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Our Story

1000 in Action was formed in response to continuing cases of child abuse in Cascade County and the surrounding areas. It was formed as a 501(c)3 organization by a group of mothers who were heartbroken over these occurrences and sought to do something to help eliminate this problem. This organization is operated solely by volunteers.

Recognizing there are already many valuable nonprofit organizations in our area that provide programs and services related to this cause, our focus is to provide funding support for these various organizations.

"We believe all children deserve to grow up in a safe and

nurturing environment, free from any form of abuse, and that by

coming together, we can make a significant impact on their lives."

Our Mission

Our Mission

Started by a group of mothers - Jen Barnett, Jennifer Gruber and Tasha Johnson - who were not content to stand by and not take action, 1000 in Action is a community-driven organization committed to safeguarding children in northcentral Montana from all forms of child abuse. By uniting our efforts, we provide a practical and impactful way to create meaningful change and improve the lives of the youth in our community.​​

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Our Mission
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Our Vision

Our vision at 1000 in Action is a community where every child is safe, supported and free from all forms of abuse. Through collective efforts, we strive to create a future where meaningful change transforms the lives of our youth and ensures their well-being.

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If 1,000 individuals donate $100 annually, together we will be able to make a big change in helping charities and safe houses prevent child abuse. 

Join Us

Although we haven't yet reached our $100,000 goal, we continue to work toward it and encourage others to join us in our mission. If you're ready to be a catalyst for change, we'd love to connect with you. 

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Our Community Impact

We are proud to share the meaningful ways our foundation has supported vital community organizations for the prevention of child abuse this year. Through the generous support of our donors and partners, we've been able to contribute over $53,000 for child abuse prevention and make a real differences in the lives of children, families and communities. 

 

2025 Community Investments

This year, we've focused our giving on organizations that provide essential services and

support to families, youth and individuals in need.

 

Funds from 1000 in Action have gone to the following:  

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Toby's House - Great Falls, Montana: $19,200

Our largest grant this year went to support Toby's House, helping them continue their crucial work providing emergency childcare and family support services. We have supported Toby’s House since our first year of distributing donations. This valuable community resource is near and dear to us since it provides free, safe childcare to ensure children are kept in a loving environment when their caregivers are facing either crisis situations or daily challenges. Toby’s House was formed in memory of October “Toby” Perez, a sweet 2-year-old girl who was killed by her mother’s boyfriend. Contributions from 1000 in Action will cover Toby’s House rent for 2025. We are grateful to partner with Toby’s House to protect area children.

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Fairfield Leading Youth (FLY) - Fairfield, Montana: $10,000

The FLY After School Program serves as a vital safety net for vulnerable students in Fairfield. Going beyond traditional after school programming, FLY creates a nurturing environment where students receive not only academic support but also essential care for their basic needs, including healthy snacks and personal assistance.

 

What makes FLY especially valuable is their role in child abuse prevention. Through their program, they foster trusting relationships between students and teachers, creating safe spaces where children feel comfortable sharing their challenges and concerns. Our significant investment in FLY helps ensure they can continue providing this crucial combination of academic support and child services, making a lasting difference in the lives of vulnerable youth.

 

4 the Kids Montana - Central Montana: $5,000

Our support of 4 the Kids Montana strengthens their vital work as a faith-based, non-denominational organization serving foster children in Northcentral Montana. Through their transformative weeklong summer camp and monthly Mentor Club, they create life-changing experiences for foster children from ages 6-12. Their programs provide a nurturing environment designed to help children heal from past trauma, develop healthy relationship skills and break the cycle of abuse and neglect. By planting seeds of hope, love and encouragement, 4 the Kids Montana helps children grow into successful, supportive adults who will positively impact their communities.

 

Peace Place - Great Falls, Montana: $6,000

Since 2011, Peace Place has been a beacon of hope for families caring for children with special needs. What began as a single weekly respite session at First Presbyterian Church has blossomed into a comprehensive support system offering 12 weekly sessions across three essential programs: Morning Program for children ages 0-5, After School Program for school-age children and Mid-Day Program for children who need additional support during regular school hours.

 

Their impact is remarkable: in fiscal year 2023 alone, they provided 3,232 individual episodes of free respite care to families in need. Peace Place's "respite with a purpose" approach, delivered by highly skilled and well-trained caregivers, plays a crucial role in preventing child abuse and neglect, particularly in families caring for children with medical or developmental diagnoses. By providing parents with much-needed rest, resources and real-life support, Peace Place helps maintain safe, healthy and happy homes for vulnerable children in our community.

 

Our contribution helps Peace Place continue expanding their vital services to reach more families in our region who could benefit from their transformative support.

 

Family Promise - Great Falls, Montana: $6,500

Family Promise of Great Falls has been a cornerstone in the fight against childhood homelessness since opening their doors on January 11, 2015. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, they work tirelessly to fulfill their mission of ending childhood homelessness, one family at a time. By mobilizing volunteers throughout the Great Falls area, they provide crucial prevention and diversion services, support and hospitality to families experiencing homelessness.

 

Part of a powerful national network of over 200 affiliates across the United States, Family Promise of Great Falls contributes to an ambitious goal: changing the lives of 1 million children by 2030. Our support helps strengthen their ability to provide hope and practical assistance to local families in crisis, creating pathways to stable housing and brighter futures.

 

Alliance for Youth - Great Falls, Montana: $6,500

Alliance for Youth is driving social change in Northcentral Montana through their commitment to supporting youth and families. Their vision of creating a supportive and empowering community where youth and families can discover hope, heal and flourish guides their impactful work every day.

 

Their approach is built on fundamental beliefs that shape their success: that collaborative community efforts achieve more than individual groups working alone, that equipping families with resources and skills enhances healthy decision-making and that honoring the voices of those they serve is essential. Through trauma-informed approaches, they build trust, instill hope and promote healing, working tirelessly to break cycles and create better futures.

 

Our support helps Alliance for Youth continue their vital work of fostering collaboration, providing educational resources and implementing evidence-based approaches that empower youth and families to thrive.

 

As we look ahead and continue our mission at 1000 in Action, these investments for Child Abuse Prevention represent our ongoing commitment to building a stronger, more resilient community. Each dollar invested helps create positive change in the lives of our neighbors, and we remain dedicated to supporting organizations that share our vision for a better tomorrow.

 

We thank all our supporters who have made these contributions possible; we welcome the opportunity to continuing our work together to create lasting impact in for the prevention of child abuse in our Montana communities. 

Past Year's Donations

2023

Toby’s House Crisis Nursery: $19,200 (rent for the year)

Peace Place Respite Care: $10,000

Fairfield Leading Youth (FLY): $8,000

4 the Kid’s Montana: $5,000

Little Diamondbacks (Dutton): $5,400

Boys and Girls Club of Cascade County: $3,000


2022
Toby’s House Crisis Nursery: $6,000
Peace Place Respite Care: $6,000
Fairfield Leading Youth (FLY): $6,000
Boys and Girls Club of Cascade County: $6,000
Dandelion Foundation: $2,000

 

2021
Toby’s House Crisis Nursery: $7,000
Peace Place Respite Care: $10,000

Support Our Cause Today!

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