Nate Chute Foundation
  • Help & Resources
    • Get Help NOW
    • Prevention
    • Grief & Loss >
      • HONORING A LOVED ONE
    • Youth Resources
    • Mental Wellness
  • What We Offer
    • Community Programs
    • School Programs
    • Workplace Programs
    • Bluebird Box
    • Access to Services
  • Events
    • Calendar
    • Blog
  • About
    • ABOUT NCF
    • MEET THE TEAM
    • IMPACT REPORT
    • BOARD MEMBER LOGIN
  • Contact
  • DONATE
  • Sponsors

NCF Blog

MT 988

5/5/2025

 
Picture

When Life Gets Tough 

May is Mental Health Awareness Month — No judgment. Just help.

Mental Health Awareness Month is a chance to check in—with ourselves, with others, and with our community. It’s a time to remind each other that mental health matters and that support is always within reach.

The Flathead County Suicide Prevention Coalition is made up of organizations that are working to make sure everyone knows about a simple, powerful resource: the 988 Lifeline. Their current campaign, “When Life Gets Tough,” is helping to spread awareness throughout the county to let people know there’s someone to talk to, anytime.

​When life gets tough CALL or TEXT 988.
It’s free, confidential, and available 24/7.

What is Montana 988?
The 988 Lifeline is made up of regional call centers across the United States. Montana 988 includes call centers across the state that confidentially connect people with trained crisis counselors who listen, support, and help connect you to resources if needed.

You don’t have to be in crisis to reach out—988 is for anyone who needs someone to talk to. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, anxious, stuck, or just having a rough day, 988 is a place to turn for support.

What You Can Do to Help
The strength of this campaign lies in community support. Whether you're an individual, a small business owner, or part of a local organization, there are simple ways to get involved and help spread the word.

For Individuals:
  • Share information about 988 with friends and family
  • Share posts about the campaign on your social media pages
  • Put up a sticker or magnet to share the information
  • Be open to talking about mental health and checking in with others

For Businesses:
  • Display a "When Life Gets Tough" flyer in your windows or checkout area
  • Share 988 campaign messages on your business’s social media channels
  • Offer campaign materials to customers or staff who want to learn more

For Other Organizations:
  • Include 988 information in newsletters, staff training, or internal communications​​
  • Share 988 campaign messages on your business’s social media channels

Why This Matters
Mental health challenges are something many of us face, but often people don’t know where to turn. By helping spread the word about 988, you're offering a clear, compassionate message: help is available and no one has to go through difficult times alone. This campaign is about connection. It’s about being part of a community that looks out for one another, that takes care of each other, and that leads with hope.

Take the Next Step
Mental Health Awareness Month is a great time to join in. A small action—like putting up a sticker or sharing a post—can open a door for someone who needs it.
To learn more, request materials, or get involved with the Flathead County Suicide Prevention Coalition, visit https://www.natechutefoundation.org/fcspc.html. For more information about the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, visit www.988lifeline.org.

When life gets tough, CALL or TEXT 988. No judgment. Just help.


April: Taking Care of the Earth and Ourselves

4/1/2025

 
Picture
​Earth Day, celebrated every April 22nd, is a time to reflect on the beauty of our planet and take action to protect it. Here in Northwest Montana, we are surrounded by breathtaking landscapes—towering peaks, vast forests, and pristine rivers. Many of us choose to live here because of our deep connection to the land, the wildlife, and the sense of peace that comes from being close to nature. However, the signs of climate change, from receding glaciers in Glacier National Park to shifting weather patterns, can feel overwhelming. Eco-anxiety—the stress and hopelessness that can come from worrying about the future of our planet—is real and can take a toll on mental health.

At the Nate Chute Foundation, we understand that mental wellness is deeply connected to our environment and the world around us. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the state of the Earth, you’re not alone. The good news? There are ways to navigate these feelings and take positive action for both your mental well-being and the planet.

What is Climate Anxiety? 
Climate anxiety, or eco-anxiety, is the emotional distress linked to concerns about climate change and environmental degradation. It affects people of all ages, but younger generations often feel the weight of these challenges the most. Acknowledging these feelings is important, but so is finding ways to channel them into action and hope.

