Welcome to Montana's Heart & Home

As parents to a young lady who has Down Syndrome, now 24 years old, and after years of communicating with so many parents over the years , it seems we all have something in common... What will I do when my adult with challenges desires to move out on their own... who will help facilitate that?

The fear of government facilities is real. What are our options? It was then that we realized that at some point in Montana's life she may want to have more independence and possibly live on her own, we know that without the supports in place that this may not be possible.

We at Montana's Heart & Home saw the need and want to be a part of the solution, beginning with our first home with goals to expand into more quality homes to meet more of the needs that are very present.

We are currently fundraising to meet the need here in South Orange County- San Diego County, CA

150+

15

Join our mission

Make a difference

Our Vision

Our vision is to provide a warm and welcoming home for those who need it most, empowering individuals with unique challenges by offering them choices and opportunities. We believe everyone deserves the freedom to decide where and how they live, with the right support in place to help them flourish and lead fulfilling lives. We strive to be the bridge to independence.

Our commitment is to creating a safe, supportive, and family-like environment for young ladies with similar abilities. Through our dedicated care, we aim to help them grow, thrive, and reach their full potential. Join us in making a meaningful impact in someone's life!

Paying it forward with our merchandise

Montana's Heart

Come check out our brand Montana's Heart, we are a brand with the heartbeat of those with special-abilities. Our merchandise is a platform to share with others our story with Montana who is now 24 yrs old and how our heart has expanded in such an beautiful way by seeing life through the eyes of those who see and do life in a little bit different way... often a better way.

A percentage of all of our proceeds helps to fuel our Foundation and continue to spread awareness.

When you wear Montana's Heart, know you have made a difference!

Please share our story.

With love,

Montana's Heart

Partner with us

Phase 1

Phase 1 of our fundraising will go directly to the purchase of a property here in South Orange County- North San Diego County.

Wherever we see the need is best met.

Currently in South Orange County the waiting list for a group home is 6-10 years and this is only an estimate.

Phase 2

Creating not only a beautiful home , but taking all safety precautions to assure that our residents are safe and comfortable in the most unrestrictive environment possible both inside and outside the home.

Meeting all state requirements.

Beginning the interviewing process and interest list as we prepare the house to welcome our first resident.

This process will take approximately 8-12 months to complete and funding will be needed during this time.

Over the years, as I have spoken with other parents, I realized that their biggest desire was also to have a safe and loving place for their young adults to flourish as they embark on their journey towards independence. As parents age, they may find it more challenging to adequately care for their loved ones with special needs. Unfortunately, the waiting list for a place like this is currently estimated to be 6-10 years, if not longer.

Our goal is to create a home that provides both support and independence for Montana and future residents alike. We hope to fulfill this immense need by establishing more homes in the future. Montana is our first resident, and she has inspired us to take action and make a difference in the lives of individuals with special needs and their families.

Montana's Home

Montana has been our guiding light in creating this beautiful home. As a mother of a young lady with Down Syndrome, I knew that one day Montana would crave her own space, independence, social life, and privacy. Our vision was to provide her with the least restrictive environment possible, while ensuring that she has all the necessary supports in place to thrive. This was the seed that was planted, and it has grown into a heartfelt mission.

from the heart of a mother

My name is Sage, I am 26 years old, I want to have my own place and not be a burden on my family. I want to have a job and pay for my things. I do need someone who can support and guide me in making this happen one day. I want to see my family but have my own place.

Sage , CA

My name is Sierra, I am 24 years old and I live with my family. I love having my own space and my own room where I can go and watch movies. I enjoy my friends and being social. I love my family but I would like to have roommates my age that I can hang with and watch TV with.

My name is Jannie, I am 24 years old. Many of my friends have moved into their own places after high school. I want to do the same and still be near my family, but be independent and decorate my own place maybe with a few other roommates. I do need to be in a place that I can have help with daily life tasks.

Jannie , CA

Sierra , CA

Our Home Activities

Our mission is to nurture a healthy balance of life and to foster an open atmosphere in which our young ladies feel safe, seen and supported. Our home offers a variety of services and activities that promote mental, physical, spiritual and emotional health, such as swimming, cooking, stretching classes and support groups. Through love and the growing relationships with our residents, we hope to create a home that beautifully impacts the the lives of all.

