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Domestic violence and sexual assault are often hidden in plain sight, and when someone decides to ask for help, every moment matters. In this episode, Kristen Schepker, Executive Director of the Abbie Shelter, explains how the organization has spent 50 years providing confidential, life-changing support across Flathead County. She walks through the shelter's five core services—emergency shelter, a 24-hour helpline and chat, court advocacy, mental health support, and community education—and explains how personalized safety planning, legal guidance, and early intervention help survivors find a safer path forward.

Kristen also discusses the growing demand for services, driven by population growth, greater awareness, and the misuse of new technologies to perpetrate abuse. She shares what keeps her small team of eight moving forward, including the concept of "vicarious resiliency"—finding strength by witnessing survivors rebuild their lives. The conversation also highlights practical ways the community can help through volunteering, donations, partnerships, and the Abbie Shelter's 50th anniversary initiatives.

Links

• Abbie Shelter
• Stayin' Alive 50th Anniversary Celebration 2026 (Tickets on sale August, 1! Sponsor the event!)

Heart of the Flathead is brought to you by:

• Glacier Investment Management
• Whitefish Financial Services

Heart of the Flathead, is produced by David Wigginton, in partnership with LeftBrainRightBrain Marketing. Listeners can find the podcast online at HeartoftheFlathead.com and LeftBrainRightBrain Marketing at lbrbm.com. The content for Heart of the Flathead podcasts and any show notes and transcripts are copyrighted by David Wigginton. All rights are reserved. Reproduction and rebroadcasting, in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited without written permission. Contact David Wigginton by clicking the Send Us a Text link at the top of the episode description.

Disclaimer

The views and opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or production team. Appearance on the show does not constitute an endorsement of any goods, services, or opinions discussed. This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional, legal, medical, or financial advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making decisions based on the content of this show.

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Owning a home in the Flathead Valley has become increasingly out of reach for many working families, but there are practical solutions. This episode features Kim Morisaki, Executive Director of the Northwest Montana Community Land Trust, explaining how community land trusts make homeownership more affordable by separating the cost of the home from the land. Kim breaks down who qualifies, how shared-equity homeownership works, and how homeowners can still build wealth while ensuring homes remain affordable for future generations.

The conversation also explores the broader housing challenges facing the Flathead Valley, from the shortage of workforce housing to the rising cost of land and the need for smarter growth. Kim shares how the land trust is preserving affordable homes across Kalispell, Whitefish, and Columbia Falls, while offering thoughtful insight into the choices communities will need to make to keep the valley livable for the people who call it home.

Link - Northwest Montana Community Land Trust

If you care about affordable housing, first-time homebuyer options, and real solutions that can scale, listen now, share this with a neighbor, and leave a review so more people can find the show. What’s one housing idea you want the Flathead Valley to try next?

Heart of the Flathead is brought to you by:

• Glacier Investment Management
• Whitefish Financial Services

Heart of the Flathead, is produced by David Wigginton, in partnership with LeftBrainRightBrain Marketing. Listeners can find the podcast online at HeartoftheFlathead.com and LeftBrainRightBrain Marketing at lbrbm.com. The content for Heart of the Flathead podcasts and any show notes and transcripts are copyrighted by David Wigginton. All rights are reserved. Reproduction and rebroadcasting, in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited without written permission. Contact David Wigginton by clicking the Send Us a Text link at the top of the episode description.

Disclaimer

The views and opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or production team. Appearance on the show does not constitute an endorsement of any goods, services, or opinions discussed. This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional, legal, medical, or financial advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making decisions based on the content of this show.

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Kalispell is growing quickly, and with that growth comes important questions about housing, workforce challenges, economic development, and preserving the qualities that make the community special. In this episode, Lorraine Clarno, President and CEO of the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce, shares her journey to the Flathead Valley and explains how the Chamber’s work extends far beyond supporting local businesses. From workforce development and housing affordability to childcare access and regional collaboration, Lorraine offers a practical look at the issues shaping the future of Kalispell.

The conversation also explores downtown revitalization efforts, including the Downtown Forward Coalition, the vision for a more active and vibrant downtown, and the potential impact of opportunity zone designation on redevelopment. Whether you're a business owner, community leader, or resident invested in the future of the Flathead Valley, this episode provides valuable insight into how growth, collaboration, and thoughtful planning can help Kalispell thrive while maintaining its unique character.

Subscribe, share this episode with a friend or neighbor, and leave a review to help more people discover conversations about the future of the Flathead Valley.

Heart of the Flathead is brought to you by:

• Glacier Investment Management
• Whitefish Financial Services

Heart of the Flathead, is produced by David Wigginton, in partnership with LeftBrainRightBrain Marketing. Listeners can find the podcast online at HeartoftheFlathead.com and LeftBrainRightBrain Marketing at lbrbm.com. The content for Heart of the Flathead podcasts and any show notes and transcripts are copyrighted by David Wigginton. All rights are reserved. Reproduction and rebroadcasting, in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited without written permission. Contact David Wigginton by clicking the Send Us a Text link at the top of the episode description.

Disclaimer

The views and opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or production team. Appearance on the show does not constitute an endorsement of any goods, services, or opinions discussed. This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional, legal, medical, or financial advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making decisions based on the content of this show.