10 Ways to Support Your Mental Health This Earth Day
  1. Focus on What You Can Control – Climate change is a global issue that no single person can solve alone. Instead of feeling overwhelmed, focus on actions you can take, such as reducing waste, writing to legislators, or supporting local sustainability efforts. Small steps add up.
  2. Spend Time in Nature – Whether it's hiking in Glacier National Park, floating the Flathead River, or simply taking a walk in the woods, time in nature can reduce stress and improve mood. Montana’s wild places are a gift—let them help you recharge.
  3. Get Involved in Community Efforts – Volunteer for a local cleanup along Whitefish Lake, join a conservation group, or plant native trees. Being part of a cause can increase feelings of purpose and connection.
  4. Practice Eco-Gratitude – Instead of focusing on what’s wrong, take time to appreciate what’s beautiful and thriving in nature. Watch a sunrise over the Swan Range, listen to the loons on the lake, or marvel at the resilience of our forests. Gratitude can shift your perspective and boost resilience.
  5. Avoid Overload – Engaging in too many climate-related projects at once can lead to burnout. Instead, focus your energy on a few key issues that matter most to you, whether it’s sustainable agriculture, water conservation, or reducing greenhouse gases. Prioritizing can help maintain balance and motivation.
  6. Connect with Like-Minded People – Surround yourself with others who care about the environment. Join local groups to find inspiration and encouragement.
  7. Practice Self-Compassion – It’s impossible to do everything perfectly. If you forget to compost one day or take a longer shower, be kind to yourself. Every effort counts, and positive change takes time. Affirmations like “I am making a difference” can help maintain a hopeful mindset.
  8. Advocate for Change – Use your voice. Contact local representatives, support policies that protect our public lands, and shop at businesses that prioritize sustainability. Advocacy can transform feelings of helplessness into empowerment.
  9. Help Younger Generations Cope – Climate anxiety disproportionately affects children and young adults. Be a supportive ally by validating their concerns, helping them find meaningful ways to get involved, and fostering hopeful conversations. Spending time together in nature can also provide comfort and inspiration.
  10. Focus on Hope and Progress – While challenges exist, positive change is happening. Wildlife corridors are being protected, conservation efforts are making an impact, and Montana communities are coming together to preserve our outdoor heritage. Seek out sources of good news to stay inspired.

Newsletters for People With Climate Anxiety
If you’re looking for regular updates that highlight solutions and progress in the fight against climate change, consider subscribing to these newsletters:
  • Happy Eco News:  This outlet focuses on uplifting environmental stories, showcasing progress and innovation in sustainability.
  • Grist: A nonprofit dedicated to storytelling that highlights climate solutions and a more just and sustainable future.
  • Gen Dread: A newsletter exploring the emotional and psychological impact of climate change, offering practical coping strategies and expert insights.
  • Life, But Greener: A newsletter that provides science-backed advice on sustainable lifestyle changes to reduce personal environmental impact and eco-anxiety.
  • Hannah Ritchie, TED2023 – Are we the last generation – or the first sustainable one?

Climate Optimism Social Media Accounts to Follow
  • @SamBentley
  • @Going.Zero.Waste
  • @itsthegarbagequeen
  • @Greenifyme

Earth Day is about honoring and protecting our planet, but it’s also a reminder to take care of ourselves. By finding ways to manage stress and take meaningful action, we can turn eco-anxiety into eco-empowerment.
Remember: You are not alone in your concern for the Earth. Small efforts matter, and together, we can make a difference—for the planet and our mental well-being.
Sources:
  • https://relungindonesia.org/en/2024/05/eco-anxiety-coping-with-anxiety-related-to-climate-change/
  • https://www.colorado.edu/health/blog/climate-anxiety
  • https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/is-climate-change-keeping-you-up-at-night-you-may-have-climate-anxiety-202206132761
  • https://health.cornell.edu/resources/health-topics/climate-change

Riding for a Cause: Why We Fundraise for the Nate Chute Foundation

3/19/2025

 
This weekend, snowboarders, supporters and the greater Flathead Valley community will come together for the 26th Annual Nate Chute Banked Slalom and Boardercross event at Whitefish Mountain Resort. More than just a competition, this event is a powerful gathering in support of mental wellness and suicide prevention, benefiting the Nate Chute Foundation (NCF).

