a dunk tank, a silent auction, and live music

2024

Family Outreach expands Family Education and Support services to seven counties of northwestern Montana

Family Outreach was founded on March 22, 1977 as a nonprofit agency to serve families in southwestern Montana whose children were affected by—or at risk of—developmental disability.

Our Timeline

Empowering Abilities, Building Community

Administrative Office

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