2009 United Way/Montana Shares Charitable Giving Campaign
Montana Shares Agencies
Montana Shares Member Groups’ 2009-2010 Impact Statements
Alternative Energy Resources Organization (AERO)
If every Montana household spent $10 per week on locally grown food, it would contribute $186 million back into Montana communities. AERO promotes sustainable agriculture, renewable energy and conservation, environmental quality and community self-reliance.
American Lung Association of the Northern Rockies (American Lung Association of the Mountain Pacific)
Your dollars will help us win the fight for clean air, a Montana free of lung disease, and keeping our kids smoke free. Lung disease is the third leading cause of death. Tobacco companies spend over $50M to hook our kids on tobacco, and workers and children are still exposed to the deadly second hand smoke at work. Our programs, advocacy, and research are at work every day because of the support of Montanans.
American Red Cross of Montana – new for 09-10
Are there two ways out of your bedroom? If every person in Montana had an escape plan, our job would simply be response. Be Red Cross Ready – Montana! American Red Cross of Montana is doing what we can to emphasis preparedness, so when disaster strikes, you’ll know what to do. At home, at work, and at play in this beautiful playground we call Montana, safety should be a priority.
A.W.A.R.E., Inc.
In order to reach the vision of the Americans Disability Act, communities need assistance in developing programs and opportunities for people with special needs. A.W.A.R.E. is dedicated to doing what is necessary to fill in these gaps in service and help communities meet the goal of serving all its residents.
Befrienders
Befrienders addresses a very real but barely visible need in our society. Through our companionship program, Befrienders enhances the quality of life of our aging population by befriending them. University students and other community volunteers are matched with the elderly residents who acknowledge their need for continued or renewed interpersonal social contact. Both of the participants profit from this intergenerational relationship.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Montana – new for 09-10
Big Brothers Big Sisters is the premier mentoring organization working with at-risk youth. According to an independent study “Littles who meet regularly with their “Bigs” are: 46% less likely to begin using illegal drugs; 27% less likely to begin using alcohol; 52% less likely to skip school; 33% less likely to have violent confrontations.
Bridger Clinic, Inc.
Family planning provides affordable contraception and reproductive healthcare to woman who could not otherwise afford these services. Contraception is important for a woman trying to plan for her family because without contraception, the average woman would have between 12 and 15 pregnancies in her lifetime. In Montana, family planning clinics avert an estimated 7,500 unintended pregnancies each year through the use of contraceptives.
Cancer Family Network of Montana
The daily demands of living with a life-threatening disease are a constant struggle. Cancer Family Network of Montana’s free programs and services help families rediscover a healthy balance and celebrate hope. CFNM helps families live well with, through and beyond cancer.
Cooperative Health Center
Almost 17,000 Lewis and Clark County residents live below 200% of poverty. Most of them do not have access to health, dental or mental health care. By providing medical, dental and mental health care to more than 5,000 county residents each year, the CHC assures that those most in need, and consequently the entire community, achieve the highest level of health and well-being possible.
Ecology Project International (EPI)
Endangered species continue to decline in the world because of human activities. Ecology Project International partners students with scientists on conservation and research projects in Montana, Yellowstone National Park, Costa Rica, the Galapagos and Mexico. Those who will have the greatest impact are thus encouraged and empowered to ensure a future for these species and the world’s biodiversity.
ExplorationWorks
ExplorationWorks will respond to local, regional, and statewide needs in education, environment, and economic development. It will offer engaging opportunities for discovery, model conservation technologies, and create an appealing destination for tourists and visitors. ExplorationWorks will meet community needs in a variety of ways: as a partner with formal education, as a setting for families to engage in fun and learning together, as a catalyst for community involvement in education.
Great Falls Community Food Bank, Inc.
More than 300,000 Montanans are considered at-risk of food insecurity. The Great Falls Community Food Bank is one of only four food bank warehouse/distribution facilities in Montana. Serving four counties and 50 provider agencies, the Food Bank distributed 375 tons of food in 2008 serving more than 400,000 children seniors and adults.
Headwaters Cooperative Recycling
Because of long distances between towns and cities in Montana, recycling opportunities are few and often focus only on profitable commodities. Headwaters Recycling Cooperative shares expensive resources with 15 different cities, counties and Yellowstone National Park to provide more than 80 recycling sites to rural communities. Our outreach program helps educate more than 9,000 students each year to help raise new recyclers.
Heart of the Valley, Inc.
