Community News

If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a few thousand times…Bozeman is undeniably a fabulous place to live, work, and visit.  It is easy to pick out tangible qualities such as gorgeous scenery, the availability of year-round outdoor pursuits, the university, culture, and shopping.  But what about the intangible attributes that transform an ordinary town into an extraordinary community?  One of the top indicators that come to my mind is the number and quality of nonprofit organizations that bring essential services to Bozeman and the surrounding area.  Their missions are as varied as the causes and populations they serve.     

According to the 2010 Montana Nonprofit Sector Report, published by the Montana Nonprofit Association (MNA), there were 2,043 Reporting Charitable Nonprofits in Montana, defined as those filing IRS 990 forms.  Of these, Gallatin County accounted for 235 of the organizations while Park County added another 49.  Statewide, 37% of the nonprofits are related to arts, culture, and humanities, followed by 13% affiliated with education, while both health care/ mental health and community improvement weighed in with 12% each.  Updated information that will be included in the 2011 Sector Report states that Montana Nonprofits provide work for 43,663 total employees and $1.5 billion in wages.  For Gallatin County, the report indicates there are 3,347 paid employees working for nonprofit organizations (comprising 8% of county employees) earning an average annual wage of $34,746. This brings the total wage impact in the county to $116,296,760.  Therefore, more than just providing a valuable service, nonprofits create jobs for those who are employed in the industry and give an opportunity for community members to engage via volunteering.   

This month I will take a look primarily at some examples of health and human services, recognizing that this is by no means an all-inclusive view, just a brief glimpse.

Amazing changes have taken place at Bozeman Deaconess Hospital since it was purchased and renamed by the community and the Methodist Church for $20,000 in 1911.  It was originally known as the Bozeman Sanitarium, established in the 1880s.  By the way, the term "deaconess" was a woman who dedicated her life to service.  The deaconesses cared for patients, cleaned the hospital, and typically received a small stipend plus room and board.  For a full account please view www.bozemandeaconess.org/history.  Bozeman Deaconess Foundation began in 1998 with the mission to “support Bozeman Deaconess Hospital by promoting community participation and financial support of activities to improve community health and quality of life.”   The newest example is the successful $9 million campaign for the Emergency Department’s renovation and expansion, scheduled to open in January 2013.

Eagle Mount, founded by Gen. Bob and Greta Mathis, just celebrated its 30th anniversary and provides “quality therapeutic recreational opportunities for people with disabilities and young people with cancer.”  It was noted by NBC’s TODAY show in 2010 as one of five small charities that make a big difference. 

Cancer Support Community Montana, located at 102 South 11th in Bozeman, bears the mission to “ensure that all people impacted by cancer are empowered by knowledge, strengthened by action, and sustained by community."  It provides support groups, networking, exercise activities, stress management, and education to people with cancer and their loved ones, all free of charge.  

The mission of Thrive is “to encourage healthy family development through community awareness, parent education, and support to children and families”.  It encompasses five programs – Parent Place, Partnership Project, Parent Liaisons, Child Advancement Project (CAP), and Girls for a Change. 

HAVEN has been “dedicated to providing quality service and advocacy for all domestic violence survivors in need” for 33 years.  During the 2010-2011 year, 790 clients were served by HAVEN’s services including shelter, legal advocacy, crisis intervention, and support groups.

Family Promise of Gallatin Valley “works with homeless families to tailor individualized plans to help them take the necessary steps toward lasting independence”.   Since its inception in 2006, the organization has provided shelter through a network of local area churches. 

Gallatin County Love INC is a faith-based organization that networks participating churches to meet the needs of county residents who desire help with anything from sidewalk snow shoveling to minor home repairs.

Community Closet Thrift Store serves Park County by selling donated clothing and household items via the store and then redistributing the profits and even store merchandise to various other nonprofits throughout the Livingston area. 

Greater Gallatin United Way serves Gallatin, Madison, Meagher, and Park Counties.  Thanks to a generous and innovative operations endowment, our local United Ways is incredibly efficient in returning $0.99 of every $1.00 donated back to supporting the goal that "stronger communities begin with stronger children." 

The Gallatin Valley Food Bank’s mission is “to improve food security throughout the Gallatin Valley” with emergency food assistance.  Livingston Food Pantry of Park County fills the same role over the hill.  Big Sky is launching the Big Sky Community Food Bank to help those in need forego the trip to Bozeman to receive assistance.

And, let’s not forget compassion for our four-legged friends. The Heart of the Valley Animal Shelter serves Gallatin and Madison valleys. It cares for over 2,500 cats and dogs annually, does not euthanize, and both reunites pets with owners as well as finds new homes. The Stafford Animal Shelter offers similar services for Park County and is funded almost entirely by small local donations.

Especially this time of year, our heartstrings are tugged frequently to give a little extra to those who are less fortunate. So when each of us makes a decision to “round up” at the cash register to make a donation, add some money to a kettle or angel tree, drop off nonperishable food for the local food bank, or write a check to our favorite cause, it all assists in keeping Bozeman a viable, giving, and helpful community that we call our own.