Community of Giving November 2018

SE VENTH ANNUAL

of 2 018 THESE ORGANIZATIONS MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

You can too!

SEE GIVING OPTIONS INSIDE

Eighth Annual

Community of Giving Advertiser Index Arts Without Boundaries

page 6

Big Sky Senior Services, Inc.

page 7

Billings Food Bank

page 13

Billings Studio Theatre

page 9

CASA of Yellowstone County

page 13

Family Service

page 14

Pompeys Pillar

page 13

Special K Ranch

page 4

St. Vincent de Paul

page 6

The Family Tree Center

page 11

Tumbleweed Program

page 11

Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter

page 12

YWCA of Billings

page 5

Western Heritage Center

page 4

Community of Giving is a special publication of The Billings Gazette

2018

is coming to a close with hope for the future. Possibilities abound! Expansions of the Ronald McDonald House and Riverstone Health provide greater services for those in Billings and surrounding areas. The new home for Family Services will allow them to expand their offerings in much needed additional space. In addition, plans are developed for exciting renovations at the Alberta Bair Theater.

Thanks to you and your generosity, Billings continues to provide a premier quality of life for its citizens, my family and me. Whether it is in education, business, sports, the arts or community services, Billings has something for everyone.

At this time of year, friends, neighbors, and civic organizations come together to celebrate the spirit of the holidays in their own special way. It is truly a magical time. What you may not see is the wide range of important services that are being provided, behind the scenes, to children, families and individuals from all walks of life who are struggling to make ends meet.

Inside the pages of A Community of Giving, you will have a comprehensive look at our local non-profits and the range of important services they provide to our region and how they significantly enhance the quality of life in the Billings area. Our local non-profits who are steadfast in their missions continue to make a difference in the lives they serve. We are blessed to live in a community that cares about and is committed to providing essential services to those who need it the most.

Please, consider taking time out of this busy holiday season to meet some of the remarkable people at nearby non-profits and discover rewarding opportunities existing for volunteers of all ages. I am sure you will find the spirit of the holidays and your unique way to celebrate this wonderful time of year.

We hope you enjoy reading this publication and find inspiration in the good deeds accomplished every day. The Billings Gazette is proud to be a part of this giving community. I wish you all the happiest of holidays and best wishes for a healthy and prosperous New Year.

Thank you,

Publisher Dave Worstell

Advertising Manager

Advertising Director

Special Sections Coordinator

Ryan Brosseau

Arcadea Scott

Mo Lucas

Access Community of Giving at www.billingsgazette.com/specialsections

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NOVEMBER 2018 ÂŹ COMMUNITY OF GIVING

Dave Worstell, Publisher Billings Gazette

Charitable giving

Charitable giving is on the rise. The National Philanthropic Trust says that, in 2017, Americans gave $410.02 billion to charity, reflecting a 5.2 percent increase from 2016.

Individual giving is the largest source of charitable donations, accounting for 70 percent of total giving. Foundations and bequests take the second and third spots.

Corporations round out the top four, according to research from Giving USA. CreditDonkey indicates that roughly

61 percent of people between the ages of 35 and 44 will donate to charity this year.

Other age groups are less likely to follow suit.

Despite being the largest demographic by age in the United States, millennials (people between the ages of 18 and 34) donate less and volunteer less for charitable causes than other age groups, except in regard to one particular means of donating. According to the research fi rm Massolution, millennials are the driving force

behind the crowdfunding movement.

Crowdfunding accounted for $3 billion of charitable giving in 2014. Millennials are three times more likely than Baby Boomers to donate to a crowdfunding campaign and 70 percent more likely than Gen Xers.

Environmental causes, animal charities, arts, culture, and health causes experienced the largest jumps in contributions in 2017. Education-based giving saw relatively slower growth.

While the majority of donations in the

United States were made to religious organizations in 2017, 17 percent of American families have reduced the amount that they give to their local churches, offers Nonprofits Source.

Charitable giving can come in the form of volunteerism as well. The National Philanthropic Trust says approximately 25 percent of the adult population volunteers their time. Americans contribute what would equate to $193 billion of their time to various efforts.

COMMUNITY OF GIVING ÂŹ NOVEMBER 2018

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SPECIAL K RANCH Special K Ranch provides familyoriented Christian homes on a working ranch for adults who have developmental disabilities. Residents receive loving care from live-in home advisors while leading safe, happy and productive lives in a rewarding and st i mu l at i ng environment.

R e s id e nt s enjoy life-long homes on the ranch, where they grow bedding plants and produce in the 65,000 sq. ft. greenhouse complex. These products are sold for distribution and consumption to more than 40 stores and restaurants across Montana.