This year’s fundraiser is already off to an incredible start, with a peer-to-peer fundraising team of 20 people having raised over $25,000 toward a $35,000 goal. Additional fundraising activities throughout the weekend will help boost this total, reinforcing the community’s commitment to supporting mental health resources in the Flathead Valley.

"This event is truly special," says Corrie Holloway, NCF Outreach Coordinator. "The group of people who come together for this weekend is a testament to the strength and generosity of our community. Their support of NCF’s mission is a powerful reminder of the collective effort it takes to make a difference, and we are incredibly grateful for the love and encouragement they bring to this cause."

Weekend Schedule & Fundraising Events

Friday, March 22:
  • Pint Night at Blackstar Brewpub with Auction & Raffle (5 – 8:30 PM) – Hosted by Stumptown Snowboards, a raffle and silent auction with awesome gear and local art, as well as a great community kick off to the weekend.
  • Dine at Huck’s Place in Whitefish – Mention Nate Chute Foundation, and 10% of your order will be donated to NCF.
Saturday, March 23:
  • Banked Slalom Competition - Cheer on the competitors from the sidelines!
  • Pint Night at Bonsai Brewing Project (4-8 PM)
Sunday, March 24:
  • Boardercross – Watch athletes compete on the Goat Haunt course in an exciting head-to-head format.
  • Lap for the Lost (4:15 PM) – A participant-led gathering at the statue at the top of Chair 2. Please note: this is not an official NCF or Whitefish Mountain Resort event but rather an organic moment of remembrance for those impacted by loss.
  • Awards Ceremony – Wrapping up the weekend by celebrating the fastest racers and the NCF fundraising champions who have made an enormous impact on NCF.
  • Raffle for a Whitefish Mountain Resort Ski Pass – Tickets are $25 each, with only 300 available. The lucky winner will be drawn at the awards ceremony on Sunday. Contact [email protected] to purchase.

A Weekend of Community & ConnectionThis annual event is a local favorite, bringing together snowboarders of all ages and abilities, along with friends, family, and supporters, to celebrate the power of community in the face of life’s challenges. In a world that can sometimes feel divided, the Nate Chute Banked Slalom and Boardercross event stands as a beacon of connection, resilience, and shared purpose.

Every dollar raised helps NCF continue its vital work in suicide prevention, education, and mental health advocacy throughout the Flathead Valley. To learn more or contribute to the fundraiser, visit www.natechutefoundation.org.

Let’s make this weekend one to remember—on and off the slopes

Navigating Job Insecurity, Loss, and Mental Wellness

3/3/2025

 
Navigating job insecurity & mental wellness
To our government workers in the valley: We see you. We know that the recent changes have impacted not just your work, but your sense of stability and community. Please remember, it's okay to reach out for support and lean on those around you. Support from friends, family, and the wider community can make all the difference in navigating this transition. You are not alone. 

​In February 2025, approximately 3,400 Forest Service employees and 1,000 Park Service workers were terminated nationwide as part of federal workforce reductions. In Montana alone, 360 Forest Service positions were eliminated, affecting numerous families and local economies. The recent layoffs within the U.S. Government have profoundly impacted our community.

Job insecurity can bring about feelings of stress, uncertainty, and self-doubt. However, it is important to remember that your worth is not defined by your employment status. Research from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) shows that maintaining strong social connections can help buffer the mental health effects of job loss, improving resilience and overall well-being. Seeking support, staying engaged in meaningful activities, and focusing on self-care can create a foundation for stability during uncertain times. 

Prioritizing Your Mental Wellness
During this time of transition, it’s important to take care of your mental well-being. Focusing on connection and personal well-being can help you regain a sense of stability.

Here are some steps that can help:
  • Reach Out to Your Support System: Talking with friends, family, or colleagues can provide comfort and reassurance. Community connections can be a source of strength and encouragement.
  • Engage in Meaningful Activities: Volunteering, mentoring, or pursuing hobbies can bring fulfillment and keep you engaged with others.
  • Maintain a Daily Routine: Keeping a structured day can provide stability and a sense of purpose, even during times of change.
  • Stay Active Outdoors: Northwest Montana offers incredible opportunities to enjoy nature—take a walk, go for a hike, or simply spend time outside to refresh your mind and body.
  • Explore New Opportunities: This may be a time to consider new career paths, develop new skills, or seek further education. Local job services and training programs are available to support your next steps.

