HELENA — The YWCA of Helena brought hundreds of community members together Wednesday morning for its annual Rise and Shine Benefit Breakfast — the organization's biggest fundraiser of the year.
More than 400 attendees heard stories of recovery, housing stability, and the ongoing need for support services in the community. The event highlighted the impact the YWCA has had on women and families experiencing homelessness and addiction recovery — a mission the organization has carried for more than 100 years in Montana.
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Former resident Nancy Asiata Reynolds was among those who shared her story.
"It changed my life,” she said. “I always say that building is magic; it really changed my life."
Last year, the YWCA served 32 women and 17 children. Currently, the YWCA houses 14 residents and 5 children. The facility has a capacity of 18 to 20 rooms, with 18 able to accommodate families. Women served range in age from 19 to 58.
Asiata Reynolds first came to the YWCA about 7 years ago, just out of treatment, disconnected from her family, and living couch to couch. Since then, she went to school, earned her master's degree from Carroll, and now works as a therapist at the organization where her recovery began.
"Turned it around for the better; I got reconnected with my family, I got my son back," she said.
Overall, staff says things are going well. The YWCA recently received a grant from the Church of Latter-day Saints, which is funding new furniture in all bedrooms, updated appliances, additional laundry services, and new windows for the building. Opportunity Bank also donated just over $17,000 to support the organization.
However, funding challenges still remain. The building costs $250,000 a year to operate — not including the cost of supplies for residents. Executive Director Denise King said the needs go beyond housing.
"Clothing - some families come to us with just the clothes on their backs,” King said. “It helps with diapers, with laundry soap, all those types of necessities that we take for granted."
King said the biggest challenges for residents include finding jobs, securing daycare, navigating transportation, and locating affordable housing after treatment.
"Don't give up; there is light at the end of the tunnel,” King shared.
The YWCA is working toward a fundraising goal of $100,000. Information about how to donate or volunteer can be found here.
