Community Service Resources
Catholic Social Teaching
Catholic Social Services
Contact Name: Rosemary Miller
Title: Executive Director
Number: (406) 442-4130
Email: rosemary@cssmt.org
Based on our commitment to Catholic social teaching, Catholic Social Services of Montana provides for works of advocacy, compassion, pastoral outreach, education and social justice.
Montana Catholic Conference
Contact Name: Jean Faye
Title: Executive Assistant
Number: (406) 442-5761
Email: Jean@montanacc.org
Public policy arm of the Catholic church that works for both bishops. The Montana Catholic Conference: advocates for the poor, works for the common good, and works to do what is right.
Children and Youth
Big Brothers/ Big Sisters
Contact Name: Mike Buchanan
Title: Program Director
Number: (406) 442-7479
Email: mike@bbbs-helena.org
The Big Brothers Big Sisters Mission is to help children reach their potential through professionally supported, one-on-one relationships. Volunteers can work as school-based mentors committing one hour per week or as community-based mentors committing at least two hours a week outside of the school environment. A background check is required and is covered by the organization.
Boy Scouts
Contact Name: Jeff Patten
Title: District Chairman
Number: (406) 449-6947 cell/office
Email: jeff.patten@dot.gov
The Boy Scouts of America is dedicated to preparing young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law. A background check is required and covered by the organization.
Child Care Partnerships
Contact Name: Sheila Mevis
Title: Assistant Director
Number: (406) 443-4608
Provides information, education, and assistance to persons in the community who have children or impact the lives of children. A background check is required.
Exploration Works
Contact Name: Sara Feilzer
Title: Education & Outreach Director
Number: (406) 457-1800 ext.2
Email: saraf@explorationworks.org
ExplorationWorks is a museum of science and culture that invites all people to active experiences that inspire inquiry, increase understanding and stimulate the desire for lifelong learning.
Girls Scouts
Contact Name: Polly Patten
Title: Lead Coordinator
Number: (406) 449-6947
Email: blaackraam@gmail.com
Mission Statement: Building girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place.
Every person that volunteers with Girl Scouts will need to become a registered adult. The cost to do so is $15.00 and will cover the registered adult until September 31.
Goal with Carroll: To get Girl Scouts into the schools and are have a club time, or a lunch program. We need volunteers to run these condensed troops.
RMDC- Rocky Mountain Preschool Center
Contact Name: Hannah Danzer
Title: Program Manager
Number: (406) 447-1627
Email: hdanzer@rmdc.net
A licensed child care center that serves 50 children in two classrooms. Children range from ages 2-5 and pre-school is conducted in the mornings. A background check is required and covered by the organization. An immunization record as well as current tetanus and MMR vaccinations are also required.
Youth Homes
Contact Name: Renee Boundy
Title: Program Coordinator
Number: (406) 449-3038
Email: rboundy@youthhomesmt.org
Enhancing the quality of life by expanding opportunities for our youth in a secure, family environment while empowering, encouraging and supporting our youth in change. A background check is required and covered by the organization.
Rural Dynamics
Contact Name: Jennifer Lehman
Title: Director of Outreach and Resource Development
Number: (406) 443-1774
Email: jenniferl@ruraldynamics.org
Provides programs and develops partnerships to help youth, individuals, and families achieve economic independence.
Disabilities
PEERS
Contact Name: Paul Kindt
Title: Director
Number: (406) 439-5487
Email: pakindt@bresnan.net
Facebook: peersunlimited
(Partners Ensuring Equal Rights & Support) PEERS provides opportunities for people with disabilities to experience life in the same way that people without disabilities live it.
Education
The Angel Fund
Contact Name: Marcia K. Wall
Title: President
Number: (406) 439-1672 cell
Email: mmwall@linctel.net
The Angel Fund is a non-profit 501c3 that purchases school clothing, shoes, backpacks, school supplies, provides field trip fees and materials for classroom projects for students that qualify for free/reduced lunch in the Helena School District. We also award deserving seniors (graduates of CHS, HHS and PAL) post-secondary scholarships to attend an MT college/university each fall based on financial need, academic success and a commitment to give back to their community in the future.
The Angel Fund’s philosophy “Pay it forward” instills generosity and community. We strive each school year to give children hope and help build their self-esteem so that some day they too will give back to their community ~ the kindness that has been shown to them will be passed on to others.
