Helena Independent Record - March, 8th 2024
EDITOR'S PICK
Helena woman receives $50,000 grant to be a 'Catalyst for Change'
Sonny Tapia
Mar 8, 2024
A 2002 Capital High School graduate received a $50,000 grant for her organization, Catalyst for Change, after entering in the Stanley Creators Fund program.
Amber Martinsen-Blake was raised in Helena and now lives in Big Timber where the headquarters of her organization is located.
Amber Martinsen-Blake Photo by Cindy Goeddel
Catalyst for Change founded a mental health care system for small rural communities, giving them access to mental health care services and professionals.
The nonprofit's website says it uses a virtual-meets-local model to connect community members to the services they need.
Blake said the grant funding will be used to expand the area the organization can cover and connect to mental health services, while supporting community health workers with crisis intervention and preventative and follow-up care.
The program through the Stanley food and drinkware brand offering the grants is aimed at recognizing organizations that are working toward sustainability, humanity, well-being and future possibilities.
"Stanley is proud to recognize these individuals and organizations who are making a notable difference in their communities," Emily Cichy, senior director, corporate responsibility at Stanley, said. "The Stanley Creators Fund amplifies their voices and helps them continue the important work they're doing each and every day. We are in awe of the drive and heart that we saw in this year's 500 submissions and are eager to see what our grant recipients accomplish in the months and years to come."
Blake said she has learned through her work that children want to address their mental health.
"As kids start proactively addressing their mental health, they are the catalysts to help adults and to change communities," she said.
Sonny Tapia is a criminal justice and education reporter for the Helena Independent Record.