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.
May 19, 2022
Our quest this week was Janet Riis with The Angel Fund. A $1,000.00 donation was presented to help in their efforts to support kids in the community. You can donate at: Angel Fund
May 12, 2022
Our guest this week was Rick Schlenker from the Kay McKenna Youth Foundation. He spoke of how their program – Kay’s Kids – provides safe, creative, and entertaining recreational activities for students in the summer months. They are in jeopardy of losing state funding. We provided the Kay McKenna organization with $1,000 to help in their endeavors. Find out more at Kay McKenna Youth Foundation..
April 14, 2022
Today our guest was Tyler from Intermountain. He told us about Intermountain, and how it has a residential treatment facility license – a between of a shelter and a group home. There is no other facility in Montana that has this license. Due to this status, they receive subsidies from the government, but not much. The average stay for a child resident is 18 months. We provided Intermountain with a $1,000 donation as a community partner. For more information visit Intermountain.
April 07, 2022
Today we welcomed Kelli from Big Brothers, Big Sisters. Their mission is to create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. They currently have 75 active matches in Helena and Great Falls with 13 kids on a waiting list. They are in need of Bigs desperately! Kelli discussed the effects of COVID as it impacted the ability for Littles/Bigs to meet however they found alternatives such as facetime or zoom to keep connected. If anyone is interested in being a mentor they can register on their website Big Brothers Big Sisters. We provided BBBS with a $1,000 donation as a community partner
March 24, 2022
Today we welcomed Ashley, Jeff and Pat from Westmont. Westmont is an organization catering towards individuals with cognitive disabilities. They service over 250 clients per year. They help provide or facilitate jobs and job training for their constituents, have supported living environments and residential services, host events, and have multiple other businesses including commercial shredding, bagged ice, mailing services, a farm & garden, and a flower company. We provided Westmont with a $1,000 donation as a community partner. Their website is Westmont Helena
March 17, 2022
Today we welcomed Tonya and Jennifer from Cohesion Dance Project. Tonya spoke about Cohesion and how they offer performance and educational opportunities for students and people of all ages and abilities. Jennifer, a resident artist who is in Helena for a couple months, is facilitating movement classes and will have a final performance in May. They applied for a grant through the Exchange Club, and Tanner gifted them with a check for $1,385 for the movement classes and performance. Check out their website for more information Cohesion Dance Project.
February 17, 2022
Our guest was Healthy Mothers and Healthy Babies. Their missions is to Improve the health, safety, and well-being of Montana families by supporting mothers and babies, age zero to three. They offer parent education, help prevent baby injuries and reduce the # of infant deaths as a result of Shaken Baby Syndrome. Their website is Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies
January 20, 2022
Today we welcomed Colleen and Margaret from the Margaret Stewart Youth Home. The Margaret Stuart Youth Home is an seven-bed group home that is dually licensed to provide short-term crisis intervention placements and longer-term group care for local youth, ages 11 to 18. Most of the children placed there are from youth court and on juvenile probation or from CPS. The average length of stay is anywhere from days/weeks to 2 years. To see more information go Youth Homes
December 16, 2021
Liann and Linda from Montana Supporting Military were our guests today and shared an update on how many packages have
been sent and that are being sent out to our troops. Over 30 boxes have been sent so far with another 17 being shipped next week, the
cost to ship has been increasing and is their largest expense. The Exchange Club presented $1,000 check to Montana Supporting Military
to help continue their work! Troops can contact Montana Supporting Military via their website -
Montana Supporting Military
October 7, 2021
Gina and Kim were our guests today from The Friendship Center. They provided an overall scope of services that the Center
provides including an emergency shelter, non-residential services, outreach services, clinics and education on prevention. Currently they
are turning away 3-5 families a week from the emergency shelter. The housing crisis in Helena has highlighted the challenges for our community.
There has been an increase in service needs during COVID and those numbers have stayed steady since. It was noted that October is Domestic
Violence Awareness Month.
The Friendship Center for more information.
September 16, 2021
Carrie and Heather from Florence Crittenton were our guests today. An update was given on the expansion of their childcare programs as
they’ve expanded to include zero to four year old as well as four to five (pre-K) this fall. Since COVID, the need for their services have only gone
up, so have their expenses. The are at near capacity in all of their programs. An exciting update was given on the purchase and renovation of the
Cooney Building which will help assist in their growing needs. Currently Lewis and Clark County has the capacity to serve 42% of the need for childcare
while only 12% can afford childcare. Their goal is to increase capacity for childcare while making it affordable. You can find out more at
Florence Crittenton Home
August 19, 2021
Our guest today was Gerry from CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates). CASA represents the best interest of children, and their only
job is to support kids in foster care. They are with the children while they cannot be with their parents and act as the voice of the child to the court.