Residents and staff also work together

raising livestock and doing light manufacturing and assembly projects for local businesses. Ranchers participate in the Yellowstone Valley Farmers Market, Special Olympics, and various activities and events in the community.

Special K Ranch operates independently of gover n m ent funding; it is raising funds for both general operating purposes and for its endowment. For details contact Steven Aadland at (406) 550-2224, steve@ specialkranch.org. Please visit the Ranch’s Facebook page to see photos, videos, and construction progress of the new resident home.

WESTERN HERITAGE CENTER This time of year everyone seeks to reflect on the good around us – at home, at work, and in our communities. We are grateful for the annual support received each year from members, visitors, and community supporters like you.

It’s been a busy year! Through your continuing support, we witnessed our highest number of participants in walking tours, public programs, and noon hour talks. Record numbers of students were served through tours and educational trunks. We welcomed visitors to ten unique exhibitions sharing history about the Northern Cheyenne, small town high school football, Montana maps, the Yellowstone River, Billings’ Southside, and student perspectives on protest music.

In addition to all of this, we care for and share with the public over 32,000 regional artifacts, oral histories, and photographs. Thank you to program,

exhibit, and archive sponsors. You’re invited to join us as a member or consider a year-end gift. Thank you!

On behalf of the Western Heritage Center board, staff, and volunteers, we extend to you and your family the warmest greetings of the season.

Providing family oriented Christian homes, on a working ranch for adults who have developmental disabilities.

Give the Gift of Membership!

Give a unique gift this year... the gift of a museum membership!

Learn more: Call 256-6809 or see www.ywhc.org/donate 406-322-5520 www.specialkranch.org 4

November 2018 ¬ COMMUNITY OF GIVING

Billings Montana www.ywhc.org 406-256-6809

YWCA BILLINGS YWCA Billings has served Montanans for 111 years. Its mission to save, change and improve lives is in place 24-hours a day, 365 days a year through Gateway Shelter, YWCA Transitional Services, and the Gateway Vista Affordable Apartments.

Gateway Shelter is the only secure, 24-hour, 365 days-per-year domestic violence shelter in an 18,512 square mile area. It provides protection and support for women in our region who suffer from abuse. One in three women here is a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, harassment or human traffickingand often their children are victims, too.

YWCA’s Transitional Services Program provides case management for adults staying at the Shelter and all people enrolled in YWCA programs.

Case managers help people develop individual action plans to address their safety, income and housing goals. Other services offered free of charge include issue-specific counseling, legal advice

on civil matters, financial counseling, and an employment and training program that provides assistance for unemployed/ underemployed individuals in gaining skills and training needed to obtain jobs that will lead to financial independence. Child Care is also available

on YWCA’s campus for a fee.

The Gateway Vista apartments offer affordable housing for low-income women and their children. Gateway Vista goes beyond offering a roof over people’s heads to helping people get on their feet by providing YWCA’s transi-

tional services free of charge and charging rents that are based on a percentage of area median income.

In 2018, YWCA provided 8,200 nights of shelter and respite from violence to 177 women and 113 children, answered nearly 2,500 calls coming into its 24-hour Help Line and provided affordable housing for 24 women and their children.

YWCA needs to raise $1.0 million through its Capacity Campaign to cover the costs of operating and maintaining the Gateway Shelter, Gateway Vista Affordable Apartments, and the entire YWCA Campus as well as offering the free Transitional Services and providing rental and utilities support for apartment residents.

Information about YWCA Billings, Gateway Shelter, Gateway Vista, Transitional Services Programs and YWCA’s Capacity Building Campaign is available at ywcabillings.org, on Facebook at facebook.com/YWCABillings/ or by calling 406-252-6303.

Transitional programs and affordable housing offer life saving and life changing services.

• • • •

Gateway Emergency Shelter Gateway Vista Affordable Apartments Case Management Legal Services for Civil Matters

• • • •

Clinical Services Counseling Financial Counseling / Credit Repair Training, Education, and Job-Finding Tuition Assistance for Child Care

You can help save and change lives. Give at ywcabillings.org/donate or call 406.252.6303 to learn more.

COMMUNITY OF GIVING ¬ November 2018

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ST. VINCENT DEPAUL “To Promote and Perform Works of Charity Through Personal Service” The Billings Society of St. Vincent de Paul has been actively serving the poor since 1972. We offer tangible assistance to those in need in our new Charity Office located at 3005 1st. Avenue S. Some services we provide include: rent and utility assistance, clothing and household certificates, educational assistance, comrefurbished puters for students, baby basics, laundry service, sack lunches, public restroom and Payee Representatives. St. Vincent de Paul is supported entirely from private donors. We do not receive government funding. Our Thrift Store provides a

low cost shopping alternative of quality goods. Those goods are donated by people in the Billings community to help support our mission.