Supporting Those Affected
To everyone in our community: check in with your neighbors and friends—sometimes a simple message or a listening ear can make all the difference. If you know someone who has lost their job, here are a few ways you can help:
  • Offer Encouragement: A kind word, a phone call, or an offer to meet up can remind someone that they are not alone.
  • Provide Practical Help: Assisting with job searches, sharing employment opportunities, or helping with household tasks can be meaningful gestures.
  • Encourage Professional Support: If someone seems overwhelmed, encourage them to connect with mental health professionals or career counselors.
  • Be a Connector: If you know of job openings, networking opportunities, or community programs, sharing that information can be invaluable.
  • Show Patience and Understanding: Adjusting to change takes time. Sometimes, simply being there to listen is the best support you can offer.

​Moving Forward with Hope
Change can be difficult, but it can also bring new opportunities. By focusing on your mental wellness and seeking support, you can navigate this transition with resilience. Remember, you are not alone—there are people and resources ready to help. Taking small steps toward self-care and connection can make a significant difference in your journey forward. Likewise, as a community, reaching out and offering support can help those affected feel less isolated and more hopeful about the future.

​Resources
Community Resources and Assistance: Montana211.org

Food Banks
  • North Valley Food Bank
  • Flathead Food Bank
  • Westshore Food Bank
  • Bigfork Food Bank
  • Columbia Falls Food Bank

Employment Assistance
  • Montana Dept of Labor and Industry: Workforce Services Division or Montana Works
    • This local branch of Montana's statewide employment assistance network offers resources for job seekers, including resume assistance, job search support, and connections to training programs. They can also provide guidance on coping with job loss and transitioning to new employment opportunities. Contact them at 406-758-6200 or visit their office at 427 1st Avenue East, Kalispell.
  • Workforce Flathead: WorkForce Flathead brings together education and workforce development partners from across the region to help solve some of the most important challenges our community faces – access to a strong and talented workforce. We believe everyone in Montana should have the right skills to fill the jobs of today and have the ability to adapt to the jobs of tomorrow.
  • City of Kalispell 
  • LC Staffing
  • Express Employment Professionals
  • Flathead Valley Community College: FVCC provides career counseling for individuals exploring new career paths. To schedule an appointment, call 406-756-3880 or visit their campus at 777 Grandview Drive, Kalispell.

Housing Assistance
  • Community Action Partnership of NW MT
  • Whitefish Housing Authority
  • Montana Commerce

Local Support
  • 988 Lifeline: Whether you are facing mental health struggles, emotional distress, or just need someone to talk to, caring counselors are here for you. Call or text 988, 24.7. Free and confidential.
  • Montana Warm Line: This free, confidential phone service provides support for individuals dealing with mental health challenges, including those related to job insecurity and loss. Trained peer supporters are available to listen and offer support. Call 877-688-3377 to connect. You can also text "MT" to 741-741 for text assistance. 
  • NAMI Flathead: Offers mental health support groups and resources.

If there are more resources that can be listed here, please reach out to [email protected] to have them added. Sources: cdc.gov, nih.gov, psychiatry.org, nbcmontana.com, jamanetwork.com, who.int, nextavenue.org.

How to Approach New Year’s Goals with Care

1/14/2025

 
Picture
Benefits of New Year’s Resolutions and Goals
  • Boosts Motivation and Direction: Setting New Year’s resolutions can provide a sense of purpose, offering a clear path to self-improvement. Goals help you focus on areas you want to grow in and give you measurable milestones to track progress, which can be incredibly motivating. 
  • Encourages Healthy Habits: Many resolutions center on self-care, such as exercising more, eating healthier, or prioritizing mental well-being. These habits contribute to improved physical and mental health, creating a positive feedback loop of well-being. 
  • Promotes a Sense of Accomplishment: Achieving even small resolutions can boost self-esteem and confidence, providing evidence of your ability to set and reach goals. This sense of achievement can foster optimism and resilience, key factors for mental health.


