16/12/2025
As an agency we are so honored to be chosen by Governor Gianforte, and as the executive director of DEAP, I could not be more proud of the dedicated staff that work tirelessly to serve families all over Montana. ~Carrie
Gov. Gianforte Highlights Organization Strengthening Families in Eastern Montana
Encourages support for the Developmental Educational Assistance Program during 12 Days of Giving
HELENA, Mont. – On the eleventh day of his 12 Days of Giving, Governor Greg Gianforte highlighted the Developmental Educational Assistance Program (DEAP), a nonprofit that provides community-based services to support the development, health, and well-being of children, adults, and families across eastern Montana and throughout the state.
“For nearly fifty years, DEAP has served as a resource for families by providing education and support services to families, children, and adults,” Gov. Gianforte said. “This holiday season, as you look for ways to support your neighbors, consider helping DEAP continue its work to connect families and all Montanans with the tools they need to live healthy, full lives.”
Founded in 1976 in Miles City, DEAP serves Montanans in all 56 counties in Montana. The organization provides early intervention services for infants and toddlers, comprehensive autism evaluations, support for children and adults with developmental and intellectual delays, services in community and nursing homes, and family education, and community-based programs that empower families.
The organization also serves as the sole statewide administrator of the federal grant that funds the Lifespan Respite Care Program that allows families to apply for funding to allow family caregivers to have respite. Grandparents who have custody of their grandchildren, spouses caring for a family member, and families caring for disabled family members in their home are a few of the recipients of this program.
They are also the sole provider of the Preadmission Screening and Resident Review (PASRR) program in Montana which works with people with intellectual disabilities that reside in nursing homes in Montana. DEAP also administers the Chafee program which supports young people ages fourteen to twenty-one who are preparing to or have aged out of foster care. DEAP provides financial assistance, mentoring, and life skills training to help them prepare for adulthood.
“Helping people learn, grow, and thrive begins with supporting their families,” said Carrie Etherington, Executive Director of DEAP. “We are grateful for the generosity of Montanans who make it possible for us to provide vital services for families across the state. Our biggest challenges include the vast distances DEAP employees must drive to deliver services. Much of that ‘windshield’ time is not reimbursed and having the funds to fill in the gaps when families have needs that are not covered by the contract or Medicaid.”
To learn more about the organization and ways to support, visit DEAPMontana.org.
In the month of December, the governor’s fifth annual 12 Days of Giving campaign highlights the work of a dozen organizations serving Montanans in need.
On the 1st Day of Giving, the governor and first lady donated new, unwrapped toys to the Helena-area Marine Corps Toys for Tots and encouraged Montanans to donate to their local campaign.
On the 2nd Day of Giving, the governor launched the fifth annual food drive among state agencies and encouraged Montanans to give to the Montana Food Bank Network or their local food bank.
On the 3rd Day of Giving, the governor promoted blood donation through the American Red Cross of Montana and encouraged eligible Montanans to donate.
On the 4th Day of Giving, the governor highlighted the Montana Hope Project and encouraged Montanans to support its mission of granting wishes for children facing critical illnesses.
On the 5th Day of Giving, the governor highlighted Underwater Soldiers and encouraged Montanans to support its mission of helping veterans heal while restoring Montana waterways.
On the 6th Day of Giving, the governor encouraged support for the Threshold of Life memorial to honor the contributions of all organ, eye, and tissue donors in Montana.
On the 7th Day of Giving, the governor contributed a quarter of his salary to NeighborWorks Great Falls High School House Program to support workforce training and increasing the supply of housing.
On the 8th Day of Giving, the governor highlighted Friends of the Children Eastern Montana and encouraged Montanans to support its long-term mentorship program for kids.
On the 9th Day of Giving, the governor contributed a quarter of his salary to ZoeCare to support the nonprofit pregnancy support clinic in Bozeman.
On the 10th Day of Giving, the governor promoted the SW Veteran Food Pantry, encouraging Montanans to support the organization that provides food and household items to veterans and their families.
On the 11th Day of Giving, the governor highlighted DEAP to support its work in eastern Montana to provide resources to children and adults with special needs and strengthen families.