Currently there are 130 kids being served in Lewis & Clark and Broadwater Counties. CASA’s funding for the year has become more secure thanks to grants
so their focus will shift to strengthening their program and growing into counties not yet served. More info at
CASA of Lewis & Clark and Broadwater Counties.
July 8, 2021
Our guest today was Lisa from Career Training Institute (CTI). CTI’s program, Youth Build is going on 10 years of serving 16–24-year-old
attendees with a focus on construction skills and programs that include leadership training and work readiness. The Exchange Club had granted CTI with
$500 to use towards the graduation of the students. To learn more go to Career Training Institute.
June 17, 2021
Our guests were Liann and Linda from MT Supporting Military. MT Supporting Military takes care of troops across the U.S.,
they are not limited to Montana soldiers. COVID affected not only their fundraising efforts but also their collection of items to send overseas.
They were still able to send care packages to over 200 units. Currently they are gathering donations and supplies for the fall and will begin
their Christmas drive in September. MT Supporting Military was presented a $1,000 grant award. For more information visit
MT Supporting Military.
June 10, 2021 - Intermountain
Our guests were Jim and Tyler from Intermountain. Intermountain services 1,100 kids ranging from ages 4 to 12 with the average age of
9 with over 52 kids in beds throughout their facilities. They provide long term residential treatment as well as therapy to families and individuals
and in school therapy. Intermountain was presented a $1,000 grant award as part of our 5-year commitment.
For more information visit Intermountain.
June 6, 2021 - Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies
Our guests were Brie, Executive Director of Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies and Vanessa from Bloom who is on the Board of Directors. Brie talked
about the programs outreach which aims to improve the health, safety and well-being of Montana families through supporting mothers, fathers and
babies. Vanessa talked about childcare services in the community, the roadblocks they face and how they’ve overcome issues through COVID and how
they are working to partner with businesses to provide childcare opportunities. There is a Maternal Motherhood Task Force that was recently created
to help bring awareness to the coalition and cause. Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies were presented a $1,000 grant award as part of our 5-year commitment.
Their website is Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies.
May 20, 2021 - Kay McKenna Youth Foundation
Our guest was Rick from the Kay MaKenna Youth Foundation. Rick gave an overview of the upcoming summer program, Kay’s Kids. It is a
free wellness program that serves over 5,200 kids (ages 6-12) free lunches and great summer activities! During COVID the program was able to
distribute packets for over 1,700 kids. Looking at this year they are facing staffing issues and encouraged anyone interested in a summer job
to contact the City of Helena. Find out more at http://kayskidsmt.org/.
Our second guest was Exchange Club Regional Vice President Leif Welhaven. Leif gave an update on clubs throughout the State and
was also attending the District Convention this coming weekend.
May 13, 2021 - Westmont Flowers and Trading
Our guests included Ashley and Patrick from Westmont Ashley provided an overall view of Westmont and their services which
include serving over 250 people a year through 13 locations and 4 vocational programs! Patrick discussed their annual events and mentioned
their newest event coming up in August, Wake the Giant Music Festival! Westmont was presented with a $1,000 check as part of our grant
commitments. Their website is Westmont Flowers and Trading
Our second guests were Sgt. Campbell, training Sgt. For the Lewis and Clark County’s Sheriff’s Reserve Program and Sheriff
Leo Dutton. The Reserve program is looking at recruiting individuals and Sgt. Campbell went over the assignments, classes, and trainings the
Reserves go through to become part of the program. The Reserves are who take part in the Exchange events such as the Stampede, Spring/Fall Fests, etc.
Sheriff Leo Dutton discussed the importance of the Reserves as they are volunteers and play an important role in our community.
For more information go to Sherrif's Reserves
May 6, 2021 - Big Brothers Big Sisters
Our guest today was Jesse Mahugh from Big Brothers Big Sisters. Jesse talked about the mission of BBBS and how they are focusing on
serving more youth and serving them well along with finding sustainable funding this year. There are currently 55 youth in their program. The
Annual Wine Crush will be held virtually on May 22nd and tickets are still available! BBBS was presented with a $1,000 check as part of our
grant commitment. Jesse said the funds will be used to meet their goal of $50k for 50 kids!
For more info check out bbbs-helena.org.
April 8, 2021
Our guests today were Gina and Kim from the Friendship Center. The Friendship Center provides a safe place after a crisis such as sexual assault or violence. G
ina and Kim discussed the impacts COVID has had on their services and how they are overcoming obstacles presented through the past year. It was noted that
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Visit
The Friendship Center for more information.
