News & Events

Volunteer Agency meetings for February 2021

Description: Feb. 2nd...American Red Cross virtual mtg from 6-7:30 p.m. meets virtually in our area. Discussion points include sharing information about area fires (one in Belgrade, MT (no injuries) and a fatality/injury fire located near Hall, MT). I offered once again to those attending how helpful the HOPE Canine teams are to crises such as these...both for Red Crossers impacted by their volunteer work during family disasters such as the two above and for the actual clients experiencing the loss of their home, family members or injuries. I also pointed out, since the fatality fire included a young child, that HOPE AACR can offer support to those within a school system who are also impacted by the loss of one of their students. This conversation resulted in a request for an April presentation of HOPE AACR to Red Crossers in the Billings, MT area (virtually via Microsoft Teams.) The rest of the meeting included updates for monthly meetings that ARC is also involved in. Feb. 4th...Mental Health Subcommittee mtg/SWMT COAD from 9:30-10:30 a.m. (virtually) This group meets monthly (COVID 19 related) and includes 10+ representatives from various mental health support agencies who update one another regarding their particular areas of support within the community, such as: Montana State University, The Greater Gallatin United Way, 211/Help Center and the Alcohol, Drug Services of Gallatin County. Feb. 9th...Mass Care Committee/SWMT COAD from 9:30-10:30 a.m. (Virtually) This groups meets monthly and reports out in four major areas: I share an update on the Mental Health (see above notes), Emotional (HOPE AACR updates) and Spiritual Care Subcommittee "Teams". There are also updates on Child Care, Sheltering, and Food distributions (Salvation Army and Gallatin Food Bank. Feb. 16-17th...HOPE AACR responded to a request for Canine Teams in support of the loss of a beloved Principal in one of Bozeman's elementary buildings. The Teams were well received and their work was greatly appreciated. I worked as a Team Leader/HAR virtually in helping to secure teams on dates requested and keeping those in need of information in the "KNOW". The Canine Teams submitted deployment reports for the dates mentioned. Feb. 17th...SW MT COAD general mtg. (Virtual) from 1-2:00 p.m. This group covers a variety of topics each month. Currently there is an emphasis on the COVID 19 vaccination roll out within Gallatin County...as well as updates from committee meetings held within the last month (see above info I have shared.) Feb. 18th....MT VOAD is meeting bi-monthly virtually. Today was a shorter than usual meeting (3-3:30 p.m.) due to this organization is experiencing a re-organization of state leadership. We also had some quick updates....state wide vaccination progress, Montana is also sending reserve power to Texas in support of their disaster due to frigid temperatures, Montana's COVID Helpline is progressing, information on how various agencies are supportin individuals experiencing eviction notices, etc. Katherine Howe (HOPE AACR) attended this meeting along with myself.