FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: October 24 2025

Contact: Jon Ebelt, Communications Director, DPHHS, (406) 444-0936, (406) 461-3757
                jebelt@mt.gov

Charlie Brereton and Fiona Nelson standing for photo

Photo caption: Director Charlie Brereton spent time Thursday, Oct. 23, to mentor Townsend High School student Fiona Nelson as part of Disability Mentoring Week.

DPHHS Celebrates Disability Mentoring Week

Townsend High School student meets with agency leadership

HELENA - In celebration of the 80th anniversary of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, the Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) hosted Townsend High School student Fiona Nelson on Thursday, Oct. 23 as part of Disability Mentoring Week.

“DPHHS is proud to sponsor and promote professional mentorship during this celebratory week,” DPHHS Director Charlie Brereton said. “We hope that these types of mentoring opportunities instill confidence and encourage today's high school students to become tomorrow’s leaders.”

Nelson spent the morning learning about DPHHS and some of its current initiatives, such as the Behavioral Health System for Future Generations and the Rural Health Transformation Program.

“Learning about DPHHS was a great experience,” Nelson said. “For any student unsure about their future, I strongly recommend a mentorship like this. It’s time well spent.”

This year’s theme, “Celebrating Value and Talent,” honors the contributions of workers with disabilities and reinforces the importance of fair and accessible employment practices across Montana.

The week’s festivities included:

  • Work-Based Learning Experiences: Participants paired with professionals in their field of interest for one-on-one mentoring and hands-on job shadowing.
  • Career Workshops: Sessions included resume building, interview preparation, and job search strategies.
  • Panel Discussions: Industry leaders and disability advocates shared insights into workplace inclusion and diversity.
  • Networking Opportunities: Participants connected with employers, peers, and mentors.
  • Employer Training: Businesses received guidance on disability awareness and strategies for building welcoming and supportive workplaces.

This year, about 117 students from communities throughout Montana, including Kalispell, Havre, Miles City, Plentywood, Great Falls, Townsend, and Big Sandy, participated in Disability Mentoring Week. 

The event is just one part of DPHHS Disability Employment and Transition Division’s (DETD) year-round efforts to connect students with career exploration opportunities. DETD works year-round to pair students with job exploration opportunities and invites anyone interested in hosting a student to contact them for more information.

There are about 81,800 Montanans aged 18-64 with disabilities. This population is split among 35,000 Montanans with disabilities who are not in the labor force and 45,000 who are in the labor force and working. An additional 1,800 individuals are in the labor force but unemployed.

Nelson added the mentorship session with DPHHS leaders perfectly aligns with her passion for government and current issues. This week’s experience is excellent preparation for Nelson’s next step: in 2027, she will travel to Washington, D.C. to participate in the Close Up Washington High School Program. There, Nelson will spend a week discussing current policy issues with experts, policymakers, and members of Congress or their staff.