April 1, 2021
Our guest today was Gerry from CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates). CASA represents the best interest of children and their only job is to
support kids in foster care. They are with the children while they cannot be with their parents and act as the voice of the child to the court.
The Light of Hope event is coming up on April 16, 2021 and Gerry encouraged members to visit their website and cause at
CASA of Lewis & Clark and Broadwater Counties.
March 4, 2021
Our guest was Janet Riis from Angel Fund. Janet gave an overview of the past year and how the Angel Fund has been able
to pivot and adapt to continue the success of their programs by going virtual on their events to ensure the community needs are met. They have
had a successful year despite the challenges are look forward to next year and serving the community. You can donate at:
Angel Fund
February 4, 2021
Carrie and Heather of Florence Crittenton were our guests today. Carrie discussed their programs and how COVID has affected
them, how they have prevailed and what is to come! The next program they will offer includes pre-school for 4- and 5-year old’s. Heather
discussed Paint the Town Pink and noted it will be held virtually this year, but you can still reserve your Party Box by Monday and buy
your raffle tickets! You can find out more at Florence Crittenton Home
August 20, 2020
Mary and Janet with the Angel Fund were our guests today. The Angel Fund helps local children with school items including
clothing, shoes, school supplies and other scholastic necessities. The Angel Fund also offers scholarships to Seniors. Last year they
awarded 25 scholarships in the amount of $1,000. They are still raising money for Stuff the Bus as there were over $51,000 in grants
submitted, with over $36,000 raised to date. You can donate at:
Angel Fund Stuff The Bus
Their fall clothing drive will begin in October with over 900 students in need along with the need for 80 pairs of running shoes.
Mike presented the Angel Fund with $1,000 today.
March 12, 2020
Lian and Linda from MT Supporting Military were our guests today. Lian shared with us all the great things they do for
our Montana Military. The send care packages to the troops overseas, the make sure that each soldier has a stocking filled at Xmas.
The program started in 2003. The main staples that the soldiers like and/or need are High Country Jerky, single serve electrolyte powder
mix and coffee. For more information visit MT Supporting Military.
March 5, 2020
Mary DuVernay from the Lewis & Clark Literacy Council was a guest. She thanked the Club for our continuous donations to
the program and gave us an update on their activities. Mike presented her with a $500.00 grant check. Visit
Lewis & Clark Literacy Council for more info.
January 16, 2020
Chris May from the Helena Girls’ Softball Association was also a guest. He thanked the Club for our continuous donations
to the program.
Find out more at Helena Girls’ Softball Association.
December 19,2019 - Friendship Center
Jenny from the Friendship Center was our guest today. Jenny shared that they have 13 beds total in their facility,
they received a grant to be able to hire an attorney to offer free legal service in the Tri-County region.
For more information check out their website at Friendship Center.
November 21, 2019 - Coats for Kids Program
Lesley updated us on the Coats for Kids Program - we have given out 128 coats and 101 pairs of boots and we haven’t
heard from 5 schools.
October 31, 2019 - Cohesion Dance
Pat and Tanya Call from Cohesion Dance were our guests today. The Club donated $1,500 to their Nutcracker on the Rocks
program. Check out their website for more information www.cohesiondance.org.
September 19, 2019 - Helena Food Share
Our guest today was Liz Harrison from the Helena Food Share. Liz informed us that they provide 1100 kid packs each Friday
so kids will have food for the weekend. She noted that 98% of their operating money comes from the community. The Pantry hours are M-F
12:30-6 p.m. The annual Turkey Challenge will be held November 22nd from 9-6 p.m. at the L&C Library. Please bring your frozen turkeys
or cash donations to ensure everyone has a nice Thanksgiving meal.
Their website is Helena Food Share
September 5, 2019 - Angel Fund
Our guests today were Janet Riis from the Angel Fund. Janet Riis informed us of their four main programs.
1. Stuff the Bus- this year was a phenomenal year. This program provides school supplies for kids in the Helena School District and surrounding areas.
Not too late to donate school supplies, you can drop to CRA Middle School any time during the school year.
2. Clothing Program- This runs from October 1-November 30th and provides funds to students to go and purchase their own school clothing. Coordinated
by teachers and school counselors.
3. Running for MT Futures- promotes active and healthy lifestyles by providing tennis shoes for students in need. The Angel Fund received a grant this
year to help fund this program. The three new schools, the gym flooring requires special shoe soles to be worn. This grant will help more students get
the appropriate footwear.
