YWCA Helena Receives $25,000 Donation from First Interstate Bank’s Believe in Local Campaign

Funds dedicated toward providing safe and supportive housing for women and children

HELENA, Mont. — May 1, 2025 — YWCA Helena recently received a $25,000 gift from First Interstate Bank and the First Interstate BancSystem Foundation as part of their fourth-annual Believe in Local grant campaign.

In Helena, the rising cost of living, stagnant wages, and cuts to funding for housing support services have made homelessness a harsh reality for many. The YWCA Helena stands as a beacon of hope, providing essential support to women and families striving to build happy, healthy, and self-sufficient futures.

Denise King, Interim Executive Director, expressed deep gratitude for the donation. "Donations like this help us build a strong foundation for our programs, and we are very thankful for First Interstate in supporting YWCA Helena to continue our mission of preventing homelessness, providing safe and supportive housing for women and children, and providing services that restore hope."

Christine Horner, First Interstate Administrative Assistant, nominated YWCA Helena for the grant, saying “Our Believe in Local grant campaign embodies the Bank’s core values in action, celebrating the nonprofit organizations that make a significant, positive impact in our community. I am excited for Helena YWCA to receive this special grant award, helping make Helena a better place to live, work, and raise a family."

This donation will directly impact the lives of many in Helena, ensuring that women and children have access to safe housing and the resources they need to thrive. The YWCA Helena's work is crucial in fostering a supportive environment where individuals can rebuild their lives and look forward to a brighter future.

First Interstate Bank launched the Believe in Local campaign in 2022 to celebrate the Bank’s longstanding commitment to the communities it serves. Each year, 40 nonprofit organizations across the Bank’s 14-state footprint receive a $25,000 gift in support of their mission. Helena YWCA was nominated by local First Interstate employees and selected from a pool of over 615 submissions thanks to its alignment with the Bank’s philanthropic goals.

In addition to campaigns like Believe in Local, First Interstate makes annual donations and grants totaling approximately 2% of its pre-tax earnings to local communities. These funds aid in the improvement of workforce development, to boost early childhood education, and mitigate poverty by supporting nonprofit organizations.

For more information on First Interstate Bank’s philanthropic efforts, please visit  our website.

About YWCA Helena

YWCA Helena’s mission is to prevent homelessness, provide safe and supportive housing for women and children experiencing homelessness, and provide services that restore hope, self-sufficiency, and happy and healthy lives. To learn more, please visit www.ywcahelena.org/about.

About First Interstate Bank

First Interstate is a community bank headquartered in Billings, Montana, delivering best-in-class banking and Wealth Management services across Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Washington, and Wyoming. With more than 300 offices, First Interstate enhances the communities it serves through an innovative corporate philanthropy program, which includes donating a portion of Company profits, matching employees’ personal financial contributions, and donating $10 per hour for volunteer efforts made at qualifying organizations. To learn more, please visit www.firstinterstate.com.