What better way to start off summer than by entering into Phase 2! Our office is now opened to a limited capacity and abiding by all CDC and local guidelines to keep our staff, partners and volunteers safe and healthy. Please call or reach out directly to our staff for your needs.

Introducing our new President & CEO

The United Way of Yellowstone County Board of Directors is excited to introduce Kim Lewis, MBA as the organization’s new President and Chief Executive Officer. 

Kim brings three decades of nonprofit experience and philanthropic leadership to the position; most recently as Program Officer for Rocky Mountain Health Foundation in western Colorado. Kim is a native Arizonan who grew up in the hospitality business. She received her MBA and Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Pepperdine University. 

 

Kim has been involved in community and nonprofit development in the capacities of executive director, development and program officer, marketing & communications director, board member, volunteer, and consultant with organizations such as Girl Scouts, YMCA, Make-A-Wish, March of Dimes, and American Cancer Society. She also served as adjunct professor at Colorado Mesa University, teaching business communications classes.

 

“I am humbled and blessed to assume this role,” said Kim. “I’m excited to bring my skills and leadership to the Billings community and guide United Way of Yellowstone County to make an even bigger impact.”

 

Kim is a mission-driven leader whose expertise includes community engagement, encouraging collaborative efforts, building initiatives to address need, and connecting donors with causes that match their interests.  She has raised millions of dollars to improve the health of communities, help find a cure, empower youth, provide leadership opportunities, create safe environments for those who can’t save themselves, and deliver hope for medically fragile children and their families.

 

Her volunteer experience includes leadership roles with Peak Grant Making, United Way of Mesa County Grant Allocation Committee, Rural Philanthropy Days, Junior League, and several community leadership programs. Kim served as president of Mesa County Women’s Network and is looking forward to getting involved in the Billings community.

 

Making a difference by driving social justice, peace and love through effective individual connections and community partnerships have long been traits Kim values. “I am looking forward to working with our partnering organizations who focus on serving vulnerable populations to ensure healthier communities and lives.”

Board Chair, Karla Stauffer added, “Kim shares our passion for the work of the United Way. Her many talents will assist us in continuing and expanding our efforts in support of the community and state we all care so much about.  This is an exciting time for the United Way of Yellowstone County, and we look forward to Kim’s arrival July 6 ^th ."  

Maurine Dyer Stevens, Interim President & CEO, will remain at the helm of UWYC through the leadership transition.

Strategy & Impact Update

We are happy to share the news that Dean Wells has been promoted to Interim Director of Strategy and Impact. This new position has been created to help guide our focus on strategic leadership and critical impact work while expanding our vital role in community relationships, coalition development and grants endeavors. 

Continuing Community Support:   Along with other duties, Dean will ensure continuation of our core work in supporting coalitions and community partners. He will be the main UWYC contact for grant programs as well as the Continuum of Care and Substance Abuse Connect coalitions.   

Strengthening Services:  Dean will support our community work through strategic planning, assessment, staff development, and grants management. He will support UWYC as we build on our current strengths and strive for continuous improvement.   

We have no doubt Dean will execute his new role with the same high level of professionalism and detail that we have all come to know and appreciate. In these uncertain times, UWYC remains steadfastly committed to the work and to our community.  Thank  you for your continued partnership and ongoing commitment “To improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of the community.” 

Day of Action 2020

We are so proud of all students who pushed through the past couple months of school, we know it wasn't easy. Congrats to everyone who finished strong, especially the graduating class of 2020! Go out and do great things!

Thank you to all of the individuals and businesses who have donated to the COVID-19 Community Response Fund. Because of your generosity, 33 local nonprofits have received over $100,000 collectively to help keep their programs and operations running.

• Alternatives, Inc. • Angela's Piazza: Drop-In Center • Big Brothers Big Sisters of Yellowstone County • Big Sky Senior Services • Billings Community Foundation •

Billings Family YMCA • Boys & Girls Club of the Northern Cheyenne Nation • Boys & Girls Club of Yellowstone County • CARE Academy • CASA of Yellowstone County • Center Pole • Child Bridge, Inc. • Community Hope • Community Leadership Development, Inc. • Continuum of Care Diversion Fund • Crow Tribe • Dress For Success Billings • Education Foundation of Billings Public Schools • Family Promise of Yellowstone Valley • Family Service, Inc. • Family Support Network • Friendship House • Gratitude in Action • Mental Health Center • MSU- Billings Foundation • Montana Rescue Mission • NAMI • St. Vincent de Paul • The Family Tree Center • The Salvation Army • Tumbleweed • Young Families Early Head Start • YWCA of Billings •

Does your family, service organization, social group or company want to give back to our community through volunteering? Click the picture above to view current volunteer opportunities in Yellowstone County!

If you would like your organization's opportunities listed, contact Chris:

cmackey@uwyellowstone.org , 406.272.8511