May 2020
UWYC Wednesday Wins
The United Way of Yellowstone County is excited to welcome our interim President and CEO, Maurine Dyer Stevens.  

Maurine is a Montana native with a passion for the work of United Way. Maurine graduated from Rocky Mountain College and served as CEO of the United Way of Cascade County in Great Falls and the United Way of Lane County in Eugene, Oregon. She served as President of both the Montana and Oregon United Way Executives Associations. 

Maurine has held a number of other President and CEO positions with nonprofit organizations including the California Rehabilitation Association and the Society of Animal Welfare Administrators in Arizona. Maurine has also served as interim CEO for organizations including Professionals in Human Resources Association in El Segundo, CA and PetSmart Charities, Inc in Phoenix, AZ. Most recently, Maurine was the Interim Chief Executive Officer for the United Way of Graham & Greenlee Counties in Safford, AZ where she was responsible for organizational planning and development, vision and strategic direction, operational oversight, community outreach and partnering with the Board of Directors to recruit and hire their first CEO.  

We feel fortunate to have Maurine and her many talents assisting the United Way of Yellowstone County during this interim period. With her passion for and strong support of the important work we do, we look forward to her strong leadership carrying the momentum forward during this interim period. Welcome back to Montana, Maurine! 

“I’m excited to join the awesome UWYC staff and community volunteers working to build capacity in Yellowstone County. As a native of Montana (Glendive), it’s my privilege to help guide such a great organization. The UWYC positively impacts so many lives, and I look forward to being part of this talented team.” 
After 13 dedicated years with the United Way of Yellowstone County, Kristin Lundgren has resigned her position as Director of Impact effective Friday, May 8th. 

Kristin's contributions to this organization and our community are immense. Her passion for the work and her ability to engage leaders from many sectors of our community and state has resulted in lasting and impactful work that has truly changed lives. Kristin is leaving a lasting legacy, and we are truly grateful for her years with the organization. 

We wish Kristin the very best in her future endeavors.   
Our Staff is Here to Help
Although our office remains closed, our staff is still hard at work ensuring our community's needs are met. Please reach out to us with any of your questions or concerns.
Amity Burkhardt
Education Impact Coordinator

Success Mentors
Bright By Text
Brenda Ludwig
211 Manager

Community Resources
Chris Mackey
Engagement Associate

Community Disaster Resources and volunteer opportunities
Dean Wells
Impact Analyst

Grantee Communication
Kat MacLeod
Chief Financial Officer

CARE Academy Registration and Payments
Lisa McDaniel
Communications and Campaign Coordinator

Marketing and Fundraising
Mark Lambot
Director of CARE Academy

CARE Academy Staff and Summer CARE management
Pam Sanderson
Volunteer Center Director

Community volunteer response
COVID-19 Community Response Grantees
Congratulations to these organizations on receiving Covid-19 Community Response Grants. Thank you for continue to provide your much-needed services during this time of crisis. We appreciate you!
Round 1
Round 2
The Salvation Army

YWCA Billings

Tumbleweed

Angela's Piazza: Women's Drop-In Center

Big Sky Senior Services

Boys & Girls Club of The Northern Cheyenne Nation

Friendship House of Christian Service

Montana Rescue Mission
Family Service, Inc.

St. Vincent de Paul

Billings Family YMCA

Alternatives, Inc.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Yellowstone County

Gratitude in Action
Round 3
Crow Tribe of Indians

Montana Rescue Mission

Boys and Girls Club of Yellowstone County

CASA of Yellowstone County
Thanks to the generosity of our community, a great amount of funding remains available. Please encourage your favorite local nonprofit to apply. Nonprofits can apply for and receive funds every 2 weeks!
Big Wins!
Bright by Text
We have had 96 sign ups for Bright By Text across Montana since the beginning of March, 22 of those have been in Yellowstone County! Bright By Text is more important than ever before as parents are receiving free, developmentally appropriate, support sent directly to their cell phone while in quarantine with their kids.
Success Mentors
In typical times, the relationship between a Success Mentor and their student is for goal setting and problem solving through visits with the student at school.

In partnership with Billings Public Schools, we’ve been able to get a process approved for mentors to connect at home. Mentors have been able to make connection with 51% of students they mentor to encourage them to do their school work and continue to set some goals!

Thanks to all of our volunteer mentors that have set up a time with parents to reach out the student, you are really going above and beyond. It takes a lot more energy to incorporate a new routine into our lives right now, and we are really impressed with the efforts of mentors to prioritize their students among their family and work responsibilities.

You are amazing volunteers in our community!  
Stay Connected While Apart
Here are some ideas to brighten our days!

  1. Write an encouraging note to a neighbor in isolation
  2. Draw an uplifting message in chalk on your sidewalk
  3. Hang paper hearts in your windows to show your support of front line workers
  4. Call a friend or family member to see how they are doing

Although we cannot connect with those we love in ways we are used to, it is important to show we still care.
We remain dedicated to providing quality volunteer experiences in Yellowstone County. Please continue to use YouCanVolunteer.org for ideas on how to safely volunteer your time in the midst of COVID-19.

If you would like your organization's opportunities listed, contact Chris:
United Way of Yellowstone County
406.252.3839
2173 Overland Ave, Billings, MT 59102
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