Last year the Heart of the Valley, Inc., a no-kill animal shelter, took in more than 2,000 animals, spaying and neutering before adoption in an effort to eliminate animal overpopulation.
Helena Area Habitat for Humanity – new for 09-10
Children raised in a home that is owned by their parent(s) are 3 times more likely to graduate, go onto college, own their own home and become vested in their communities. Helena Area Habitat for Humanity works in partnership with income-challenged families to make home-ownership a possibility and to provide simple, decent housing for today’s children.
Holter Museum of Art – 2 choices
With a lack of emphasis for art-based curriculum in public elementary schools, the Holter Museum of Art provides art experience for Helena area elementary school students and the strongest, most diversified museum-based art education program in the state.
Jeannette Rankin Peace Center
The War on Terrorism and destructive effects of corporate social irresponsibility present serious long-term challenges and opportunities for those committed to the building of a just, non-violent and sustainable global culture. The JRPC educates and empowers people to work to build such a culture using a process of reflection, and dialogue and action, both in times of crisis and in the ongoing work of peacemaking.
Komen Montana (Montana Affiliate of Susan G Komen for the Cure)
One in eight women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with breast cancer – a devastating disease with physical, emotional and psychological pain that can last a lifetime. Without a cure an estimated five million women will be diagnosed with breast cancer over the next 25 years. Komen Montana is meeting its mission by having granted a total of $800,000 to organizations who have provided breast exams and mammograms at no cost throughout Montana.
Last Chance Community Pow Wow
Committee hosts an annual celebration to empower and “honor our youth” by preserving our distinct Native American cultural and spiritual traditions. The pow wow and other cultural activities that take place throughout the year instill pride among our local Native population, especially our youth, helping them choose healthy lifestyles.
Lewis & Clark Humane Society
The number of unwanted cats and dogs continues to exceed the number of homes available in our local communities. In 2008 LCHS spayed or neutered more than 750 animals before placement in new homes.
Mai Wah Society
The stories and traditions of Butte's Chinese population are preserved through the Mai Wah Society's cultural events such as the Chinese New Year and exhibits at the museum. An archeology dig across the street from the museum resulted in almost 60,000 pieces that will be professionally displayed in the future.
Mental Health America of Montana (formerly Montana Mental Health Association) – new name
Every Montanan is in some way touched by mental illness; one out of every four is a family member or friend. The MMHA advocates and educates for good mental health in Montana and strives for quality services and social justice for those with mental illness.
Missouri River Dance Company
The Missouri River Dance Company brings quality dance performances and education to north central Montana reaching across artistic and cultural lines to collaborate with other arts groups.
Montana 4-H Foundation
While many organizations concentrate on problems of youth or seek to change their behavior, 4-H embraces positive youth development. Youth are able to identify their interests, set goals and work with positive adult role models and other young people who share their passion and interests. Focusing on the strengths and talents of our youth, 4-H engages them in a structured system of learning, where goals are set and progress is measured. By challenging kids and providing them with the tools and resources they need, they learn, grow and prosper.
Montana Association for the Blind
There are more than 4,000 Montanans who are legally blind and an additional 17,000-plus who are visually impaired. The MAB provides programs that teach and develop skills which allow the visually impaired to live independently, be self-sufficient and give volunteer time to community organizations.
Montana Audubon – new for 09-10
Montana has lost more than 50% of its valuable wetlands and more than one-third of the birds that nest in the state are declining range wide. Accelerating development along Montana’s streams and rivers are damaging water quality, fish & wildlife habitat, and recreational opportunities. Montana Audubon works to ensure that all native wildlife populations are healthy and sustainable, with long-term protection of their natural habitats.
MT Child Care Resource & Referral Network
MCCRRN links parents to available childcare and afterschool programs, helping low-income working families pay for them. Through training the early education and afterschool workforce, MCCRRN builds a quality care and education system and helps makes them accessible to all Montana families.
Montana Food Bank Network
Montana is 12th in the nation for the worst incidence of hunger. Twenty percent of our children live below the poverty line. The MFBN addresses the effects of hunger through foods acquisition for and distribution to local food banks.
Montana Human Rights Network
Hate groups can thrive in communities where bigotry goes unchallenged. The MHRN empowers communities in Montana to mobilize and speak up for human rights across Montana.
Montana Meth Project
Methamphetamine use in Montana is higher than the national average. Approximately 4.5% of Montana high- school aged kids reported lifetime use of Meth. The Montana Meth Project is the largest advertiser in Montana, reaching 70-90 percent of the state's teens at least three times a week with Meth prevention public service messaging. Youth attitudes towards Meth have changed dramatically as the real risks of Meth use become broadly understood.
