Exchange, America's Service Club, is a group of men and women working together to make our communities better places to live
through programs of service in Americanism, Community Service, Youth Activities, and its national project, the Prevention of Child Abuse.
With this in mind we continually give to important organizations within the community.
November 15, 2018 - Cohesion Dance Project
Our guests today was Tanya Call from Cohesion Dance Project. She talked about the event on the 24th and 25th, Nutcracker on
the Rocks. This program involves individuals from age 7 to 77. They are also doing a matinee performance on Monday the 26th for some of the
schools. The club donated $1,500 toward the school performance. Check out their website for more information
www.cohesiondance.org.
November 1, 2018 - Montana Shakespeare in the Parks
Our Guest was Mike Wainwright, the Development Director, from Shakespeare in the Parks. He gave us an overview of the program then discussed
the Shakespeare in the Schools program. They cover 53 middle and high schools. They also do a Shakes program for 62 elementary schools. The middle
and high programs have performances next week if you would like to attend. They will be at HHS on the 7th, CHS on the 8th and East Valley Middle
School on the 9th. The Board approved a $500 Grant for the school program. To get more information go to
Montana Shakespeare in the Parks.
October 4, 2018 - Kay McKenna Youth Foundation
Our guest today was Rick Schlenker from Kay McKenna Youth Foundation. Rick mentioned that the foundation has been in existence
for 21 years and have 7-10 members. Their main focus in the summer program for kids ages 6-13, M-F from 9-3 p.m. They provide food and activities
free of charge for the Helena area kids. They served appx. 3,600 kids this past summer. This program receives help from the community,
Helena School Dist. and the City Parks Dept. If interested in joining their board or learning more about their program go to their website
at http://kayskidsmt.org/.
September 20, 2018 - Montana Supporting Military
Our guest today was Linda and Liann from Montana Supporting Military. Liann started the organization in 2003 to assist troops
with care packages including treats, necessities, cards and games. Troops can contact Montana Supporting Military via their website -
https://mtsupportingmilitary.org/. Exchange Club President Sheridan Jones presented
Linda and Liann with a $1,000 grant check.
August 23, 2018 - Big Brothers and Big Sisters
Our guest today was Colleen Brady of Big Brothers and Big Sisters (BBBS). Colleen thanked the community for all of their support
during the budget cuts earlier in the year. Colleen noted they reduced their staff from 9 down to 5.5, cut school based programs. Their Board is focusing
on what BBBS does so well which is the community based programs. Colleen mentioned that they are in need of males for the Big program- if interested
go to their website.
BBBS has their 3rd annual Helena Chilly Open at GMCC on October 27, 2018, this is a
fun fundraiser – bring out your brooms, golf clubs, tennis rackets anything you think you can hit a golf ball with. Their Bowl For Kid’s sake is January
25-27, 2019, start rounding up your team. See their website for more information on both events.
August 16, 2018 - The Placer Pantry
Melissa Domme from the Soroptimist's and Terry Kockler, President of the GFWC (General Federation of Women’s Club) were our guests.
The Club presented them with a check for $500 for "The Placer Pantry". The pantry is now located in the Good Samaritan Thrift Store at 3067 N. Montana
Ave. They are having a collection drive in front of Walmart Saturday the 25th as well as drop off location at Opportunity Bank. The pantry provides full
size personal hygiene items for those in need. For more information contact Terry at tgkockler@gmail.com or go to their website
Placer Pantry.
August 9, 2018 - Angel Fund
Our guest today was Janet Riis, a board member of the Angel Fund. Janet informed us of the great things the Angel Fund does for our area
school kids and families. The "Stuff the Bus" campaign is going on now, please donate school supplies if you can. There are many churches and business’ that
are collecting school supplies. Angel Fund also offers scholarships to area students. Upcoming events August 14th at L&C Tap room and on the 26th at Ten Mile
brewery are to charitable events for the Angel Fund. Check out their website at Angel Fund.
August 2, 2018 - Merlin CCC
Our guest was Marisa Diaz-Waian of Merlin CCC. The focus of their organization is to enrich lives in our communities with philosophy.
