Continuing our 25th year of Living Generously, it’s Mackenzie Palmer’s turn to choose a nonprofit to give to this quarter. She’s chosen to donate $250 from SRP to Family Service, an organization that’s been helping needy families in our community for 114 years.  

“Family Service is such a great resource for our community that I think many people don’t know about,” says Mackenzie. “Their mission is to prevent hunger, homelessness, and poverty in our neighborhoods and surrounding areas through community involvement. They help families with food, rent and utilities, clothing, education, and other special projects throughout the year.” 

By partnering with generous individuals and community partners, Family Service gets a lot done. They provide food to over 9,000 households, help over 300 families with rent and utilities, provide early 80,000 clothing items at low-to-no cost, fund education, and run seasonal special projects like back-to-school backpacks and holiday meals. They believe it’s possible for anyone to imagine and achieve a better life, a new beginning, and personal reliance. 

“One in every six families in Yellowstone County struggles with poverty; it’s a huge issue,” adds Mackenzie. “I have volunteered at Family Service helping to make food boxes, and also in their store through United Way’s Day of Caring. They’re doing a lot of good for a lot of people.” 

“Our mission is simple: we want to help people be financially healthy,” says Gabe. “We love that Mackenzie chose Family Service. They’re an organization fighting poverty on its frontlines to help people be financially healthy. Mackenzie made a great choice for our donation!” 

If you want to join us supporting Family Service, they accept donations and are always looking for volunteers. You can visit billingsfamilyservice.org/furnish-help to find out how to help.