Soft Landing Missoula screened a short documentary and hosted a panel Tuesday in Missoula that put newly naturalized residents at the center of conversation about resettlement, community support and local needs.

Mary Poole, executive director of Soft Landing Missoula, said the organization “has been able to welcome close to 900 people to Missoula, and we still work with over 700 refugees and immigrants.” Millie Slater, the group’s communications and outreach manager, introduced the film and said, “The main goal is to amplify the voices that often go unheard.”

The screening, titled Stories of Home, featured four participants who have since become U.S. citizens and later joined a live panel. Panelists described common challenges in the years after arrival: limited English at first, difficulty finding affordable housing because of credit and rental screening, trouble securing consistent work, and the lack of familiar grocery options for some immigrant groups. “When I passed citizen, I am so glad, so happy. I tell my dad and my mom, I am get citizen now,” one participant said onstage about achieving citizenship.

Speakers credited local volunteers and resettlement organizations with ongoing support. One panelist said International Rescue Committee volunteers and American volunteers “help us too much” and “they not left us alone.” Soft Landing Missoula said volunteers help at its walk-in community resource center, youth programs and a culinary program that also connects newcomers with the public.

The event included practical community announcements. Organizers said the film and a recording will be posted online and promoted; they also invited attendees to Party with a Purpose, a parking-lot event next Tuesday at Soft Landing’s Palmer Street location, 2925 Palmer Street, Suite A. The organization also said food vendors including Delia Repas (Monica Parpo’s arepa stand) and Puma, a Peruvian food truck, will be at the office from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and that flyers with event details were available at the exit.

Panelists described what helped them feel at home in Missoula: community relationships, access to language classes and on-the-ground mentors who offered practical advice. One student, enrolled at the University of Montana, said initial weeks on campus felt overwhelming but added, “So far so good.” Another participant said she appreciates Missoula’s outdoor life and community support: “No matter what, the people in Missoula never make you feel scared. No matter what happens to you, you're gonna find someone who will support you.”

Organizers and panelists asked Missoulians to consider concrete ways to improve newcomers’ daily lives: expand access to international grocery items, increase help navigating rental applications that require credit history, and strengthen opportunities for stable employment and transportation. The panel also highlighted the role of immigrant-run small businesses and food stands in building cross-cultural connection.

Soft Landing Missoula framed the evening as part of a month of welcome activities. The organization encouraged attendees to view the film online if they missed the event and to follow posted flyers for future programming.