They provide free activities with creative thinking. They have a Halloween theme in October that gets the kids thinking. The club presented Marisa with
a check for $500. Check out their website at Merlin CCC.
June 7, 2018 - Breathe Project
Jamie from the Breathe Project was our guest today. Jamie and her small team of 3 provide information on suicide prevention.
They work with other organizations in town to make sure an individual gets the resources and counseling they need. All expenses are currently
paid out of their own pocket or whatever donations they receive. For more information check out their website at
Breathe Project.
May 24, 2018 - Intermountain
Terry Chaney from Intermountain was our guest today. They just completed a 5 year $25MM capital campaign, with the completion of
their new Chapel. Intermountain serves over 2,600 kids/families in Montana and 80-85% of those are served in Helena. They have room for 60 residents
and the rest are outpatient clients. Terry offered to host the club for lunch in the future so we could tour their campus. For more
information check out their website at Intermountain.
May 17, 2018 - Westmont Flowers and Trading
Arleen Flynn from Westmont was our guest today. She talked about all the great things that Westmont does for the disabled folks
in our Community. She noted that they are working on grants to help with the repairs for the Westmont Farm and Gardens home. Sheridan presented Arleen
with a check for $1,000 as part of our 5 year commitment. Their website is
Westmont Flowers and Trading
May 10, 2018 - Florence Crittenton Home
Our guest was Carrie Kreps from Florence Crittenton Home. She talked about the services they offer. They are launching
an early childhood preschool to offer more services under their roof vs. sending out to other organizations. Carrie thanked us for the
Club’s donation of $2,500 to go towards their new roof. You can find out more at
Florence Crittenton Home
April 12, 2018 - Friendship Center
Our guest today was Mike from the Friendship Center, they serve 3 counties and is the largest of this type of agency in Montana. Mike
noted that the occupants can stay from 1 month to 1 year. The Friendship Center currently has 12 women and 9 children. They just had their Empty Bowl
fundraiser and there were 1400 people in attendance. For more information check out their website at
Friendship Center.
April 5, 2018 - Helena Figure Skating Club
Our guest today was Brian from the Helena Figure Skating Club. The club presented a $500 check to Brian for their grant request.
Brian noted the monies will go towards paying for ice time. The skating club is hosting a competition this Saturday at the ice arena, they expect
appx. 37 skaters. They also host 2 ice shows each year and have their Spring Show coming up in a few weeks. Skaters range from 4 years old on up to
adults. For more information go to Helena Figure Skating Club.
March 8, 2018 - Lewis & Clark County Literacy Council
Our guest today was Mary DuVernay Director of the L&C Literacy Council. This program provides life skills in helping adults become
literate, speak English and be productive in our community. The program offers one-to-one tutoring, weekly discussion groups for women and Book Pals-
reading buddies in the schools. For more information about L&C Literacy Council please go to their website at Helena Literacy Council.
February 1, 2018 - Helena Bearcats Basketball League
Lance and Cassie Wetzel from Helena Bearcats basketball league were our guests today. They outlined what our donations contributed to
– uniforms, warm up balls, etc. They have 13 teams with 115 kids, 4 girl’s teams and 9 boy’s teams. The program is 100% volunteer based. They noted that
our logo is on the banners and uniforms. Check out more about the Helena Bearcats Basketball League.
January 4, 2018 - Big Brothers Big Sisters
Colleen from Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) was our guest today. Colleen noted they have been in Helena for 50 years. The program's
main focus is mentoring kids, studies have shown that kids with mentors have higher education rates, higher self-esteem avoid alcohol and drug use and
live a more productive life. BBBS is experiencing a huge budget cut as a result of State and federal funding cuts. BBBS’s biggest fundraiser is their
Bowl for Kid’s Sake which is the weekend of January 27th. Go to www.bbbs-helena.org to see what you can do to help.