Reasons to Rethink the Resolutions
  • Avoid the Disappointment Trap: The "all-or-nothing" mindset of resolutions often leads to feelings of failure if goals aren’t achieved perfectly. Letting go of rigid expectations allows you to approach personal growth with more grace and flexibility.
  • Encourage Self-Compassion: Resolutions often focus on what needs to be “fixed” rather than what’s already great about you. Skipping resolutions can free you to practice self-acceptance and gratitude, both of which are essential for mental health.
  • Prevent Unnecessary Stress: For many, resolutions can feel like a source of pressure rather than inspiration. If your goals feel overwhelming or unattainable, they can lead to stress and anxiety, undermining your mental health.


What to Do Instead
  • Set Flexible Intentions: Instead of rigid resolutions, set intentions that are adaptable and focused on values rather than outcomes. For example, aim to “move more” rather than commit to a strict gym schedule.
  • Focus on Daily Self-Care: Incorporate simple, manageable self-care activities into your routine, like journaling, meditating, or enjoying a hobby. Small, consistent actions can lead to big mental health benefits over time. 
  • Reflect on Gratitude and Growth: Use the new year as a time to reflect on your achievements and joys from the past year rather than dwelling on perceived shortcomings. This shift in perspective can foster a positive mindset and reduce feelings of inadequacy.
  • Celebrate Progress, Not Perfection: Embrace the idea that improvement is a journey, not a destination. Celebrate small wins and focus on growth rather than strict outcomes, promoting a sense of self-acceptance and positivity.


By taking a flexible, self-compassionate approach to the new year, you can prioritize mental well-being and make meaningful, sustainable changes at your own pace.

Sources: mentalhealthfirstaid.org, foundationswellness.net, riviamind.com


Running For Your Life

10/28/2024

 
Picture
This is an exerpt from the Flathead Beacon.
Editor’s Note: This article contains mentions of suicide. If you are in crisis, please call, text or chat with the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988, or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741.
"As Montana’s youth suicide rates continue to outpace the national average, with Flathead County ranking near the top, local coaches, educator, and prevention experts say stories of strength and resilience are important mile markers in the marathon of mental wellness.
​
BY MICAH DREW
​
OCTOBER 27, 2024
Running 26.2 miles is not a feasible treatment option for everyone struggling with mental health or suicidal ideation, but any intentional acts of physical or mental well-being can be hugely beneficial, says Nicci Schellinger-Daniher, program director for the Nate Chute Foundation.

“Not everyone can do a marathon, but youths and adolescents look for milestones they can achieve at that age. Setting even little, positive goals you can do for yourself like getting better sleep, or going for walks can be hugely beneficial. We talk about this in classrooms now — find those things to destress, walking your dog, taking time to pet your cat, reading a book. Even though these things seem simple, they all add up to how we show up in the world,” Daniher said. “I remember hearing about Connor completing the marathon and it’s an absolutely great story. It’s important to show stories of strength and resilience because they’re as important in the landscape of prevention as those about warning signs and who to talk to and so on.”

Conversations surrounding suicide prevention increase following tragedies, but Daniher and other mental health professional emphasize the need to have conversations more regularly.
The Nate Chute Foundation has been an anchor in the Flathead Valley’s suicide awareness landscape for decades and is continually evolving its approach, most recently following a 16-month stretch in 2021 when eight Flathead Valley teenagers died by suicide, raising awareness and outreach in a community struck by tragedy.

“We’re still grieving and learning from the crisis we saw in 2021,” Daniher said. “One thing that emerged for Nate Chute Foundation after that period was we changed our mission. It was initially focused on preventing suicide in the Flathead Valley, and then we added promotion of mental wellness, because we don’t want to strictly address this from the standard suicide-prevention protocol of talking about risk factors and warning signs. One way to approach suicide prevention is to approach it from strength. Get in classrooms and not just talk about hard things that may lead you to mental health struggles, but about the positive things you can do for yourself.”