St. Vincent de Paul assists over 1200 individuals per month in our community with no regards to race, ethnicity, or religion.

Inspired by Gospel values, St. Vincent de Paul leads women and men to join together to grow spiritually by offering person-toperson service to those who are needy and suffering. If you are interested in donating or volunteering please call Amanda at (406) 252-1855 ext. 206.

To volunteer or donate toward our mission, please call Vicki at 252-1855.

HELP US...HELP THEM St. Vincent de Paul 3005 1st Avenue S.

Come shop our brand new thrift store at 3005 1st Avenue S. Great new specials each week!

252-1855 • www.svdpmt.com 6

November 2018 ¬ COMMUNITY OF GIVING

ARTS WITHOUT BOUNDARIES Arts Without Boundaries encourages and facilitates student participation in art, music and creative writing. Our goal is to enrich the lives of children and build stronger communities through access to the arts in a way many children would not have an opportunity to experience.

Through private mentors, loaned instruments, scholarships, live performances and much more, Arts Without Boundaries is working to improve the quality of life for all kids in our local communities.

Our programs are available at no cost to public, private and home school students throughout Billings. We believe every student who has the desire to play music, create art or write a story should have that opportunity, regardless of economic status.

Our programs include: - Student Mentoring - Writing Classes - Art Classes

- Music Lessons - Standout Student Scholarships - Loaned Instruments - NYC Student Trip Arts without Boundaries is a 501© 3 non-profit organization and over 91% of all donations are invested in children and our programs. Without local support, our program could not exist.

Donate today: Arts Without Boundaries, P.O. Box 20392 Billings, MT 59104 ArtsWithoutBoundaries.net Facebo ok.com /A r tsWit houtBoundaries

• Artswithoutboundaries.net

BIG SKY SENIOR SERVICES Helping local Senior Citizens for over 40 years Mary, age 78, lives alone and prides herself in being independent. Her family lives out of town and visits a couple times of year.

Cleaning can be a challenge so Mary appreciates the weekly help from her Senior Helping Hands caregiver. She knows the caregiver truly cares because she asks questions about her safety, eating habits and suggests ideas to improve her life.

Macular degeneration has limited her ability to manage her social security benefit and pay bills. The Prevention of Elder Abuse payee program assists by creating a budget and paying her bills, insuring she has extra money for personal items. They also help with applications for additional assistance.

Mary is very social, so the Friends Volunteer program matched her up with a volunteer who visits weekly and

takes her out to social events.

For over 40 years, Big Sky Senior Services has been helping seniors, like Mary, stay in their homes for as long as possible. Today, many local senior citizens are getting assistance but there are many more who need help.

You can help us help keep many seniors in their homes. It only costs $200 a month to keep local seniors in their homes. Your time or money makes a difference. For more information or if you know a senior who needs our service, call us at 259-3111 or visit us at our website www.BigSkySeniorServices. org.

Help keep her in her home.

TIME - or -

MONEY makes the difference!

937 Grand Ave - Billings, MT 59102 www.BigSkySeniorServices.org Like 406-259-3111 Us On

ADULT RESOURCE ALLIANCE Robert and Ruth’s golden years ended abruptly in 2017 when Ruth was diagnosed with cancer. When she passed away two months later, Robert was devastated. You could feel his sadness.

It was heart wrenching. Robert found himself living alone in the place he’d called home for more than six decades.

Because of health issues and eating only one meal a day, sometimes less, he had to ask for help.

Robert has been receiving Meals on Wheels for almost a year now. You can find him most days waiting at his door

for his driver. AND, the sparkle in his eyes is beginning to return.

Since 1975, the Adult Resource Alliance has been helping seniors in our community with nutrition, transportation, information, volunteer and social opportunities.

You can help us reach more seniors in need with a gift to the Adult Resource Alliance.

To learn more, please call 259-9666, visit us at Facebook or on our website at www.adultresourceallianceyc.org

The Adult Resource Alliance

empowers, protects and connects

our community’s seniors with the programs and services they need to live safely and independently.

We could not do it without your help!

406-259-9666 | 1505 Avenue D | Billings, Montana | allianceyc.org COMMUNITY OF GIVING ¬ November 2018

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Volunteering together can benefit families in myriad of ways.

How families can start

VOLUNTEERING TOGETHER

Volunteering is a great way to give back to your community.