December 28, 2017 - Angel Fund
Marcia Wall from the Angel Fund was our guest today. Marcia indicated that this is the 28th year of the Angel Fund, they provide
clothing, coats and school supplies to area school kids. She noted that they have helped 1400 kids from the surrounding areas. One of their biggest
donation fundraiser is the Stuff the Bus with over 70 churches and businesses helping with the Stuff the Bus program. To learn more about the Angel
Fund or donate go to: www.angelfundhelena.org.
December 21, 2017 - Helena Food Share
Danielle from Helena Food Share was our guest today. Sheridan presented her with a check for $1,000 to help with their Kid Packs.
Their website is Helena Food Share
October 26, 2017 - Montana Children’s Trust Fund
Melissa and Cassidy from Montana Children’s Trust Fund were our guests today. The Club donated to their Halloween Fun Fest which was
held on Sunday at Capital City Health Club from 1-4 p.m. Their website is Montana Children’s Trust Fund
September 14, 2017 - Florence Crittenton Home
Our guest today was Carrie Krepps from Florence Crittenton Home. Carrie noted they have been in business for 117 years. They provide many
services to young women and their children(s). Providing tools to these young mothers and families to help them be successful in society. Some of the services they
provide are: Residential program, Home visiting program, Child Care Center and Community based parenting classes. They have recently added services to help with substance abuse.
Their website is Florence Crittenton Home
August 17, 2017 - Save The Brain
Our guest today was Dale from "Save The Brain". Exchange Club Board Member Sheridan Jones is also a part of this organization. The organization started
in 2015 and the members are medical professionals in our community. They provide awareness on concussions, Baseline concussion screenings, education and coordinate concussion
management. Please see their website for more information Save the Brain Helena
June 8, 2017 - God’s Love
Our guests today were Tim and Rachel from God’s Love. They informed us of the facilities they have to offer to the homeless. They have 31 beds and have
family style rooms as well. You can find out more at God’s Love
June 1, 2017 - Pads for Paws
Debbie from Pads for Paws was our guest today. Debbi re-capped their involvement with the Spring Fest. Pad for Paws had 21 volunteers, ran quite a few adds
prior to the event. They feel the assembly line that they did for checking ID’s, tokens etc. worked pretty well. Matt presented Debbie with a check for $3,250 which was half of
the net proceeds from the event. Their website is Pads for Paws
May 04, 2017 - Montana Supporting Soldiers
Liann and Linda from Montana Supporting Soldiers were our guests today. The club presented them with a check for $500. They indicated they serve at least a
1,000 from all over the U.S.A. A lot are from out of state. They prepare the care packages to be specific and are not generic, this includes dogs. May is military appreciation
month. Their website is Montana Supporting Soldiers.
March 2, 2017 - Helena Industries
Katie from Helena Industries along with 2 clients and a Board member were our guests today. Katie informed us what Helena Industries is all about. She noted if anyone wants a tour to please call ahead and they would be happy to show us around. Exchange Club President Matt Maze presented her with a $500 grant for their yearbook project. Their website is Helena Industries.
February 16, 2017 - Helena Fire Station
Our other guests were 2 of 7 firemen from the Helena fire station who are competing in a stair challenge next month in Seattle. They will be packing appx. 70lbs while racing up 69 floors (1,311 steps). Record time is 11 minutes. The Exchange Club donated $800 toward this fundraiser for leukemia research. KTVH was also there today so we should see a clip KTVH News and KXLH News.
December 22, 2016 - Family Outreach
Our guests today were Erin and Katie from Family Outreach. They thanked the club for our $300 donation to them in November they noted the funds helped sponsor a family for Christmas and purchase gas and grocery gift cards. Family Outreach main focus is to teach families and friends how to teach skills to children and adults with special needs. Family Outreach has offices in Helena, Bozeman and Butte. Their website is Family Outreach.
December 15, 2016 - Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies
Our guest today was Katie McLain from Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies. Katie spoke about their safe sleep, safe seats and mental health program. Exchange Club President Matt Maze presented a $600 grant request that the Board recently approved. Their website is Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies.
