History of The Exchange Club of Missoula
The Exchange Club was started in Detroit in 1911 to allow business people to meet and “exchange” ideas. Exchange is the second oldest service organization in the United States. The original purpose and early project was to help establish airports for national defense. As the Club grew and evolved, so did its purpose. Our major focus now is the Prevention of Child Abuse. The Exchange Club of Missoula was chartered October 27th, 1957.
The Exchange Club Mission
Exchange, America’s Service Club, is a group of men and women working to make our communities better places to live though programs of service in Americanism, Community Service, Youth Activities, and it’s national project, the Prevention of Child Abuse.
Our Local Programs
Child Abuse Prevention
The Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect is our national and local project. Locally, we sponsor The Parenting Place (a 27 year old non-profit organization) with the sole purpose of Strengthening Families by early intervention, parenting classes and one-on-one counseling. The Parenting Place includes our Exchange Club Parent Aide Center. One of the successes of the Parenting Place over the last 6 years is offering Parent Education and Support for residences at the Missoula Pre-Release Center and Inmates at the Missoula County Jail. People that go through the classes have a recidivism rate of only 14% verses state-wide recidivism of over 46%.
Americanism
Our Americanism project involves “GiveAKidAFlageToWave” a project involving handing out around 6000 flags to children (and adults) at the UM Home Coming Parade. And we sponsor Freedom Shrine Plaques in various schools and public places. These wall plaques include about 30 of this country’s most significant documents.
Community Service
Our Community Service involves many activities including assisting UM as ushers at sporting events. We sponsor the Missoula Law Enforcement “Officer of the Year” Banquet. Honoring a law officer from each of the five agencies: Missoula City, Missoula County, MT
Highway Patrol, MT Fish & Game, and the UM Security Force.
Our Youth emphasis involves sponsoring Boy Scout Pack 96.
The A.C.E. Awards. A.C.E. stands for Accepting the Challenge of Excellence. This program recognizes high school seniors who have made a dramatic change in their attitude and performance during their high school years. These changes have enabled the students to overcome adversities and prepare for graduation. the award recognizes those students who are often overlooked for their accomplishments. We honor these students and their families at a luncheon and award them $250 for participating and $500 for the most outstanding.
Youth of the Year Awards. This program recognizes high school seniors from our local high schools who have excelled in schools. They all receive $100 and the most outstanding receives $500.