$25,000 Blue Impact Grant Supports Essential Services for Survivors Across Three Montana Counties

(HELENA, Mont., August 25, 2026) – The Friendship Center (TFC) recently announced that it received a $25,000 Blue Impact grant from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana (BCBSMT). The grant will support TFC's services for clients experiencing domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking.

“Through this Blue Impact grant, Blue Cross Blue Shield Montana is showing their commitment to partnering with victim advocacy programs in the lifesaving work we do, both in addressing the acute crises our clients face and working upstream to prevent DVSAS crimes from happening in the first place,” said Kim Patterson, Executive Director of The Friendship Center. “Survivors lead the way in this movement, and we all have roles to play in supporting them. In many ways, funding client services now is also an investment in a bold vision of a future without abuse, and a healthy community where programs like ours no longer need to exist."

TFC serves over 700 individuals each year with an array of services including safe shelter, legal advocacy, in-hospital response for survivors of sexual assault, safety planning, emotional support, community referrals, and more. The Blue Impact grant will help TFC continue to meet the needs of those most impacted by DVSAS in Lewis and Clark, Broadwater, and Jefferson counties.

“At Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana, we understand that health and well-being extend beyond access to medical care,” said Lisa Kelley, BCBSMT Market Lead and President. Everyone deserves to feel safe, supported, and empowered to live a healthy life. We are proud to support The Friendship Center as they continue their essential work supporting survivors and strengthening communities throughout the region.”

BCBSMT’s Blue Impact grant initiative is part of an ongoing commitment to invest in and collaborate with community organizations that offer sustainable, measurable programs that address the social and economic factors impacting health and wellness in our state. TFC's commitment to being a safe haven for those affected by domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking and cultivating a community where everyone can flourish aligns with the vision of Blue Impact to improve health outcomes in communities across Montana.

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About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana is a division of Health Care Service Corporation, a Mutual Legal Reserve Company and Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. BCBSMT is the largest and longest-standing statewide, customer-owned health insurer and full-service health benefits administrator in Montana. BCBSMT has provided high-quality health insurance plans and administrative services to Montanans for more than 85 years and is committed to ensuring its members — no matter where they are on the health spectrum — achieve maximum health.

About The Friendship Center

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. Learn more at thefriendshipcenter.org.

BCBSMT Contact:

Amanda Douglas, Communications Manager

505.816.2426

amanda_douglas@bcbsmt.com

TFC Contact:

Kim Patterson, Executive Director

406.442.6800

kim.p@thefriendshipcenter.org