The Glacier High School soccer team at Legends Stadium on Sept. 16, 2021. Prior to the match, the players paid tribute to a teammate who died by suicide less than 10 days earlier. Hunter D’Antuono | Flathead BeaconAnother change that Daniher said has occurred in recent years is the start of grassroots student clubs at each of the valley’s high schools centered around mental wellness and nurturing open dialogue.

“We want to normalize talking about what we’re going through. If you can talk to your friends about going to physical therapy because you broke your leg, we want you to be able to talk to them about going to a therapist in the same way,” Daniher said. “Getting kids to normalize checking in on one another and be OK saying, ‘at this moment, life sucks and I’m not doing well.’ Saying that out loud can take the lid off the boiling pot of water and reduces the chance of someone going through with thoughts of suicide.”

Read the full article here: ​https://flatheadbeacon.com/2024/10/27/running-for-your-life/

2024 Great Fish Community Challenge

8/8/2024

 

Give Where You Live

In celebration of the 10th anniversary of the Great Fish Community Challenge, the Whitefish Community Foundation is awarding $10,000 (that is NOT a typo) to the nonprofit with the most unique donors each week who give $25 or more. The incentive period runs from Friday to Thursday at midnight each week during the Challenge.

We are asking anyone and everyone to give $25 or more to NCF from August 9th - 15th to help us win $10,000!

Picture
Your donation, along with a $10,000 incentive grant, goes a long way to ensure that we can continue to provide the community with free suicide prevention and mental wellness programs. Last year alone we trained 2,400 local students and nearly 1,000 adults! 

Ways to Donate
To donate by credit card click HERE
or to donate by check: fill out an official donation form by clicking  HERE  and mail it in along with your check made out to

Whitefish Community Foundation
P.O. Box 1060
Whitefish, MT 59937
​

A unique/unduplicated donor is defined as a household or business that has not previously given in this year’s Challenge. Family members and domestic partners residing at the same household who give separately are considered one donor.

Happiness for Educators

5/16/2024

 
Calling all Flathead Valley educators! Take advantage of this fun opportunity for graduate credits. 
Course Description: "Educators throughout the U.S. are more stressed and less appreciated than ever. Unfortunately, educators have limited strategies for directly addressing their sources of stress (e.g., obtrusive and unfair criticism from parents, low pay, student distress, negative media coverage, etc.). This course, “Happiness for Educators” will provide a platform through which educators can learn about evidence-based happiness interventions they can use with themselves and with their students. We will describe, discuss, and experience specific evidence-based happiness strategies. Although evidence-based happiness strategies are not magical techniques that will immediately transform your life, they are research-based and shown to make small and meaningful differences in hope, physical health, and emotional wellbeing. During the course, we will define happiness, read happiness articles and book chapters, examine scientific research studies, conduct research experiments in class, complete happiness lab assignments, and use published instruments to measure personal happiness and well-being.

SCHEDULED CLASS MEETINGS: This is a fully-online and asynchronous course; that means you can proceed through the content in the syllabus at your own pace. Although the course is listed as beginning on June 17 and ending on July 12, you will have until July 31 to watch the videos and complete the assignments. Because the course is designed as a three-credit graduate
course typically taught during a semester at the University of Montana, there are 16 sections or units to complete. Each section or unit consists of at least 2 hours of video, along with
experiential happiness course assignments, podcasts, web-based videos, and readings. Additionally, the course begins with an optional one-hour live and synchronous Zoom class and ends with an optional one-hour live and synchronous “pub quiz.” These live events will be recorded and can be viewed at your convenience.

Title: COUN 595 Evidence-Based Happiness for Teachers (FHV)
Credits: 3.00
Dates: 6/17/2024 - 7/12/2024
Hours: 45 virtual and asynchronous (plus homework)
Instructor: Varies
Fee: $75.00
Register: https://www.campusce.net/umextended/course/course.aspx?C=723
Picture

Do you know what to do?

3/28/2024

 

Join our free LEARN program to find out.

Picture
"Many of us have confided in others during dark times, and vice versa. But it can feel awkward, evening frightening, not knowing what to do when a loved one or peer shows signs of suicide." 

Our mission here at NCF is to, support, educate, and empower our communities to promote mental wellness and reduce suicide.​ One way we carry out this mission is to provide free community trainings.