Montana Preservation Alliance
Montana communities are faced with rampant subdivision and building pressure in the state’s booming west and floundering economies and depopulation in its struggling east. MPA offers common sense solutions and challenge funds to help communities face preservation pressures through its Endangered Places campaign, community outreach and historic publications. MPA assists Montanans working to safeguard heritage places for future generations.
Montana Spay/Neuter Task Force
The Montana Spay/Neuter Task Force teaches respect for life. Its mission is to reverse universal acceptance of killing as a solution to pet overpopulation, using education, low cost spay and neuter, and community involvement.
Montana Wilderness Association
Only 3% of Montana is protected under the Wilderness Preservation System. Through grassroots organizing and Wilderness Walks, MWA encourages citizens to become advocates and activists for protecting crucial habitat for wildlife, clean watersheds and incomparable wildlands.
Montana Wildlife Federation
Through public education campaigns, policy maker engagement, combating legal challenges, and public activism and organizing MWF works to protect wildlife health in Montana by instituting policies that stop the spread of wildlife disease and enhance public outdoor recreation opportunities.
NARAL Pro-Choice Montana Foundation
According to the CDC, one in four female teens has a sexually transmitted disease. In 2006, the teen pregnancy and birth rate increased for the first time since 1991 in Montana. Montana youth need to be provided medically accurate sex education in order to make healthy decisions throughout their lives. NARAL Pro-Choice Montana Foundation works for an educated, alert and active pro-choice citizenry to ensure access to safe, affordable reproductive health care in Montana.
NeighborWorks Montana (Montana Homeownership Network, Inc.) – new for 09-10
Hard-working families with good credit have wages too low and rents too high to be able to save for a down payment on a home. NeighborWorks Montana (formerly known as Montana HomeOwnership Network) provides homebuyer education to help families learn about homeownership and makes down payment loans to help them purchase a home.
Rural Employment Opportunities (REO)
Rural families with seasonal agricultural work or limited income and resources struggle to maintain economic stability. Rural Employment Opportunities helps rural workers and their children with emergency assistance and to access education, employment and job-training activities that lead to year-round employment, improved family income and greater economic security.
Student Assistance Foundation of Montana
For every 100 ninth graders in Montana:
→ 78 will graduate from high school
→ 36 will be lost in the transition from high school to college
→ 26 will drop out of college
→ Only 16 will graduate from college
→ Student Assistance Foundation is working to increase the number of college graduates in Montana, by providing students with the knowledge and tools to finance and pursue postsecondary education.
Vigilante Theatre Company (Vigilante Players, Inc.)
The VTC brings the performing arts to Montana communities of all sizes. More than 80,000 people in communities all across the state are entertained by their live performances each year.
Wildlands CPR
There are more miles of roads in the Forest Service’s Northern Region than the entire US Interstate system. Wildlands CPR informs the public about the damage roads can cause and trains citizens to prevent, close and re-vegetate wild land roads.
United Way Agencies
Many members of our community are uninsured or underinsured and cannot afford necessary prescription drugs. The United Way brought a prescription drug discount card to the Helena area, arranged for pharmacies to accept it, and has been promoting use of the discount card by anyone who is uninsured/underinsured. In the first 7 months since United Way brought the discount card to the Helena community, it has been used more than 4600 times for a savings of more than $61,000!
Non-profit organizations need creative ways to recruit volunteers, and volunteers need easy ways to find volunteer opportunities. The United Way did the initial set-up and has continued to administer VolunteerHelena.org, a website that matches volunteers with opportunities within non-profit organizations in the Helena community. From January through September 2009, 24 agencies received 129 referrals from 93 volunteers through VolunteerHelena.org.
Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Montana women and cervical cancer rates among Montana’s Native American women are 3 to 5 times higher than all other races. The Breast & Cervical Health Program of Lewis & Clark County targets Native American, older, and low income women because they have a variety of unmet needs, making them especially vulnerable to a lack of screening resources. In fiscal year 2008, the Breast & Cervical Health Program served 349 women in the tri-county area, including 271 in Lewis & Clark County
Domestic violence is a leading cause of homelessness for women and is the leading cause of injury for American women aged 15-54. The Friendship Center provides shelter and support for victims of domestic and sexual violence and their children with services available 24 hours per day/7 days per week. In calendar year 2008, the Friendship Center served 1204 victims of domestic violence and provided assistance to 506 children affected by domestic violence.