Lewis and Clark Literacy Council
Contact: Peggy Benkelman
Title: Director
Number: (406) 324-2111
Email: pbenkelman@helena.k12.mt.us
The Lewis & Clark Literacy Council (L&CLC) helps adults and their families acquire the reading, writing, English language, workforce and life skills so that they may have an improved quality of life.
RMDC- Head Start Program
Contact: Signe Ask
Title: Volunteer Coordinator
Number: (406) 457-7371
Email: sask@rmdc.net
To be a positive influence for change by providing a supportive and safe learning environment for children and families. The entire staff is dedicated to giving families an opportunity to enhance their feelings of belonging, self-worth, and respect, and to help them reach their highest potential.
Montana Talking Book Library
Contact Name: Erin Harris
Title: Coordinator of Volunteer Service
Number: (406) 444-2064
Email: eharris@mt.gov
The Montana Talking Book Library (MTBL) employs six staff and depends on a large group of volunteers to assist in providing excellent specialized library and customer services to over 3,500 residents throughout Montana who cannot read standard print due to documented blindness, low vision, a physical and/or reading disability.
To Qualify for services requires a certified application for individuals and institutions. Digital audio and braille books, magazines and newspapers are provided “free” on loan to patrons. Materials are provided from an in-house physical collection of over 70,000 titles (mailed “free matter” by USPS Monday through Friday), an online downloadable collection of over 27,000 titles on the BARD (Braille and Audio Reading Download) website, to a phone menu-driven newspaper service. Specialized players are provided free on loan to patrons.
Serving Others: A multitude of volunteer opportunities are available to match a volunteer’s schedule, skills and enjoyment. From inspecting audio books and containers to recording, monitoring, reviewing and digitally marking up locally recorded Montana books, our service revolves around the dedication and talents of many volunteers. Training is provided for all volunteer positions.
The Smith Elementary after School Writing Club
Contact Name: Jilyn Oliveira
Title: Principal
Number: (406) 324-1522
Email: joliveira@helena.k12.mt.us
The After School Writing Club is for any 2nd-5th grade student who wants writing enrichment. Our club meets once a week, and we are in the process of determining a day to meet for this school year! Background check is required.
Employment
Career Training Institute
Contact Name: Lisa Newman
Title: Program Manager
Number: (406) 443-0800 ext. 130
Email: lnewman@ctibrc.org
Provides services, resources and opportunities for job training, employment and enterprise development; promote the economic well-being of individuals, families, and businesses.
Environment
Benton Avenue Cemetery Association
Contact Name: Tom Pearson
Number: (406) 458-5731
Email: twpearson@live.com
"Our mission is to preserve, maintain, and enhance in perpetuity the historic integrity and sanctity of Benton Avenue Cemetery, to provide for the respect and dignity of Lewis and Clark County's early pioneers, descendants and friends. The Association meets on the third Tuesday of every month at 7 pm, usually at the library, and we welcome all to join our group. We have repaired many damaged and vandalized grave markers, and this work continues. We maintain the grounds in keeping with a pioneer cemetery. We have installed a drip system, and have planted trees along the original wagon road. We have established an endowment which, when fully funded, will assure a permanent source of income for the cemetery. To raise funds, we have held "Tales from Underground," a series of skits featuring re-enactments of some of the cemetery's inhabitants." (taken from their description on volunteerhelena.org)
Helena Community Gardens
Contact Name: Jackie Heinert
Title: HCG Coordinator
Number: (406) 438-6049
Email: helenacommunitygardens@gmail.com
Helena Community Gardens builds gardens, provides the tools and knowledge to grow food, and increases access to healthy and affordable food.
Montana Conservation Corps
Contact Name: Krystle Gawel-Kulesa
Number: (406) 495-9214
Email: krystele@mtcorps.org
Montana Conservation Core is a youth driven conservation organization that engages young people in conservation efforts and the environment.
Montana Wilderness Association
Contact Name: Amanda Hagerty
Number: (406) 443-7350 x108
Email: ahagerty@wildmontana.org
The mission of the Montana Wilderness Association is to work with communities to protect Montana's wilderness heritage, quiet beauty, and outdoor traditions, now and for future generations.
