Abbie News, September 2026
IN THIS NEWSLETTER
Thank you, Great Fish Community Challenge donors!
Stayin’ Alive: 50th Anniversary Celebration
Montana Healthcare Foundation grant award
Round Up for the Abbie at Nelson's Ace
Support without judgment
Join us for free trainings
THANK YOU, GREAT FISH COMMUNITY CHALLENGE DONORS!
We are thrilled to share that, thanks to the generosity of our incredible network of supporters, the Abbie Shelter raised over $206,000 in the 2026 Great Fish Community Challenge!
As moved as we are by the total dollars contributed, we are equally touched by the
more than 500 individual donors whose contributions helped us reach this record-breaking milestone. No matter its size, every single gift we received was a powerful reminder that our supporters see us, value us, and recognize the importance of our work serving survivors of abuse and assault. From the bottom of our hearts, we truly cannot thank you enough.
Join us on Thursday, October 22 at the Great Fish Awards Ceremony, where we’ll celebrate this year’s 89 participating organizations and learn the final results of the Challenge. The Awards Ceremony, hosted by the Whitefish Community Foundation, takes place at 5pm at Wachholz College Center and is free and open to the public.
STAYIN' ALIVE CELEBRATION
Mark your calendars! The Abbie Shelter turns 50 this year, and we’re celebrating in style with a disco-themed golden anniversary gathering and fundraiser on Saturday, October 10. Join us at 5pm for an evening of delicious food, entertainment, raffles, and of course, a disco dance party. Tickets are available now!
THANK YOU TO OUR EVENT SPONSORS
MONTANA HEALTHCARE FOUNDATION GRANT AWARD
This summer, we were honored to receive a generous first-time grant award from the Montana Healthcare Foundation. This statewide nonprofit organization strategically invests in healthcare-related initiatives that seek to improve health and support the well-being of communities across Montana.
Our Montana Healthcare Foundation grant will fund the Abbie Shelter's plans to expand our existing shelter for survivors of intimate partner violence. With demand for residential services increasing every year, we have begun initial efforts to explore what an expansion of our shelter program could look like. We are deeply grateful for the Foundation's support and look forward to partnering with them on this critical project in the coming year.
ROUND UP FOR THE ABBIE AT NELSON'S ACE
There's still time to donate to the Abbie Shelter while shopping at Ace Hardware in Whitefish! Now through the end of September, round up your purchase at Nelson's Ace Hardware to quickly and easily support Flathead County survivors of intimate partner violence and sexual assault.
If you're preparing your garden for winter or handling general maintenance needs around your home or business this fall, visit Nelson's Ace to uplift survivors directly at the register when you check out. Thank you to our friends at Nelson's for supporting the Abbie and our community!
SUPPORT WITHOUT JUDGMENT
September is National Alcohol & Drug Addiction Recovery Month. We know that people experiencing abuse are often desperate for an escape, and for some, substances may offer that outlet. In some cases, abusive partners force survivors to use substances that they might not otherwise touch, creating additional challenges for people already experiencing harm.
Survivors are often facing the dual burdens of reaching both safety and sobriety. It can feel overwhelming! That's why, as advocates, we don't judge people for how they choose to cope with their situation. Instead, we listen, offer support, and recommend referrals based on the individual needs of each person we serve. Below is an example of one educational tool that we use when supporting survivors who are also navigating substance use.
The Power & Control Wheel when substance use is present
JOIN US FOR FREE TRAININGS
Join us at the Flathead County Library in Kalispell for a free training series: Skills for Supporting Survivors. This three-part training series is designed to help community members understand how recognize and support people who may be experiencing intimate partner violence. Learn about the causes and effects of abuse, how to plan for increased safety, and how the Abbie Shelter can help. Our staff will be available answer questions and offer guidance to participants.
If you attend all three sessions, you will also receive a certificate of completion, but attendance at all sessions is not required.
Friends and family members of survivors are strongly encouraged to attend. If you are concerned that someone you know is experiencing abuse, this is for you.
If you or a loved one need support,
call our Helpline at 406-752-7273
(Monday - Friday, 9am - 9pm)
or visit abbieshelter.org.