December 1, 2016 - Helena Bearcats Traveling Basketball League
Our guests were Lance and Cassie Wetzel of the Helena Bearcats Traveling Basketball league. Lance informed the group that the
league stared in 2013 and started with one team and has grown to 80 kids in the 2nd-7th grade. The teams play approximately 5 tournaments during
the season. The Board approved a $500 donation to the Bearcats the monies help pay for uniforms, basketballs and gym time. To find more information
their website is www.leaguelineup.com/welcome.asp?url=helenabearcats.
September 8, 2016 - Angel Fund
Our guest was Marcia Wall from the Angel Fund. Marcia highlighted some of the many great things the Angel Fund has done for students
in our community. Marcia noted this is the 27th year for the Angel Fund and last year they provided clothing, boots, coats and school supplies to close
to 800 students. The Angel Fund is giving a grant to each area school totaling $106,500 to help provide the above mentioned items to students in need.
The Angel Fund has also started a scholarship program for seniors at the area high schools, they award (20) $1,000 scholarships, the students must go to a
Montana post-secondary school to be eligible. The Stuff the Bus program had another successful summer this year with 60 collection sites for school supplies.
Matt Maze presented Marcia with a check for $500. For more information on Angel Fund their website is
www.angelfundhelena.org.
August 18, 2016 - Youth Connections
Our guest today was Colleen Smith and Annie Lawler of Youth Connections. Colleen is the Youth Connections Director and Annie is a
Student Representative from HHS. Colleen informed us that their main focus is on preventing and reducing substance abuse and violence, while enhancing
social, emotional and mental health for Helena’s Youth. Annie talked about the Pure Performance camp the students did last week at Camp Child. This
program is a student-led program that promotes living a healthy lifestyle to include: sleep, nutrition, central nervous system recovery, training/exercise
and being drug/alcohol free. For more information on Youth Connections their website is
www.youthconnectionscoalition.org. The club donated $250 to them in July.
August 11, 2016 - Kay Mckenna Foundation
Our guest today was Rick Schlenker of Kay Mckenna Foundation. The program offers a FREE summer recreation program for area kids. They
are currently at Barney Park, Memorial Park and Lincoln Park. The program runs for 9 weeks in the summer and also offer meals to the kids in attendance.
Find more information on the program at kayskidsmt.org. John Harrington presented Rick Schlenker with
a check for $500.
June 23, 2016 - Friendship Center
Abbie Chermack from the Friendship Center was our guest. She spoke of the services they provide. She stated that our funds go directly
into their Emergency Client Services Fund. For more information check out their website at Friendship Center.
John presented her with a check for $1,000 from the Club as part of our five year commitment.
June 9, 2016 - Intermountain
Adam Jespersen from Intermountain was our guest. He spoke of their residential campus as well as other services they provide. For more
information check out their website at Intermountain. John presented him with a check for $1,000
from the Club as part of our five year commitment.
May 19, 2016 - Family Promise
Marshall Price presented Nick Zullo, Executive Director of Family Promise with a $2,500 check from Enterprise Foundation on behalf of the Exchange Club. Nick spoke about Family Promise and he indicated they have a fundraiser coming up in June “Mafia Murder Mystery” dinner theater shows. The shows are June 17th and 18th. More info. Family Promise. Marshall had 2 guests with him from Enterprise.
May 12, 2016 - Montana Children’s Trust Fund
Our guest was Kami Kirchberg from Montana Children’s Trust Fund. Kami reviewed all of the projects that they were involved with in April. #GoBlue- encouraged Montanan’s to wear blue on Monday’s during the month of April to show support for child abuse prevention. Displayed pinwheels at the state Capitol this was part of their Pinwheels For Prevention, they also hosted a Family Resource Fair. John Harrington presented Kami with a check for $500 as part of our ongoing commitment to this organization. Their website is Montana Children’s Trust Fund
April 14, 2016 - Pads for Paws
Debbie Pistoria from Pads for Paws was our guest. John Harrington (Club President) presented her with a check for $2,250 for half of the Beer Fest event profit. Debbie informed the club that Pad for Paws supports the welfare of domestic animals. Their motto is: “Keeping Pets and Their People Together”. Their website is Pads for Paws
March 10, 2016 - YWCA
Kelly Goodwin McBride from the YWCA was our guest. Kelly informed us that their remodeling project is done, they moved in December 2015.