Victims of domestic violence often have no support system and no one to turn to. The Friendship Center officers a 24-hour crisis line and individual and group counseling. The Friendship Center answered 1,699 crisis calls in 2008 and provided 2,597 in-person counseling sessions.
Elderly, homebound residents may lose their ability to live independently if they do not eat nutritious meals. RMDC’s Home Delivered Meals program helps our community’s elderly, homebound residents maintain their independence by providing them with hot, nutritious meals delivered to their homes. Home Delivered Meals served 40,131 meals to seniors in the tri-county area in fiscal year 2008.
K-12 children in the Helena School District who qualify for free/reduced lunch need assistance with school supplies, a backpack, clothing/shoes and a warm winter coat to help their self-esteem and confidence to begin a new school year. The Angel Fund provides these children proper school clothes, shoes, field trip fees, classroom project supplies, winter clothing and school supplies for children needing assistance. "Stuff the Bus," a partnership between Angel Fund, Good Samaritan and First Student Bus Company coordinates the summer school supply drive for all children in need in the greater Helena area. Last school year, The Angel Fund helped 570 students with clothing, shoes, winter coats, school supplies and many varied required items for school. Angel Fund is projecting 700 students will need assistance for school year 2009-2010.
A college education can stop the cycle of poverty in a family. The Angel Fund awards Montana post-secondary scholarships to graduating seniors at CHS/HHS/PAL that qualify under the Angel Fund guidelines. Last school year, The Angel Fund awarded 7 seniors a $1,000 scholarship to attend a Montana university/college fall 2009. We are changing the world, one child at a time!
In 2006 almost 16% of the children age 5-17 were living in poverty. Overall, Broadwater County had a 2007 estimate of 12% of the population living below the poverty level. This precludes many county residents from obtaining many life necessities and from receiving important services. The Broadwater County Social Services Committee assists with a number of projects to serve residents in need, including the Food Pantry, the Kids Count program and response to requests for assistance from domestic violence and victim’s advocate programs. In the 2008-2009 fiscal year, the Food Pantry served 2,400 people and provided around $70,000 worth of donated and purchased food. Since its inception two years ago, the Kids Count program has provided 43 children with school supplies, winter clothing, and equipment for athletics and academic pursuits, tallying $3775.62 of support to the children of the community.
Some children are born with developmental and medical issues that are apparent at birth. For other children, these issues become apparent as they grow or as parents notice differences. Parents can face incredible financial and emotional costs, stress, and the fear of the unknown - and can quickly become overwhelmed. Family Outreach provides educational and support services to families to help them asses their child's needs and articulate their own priorities in order to develop a plan of action to address their child's needs. At no cost to families, Family Outreach can provide education, support, referrals, assistance in finding resources, connecting to other parents, active listening, training in how to best teach their own child and some level of financial resources. In Fiscal Year 09, Family Outreach served 124 children age 0 to 3 years old in the tri-county area.
Because of low reading skills, an elevated high school dropout rate or little to no English language skills, some of our adult community members have trouble participating within their families, in the workforce and within their community. Literacy is a key indicator of quality of life. The Lewis & Clark Literacy Council provides one-to-one tutoring and mentoring by trained volunteer tutors. Last year the Literacy Council logged more than 2700 hours and served more than 65 people. Some goals attained were: new citizens voted for the first time, obtained a drivers license, were able to read a book to their children, learned English well enough to get a better job, moved on to higher education because of improved reading skills, received a GED or alternative High School diploma, and improved the quality of life within their families.
There are many children in our community that have been identified as being at-risk for drug/alcohol use, early pregnancy, school dropout, suicide, and violent or criminal behavior, and/or generally not likely to reach their full potential. Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) offers 3 different kinds of mentoring programs with the goal of helping at-risk kids reach their full potential through professionally supported, one-to-one mentoring relationships with volunteers. Last year BBBS assisted 95 kids (including those ready to be matched) through the community mentoring program, 214 through the school mentoring program, and 66 through the community partnership mentoring program.
Our community faces many challenges for children such as a lack of positive role models, exposure to drugs, poor test scores and illiteracy, school violence, and sedentary lifestyles. Boy Scouts groups its activities around 6 themes based on research conducted by child development specialists: building character, faith traditions, mentoring, serving others, healthy living, and lifetime learning. Last year the Boy Scouts served more than 500 kids in Helena and East Helena.