Volunteers play an integral and invaluable role in helping charities achieve their goals. Without volunteers, many charities wouldn’t be able to meet their missions, and some might even cease to exist.

Volunteers often note that helping others is its own reward, and research backs that up. Researchers at the London School of Economics found that the more people volunteered, the happier they were. Published in the journal Social Science and Medicine, the

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study found that the odds of being “very happy” rose by 12 percent among people who volunteered every two to four weeks compared to people who did not volunteer.

With such benefits, it’s no wonder many families look to volunteer together. Those who want to do so but may be uncertain about where to start can consider the following tips. * Find a fun activity. Kids like to mimic their parents, so parents who already volunteer may find their children are excited about following Mom and Dad’s lead.

NOVEMBER 2018 ¬ COMMUNITY OF GIVING

That excitement level will only increase if parents find an activity their kids are interested in. For example, many kids love animals so volunteering with a local animal shelter can be a great opportunity for families to give back together. * Speak with your child’s school. Teachers and school administrators can be great resources, sharing information about local volunteering opportunities or making age-appropriate suggestions. Parents shouldn’t hesitate to ask for recommendations from teachers, who may be in the best

position to suggest opportunities that children can handle and enjoy. * Start slow. When starting out, families may be best served by choosing activities that do not require lengthy time commitments. Children may not be ready to volunteer for hours on end, so start with something simple. As kids acclimate to volunteering and their attention spans grow, parents can commit to volunteering more of their family time. * Think outside the box. Parents of toddlers or grade school-

aged children may be surprised to learn that some volunteering opportunities have minimum age requirements. If such requirements are making it difficult to volunteer together as a family, parents and children can work together to come up with their own opportunities. Kids can organize a book drive to supply books to schools with depleted libraries or organize a fundraiser for a local animal shelter. The opportunities to volunteer are endless, and families should not be discouraged by age restrictions.

BILLINGS STUDIO THEATER 66 Years of Theatrical Excellence, Excitement, and Entertainment, is what Billings Studio Theatre (BST) has delivered to the greater Yellowstone community since its inception.

From their highly acclaimed, musical productions such as Newsies, Mary Poppins, Evita and the upcoming Mamma Mia, to timeless plays such as On Golden Pond, and Cat On A Hot Tin Roof, BST gathers the best of local talent in carving out hit after hit, season after season.

They provide a little something for everyone as their seasons contain a wide genre of material that varies from classical works and riveting, thought-provoking dramas to hilarious comedies and children’s shows. BST crafts each season to provide a balanced series that really is theatre for the whole family, BST believes a community becomes stronger as the quality of the amenities that are offered within it continue to increase. BST is dedicated to providing a consistent line of quality programing and, as such, has a loyal and dedicated patronage. Funding and contributions from Show Sponsors (both corporate and individual) and Donors continue to be the lifeblood of BST, allowing the theatre

to pursue the presentation of new and quality material in a setting that is both comfortable and appealing. Financial donations, whether they are monies allocated for immediate needs or those that are designed to provide for the continued stability of the theatre over time, are the fuel for the growth of what has been affectionately titled “Your Community Theatre.”

Of course, in-kind material, services and unrestricted gifts are always welcome.

If you are considering a planned gift this season, BST’s partnerships with the Billings Community Foundation and the Montana Community Foundation are designed to enhance the capacity of your gift while meeting the needs of the theatre. This association allows BST, through the BCF and MCF, to offer a variety of options in giving, some of which may have significant tax advantages for you as a donor.

Located adjacent to the Rocky Mountain College campus, Billings Studio Theatre is in the heart of the Magic City. For more information contact them at 1500 Rimrock Road, Billings, MT 59102 or visit www.billingsstudiotheatre.com.

COMMUNITY OF GIVING ¬ November 2018

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The relationship between

HEALTH AND VOLUNTEERING Volunteering is often its own reward.

Helping others can be just as beneficial to the people doing the helping as it is for the people being helped.

Though it can sometimes be hard to find time to volunteer, a close look at some of the various health benefits of volunteering may compel adults and children alike to find the time they need to volunteer.

Volunteering and happiness Veteran volunteers may have long suspected they’re happier when they volunteer, and research suggests that’s true. A study from researchers at the

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teracting with others decreases feelings of depression while increasing feelings of well-being. Volunteering is a great way to meet new people, exposing volunteers to people with shared interests.

That can be especially valuable to people who are new to a community, helping them to avoid feelings of loneliness after moving to an area where they have no preexisting social network.