4. Scholarships- offered to High School Seniors. This past school year they were able to award 25 scholarships, 20 were sponsored by private donors and
the rest were funded by the Angel Fund.
Check out their website at Angel Fund.
August 22, 2019 - Kay McKenna Youth Foundation
Rick Schlenker, former Exchange Club member and President of the Kay McKenna Youth Foundation was our guest. He spoke about the summer program, Kay’s Kids. They offer
activities and lunch for 11 weeks each summer at three local parks. This summer they have served over 5100 children in the community. They partner with
the City of Helena and the Helena School District for the programs and meals. Mike presented him with a $1,000 grant check. Find out more at
http://kayskidsmt.org/.
August 15, 2019 - Big Brothers Big Sisters
Marci Williams, the Recruitment and Enrollment Specialist from Big Brothers Big Sisters was our guest. She spoke about the program noting that
their office has relocated to the 6th Ward. They serve about 250 children in our community. They are always looking for Bigs, especially males.
Mike presented her with a $1,000 grand check. For more info check out bbbs-helena.org.
July 11, 2019 - Florence Crittenton Home
Our guest today was Carrie from Florence Crittenton Home. She informed us of the great programs they have to offer families.
Carrie shared with us that they served 2,311 families in the past 5 years. Some of the programs they offer are: Substance Abuse- they try
and keep the children with the parent during treatment, Foster Care Services and Preschool for ages 2-5. You can find out more at
Florence Crittenton Home
May 23, 2019 - Helena Fire Department
Brad and Dave from the Helena Fire Department were our guests. We had previously given them a $500 grant check to help in their trip to
Seattle for the Stair Climb. This is an Annual event that raised close to $3 million.
May 16, 2019 - Helena Speed Goats
Our guest today was Kolby and Lucas from Helena Speed Goats. This is a Track & & Field program that train athletes to compete
in the Track & & Field events starting at the age of 7 and on up. They have approximately 60 kids in the program. The season lasts appx. 6 weeks
and they compete in two Track meets each season. The cost of the program is $135/kid. Last year they gave out $1,200 in scholarships to kids that
can’t afford it. The Club donated $500 which sponsored a family with 5 kids. Their website is
Helena Speed Goats Facebook
Helena Speed Goats
May 2, 2019 - Helena Figure Skating Club
Our guest today was Shan and son Daniel from the Helena Figure Skating Club. The Exchange Club donated $500 to the skating club.
Their website is Helena Figure Skating Club
March 21, 2019 - Westmont Flowers and Trading
Our guests today were Arlene Flynn and Suzi from Westmont. Arlene informed us of the projects they have in the
works. Arlene briefly talked about the difficulty of hiring staff. They are not able to take on more clients due to
not having enough staff. Suzi is one of the Clients that works for Westmont, she is on the cheer squad, Special
Olympics and takes care of the animals at the Farm in the Dell. They will be breaking ground in May for the
Morgan’s Maze in honor of Dick Morgan who was a huge supporter of Westmont. Their website is
Westmont Flowers and Trading
February 21, 2019 - Lewis & Clark County Literacy Council
Helena Speed Goats
Our guests were Mary DuVernay and a student from the Lewis and Clark Literacy Council. Mary talked about how our last year’s grant helped 41 students. She spoke about their mission to help adults with reading, writing and language skills. She also thanked Member Greg Snortland for volunteering to help build a contact database for them using Salesforce. For more information visit Helena Literacy Council Mike presented her with a grant check for $500.
January 24, 2019 - Intermountain
Ralph Yaeger, Senior Development Officer, from Intermountain was our guest. He gave us an overview of their programs and thanked us for our years of continued support. For more information visit Intermountain. Sheridan presented him with a $1,000 grant check. Ralph invited us to have lunch on campus some Thursday and see their facilities.
January 17, 2019 - CASA
Kendra and Pam from CASA were our guests today. They could use more volunteers especially in Townsend. Casablanca Light of Hope event March 2, 2019. Early Bird tickets available. President Sheridan Jones presented them with a $1,000 grant check. More info at CASA of Lewis & Clark and Broadwater Counties.
January 3, 2019 - Friendship Center
Jenny Eck was our guest today. She is the new Executive Director of the Friendship Center. She discussed some details of their mission. They cover Lewis & Clark, Broadwater and Jefferson Counties. She invited anyone interested to their 2nd Friday Lunch and Tours. Contact the Center if you are interested in seeing the Facility. President Sheridan Jones presented her with a $1,000 grant check. For more information check out their website at Friendship Center.
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 Big Sisters
Our guest today was Colleen Brady of Big Brothers 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
