About the Winter Ready Your Wheels Service Project

The Blue Mountain Bobcats 4-H Club, since 1965,  is the oldest 4-H Club in Missoula County.  The club includes members from Frenchtown, east to Missoula and south to Florence.    Our club requires members to complete a 4-H project, live the 4-H creed and participate in at least 3 community service projects per year.   This winter we were awarded a grant from the Serve Montana program.  The grant is called Winter Ready.    Specific information on the WinterReadyMontana Inclusive Service Project Mini-Grants can be found in this official grant outline provided by the state of Montana:

The Blue Mountain Club has recognized that many people are severely impacted when their vehicles are not running or require maintenance.  Our service project is called “Winter Ready Your Wheels”

The emphasis of the grant is to help people in need with issues resulting from this year’s harsh winter.  Our intent is to serve vehicle dependent individuals living in both rural and outlying communities where alternative transportation does not exist. Winter time mobility is also very important to elderly, disabled and disadvantaged people to obtain essential services.  Our club would like to help these people with winter time transportation issues and or help with vehicle preparedness.

The maintenance is limited to only issues directly affected by cold.  Items such as antifreeze, wiper fluid , corroded belts, batteries and terminals. All labor and facility costs will be donated to utilize consumables purchased with grant funds.    All donated mechanical work would be performed by a licensed Montana business specializing in automotive work. 

Selection of recipients will be based on a review process developed by the 4-H club to include any eligible SNAP program recipient. If the potential recipient is not receiving SNAP benefits, however, qualifies and shows need, then they will be eligible.  The recipient must prove ownership of the vehicle by title and posses a current registration and valid driver license. If the person is disabled the primary care giver’s s vehicle would be eligible.  Only one car per family can receive benefits.   Additionally, a winter ready checklist and an emergency kit visual checklist/game to be distributed to participants.  

If you are interested in participating in this program, you can learn how by clicking here.

PROJECT MANAGEMENT

The club board, includes a president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, sergeant of arms, web master.  The board is supervised by the organizational leader, County Extension Agent, Campbell Barrett; Administrative Coordinator, Colleen Terrazas; and the 4-H Council.  Club member ages range from 9 to 18 and from backgrounds that include rural /agricultural lifestyles to in town 4-H lifestyle.  Our club welcomes any disadvantaged or disabled member and offers grants for project completion costs and expenses.