Quick Takes
short stories about our partners’ impact
Read how our partners are working to inspire, innovate, and improve the lives of people across Montana!
Expanding Reach in Montana
When many Montana organizations curtailed services in 2020, Royal Family Kids expanded their outreach. “We’ve offered more activities to more kids than ever before,” says Amy Rowan, who with husband Joseph runs the RFK programs in Three Forks. Royal Family Kids offers foster children a summer camp as well as a mentoring program. “Multiple donors […]
Responding to New Needs
When COVID-19 struck this spring, Young Life Montana was opening new chapters across the state. Restrictions on group meetings, however, prompted the youth outreach organization to pivot, according to Montana-Wyoming Director Keith Dow. Young Life members still wanted to meet and Young Lives teen moms needed increased help. Both groups responded. “Kids today have a whole life […]
Neighbors Helping Neighbors
How do you really know the issues your neighbors are facing? Simple—you talk to them. The Missoula Interfaith Collaborative (MIC) is partnering with congregations, nonprofits, and community organizations to assess and address the needs of Missoula residents during the current COVID-19 health crisis. “It’s all about neighbors connecting with each other,” says Rebecca Pettit, development […]
Setting the Pace
Though many organizations went online this spring, Montana’s Code Girls United is setting the pace in a cyber-based world: With their annual, regional Northwest Challenge canceled May 2-3, teams instead are competing in the Technovation Challenge, an online competition of 20,000 girls worldwide. Faced with canceling their summer fundraising event, they’re now planning not one, but […]
Embracing God’s Love
Communal city living at God’s Love homeless shelter in Helena became a community concern during the COVID-19 pandemic. County health leaders, nonprofit organizations, and government officials joined forces to find a safe solution. Major Philip Smith, Corps Officer for Salvation Army of Helena, and his team are playing a vital role. The Salvation Army assisted […]
Keeping Spirit Alive
When student athletes and coaches suddenly saw their sports season shelved, the Montana Fellowship of Christian Athletes upped their game. The organization is keeping spirit alive through their FCA Virtual website, connecting with 900 coaches and thousands of athletes across Montana. Weekly Huddle Up programs feature NFL players, PGA pros, and others, and Montana Virtual Huddles […]
The Play’s the Thing
After a month or more of homeschooling, even the best parent-teachers may need some fresh ideas for engaging their students. Montana Shakespeare in the Parks (MSIP) is making it easy, by bringing the Bard’s work straight to your living room or home office. Their Montana Shakes traveling program for elementary schools is now presenting Virtual Shakes, […]
Serving Neighbors, Responsibly
Going above and beyond comes naturally to Gallatin County Love INC. A partnership of area churches, Love INC offers help to anyone in need. Food and personal care items, prayers, and children’s Easter baskets are among the ways Love INC provides for neighbors. When COVID-19 hit Montana, Executive Director Rob McCormack put his scientist skills into […]
Everything You Do Matters
When Rapelje High School teacher Jacki Keating saw a Billings Clinic doctor on CNN demonstrating his reusable medical mask prototype, she wondered if the small school could use that pattern to help others. The answer was yes. Today, Youth Entrepreneur Abby Schladweiller (pictured), STEM teacher Nikki Markle, and Keating are manufacturing hundreds of masks with […]
Where Hope Springs Eternal
“Hope isn’t canceled,” says Kristy Pontet-Stroop of Alliance for Youth in Great Falls. The organization inspires the community to stay socially connected through healthy activities that support the well-being and skill development of homeless and at-risk youth. A March “Chalk the Walk” event drew passers-by with positive sidewalk messaging, and a daily “Bear Hunt” encourages […]