
ABOUT US
The mission of The Friendship Center is to be a safe haven for those affected by domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking and to empower our community to flourish in relationships free from violence.
Founded in 1971, The Friendship Center is the community resource for addressing and preventing domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking through advocacy, education and outreach in Lewis and Clark, Broadwater, and Jefferson Counties.
Domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking do not discriminate and either do we. Our services are available to anyone, regardless of gender or sexual orientation.
BOARD MEMBERS
President Katie Loveland
1st Vice President Cindy Bultena
2nd Vice President Renee Kowalski
Treasurer Jacki Frank
Secretary Ann Penner
Gina Boesdorfer
Ross Duncan
Michael Glenn
Kirsten Madsen
Kevin Mathews
Marie Mullarkey
Hanna Warhank

1430 Sanders St.
Helena, MT 59601
406.442.6800
406.430.0114 fax
officem@thefriendshipcenter.org
Gina Boesdorfer, Executive Director
HOURS
9AM - 5PM MONDAY / THURSDAY
9AM - 4PM / FRIDAY

THE FRIENDSHIP CENTER
NEWSLETTER
We have an amazing team of advocates available to assist you.
If you do not need immediate help and wish to reach out via e-mail, please fill out the contact form and an advocate will reach out. Be sure to leave information where it will be safe to contact you and indicate if we can leave a message.
We will respond as quickly as possible but if there is a more urgent need, please call 406.442.6800.

The Friendship Center Staff
Gina Boesdorfer, Executive Director
Heidi Opitz, Client Care Director
Deb Bakke, Direct Services Advocate
Cheyenne Bartelt, Finance Director
Sarah Kamis, Direct Services Advocate
Jaime Gabrielli, Residential Advocate
Jan Stergar, Direct Services Advocate
Ruth Ferst, Shelter Advocate
Kim Patterson, Development Director
Jenny Tu, Development and Communications Coordinator
Brenda Thompson, Shelter Manager
April Whitaker, Program Support Assistant
Eric Parsons, Outreach and Education Coordinator
REQUEST A SPEAKER
We want to increase prevention efforts through public awareness campaigns, education, and outreach. Wouldn’t it be a beautiful day if our services were no longer needed because family violence and sexual assault were eliminated?
Call or email us to discuss opportunities.
406.442.6800
officem@thefriendshipcenter.org

CLASSES & EVENTS
STAND (Survivors Taking A New Direction) is an educational based support group that meets on Tuesdays from 1-2pm and childcare is provided. The group schedule rotates through the following topics every 6-weeks: domestic violence, sexual assault, safety planning, healthy relationships, coping skills, and self-care. The information discussed each topic week is different, e.g. every week 1 topic will be related to domestic violence, but each week 1 throughout the year will have different information. This allows individuals to attend the group weeks that best fit their situation and needs. There is a 1 week break between every 6 week cycle to plan for the following series.
2nd Friday of each month // Friendship Friday
Join us for a complimentary lunch and tour of our shelter to see how this community provides safe haven and hope to the most vulnerable among us. RSVP to 406.442.6800 or email kim.p@thefriendshipcenter.org.
IMPORTANT UPCOMING DATES
October 30 - November 10 / Crisis Line Training