Prickly Pear Land Trust
Contact Name: Lanie White
Title: Development Associate
Number: (406) 442-0490
Email: lanie@pricklypearlt.org
Spring Meadows
Contact Name: Craig Putchat
Title: Park Supervisor
Number: (406) 495-3270
Families
Family Promise of Greater Helena
Contact Name: Nick Zullo
Title: Executive Director
Number: (406) 465-9467
Email: director@familypromisehelena.org
Family Promise comes alongside families who find themselves homeless to provide the support and resources necessary for them to regain sustainable independence.
Health and Wellness
YMCA
Contact Name: Teri Wright
Title: Assistant Executive Director
Number: (406) 442-9622
Email: teri.wright@helenaymca.org
Dedicated to building self-esteem and enriching spirit, mind, and body for persons of all ages and economic levels through educational and recreational activities.
Ill and Homebound
Splashes of Joy
Contact Name: Jim McKay
Title: Executive Director
Number: (406) 459-5652
Email: info@joysplashers.org
“A Montana-based, nonprofit organization that provides gifts and services to ill or homebound people. We help rekindle their internal joy that may have been temporarily lost in the maze of illness or age.”
Background check and one hour volunteer training required. Background check fee is covered by organization.
Medical
St. Peter's Hospice Care
Contact Name: Lynne Grant
Title: Volunteer Coordinator
Number: (406) 444-2244
Email: lgrant@stpetes.org
If not already certified, must take Hospice Spring training course: 20 hours.
St. Peter's Hospital: General Volunteer
Contact Name: Peggy Stebbins
Number: (406) 444-2135
Email: pstebbins@stpetes.org
Must be 18 , background check is required and background fee is covered by the organization. Volunteers must commit to one year of volunteering, along with a required 5-hour orientation.
Mental Health
Center for Mental Health
Contact Name: Michelle Cuddy
Number: (406)443-7151
Email: MICHELLEC@center4mh.org
Partners with people and communities to produce exceptional mental health and substance abuse services.
Peace and Justice
Salvation Army
Contact Name: Lieutenant Rob and Captain Tiffany Lawler
Title: Lieutenant and Captain
Number: 406-442-8244
Email: rob.lawler@usw.salvationarmy.org or tiffany.lawler@usw.salvationarmy.org
Our mission is to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the whole world and to meet human needs without discrimination.
Poverty and Homelessness
God’s Love Shelter
Contact Name: Dave Miller
Title: Director
Number: (406) 442-7000 ext. 3
Email: Dwmiller987@gmail.com
God’ Love provides 24/7 emergency shelter for homeless individuals, serves three meals per day, and offers counseling, showers and laundry facilities. Normal service hours are between 8am-6pm.
Good Samaritan Thrift Store
Contact Name: Clare Smillie
Title: Volunteer Coordinator
Phone: (406)442- 0780 ext.101
Email: clare@goodsamministries.org
Additional Contact Name: Clare Smilie
Title: Assistant Coordinator
Number: (406) 442-0780 ext. 102
Email: clare@goodsamministries.org
Good Samaritan Ministries, motivated by Catholic social teaching, works in our community to advance family life, human dignity and the common good. We provide services to meet the physical, social, emotional and spiritual needs of individuals and families of all faiths, especially those most in need.
Helena Food Share
Contact Name: Jami Kirksey
Number: (406) 443-3663 ext. 106
Email: JamiK@helenafoodshare.org
Vision: Helena Food Share envisions a Hunger Free Community. Mission: Helena Food Share serves our neighbors in need by providing food in a respectful and dignified way and by working with others to eliminate hunger in the greater Helena area. *To set up a meeting or to find out more information on volunteering visit the Lewis Street Pantry at 1616 Lewis Street between 8am-10am any weekday but Wednesday.
Pregnancy and Parenting
Florence Crittenton's Home and Services for Pregnant and Parenting Teens
Contact Name: Emily Roehm
Title: Client Services Coordinator
Number: (406) 442-6950 ext. 215
E-mail: emilyr@florencecrittenton.org
Florence Crittenton’s Home and Services for Pregnant & Parenting Teens is a therapeutic residential program for young women and their children where lives are transformed. Home-site volunteers must be 21. On-site volunteers can be under 21. A background check is required.
