December 2025

Dear WFM Friends and Supporters,

My name is Jenn Battles, and I’m the Director of Domestic and Sexual Violence Services of Carbon County (DSVS). In a small rural county like ours, help isn’t always just down the road. For survivors of domestic and sexual violence, that distance can mean the difference between despair and hope. At DSVS, we work every day to bridge that gap, to be the voice on the other end of the phone, the safe place to turn, and the helping hand that says, you’re not alone.

 Since 1999, DSVS has supported nearly 3,000 survivors across Carbon and Stillwater Counties with free, confidential services including shelter, financial aid, counseling, and legal support. We also reach youth across 11 schools in our area and many more across Montana with our Healthy Relationships Violence Prevention Education Program, helping young people learn how to build healthy relationships and prevent violence before it begins.

 This work is possible because of partners like WFM. WFM doesn’t just fund one organization or one program—they nurture an ecosystem of nonprofits across the state, all working together to help women and girls thrive.

 Our work has grown stronger thanks to WFM’s partnership. Their grants, often general operating, allow us to plan, expand, and respond without being tied to a single program line. Because of WFM, we can better amplify survivors’ voices—including in the legislative session, where we work with a network of organizations and advocates to share how proposed laws could impact those we serve and build support for state investments our communities need.

 WFM’s holistic understanding—that women thrive when they have safety, supportive relationships, economic opportunities, education, health care, and the chance to rest—empowers organizations like ours to meet the full spectrum of community needs. When a mother and her children find refuge, when a teen learns she deserves respect, when a survivor begins to heal—those moments are made possible by WFM’s vision and by your generosity.

 Your gift to the Women’s Foundation of Montana strengthens not just one organization, but an entire network of women-led, community-rooted nonprofits that are changing lives every day.

 Please give today and help ensure every Montanan can live free from violence and fear – and with the opportunity to thrive.

 With gratitude,

From all of us at WFM, thank you for believing in the power of women and girls to lead change in their communities. Together, we’re building a stronger, safer, more equitable Montana.

WFM December Webinar

Last week, we hosted our December Webinar, Supporting Montana Families: Understanding & Responding to Domestic Violence During the Holidays. Whether you joined us live or plan to watch at your convenience, we’re grateful for your commitment to learning how we can better support survivors and strengthen local programs across Montana.

Our panelists — Kelsen Young, Beth Brenneman, Jenn Battles, and Brandi Clark — offered powerful insights into why the holidays can bring increased risks for families, how community programs are stepping up to meet those needs, and what each of us can do to help build a safer, more supportive Montana.

Watch the Recording:

WFM is a powerful force for philanthropy in Montana because of your

support. WFM grantees lead the way in creating strong communities that

work for women and girls.

Learn more about WFM grantees here and see our 2025 funding summary.