Volunteering and long-term health Volunteering that requires social inVolunteering and mental health teraction can produce long-term health benefits that can have a profound imPsychologists have long known that pact on quality of life as men and womsocial interaction can improve mental en age. A recent study published in the health. Psychology Today notes that in- Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease focused

London School of Economics that was published in the journal Social Science and Medicine found that the more people volunteered, the happier they were. The researchers compared people who never volunteered to people who did, fi nding that the odds of being “very happy” rose by 7 percent among people who volunteered monthly. Those odds increased by 12 percent among people who volunteered every two to four weeks.

NOVEMBER 2018 ¬ COMMUNITY OF GIVING

on participants without dementia who were involved in a highly interactive discussion group. Researchers compared those participants to others who participated in Tai Chi or walking or were part of a control group that did not receive any interventions. The former group exhibited improved cognitive function, and MRIs indicated they increased their brain volumes after being involved in the discussion group. Larger brain volume has been linked to a lower risk of dementia. Many volunteering opportunities require routine interaction with others, potentially providing significant, long-term health benefits as a result.

TUMBLEWEED Tumbleweed’s vision is to end youth homelessness in our community. To do that, we meet youth where they are.

We believe in prevention. Tumbleweed provides emergency services for youth and families during conflict and crisis, 24/7. That may include family mediation, short term counseling, Love and Logic parenting classes or emergency shelter placement for youth under the age of 18. Tumbleweed provides critical support for youth transitioning out of the foster care system through our Chafee Foster Care Independence program.

We offer individualized advocacy for trafficked youth. Tumbleweed provides direct victim assistance to help them move toward stabilization and self-sufficiency.

Our overnight Drop-In Center is open every night for youth up to age 20.

Focused on reducing vulnerabilities, the Center offers youth a chance to meet their basic needs in a low-barrier,

safe and secure environment.

Tumbleweed’s Drop-In Youth Resource Center is open weekdays for youth up to the age of 24. Our goal is to divert youth toward stable housing, employment, education and wellbeing.

Transition services are offered for youth through a Transitional Living Program, where youth gain and practice independent living skills in a community-style setting with onsite staff support and case management.

Tumbleweed serves over 700 youth a year in our community through our multi-faceted approach. The Tumbleweed story includes chapters of small victories and tremendous wins with the help of you, our community partners.

THE FAMILY TREE CENTER Families in our community are struggling. The number of substantiated cases of child abuse and neglect continues to rise. The numbers of abused and neglected children have risen from 177 in 2014 to 665 in 2017.

That’s an increase of 3.75 times! We need to do more to protect our most vulnerable community members, our children.

Since 1985, The Family Tree Center remains the only agency whose sole mission is the PREVENTION of child abuse and neglect. What does Prevention mean? Maybe that means we open up our heart to a struggling family. Maybe, we support that struggling family through In Home Mentoring, Respite Childcare, and a Nurturing Parenting Class. Prevention services cost, on average, $1.00 to every $10.00 spent on intervention services. If we can prevent child abuse and neglect, it saves us as taxpayers, but more importantly, it saves those children for whom the human conse-

quences cannot be comprehended.

The Family Tree Center is committed to providing judgment-free support to ALL families in our community, regardless of income or severity of need. We recognize that parenting can be stressful and that children do not come with instructions. Most importantly, we believe that the families who participate in our programs are truly the ones changing the world and our community – one family at a time.

We thank all of you who have heeded the call to action and continue to help us in our mission of prevention and to “stop the hurt before it happens”.

Thank you Billings Community for 33 years of Supporting & Strengthening Families!

Tumbleweed provides safety, assistance and hope to our community’s vulnerable and homeless youth, creating lasting life changes.

• Drop-In Center • Transitional Living • Human Trafficking Program • Counseling & Homeless Prevention • Chafee Foster Care Independence Program

24 HOUR CRISIS LINE : 1.888.816.4702 406.259.2558 505 N 24th Street Billings, MT 59105

www.tumbleweedprogram.org

• Nurturing Parenting Classes • Respite Childcare • In-Home Mentoring • Montana Women’s Prison Parenting Program • Voices of Incarceration Re-entry & Reunification Support

• Parents Evening Out • Family Fun Nights • Parenting Workshops • Prevention Education Presentations & Workshops

2520 5th Avenue South Billings, MT 59101 (406) 252-9799 familytreecenterbillings.org COMMUNITY OF GIVING ¬ November 2018

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YELLOWSTONE VALLEY ANIMAL SHELTER It does take a Community. As a community of animals and people living together, we share the mission of protecting and caring for all animals that live in our homes, neighborhoods, and on our streets. There is no truer sense of commitment and compassion, then in the partnership of YVAS and those who help us care for the lost, homeless, injured and sick animals. Simply, our story is your story and it remains the same every day, every week, and every year since March of 2009. The needs of the animals in our community and the folks surrounding them have not changed.

