The annual community-wide fundraiser 'Missoula Gives' with the theme "Support - Connect - Give" is coming up on May 6th and 7th, and keep in mind, the effort has expanded to include 'Bitterroot Gives'.

I feel that over the past year, people have been feeling a bit helpless, especially those who were not financially affected by the pandemic. People want to help, but they don't know how. This is a great opportunity to keep your dollars in the community and see your contributions working around you!

There are more than 150 very worthy non-profits participating this year, but I wanted to bring your attention to one that is close to my heart. CASA for Missoula gives a voice to neglected children. CASA volunteers do not need any special skills or education, they just need to be compassionate and willing to give their time to help Montana kids in need. I am a CASA volunteer and it has really opened my eyes to the struggle that parents face when Child & Family Services becomes involved with their families. CASAs Kim and Susan, along with Foster Mom Angie, share their experiences with CASA of Missoula and the child welfare system in the conversation below. It may inspire you to contribute monetarily, or, become a CASA yourself!

Check out how some of Western Montana's non-profits have benefited from the fundraiser to help our communities, and some messages of support from community leaders.

READ ON: See the States Where People Live the Longest

Stacker used data from the 2020 County Health Rankings to rank every state's average life expectancy from lowest to highest. The 2020 County Health Rankings values were calculated using mortality counts from the 2016-2018 National Center for Health Statistics. The U.S. Census 2019 American Community Survey and America's Health Rankings Senior Report 2019 data were also used to provide demographics on the senior population of each state and the state's rank on senior health care, respectively.

Read on to learn the average life expectancy in each state.

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