Foundations connect to help Steven's Youth Center in White Sulphur Springs

Submitted by Patti Guptill, Gilhousen Family Foundation  
Several months ago, Carol Townsend of Greater Gallatin United Way contacted the Gilhousen Family Foundation.  Carol inquired whether GFF would consider helping a small rural community with a big issue.  The photos Carol forwarded of the Steven’s Youth Center in the rural community of White Sulphur Springs, told their story well. They showed snow drifting inside the building, through cracks in windows and doors.  The small center provides a supportive place for children after school and during the summer, needed nearly $20,000 to repair the aging building and make it safe and warm.  Carol told me that Greater Gallatin United Way provides funding for their programs, but could not fund the necessary repairs.  I responded that the Gilhousen Family foundation could possibly contribute a small amount, but if we call the attention of other Montana funders we could possibly all work together to help this small community. So, Townsend assisted Steven's Youth Center in writing a proposal.  Upon review, I reached out to fellow Philanthropy Northwest members who might have an interest in the project.  

In an overwhelming response, the OP & WE Edwards Foundation contributed $5,000 and the Oro y Plata Foundation conducted a site visit and awarded another $7,000.  The Gilhousen Family Foundation board decided to make a small grant of $3,500 from our Community Building funds.  Just recently, the Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation donated the final $5,000 needed to complete the project.  As soon as the weather warms, White Sulphur Springs’ Steven Youth Center will accept bids to complete the much-needed repairs.  Thank you Philanthropy Northwest for providing a venue where  foundation partners can share their visions, communicate, and ultimately come together to bring solutions to a struggling rural community.  Great things are accomplished when we connect.