For sure, we know this. Today, as in every day, we live our mission.

“With compassion and without judgment, we provide a respectful and safe environment for the companion animals in our community, and for the people who surround those animals” Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter has the privilege to be your community shelter here in Billings and surrounding community with open

doors every day of the week for taking in gravely injured dogs and cats, providing medical treatment for them, and then finding new homes with loving families. We are here to help when life has turned upside down for you and your pet, to offer a helping hand in either finding a new home or helping you figure out ways to keep that animal with you in your life. We are here to receive lost animals, giving them food, water, and warmth until we can find their families. We provide low cost spay neuter and vaccinations for those of you who need that help.

It is with your support, your dollars, your volunteer hours that we can continue to help this community and its animals… your animals, to be safe, alive, receive medical treatment, and either return to their homes or be adopted into new homes. We need your financial donations to be able to continue this commitment to the animals. We are here, every day, holding out our hand to paws of the animals and folks with them. Please donate

today so that we can continue our mission.

Thor’s story Thor came to YVAS untrained, hard to manage, and difficult to place.

He ping-ponged in his kennel barking at all who passed by. Staff made him a priority; he was the first dog for volunteers to walk every day, and secured plenty of play time for him with other dogs and with humans.

Through consistency in handling, and a smidge of basic training, Thor began to learn manners. It was important to YVAS that Thor be placed in an active household with someone who would continue his training.

After waiting patiently for over two months the perfect family came for him. Now, about five months later, Thor is thriving in his home and is a very well behaved boy. Thanks to the dedication of YVAS staff and the Keeling family for being sure that Thor got into the best possible home for what he needed!

You can make a difference…..

Your generous donations to Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter can create a story of hope for not only “Thor”, but for many other critters who need medical care and homes.

THOR

Donate to YVAS today to make a difference for the animals living in your homes, neighborhoods, and streets.

The need is greater than ever right here in this community...Billings and Yellowstone County.

1735 monad rd 12

Make a difference today by donating to Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter at: www.yvas.org or send your check to YVAS, PO Box 20920, Billings, MT 59104

November 2018 ¬ COMMUNITY OF GIVING

CASA OF YELLOWSTONE COUNTY CASA of Yellowstone County’s mission is to advocate for a safe and permanent home for abused and neglected children. This is accomplished through volunteer Court Appointed Special Advocates, or CASAs, appointed by a judge to represent a child in foster care and speak up for their best interests.

CASAs visit the children regularly at the foster home and school. They write reports that are distributed to the judge and other professionals, and attend all court hearings to be the voice for the child in court.

Throughout a case, schools, professionals, and foster homes will change.

Each CASA makes a commitment to stay with the child throughout their time in the system and be the one constant in their life.

This holiday season over 800 children in Yellowstone County are in foster care. Over 500 of them are still waiting for a CASA – someone like you

to step up and be their Advocate.

CASA of Yellowstone County relies on generosity from the community to continue advocating for abused and neglected. If you support our mission, but can’t be a CASA yourself, help us reach more children by making a gift using the information below.

FRIENDS OF POMPEYS PILLAR Our Mission is to preserve and protect Pompeys Pillar National Monument through education, interpretation and special projects. We assisted the Bureau of Land Management in teaching over 2000 students who visited the Monument in 2018. We participate in special projects like the First Annual Fall Festival, Back to the Future Program, Public Lands Day and Signature Day and by providing funding for interpretive signage and other projects.

We provide transportation for Title 1 Schools so underprivileged children may visit

the Monument every year. And we also offer volunteer opportunities for seniors and others.

We provide hands-on historical experiences for children and adults and we help bring history to life!

Charitable donations

are deeply appreciated and support the only National Monument in Yellowstone County.

Please send your support to: Friends of Pompeys Pillar P.O. Box 23535 Billings, MT 59104

“Funding for buses that Friends of Pompeys Pillar provides is invaluable to educators and students. Many students have never been to a national monument. Pompeys Pillar is directly related to the curriculum we are required to teach. Hands-on activities, presentations, and the entire field trip to Pompeys Pillar extend what we teach in the classroom. We are very grateful for the opportunity to go on this field trip. Thank you to all who generously contribute to Friends of Pompeys Pillar.”

Sincerely, Julie Tallman, 4th Grade Teacher www.yellowstonecasa.org CASA of Yellowstone County PO Box 688 Billings, MT 59103

Charitable donations are deeply appreciated and support the only National Monument in Yellowstone County.