Our community has many “working poor” or low income individuals who have exhausted services under other programs but are still in need of services. Career Training Institute (CTI) directs United Way monies into a Helping Hands Fund, a safety net program that allows community members to pursue or maintain their self-sufficiency. In the 2007-2008 program year, CTI assisted 132 individuals and families with a variety of needs including medical and dental care, unexpected shelter expenses, transportation to and from work or school, child care deposits, tuition, text books, and clothing for work.
Children who are under jurisdiction of the district court because of abuse and neglect need someone to advocate on their behalf. CASA-Advocates for Kids provides trained “guardians ad litem” to advocate on behalf of abused and neglected children and to promote their health, safety and welfare. During 2008 every child entering state custody because of abuse and neglect in Lewis and Clark and Broadwater Counties was appointed a volunteer guardian ad item. In 2008 CASA served 125 children in Lewis and Clark and Broadwater Counties.
Expectant parents and young families need help in their decision making and providing the best beginnings for their children. Catholic Social Services provides services such as counseling by a professional social worker, financial assistance, baby clothes and diapers, mentoring services, and parenting education. In 2008 Catholic Social Services provided information to 28 professionals who work with pregnant women, educational materials to 13 young women in the tri-county area, made 5 presentations regarding the pregnancy program to various community and school groups, and increased the amount of baby clothes and diapers available to young parents.
Our community needs a short-term crisis stabilization facility for adults experiencing psychiatric disturbance that cannot be managed at their current level of care. The Center for Mental Health’s Care House provides short term crisis stabilization, resulting in fewer unnecessary hospitalizations at psychiatric units in hospitals. In 2008 the Care House served 128 individuals.
Community members are required to complete parenting classes as part of their parenting plan through the court system, in response to concerns of Child Protective Services or the Lewis & Clark County Health Department, or resulting from referrals from God’s Love or the Friendship Center. Child Care Partnerships (CCP) offers a series of parenting classes and provides child care during the time parents are attending class. In fiscal year 2007-2008, CCP provided classes to 74 parents throughout the tri-county area.
Families seeking child care are often frustrated and know little about the process of seeking out and choosing a quality child care program. Child Care Partnerships (CCP) provides information to parents about licensed child care programs and information about child development, parent and provider relationships, community resources, child care assistance scholarships, tips on interviewing prospective providers, and a schedule of parenting classes. CCP provided 465 child care referrals in 2008.
Children of low-income, at-risk parents need to be cared for in a safe and loving environment while their young parents attend school, participate in volunteer community service, obtain employment, attend mental health therapy, or substance abuse treatment. The United Way helps fund the Child Enrichment Center at the Florence Crittenton Home. In 2008 the Child Enrichment Center served 18 infants and toddlers and 18 young mothers.
Today’s girls face complex issues and sometimes make dangerous decisions that may negatively impact their lives. Girl Scouts builds girls of courage, confidence and character who make the world a better place. During the past year the Girl Scouts served 457 participants in the tri-county area.
Our community has many homeless people. God’s Love Shelter operates a 24/7 emergency shelter for homeless individuals, serving 3 meals per day and offering counseling, showers, and laundry facilities. In 2008 God’s Love provided 9050 nights of lodging to 1060 men and 5815 nights of lodging to single women and their families. Approximately 40,000 meals were served in 2008 along with assistance on prescriptions, transportation, rent, and clothing.
Some community members are at-risk of becoming homeless, having their utilities shut off, or forgoing necessary medical help due to their lack of financial resources. Good Samaritan provides rental assistance, utility/power assistance, gas vouchers, prescription, medical, dental and vision assistance, infant care needs, and home and auto repairs. In fiscal year 2008-08, Good Samaritan provided approximately $189,000 in assistance through direct financial assistance and in-store clothing, furniture, and household items.
Individuals with disabilities and those who are required to complete community service need a safe, supportive and structured environment in which to obtain job skills or complete their service hours. Good Samaritan provides training opportunities through its volunteer/vocational ministry. More than 250 individuals from rehabilitation, community service and pre-release programs utilized the volunteer/vocational ministry in 2008.
Our community has many people who do not have enough food for their families. Helena Food Share offers a monthly grocery program and a daily grocery program and also coordinates distribution of senior commodities, Thanksgiving food boxes, Christmas Community Sharing Food, and Kids Feed N Fun. Last year Helena Food Share distributed almost 12,000 boxes of food intended to feed more than 32,000 individuals.