They maintained the historical integrity of the building with the remodel. Kelly talked about the services they offer to women and their children. Kelly also mentioned they
do tours of the building every 12th of the month at Noon. Come see and hear about their building and services they offer. Marshall Price presented Kelly with a $1,500 check
from the Enterprise Foundation on behalf of the club. Their website is YWCA Helena
March 3, 2016 - Lewis & Clark Literacy Council
Peggy Benkelman, Executive Director from Lewis & Clark Literacy Council was our guest. Peggy spoke about the students they serve and the
services they offer. Their website is Helena Literacy. John presented Peggy with a check for $500.
February 18, 2016 - YMCA
Dave Smith from the YMCA was our guest. He spoke about the 75th Anniversary of Camp Child as well as other activities they have going on.
Marshall presented him with a check for $1,500 from Enterprise Foundation on behalf of the Club. Their website is YMCA Helena
February 4, 2016 - Florence Crittenton Home
Our guest was Carrie Krepps from Florence Crittenton Home. Carrie provided a couple of startling statistics in regards to children in the
U.S. 45% of kids aged 0-3 years live in poverty and over 1.8 million have a parent in jail. Carrie also shared with us some of the things they do for the young mothers that
are in Florence Crittenton. This includes providing the tools and training in how to parent their child, a lot of the young mothers have not been in a nurturing home setting
themselves so difficult to do with their own child. They have applied for a HUD Grant and will be partnering with Helena Housing to offer housing vouchers to these young parents
and their families. Remember Paint The Town Pink is February 20th. President John Harrington presented Carrie with a check for $1,000.00. Their website is
Florence Crittenton Home
December 17, 2015 - Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies
Marshall Price introduced our guests Jen Shaw and Judy Edwards from Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies. Judy Edwards told the club what their
program is all about. Some of things they do is provide cribs and car seats to new mothers and show them the proper installation of the car seats. They offer parent education,
help prevent baby injuries and reduce the # of infant deaths as a result of Shaken Baby Syndrome. Judy mentioned they have their annual fundraiser on May 6, 2016 at the Kleffner
Ranch, mark your calendars. Marshall Price presented her with a $1,000 grant from the Enterprise Foundation on behalf of the Exchange Club. Their website is
Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies
November 19, 2015 - Montana Children’s Trust Fund
Kami and Melissa from Montana Children’s Trust Fund were our guests. They thanked the Club for our grant of $500 which helped with the Halloween Fun
Fest as well as the April event of Child Abuse Awareness Month and placing pinwheels on the Capital lawn. They stated the Fun Fest was a great success with over 1,000
attending. New this year and very popular was their costume swap. They will be back to visit with us before April to get members signed up to help with the pinwheels.
Their website is Montana Children’s Trust Fund
November 5, 2015 - Westmont Flowers and Trading
Robin Farrell from Westmont Flowers and Trading was our guest today. Robin brought Vickie, one of Westmont’s clients that work’s in the flower
shop along with him. Robin mentioned that they are fund raising to purchase a greenhouse to allow for a longer growing season. The cost of the greenhouse is $6,000.
They are appx. half way there. Robing also talked about their bud vase program. This program is $10/month and they currently have appx. 300 deliveries a month. John
presented Robin with a $500 check to help with the purchase of the greenhouse. Their website is
Westmont Flowers and Trading
October 22, 2015 - Helena Education Foundation
Our guest today was Lisa Cordingly of the Helena Education Foundation. Lisa informed the club about some of the programs that the foundation has
done and continues to do. Celebration of Excellence they honor distinguished students and educators at a formal luncheon. Carnival Classic, Fabulous Firsts, Pen &
Ink are a few others to mention. Check out their website for me programs and details of each. Helena Education Foundation.