Please send your support to: Friends of Pompeys Pillar, P.O. Box 23535, Billings, MT 59104

406-969-5380 • pompeyspillar.org COMMUNITY OF GIVING ¬ November 2018

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FAMILY SERVICE

Brighten a family’s holiday season

Not everyone has a Merry Christmas, but with your help Family Service makes sure everyone has something to smile about this season.

One in six families decides whether to feed their children or pay their rent. Those who face emergencies turn to Family Service!

A Simple Holiday Wish List Your donations help ease the burdens for struggling families l

l

l

l

l l

Nutritious, Bountiful Food Boxes No-cost/Low-cost, Warm Clothing Emergency Rent & Utility Assistance Education Assistance for Better Employment Senior Food Box Delivery Holiday Food and Children’s Gifts

Please Help ...

Holidays: $50 brings traditional family meals home at Thanksgiving and Christmas Clothing: $100 stocks our community clothing room with warm clothing

What does this information mean for you?

It’s simple. Your help is needed. We work every day to prevent hunger and homelessness and alleviate poverty through community involvement.

You make a difference by helping Family Service continue to help those in need. Your donation helps provide food boxes to families, food bags to shutin seniors or warm clothes during the winter months.

Your donation can be the change in someone’s life.

Food: $150 provides family food boxes and senior food box delivery

Please help Family Service make a difference and help extend a hand to someone in need.

Warmth: $250 pays winter utilities for struggling families

DONATE

Home: $500 provides family stability and help to prevent homelessness

Give generously. Your help is crucial!

1824 First Ave. N / PO Box 1020 Billings, MT 59103 406.259.2269 www.billingsfamilyservice.org

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Family Service has been helping local families in need for more 112 years.

In the last few years, Family Service has seen a 110 percent increase in the need for our services. What does this mean? It means that the number of families in need is growing. Last year, Family Service helped over 15,200 families, right here in the Billings area. Family Service also gave out 1.9 million pounds of food across the area.

November 2018 ¬ COMMUNITY OF GIVING

Online at www.billingsfamilyservice.org/donate Call or email Charam at 406.384.0064 or corth@famserv.com Mail: PO Box 1020, Billings, MT 59103 Drop off at 1824 1st Ave. North, M–F 8:30 a.m.–4:30.p.m. and Sat. 9.a.m.–4.p.m.

BILLINGS FOOD BANK Billings Food Bank Activities

not only support the food bank—they also support the community. Most of the Here are a few of the activities that oc- items in the gift shop are made with love cur at the Billings Food Bank by both adults and kids in the Billings and surrounding community, and since it is stocked by local artists and craftsSenior nutrition program men you never know exactly what you The Billings Food Bank provides will find. much needed food boxes for low income seniors struggling to meet basic food re- Fortin Culinary Center quirements. Many senior citizens in our community would go hungry without commercial kitchen rental The kitchens were designed to prothe support of the Billings Food Bank. vide classroom space and commercial Fortin Culinary Center job training space and equipment for entrepreneurs wishing to enter the specialty food inOur program is based on the cur- dustry. riculum of a very successful program in Meeting Rooms/Banquet Rental Washington called, DC Central KitchOur facility will host groups from a ens. Robert Egger developed those few people to several hundred. It is perclasses and has provided assistance with fect for business meetings, rehearsal the Billings Food Bank program. The dinners and wedding receptions. Please 12-week course is held in the Fortin Cu- call for details. linary Center and includes 10 weeks in The new facility is so much more than the kitchen and a 2-week externship in the 54,000 square feet of dry, refrigerthe community with actual food service. ated and frozen storage, distribution and 99% of graduates are placed in jobs. For offices. It was designed to carry out our mission: To assume a leadership role in most, it is life changing. feeding the hungry by recovering, securing, purchasing, and delivering qualFortin Café/Gift Shop ity food and other products, and playing The Fortin Café serves breakfast and a strong education and advocacy role on lunch to customers Monday through hunger-related issues: Doing all within Friday. Food is prepared in the Fortin our power to address root causes of hunCulinary Center and is part of the job ger and encourage economic growth.

We are always looking for volunteers! training program. All proceeds benefit the Culinary Job Training Course. We Please call us if you are interested in getcall it “Eating for a Cause.” The gift shop ting involved. We are planning our 2018 offers an opportunity to those that wish Mardi Gras Montana fundraiser and to market arts and crafts. People shop- need people to assist us. Twelfth Night ping in the Billings Food Bank gift shop celebration will be January 4, 2019 at the

Happy Holidays: When the idea of food banking was developing over 32 years ago, it was a difficult time for most of the country. Agencies dealing with hunger issues at that time were able to provide assistance every 90 days.