The Lewis & Clark AIDS Project increases awareness and knowledge about HIV and AIDS and helps relieve suffering through direct service to those affected by the disease. In 2008 the AIDS Project provided direct services to 16 active HIV-positive clients, including 2 children less than 18 years old. The AIDS project also provided prevention education, HIV testing/referrals, and education/prevention information to hundreds of other community members.
Lewis & Clark Search & Rescue responds to requests for assistance in searching for lost or injured individuals and responds to natural disasters or major incidents that require aid to the public. In 2008 Lewis & Clark Search & Rescue responded to water-related calls in areas surrounding Holter, Hauser and Canyon Ferry Lakes and throughout Lewis & Clark County for land-based calls. Search & Rescue members volunteered almost 1100 hours responding to a rafting accident on the Dearborn River.
There are many Montana soldiers deployed on military missions throughout the world who receive little communication and support from “back home”, or who have families back home that need support from the community. Montana Supporting Soldiers boosts the morale of deployed and wounded troops through letters and care packages and support for their families back home in the community. In the past year Montana Supporting Soldiers supported 345 deployed National Guard soldiers and 12 residents at the Willis Cruse House.
Homeless and at-risk veterans need assistance with obtaining good health, meaningful employment and decent, safe, and sanitary housing so they can be transitioned successfully into the mainstream of our community. The Willis Cruse Home provides transitional housing and other services to 12 veterans and a Facility Director. The Willis Cruse Home served 90 veterans in the past year - providing shelter, food, clothing, life skills, and employment.
It is difficult for people with disabilities to participate in social and other activities. PEERS provides opportunities for people with disabilities to experience life in the same way that people without disabilities live it. Regular activities include weekly social club meetings and activities, a self-advocacy group, peer buddy program, and summer camp. In 2008 PEERS provided services to 250 kids with and without disabilities and 290 adults with developmental disabilities.
Individuals with mental illness may have difficulty socially integrating into their communities. Compeer Helena matches volunteer mentors with seriously mentally ill community members in one-on-one relationships with the goal of helping them improve their quality of life through the power and gift of friendship. In 2008, its first year in existence in Helena, Compeer created 12 successful matches.
Children (and their families) need a supportive and safe learning environment. United Way funds have been used to pay for mental health screenings for children enrolled in Head Start, to purchase supplies for Head Start’s musical program, and to increase the nutritionist’s hours with the goal of decreasing obesity in Head Start children. During the program year that ended in May 2008, Head Start served 274 children from 253 families.
Montana Youth Homes serves kids age 12-17 that are runaways, homeless or referred through the Department of Family Services and Youth Court. The residential program provided 1840 safe nights of stay to youth in need between July 2008 and February 2009 and provided 4389 meals in 2008.
Our community needs volunteers! The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) provides volunteer job opportunities for individuals 55 years and older, making it possible for them to share their knowledge, talents and experience while addressing critical community needs. During the 2007-2008 program year, 455 RSVP volunteers provided over 61,141 hours of service to nonprofit agencies providing public services to citizens in Lewis & Clark, Broadwater and Jefferson Counties.
The Salvation Army uses United Way funding to provide assistance to low income individuals with gas vouchers, end of month meals, prescriptions, medical bills, rent, temporary housing, closing, transportation and auto repairs. Because of United Way funding and other donations during the past year, the Salvation Army was able to provide more than $125,000 in rent assistance to keep hundreds of families from becoming homeless and $70,000 in utility assistance to keep families warm.
Our community needs an academic and cultural bridge to meet the needs of Indian children in an urban environment. Wakina MulitCultural Education Center uses United Way funding to provide services for cultural activities, field trips, craft materials and supplies, and an after-school snack program. Wakina Board and staff continue to work closely with the Helena School District to provide guidance and support as Indian Education Specialists. In the past year Wakina MultiCultural Education Center provided services to 25 students in the after school program, resulting in improved reading proficiency for each student.
People with developmental disabilities need life skills training to help them achieve independence and reach their fullest potential. In addition to providing vocational assistance and employment services, WestMont provides life skills training such as money management, meal planning and cooking, shopping, basic household maintenance, medication, and social and community activities. In the past year WestMont served more than 100 individuals with developmental disabilities.
By participating in a variety of activities, kids build their self-esteem and enrich their spirit, mind, and body. However, these activities may not be available to kids from families with limited financial resources. YMCA uses United Way funding to provide after-school activities for middle school students and “scholarships” to lower income kids so they can participate in a variety of activities. In 2008 the YMCA provided scholarships to more than 75 middle school students and offered a variety of activities to middle school students including aquatics, camping, sports, fitness classes, and teen programs.