Join us for our next class on April 9th at the Bigfork Arts & Cultural Center. This 90 minute LEARN training, developed by Forefront Suicide Prevention from the University of Washington, teaches people the 5-step process to talk with people about how they are doing, if they are considering suicide, and how to take the next steps to try and keep them safe.

Paradise Paradox: FREE Film Event

2/22/2024

 
Picture
Executive produced by Olympic ski racing legend and Montana resident Bode Miller and Emmy Award-winning impact sports filmmaker Brett Rapkin (HBO’s “The Weight of Gold”), THE PARADISE PARADOX is a long overdue look at the mental health crisis that has been sweeping America’s mountain towns and the innovative solutions being developed in response. The film is told through the experiences of not only the local heroes who are confronting these challenges but also renowned figures like Olympic gold medalist Mikaela Shiffrin. From the ski patroller at Mammoth Mountain to the lift operator in Deer Valley, to the young snowboarder trying to improve their community, to affluent residents throughout the region, THE PARADISE PARADOX sheds light on the root causes of the mental health challenges in the snow sports industry and in America’s mountain towns, including isolation, lack of resources, substance abuse, and stigma. Featuring stories from a diverse group of hard-working, inspiring families, individuals, and community members, there is also a focus on creative and scalable solutions local stakeholders, such as Alterra Mountain Company and Vail Health Behavioral Health, are creating in response.
This film is designed to reduce stigma and give audiences the opportunity to connect and identify with each character’s struggles and triumphs. Woven throughout will be a focus on hopeful, local solutions that communities can consider and replicate in order to improve mental health outcomes for all.
​Content Advisory: THE PARADISE PARADOX includes depictions of mental health challenges, substance abuse, and discussions of suicide. These themes may be distressing or upsetting for some viewers. We advise viewer discretion and recommend having a support system in place to discuss and process any emotions or reactions that may arise while watching the film. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, severe negative thoughts, thoughts of suicide, or is in crisis, please seek professional help or reach out to a trusted individual for support. Your health and well-being is important.
Thursday, March 14th at 6pm
Whitefish Performing Arts Center


Panel discussion immediately afterwards. Panelists include: Kacy Howard from NCF, Dr. Doug Muir from Logan Health Behavioral Health, Sarah Gehl from FCCHD, and Nick Polumbus from Whitefish Mountain Resort. 
FREE and open to the public. Recommended for mature audiences. 
<<Previous
    The Nate Chute Foundation Events Page

    about

    The Nate Chute Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation​.

    This News & Events blog is your place to learn more, get facts and find information on all of our upcoming events.

    Archives

    May 2025
    April 2025
    March 2025
    January 2025
    October 2024
    August 2024
    May 2024
    March 2024
    February 2024
    January 2024
    December 2023
    November 2023
    September 2023
    August 2023
    July 2023
    May 2023
    April 2023
    March 2023
    February 2023
    January 2023
    October 2022
    September 2022
    May 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    December 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    February 2020
    April 2019
    March 2019
    January 2019
    November 2018
    October 2018
    May 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    November 2017
    September 2017
    March 2017

    Categories

    All
    Backslope Brewing
    Benefit
    Bonsai Brewing Project
    Brewery
    Chance To Win
    Community Night
    Education
    QPR
    Raffle
    Ski Pass
    Wasabi

Picture

GET HELP NOW

​ABOUT NCF​
EVENTS
​CONTACT
NCF FINANCIALS
2023 IMPACT REPORT  
EMPLOYMENT
​
Picture
Picture

NATE CHUTE FOUNDATION
PO BOX 245 • ​WHITEFISH, MT 59937
©2016-2023 Nate Chute Foundation | All rights reserved.
  • Help & Resources
    • Get Help NOW
    • Prevention
    • Grief & Loss >
      • HONORING A LOVED ONE
    • Youth Resources
    • Mental Wellness
  • What We Offer
    • Community Programs
    • School Programs
    • Workplace Programs
    • Bluebird Box
    • Access to Services
  • Events
    • Calendar
    • Blog
  • About
    • ABOUT NCF
    • MEET THE TEAM
    • IMPACT REPORT
    • BOARD MEMBER LOGIN
  • Contact
  • DONATE
  • Sponsors