Some folks felt we should do more and set out to make some changes. The churches (only 4 in the beginning), started Food Bank Sunday by setting the first Sunday of each month to gather food and funds for the Billings Food Bank’s effort to not only supply assistance to agencies already involved, but make an organized effort to both determine needs and coordinate efforts to involve an entire community in addressing them.

The first year generated an estimated

Food Bank; Mardi Gras is March 5, 2019 at the Red Lion.

Just as a reminder, Billings Food Bank has a qualified endowment and has a four star rating by Charity Navigator.

For more information on the Billings

LETTER FROM SHERYLE 20,000# of food. By the end of the first Here our last year’s numbers: year, 29 additional churches had joined the effort. The first few years were a ‘ happening without a home.’ The past 31 years have brought many changes to the Billings Food Bank. It now gathers millions of pounds of food each year, serves clients directly and is able to have reserves for unexpected needs. We have a facility that houses offices, warehouse and distribution space, large food sorting area, Fortin Café and Gift Shop (open to the public), and Fortin Culinary Center on the second floor which provides a 12 week course in work skills for those wanting to work in the food industry and have a 99% success rate in finding employment for our graduates.

Food Bank or any of our programs and services, please call Sheryle Shandy at (406) 259-2856.

PLAN YOUR HOLIDAY PARTY NOW! BOOK YOUR MEETING SPACE ALSO!

153,918 Food Boxes provided *note we also maintain a baby and pet food pantry 78,259 Food boxes provided through Senior Nutrition Program (in 11 counties) 28,761 Food Boxes provided through voucher system 280,681 Meals, sack lunches, backpacks provided through the Fortin Culinary Center 17506 Holiday food services 106,100 Meals provided to the Boys and Girls Club Some things have not changed.

Many folks are still facing difficult times. What has changed is our collective ability to help. THANK YOU! IT

IS THROUGH YOUR UNDERSTANDING AND SUPPORT WE ARE ABLE TO CONTINUE TO BE THERE. You need to know that no one is ever turned away for lack of food. With your help we are continually fulfilling our mission to feed the hungry.

As we prepare to share Thanksgiving and Christmas with all those coming to us for help, it is really important to again thank all of you who make this possible. May you and yours enjoy the best of what this Season represents.

Warm regards, Sheryle

COMMUNITY OF GIVING ¬ November 2018

15

HappyHolidays BytheNumbers: 153,918

Food Boxes provided *note we also maintain a baby and pet food pantry

78,259

Food boxes provided through Senior Nutrition Program (in 11 counties)

28,761

Food Boxes provided through voucher system

280,681

17,506

106,100

Meals, sack lunches, backpacks provided through the Fortin Culinary Center

Holiday food services

Meals provided to other programs: Tumble Weed, Habitat for Humanity, St. Vincent DePaul, Montana Rescue Mission, etc.

When the idea of food banking was developing over 31 years ago, it was a difficult time for most of the country. Agencies dealing with hunger issues at that time were able to provide assistance every 90 days. Some folks felt we should do more and set out to make some changes. The churches (only 4 in the beginning), started Food Bank Sunday by setting the first Sunday of each month to gather food and funds for the Billings Food Bank’s effort to not only supply assistance to agencies already involved, but make an organized effort to both determine needs and coordinate efforts to involve an entire community in addressing them.

The first year generated an estimated 20,000# of food. By the end of the first year, 29 additional churches had joined the effort. The first few years were a ‘happening without a home.’ The past 31 years have brought many changes to the Billings Food Bank. It now gathers millions of pounds of food each year, serves clients directly and is able to have reserves for unexpected needs. We have a facility that houses offices, warehouse and distribution space, large food sorting area, Fortin Café and Gift Shop (open to the public), and Fortin Culinary Center on the second floor which provides a 12 week course in work skills for those wanting to work in the food industry and have a 99% success rate in finding employment for our graduates.

Some things have not changed. Many folks are still facing difficult times. What has changed is our collective ability to help. THANK YOU! IT IS THROUGH YOUR UNDERSTANDING AND SUPPORT WE ARE ABLE TO CONTINUE TO BE THERE. You need to know that no one is ever turned away for lack of food. With your help we are continually fulfilling our mission to feed the hungry.

As we prepare to share Thanksgiving and Christmas with all those coming to us for help, it is really important to again thank all of you who make this possible. May you and yours enjoy the best of what this Season represents.

Warm regards, Sheryle

16

November 2018 ¬ COMMUNITY OF GIVING