Options Women's Clinic
Contact Name: Jolene Dobyns
Title: Patient Services Director
Number: (406) 422-1011
Email: jolene@optionswomensclinic.org
Options exists to be a resource for women and men with pregnancy related needs.
Search and Rescue
L&C Search and Rescue
Contact Name: Alan Hughes
Title: Sergeant
Number: (406) 447-8293
Email: ahughes@lccountymt.gov
By means of search, rescue, recovery and public education, save human life, prevent injuries to persons, aid in the preservation of public and private property.
Senior Citizens
RMDC- Helena Senior Center
Contact Name: Colleen Phillips
Title: Program Activities Coordinator
Number: (406) 442-1236
Email: cphillips@rmdc.net
Senior Centers provide seniors a way to get out, participate in social and educational activities, eat a hot balanced meal—and in doing so, improve their health and outlook on the world.
Eagles Manor Assisted Living
Contact Name: Bobby Sue Carothers
Title: Portfolio Manager
Number: (406) 442-0610
Email: bcarothers@rmdc.net
A facility that houses the elderly and disabled that offers meals and lots of activities. It is overall a great place to be!
Touchmark Assisted Living
Contact Name: Nanette Whitman-Holmes
Title: Activities Director
Number: (406) 449-4900
Email: NWH@touchmark.com
Touchmark on Saddle Drive offers the city of Helena an exclusive resort-style retirement community, with a solid reputation for catering to the needs and aspirations of active, involved adults 55-plus. Touchmark recognizes that today's adults want to remain productive and engaged in life, to remain physically and mentally active. That's why we have a robust Life Enrichment/Wellness program offering a virtual buffet of resources, activities, and events.
Background check required for long term volunteers. Drug testing, tb shot and HIPPA training is also required and covered by the organization.
Hunter’s Pointe Retirement Community
Contact Name: Elaine Elbert
Title: Enrichment Coordinator
Number: (406) 443-4222
Email: elaine.elbert@holidaytouch.com
Hunter's Pointe is a senior retirement community that hosts lively and active residents! If you choose to volunteer here there is a job for any and everyone! Some possible volunteer activities could include decorating the community, interviewing residents, running games like jeopardy, cross word puzzles, wii, and wheel of fortune. If you have a special talent or are interested in speaking on a current class your taking or on your future career path the residents love to learn, listen, and connect in this way as well. Whatever you choose to do training will be provided and your kindness and time will be much appreciated!
Veterans
Montana Supporting Soldiers
Contact Name: Liann Meyer
Title: President
Number: (406) 431-7699
Email: msstroops@gmail.com
Boosts the morale of deployed and wounded troops through letters and care packages, and support for their families back home in the community.
Montana Veteran’s Foundation
Contact Name: Sam Franklin
Title: Case Manager
Number: (406) 449-7666
Email: samf@mtvf.org
Assists homeless veterans, or veterans at risk of homelessness, to improve their quality of life. Provides comprehensive support, which enables veterans to achieve greater self sufficiency and self-determination.
Helena VA
Contact Name: Kerry Richmond
Title: Program Support Assistant
Number: (406) 447-7407
Email: kerry.richmond@va.gov
Women's Concerns/ Issues
Friendship Center
Contact Name: Abbie Shermack
Title: Outreach Coordinator
Number: (406) 442-6800
Email: abbie.c@thefriendshipcenter.org
The Friendship Center is the only shelter in Lewis and Clark, Jefferson, Broadwater, Meagher, and Powell Counties that provides a safe haven and a broad range of support services at no charge for anyone who as suffered domestic violence and sexual abuse.
Rachel's Hope
Contact Name: Rosemary Miller
Title: Executive Director
Number: (406) 442-4130
Email: rosemary@cssmt.org
A ministry offered through Catholic Social Services of Montana that works to counsel and aid anyone who is seeking post-abortion healing. This program also offers a Rachel’s vineyard retreat.
YWCA
Contact Name: Ki-Ai McBride
Title: Community Engagement Coordinator
Number: (406) 442-8774
Email: ki-ai@ywcahelena.org
The YWCA of Helena is a non-profit organization providing transitional housing and supportive services for homeless women and their children. The YWCA of Helena has been a resource for the greater community since it was established in 1911. The YWCA also runs a placeer pantry that provides items such as laundry soap and toiletries for those who need them.