We envision a world in which people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are leading lives of influence, purpose, and mutually beneficial relationships within the communities where they live, learn, work, and socialize.
The Arc Western Montana provides people with developmental disabilities and their families with the skills, tools, and supports that foster self-determination and inclusion, so they thrive as integrated members in their communities.
The Arc Western Montana, as the Missoula Developmental Service Corporation (MDSC), was developed as a response to the Montana State Legislature’s desire to provide community-based services for people with developmental disabilities and intensive needs.
Through hard work and a tremendous amount of dedication, professionals worked together to submit a proposal to bring this service to the Missoula Community.
When our doors first opened, 30 of the original 52 individuals served came from Montana Development Center and/or Eastmont Human Services Center. We started solely to serve a population of individuals with significant medical, self-help, and behavioral challenges.
We accepted this challenge and today we take pride in sharing the success stories of those who have achieved a high quality of life in the community.
MDSC began providing services to adults with developmental disabilities and intensive needs in October of 1990. In late 2022, the MDSC became the first Montana chapter of The Arc, a national organization that provides a powerful voice to address issues such as education, employment, housing, and safety that are critical to the disability community.
Our services include:
Through the dedication of internal and external support, we have quickly developed our services and continue to serve our clients daily.
Amy received her B.A. in Peace and Justice and Conflict Studies from Goshen College and her Master’s in Education from Indiana University. Her background includes work in restorative justice, juvenile support programs, and wraparound services, where she developed a strong foundation in collaboration, problem-solving, and helping people find their voice. After several years in education, she moved to Montana with her family and joined the organization as a Staff Development Specialist, later serving as Chief Program Officer and now CEO. Amy’s leadership centers on compassion, belonging, and building strong, human-centered systems that support people to live their best lives.
Fran graduated from Eastern Montana College with a B.S. in Business Administration (emphasis in Accounting) and completed several courses in the M.B.A. program at Arizona State University. As Director of Operations, Fran oversees the financial, payroll, and IT functions within MDSC. Fran has over 34 years of accounting and management experience in a variety of private and not-for-profit entities in Arizona and Montana. Fran strives to develop and maintain a strong financial position for The Arc Western Montana while maintaining the quality and integrity of services for clients and staff. In her non-working hours, Fran enjoys reading, gardening, and Netflix binge-watching.
Kristi holds a Bachelor of Science in Human Services from Lyndon State College and brings over three decades of experience in the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities. Throughout her career, she has worked in a wide range of settings, including community-based programs, vocational services, and residential homes, where she has consistently championed the rights, dignity, and inclusion of the individuals she supports. She is known for her collaborative approach, strong advocacy, and deep commitment to ensuring individuals receive the support they need to thrive.
In addition to her professional work, Kristi enjoys gardening and baking homemade bread, often sharing loaves with friends and neighbors. She embraces the Montana lifestyle and appreciates the beauty, space, and peace the region offers. Kristi’s balance of deep professional dedication and personal fulfillment reflects the values she brings to both her life and her work.
Angela Bender serves as the Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) for The Arc Western Montana. She brings more than 30 years of human resources experience, including over 22 years in Colorado higher education, where she led a wide range of HR functions including recruitment, employee relations, compensation, organizational effectiveness, and strategic HR initiatives.
Angela is passionate about building strong relationships, collaborating to solve complex people challenges, and creating positive employee experiences. She believes that effective HR starts with listening, partnership, and supporting employees and leaders so they can do their best work.
Currently based in Colorado, Angela is supporting The Arc remotely while preparing to relocate to Missoula in 2027.
Outside of work, Angela enjoys fishing, riding four-wheelers, spending time in the mountains, relaxing with family, decorating the house and for all holidays (she has even evented some holidays to decorate like return to school in August is sunflower month), and playing with her two dogs and cat.
Welcome!
The Missoula Development Service Corporation is now The Arc Western Montana.
We are proud to share that Missoula Developmental Service Corporation (MDSC) is now The Arc Western Montana. This is not a change in name only; it is reflective of our new vision, revised mission, and updated values.
As The Arc Western Montana, we will build on the foundation MDSC established and provide forward-thinking, innovative, and exceptional services.
