UNITED WAY CONTINUES LONG STANDING TRADITION OF INVESTING IN EFFECTIVE NONPROFITS

On the morning on Monday, July 17 Board members, Partner Grant Review Committee members, and employees representing United Way of Yellowstone County (UWYC) announced its 2023 Partner Grant Agencies.

25 agencies applied for $790,603 (4 in School Readiness, 8 in School Success, 11 in Crisis Stabilization, and 2 in Senior Independence.) With the help of the Partner Grant Review Committee (consisting of 22 volunteers), 13 agencies were selected to received $225,000 for this grant year.

To be nimble and responsive to community need, UWYC transitioned from multi-year grants to annual grants. Grants were awarded to organizations and programs that address United Way’s initiatives that directly impact education, prevention, and stabilization efforts for high-risk and vulnerable populations in Yellowstone County.

“We are proud to partner with organizations focusing on improving our community and supporting programs for some of our most vulnerable populations ensures better health, better care and better communities,” said Kim Lewis, President/CEO.

School Readiness (2 grants, $20,000)

• Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch Foundation, $10,000, Expansion funding: This program provides wrap-around services, which includes emergency funds, warm hand-offs, and evaluation of youth with Serious Emotional Disturbance.

• Young Families Early Head Start*, $10,000, Continuation funding: This program provides infant and toddler education and family services to low-income families including teens and those in the foster care system.

School Success (4 grants, $82,000)

• Boys & Girls Clubs of Yellowstone County*, $22,000, Continuation and Expansion funding: This project supports youth and teens at the Lockwood Clubhouse.

• Education Foundation for Billings Public Schools, $10,000, Continuation funding: Reading Rocks program supports summer reading at traditional park sites, as well as the continuation of an evening Reading Rocks program.

• Friends of the Children Eastern Montana, $22,000, New Program: This program provides long-term mentorship, including academics, social-emotional growth, and community services to children from Orchard Elementary and Lockwood Primary.

• Tumbleweed Runaway Program*, $28,000, Continuation funding: This program provides crisis counselors at SD2 high schools to help homeless, runaway, and at-risk youth stabilize in a safe environment and graduate.

Crisis Stabilization (5 grants, $103,000)

• CASA of Yellowstone County*, $28,000, Continuation Funding: This program serves children in the foster care system with a volunteer advocate.

• Education Foundation for Billings Public Schools, $28,000, Continuation Funding: This program provides food to low-income students and families in need via Backpack Meals/School Pantries.

• Family Service*, $27,000, Continuation Funding: This program provides emergency assistance to clients with an eviction or shut-off notice to keep them sheltered and the utilities on.

• Veterans Navigation Network, $10,000, Expansion Funding: This program expands referral services for "Counseling Before Crisis."

• YWCA*, $10,000, Continuation funding: This Emergency and Transitional Services program provides immediate, safe shelter for people experiencing domestic abuse.

Senior Independence (2 grants, $20,000)

• Big Sky Senior Services*, $10,000, Continuation funding: The Senior Helping Hands and Prevention of Elder Abuse program comes alongside seniors to support them in remaining in their homes and help them connect to services that will help them remain independent.

• Billings Family YMCA Inc., $10,000, Expansion funding: This program addresses the need to help seniors and others who are dealing with health issues to have a better quality of life (i.e., relieve chronic pain, live independently, and reduce risk of falling).