Farm life & Gardening Integrating a bit of farm life, learning how to care for our little feathered friends, Feeding, watering, cleaning, gathering their eggs and creating a fun experience for all.

Cooking & Nutrition Learning basic cooking skills and nutrition. Safety in the kitchen, having fun with food and all it's creative possibilities.

Social Time Making time to have fun with friends.

Social time is so important, creating the opportunity to interact and communicate with peers.

Computer Skills and safety on the internet. Basic computer skills that are monitored for safety.

A healthy way of learning about the world with guidelines in place.

Here at Montana's Heart & Home, we are driven to do our part in making the world a better place for Individuals with special -abilities. Since 2000, we have taken part in a wide range of activities that empower individuals and communities. Our brand Montana's Heart was built to create a beautiful awareness of individual with all-abilities, we are now taking that love into creating a forever home built on the love of these beautiful young ladies. We strive to build productive relationships and make a positive impact with all of our pursuits. Are you ready to join us in creating this legacy of love?

Meet Our Team

Coming together from a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences, our skilled team of professionals is the backbone of Montana's Heart & Home Foundation. Their ideas help shape the direction and mission of our organization. Read on to learn more about some of our incredible team members.

Kimberly Michaels-Picard

On Site Manager of The Home & Founding Member

My name is Kimberly Picard, Montana's Heart & Home has been a dream of mine for many years. My experience as a mother for the past 24 years to my daughter Montana has given me amazing tools and a wealth of first hand knowledge to draw from. My faith in God has been an integral part in this beautiful journey. My love for this community of individuals has only expanded over the years and I am so very blessed to be a part of their lives.

Along side of being a mom, I have owned and operated Montana's Heart apparel and gifts since 2016. We are a brand who's heartbeat is to bring a beautiful awareness to individuals with special-abilities. I am so excited for this next season as we press forward in creating this amazing home.

Justin Picard

Chief Executive Officer

A well-respected member of the Montana's Heart & Home Foundation team, Justin Picard is one of our founding members and will be playing a vital role in shaping our vision and programs. Former Executive Chef , Justin Picard, who grew up initially in his family's restaurant, located in Dover New Hampshire, then traveled the world sharing his love of cooking, will now bring his years of experience into Montana's Heart & Home foundation, his love for food, cooking and teaching will be well-loved by all the residence.

Board Member

Stratton Palmer joined Montana's Heart & Home Foundation, he comes to us with an extensive background in Special Education. Stratton found his passion for working with adults with special needs at a very young age. At the age of 12, he volunteered as an assistant coach for Laguna Niguel Lions in the V.I.P. Soccer League, a league for children with disabilities. This led Stratton to be a vital part of the Best Buddies Program all 4 years as a student at Dana Hills High School. During these years, Stratton realized this was his passion and what he felt called to do in life. Stratton began his professional career in 2008 working for the Capistrano Unified School District. Throughout the years, Stratton has had the chance to work with all age groups at a moderate/severe disability level. More recently, Stratton has been working as an Executive Director for an adult special needs day program located in San Juan Capistrano but has left to start his own business venture "The Happening OC."

Stratton’s passion for this field of work led him to Mountain View Church, where he currently leads Mountain View Church’s special needs ministry.

Stratton Palmer

Treasurer

Crystal Benyo , born in Southern California, Crystal has a wonderful family , she is one of 4 siblings. Married for 44 years to her high school sweetheart. Crystal has owned and operated many businesses and has been the bookkeeper/auditor for most of these businesses as well as with additional companies.

Crystals faith, her deep love and commitment for her family is such an inspiration and we are so blessed to have her on our team.

Crystal Benyo

Be A Part Of The Dream

We know there are so many causes in this world and they are all so very important, but If this mission speaks to you, we hope that you would join us in this journey.

There are many ways of partnering with us

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Monthly, Quarterly or Annual giving.

Donor advised funds.

Creating Fundraisers for the cause.

Volunteering

Get In Touch With Us

If you have any questions or would like to support our mission, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to help!

Connect

661 444 0245

Support

kim@montanasheart.com

jp@montanasheart.com