Three Causes Youth Can Help While Enriching, Enhancing and Exploring their Community

Through the efforts of leaders and volunteers, these three organizations are harnessing the spirit of unity and goodwill. Youth are encouraged to participate, with opportunities for both children and families to give back in meaningful and exciting ways. By teaching our children the value of volunteering, we can strengthen and shape the future of Billings.

Friendship House of Christian Service

Volunteer Age: 16-plus

The vision behind Friendship House is to enrich the lives of children and families in South Billings by reflecting the love of Jesus and fostering renewal, stability and transformation. 

Beginning in 1957, Friendship House emerged from the compassion and faith of a group of local women. While studying a passage of scripture—Matthew 25:40, which reads, “Whatever you have done for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you have done for me.”—they were inspired to reach out to the unsupervised, impoverished children who congregated at South Park, across the street from their church.

“Since inception, we have enabled thousands of children and families to move from poverty to prosperity,” says Adam Liberty, community engagement coordinator. 

Through its five core programs, Friendship House strives to eliminate the generational poverty gap that is so prevalent on Billings’ south side. These programs include preschool; youth after-school and summer enrichment; teen classes; adult life skills; and child, adult and family counseling. Volunteers ages 16 and over are encouraged to apply and can assist teachers, help cook meals, tutor students, work in the garden, or contribute to building maintenance and improvement. 

3123 Eighth Ave. S., Billings, Montana, 406.259.5569, FriendshipMT.org

Eagle Mount

Volunteer Age: 12-plus for summer camps, 16-plus for seasonal programs

The vision behind Eagle Mount is toenhance the lives of individuals with disabilities through recreation and opportunities for participants to “Embrace Life without Limits”.

For 30 years, Eagle Mount has provided the Billings and Red Lodge areas with special programming opportunities tailored to those with physical, cognitive or intellectual disabilities. Participants of all ages can partake in its therapeutic adaptive recreation.

“Eagle Mount Billings provides programming opportunities that include skiing, swimming, biking, equestrian, golf, sled hockey clinics, social night and a summer youth day camp,” says Parry Kring, program director. 

1140 16th St. W. #12, Billings, Montana, 406.969.2949, EagleMount.us

GoUnite

Volunteer Age: All Ages

The vision behind GoUnite is to bring people together to explore Billings, support local small business, be social, and build a stronger and more close-knit community.

“GoUnite is a family-oriented business that coordinates events for the whole family each month,” Founder Randi Barber says. “We have one event where adults can head out, try something new, and meet new people while the kiddos enjoy an activity-packed play date at Big Sky Imaginarium.”

Families can also volunteer together during GoUnite’s monthly community service projects. 

“Our community service projects are designed for children of any age to volunteer,” she says. “I believe we lead our children by example, and this is one way to show your children you are never too young or too busy to pitch in and give back.” 

 406.272.2102, GoUniteNow.com