October 1, 2015 - Ryan United
Derek VanLuchene from Ryan United was our guest today. Derek informed the club how Ryan United was founded. Derek’s 8 year old brother was abducted
and killed in Libby, Montana in 1987. Ryan United works with law enforcement and legislation to ensure there are resources and laws in place in regards to sexual offenders.
Ryan United’s main three things they focus on are:
1. Law Enforcement Training- Provide training to law enforcement for child abduction and sexual offender response.
2. Community Education- Conduct Town hall style meetings in communities. Educate folks on how to be safe online, how to make your community a safer place to live and
protect themselves from sexual offenders.
3. Assistance to victims- Work with families to bring them resources if they are victims of sexual abuse, sort of a mediator between the victims and law enforcement.
Sheridan Jones presented a $1,000 check to Ryan United. If you would like to learn more about Ryan United please visit their website at:
Ryan United
September 3, 2015 - Westmont
Jean Morgan from Westmont was our guest. She spoke about their upcoming events, Family Fun Days, September 12th and the Black Tie Blue Jeans
Dinner is the 18th. She spoke about how the Club’s donations have been used. John Harrington presented her with a check for $1,000 as our five year commitment
to the organization. Their website is Westmont
August 13, 2015 - Florence Crittenton Home
Carrie Krepps, from the Florence Crittenton Home was our guest. She spoke about the programs they have as well as an upcoming fundraiser,
“Support the Girls”, August 20, 2015 at the Fairgrounds. For tickets or information check out their website -
Florence Crittenton Home. Marshall Price presented her with a check for $2,000 from the
Enterprises Foundation on behalf of the Exchange Club.
July 9, 2015 - Life Houses
Jay and Anita Sherley from Life Houses were our guests. Their mission is to build and/or purchase residences for young adults to live together in
supportive, drug and alcohol free environments where they can help each other overcome the challenges in their lives. Through the influence of strong peer examples
and mentors, the young adults in these “Life Houses” will be encouraged to find vision for their futures and a foundation for success. Check out the website
Life Houses. Marshall Price presented them with a check for $2,000 from Enterprise Foundation on the behalf of the Exchange Club of Helena.
June 11, 2015 - Friendship Center
Melinda Reed from the Friendship Center was our guest. The Center provides emergency and transitional services to victims of domestic and sexual
violence. Check out their website for more information. Friendship Center. The Club presented her
with a check for a $1,000 as part of our five year commitment to the Center.
May 28, 2015 - YMCA
Dave Smith from the YMCA was our guest. Dave gave us highlights of their current programs. He reminded us of the Camp Child clean-up day, June 6th.
Dan presented Dave with a check for $500 for their grant request. Their website is YMCA Helena
May 7, 2015 - Pad for Paws
Debbie and Ron from Pad for Paws were our guests today. They were very appreciative of the $2,250 from the Beerfest last month. Debbie told us the
history of Pad for Paws which started in 2006. Pad for Paws started out as a pantry and evolved into a lot more. They help families in need, kids with therapy dogs,
animal control- help abused animals, spay and neutered clinics. Debbie mentioned that the program is run 100% by volunteers. Their website is
Pads for Paws
April 16, 2015 - Kay McKenna Youth Foundation
Former Member, Rick Schlenker from the Kay McKenna Foundation was our guest. Rick thanked the Club for our sponsorship of their Annual Dance. Rick
gave us a brief history of the summer program for Kay’s Kids, which last year had close to 4,000 participate. Their website is
Kay McKenna Youth Foundation
February 19, 2015 - Lewis & Clark Literacy Council
Peggy Benkelman and Wendy Wheeler from the Lewis & Clark Literacy Council were our guests. They spoke about the non-profit organization which they tutor
adults and young adults who want to improve their basic reading, writing, spelling and math skills. They help them prepare for the GED, improve their employability skills,
obtain their driver's license and much more. They thanked us for the recent donation the Board had approved. We donated $500 upon a grant request. For more information visit
their website - Lewis & Clark Literacy Council
