Electric co-op grant assists Abbie Shelter with security upgrades
Abbie Shelter staff members show appreciation for a Round Up for Safety grant from Flathead Electric Cooperative. (Photo provided)
Flathead Electric Cooperative’s Roundup for Safety directors recently awarded a total of $36,311 to support area nonprofit community safety projects. The Abbie Shelter was one of six grantees, receiving $7,442 toward 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 offers 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 five 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Shaw explained that the shelter's security system is out of date, including the panel controlling smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, intruder detectors, and panic buttons, which immediately summon law enforcement.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
The Roundup for Safety Board will consider March applications through Feb. 28 and vote on them at its March 9 meeting. If your nonprofit is interested in applying for community safety funds, visit www.flatheadelectric.com/roundup or call Courtney Stone at 406-751-1820.