At a February 9 meeting, Flathead Electric Cooperative’s Roundup for Safety directors awarded a total of $36,311 in support of area nonprofit community safety projects.
At a February 9 meeting, Flathead Electric Cooperative’s Roundup for Safety directors awarded a total of $36,311 in support of area nonprofit community safety projects. The Abbie Shelter was one of six grantees, receiving $7,442 towards updates to the shelter’s security system.
The Abbie Shelter is a longtime Flathead Valley nonprofit, initially formed in 1976 as a volunteer-led, 24-hour hotline supporting intimate partner violence survivors. Over the years, the Helpline has expanded and now offer survivors assistance with shelter, counseling, support, safety planning, and court advocacy. In her presentation to the Board, Executive Director Hilary Shaw reflected, “the entire mission of our organization is grounded in safety for the victims we serve.” The Abbie Shelter has 5 bedrooms and serves approximately 100 adults and children per year. The shelter is open to survivors of domestic violence of all genders, colors, and creeds.
Shaw explained that the shelter’s security system is out of date, including the panel controlling smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, intruder detectors, and panic buttons, which immediately summon law enforcement. The Roundup for Safety Board noted the Abbie Shelter also receives funding from the Montana Department of Health and Human Services, the Montana Board of Crime Control, the Whitefish Community Foundation, various local foundations, and individual donors in the community.
Community safety grants were also awarded to:
- Stillwater Christian School – medical cache system first aid kits – $6,075
- Ruder Elementary – safety tiles for accessible playground – $10,000
- Hope Family Resource Center – electrical outlet safety – $99
- Senior Mobile Home Repair – assorted life safety repairs – $10,000
- Backpack Assistance Program – security safety system, cart, doors and installation – $2,695
Roundup for Safety is a voluntary program for Co-op members who round up their electric bills to the next dollar. This money is managed by an independent board and goes into a fund for community safety projects.
The Roundup for Safety Board will consider March applications through February 28 and vote on them at its March 9 meeting. If your nonprofit is interested in applying for community safety funds, visit our Roundup for Safety page or call the Roundup for Safety Board Liason:
