October 2026 News
An Unforgettable Night at the Disco
Great Fish Awards Ceremony
DV Awareness Month
Adopt-A-Family this Holiday Season
Starbucks Foundation Grant
Join us for Free Trainings
AN UNFORGETTABLE NIGHT AT THE DISCO
Our hearts are still shimmering after an incredible night at our recent Stayin' Alive disco fundraiser. Thank you so much to everyone who showed up, got your groove on, and helped us celebrate our 50th anniversary in style.
This event honored the five-decade history of the organization known today as the Abbie Shelter. We reflected on our growth over the last 50 years and recognized that our mission to serve survivors is equally, if not more, important now than it was at our founding in 1976.
It is because of our community's support that we've existed in the Flathead Valley for as long as we have. You make it possible for us to keep shining our light on those facing some of the darkest moments of their lives. Thank you!
GREAT FISH AWARDS CEREMONY
You're invited to the Whitefish Community Foundation's Great Fish Awards Ceremony! Join the Abbie Shelter and 88 other 2026 Great Fish Community Challenge participating nonprofits to celebrate a remarkable year of giving together in the Flathead Valley.
This event takes place on Thursday, October 22 from 5-7 p.m. at the Wachholz College Center, and it is free and open to the public. Everyone who supported any organization in the Challenge is welcome and encouraged to attend.
We could not be more grateful for the 525+ donors who contributed to the Abbie Shelter during the Challenge this year. Your generosity both allows and inspires us to continue our work serving survivors of abuse and assault in our community.
DV AWARENESS MONTH
Did you know that October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month?
According to a 2023 federal survey, about 41% of women and 26% of men experience contact sexual violence, physical violence, or stalking by an intimate partner during their lifetime. Not only is this a staggering statistic, but it is also a preventable one.
The best way to support someone experiencing any of these forms of violence is to show up. Social support is the strongest predictor of recovery from abuse and assault.
Abusive behaviors are driven by power and control. By offering support to a survivor, you can help them begin to gain safety, stability and power over their own life. If you know a person who is struggling, listen to them, keep reaching out and don’t give up.
ADOPT-A-FAMILY THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
Each winter, we host an Adopt-A-Family program to collect holiday gifts for individuals and families who are receiving services from the Abbie Shelter. Expenses often add up quickly for survivors as they work to build safer and more independent lives, especially at this time of year. Families who participate in this program often tell us that without it, they wouldn't have holiday gifts to give their children.
If you or someone you know wants to help brighten the holidays for a survivor this season, please register by clicking the button below. Thank you to all who've already signed up!
STARBUCKS FOUNDATION GRANT
We are thrilled to share that the Abbie Shelter recently received a Neighborhood Grant from The Starbucks Foundation!This generous gift resulted from a nomination by our friends at the Starbucks store in Whitefish who have supported our work in various ways over the last year.
The Starbucks Foundation's Neighborhood Grants program invites employee-led nominations and considers insights from Starbucks employees to award grants to nonprofits in the communities they serve.
"Through Neighborhood Grants, our partners inspire millions in funding to local organizations making a meaningful difference, from addressing hunger to supporting youth," said Kelly Goodejohn, executive director of The Starbucks Foundation. "We’re proud to support the causes our employees care deeply about. When we invest in our employees, they help strengthen their communities."
Thank you to The Starbucks Foundation and the Whitefish employees who helped make this gift possible!
JOIN US FOR FREE TRAININGS
Join us at the Flathead County Library for the second and third parts of this free training series: Skills for Supporting Survivors. These trainings are designed to help community members understand how to recognize and support people who may be experiencing intimate partner violence.
In October, learn how to plan for increased safety; in November, learn what the Abbie Shelter can do to help. Our staff will be available to answer any questions and offer guidance to participants.
Friends and family members of survivors are strongly encouraged to attend. If you are concerned that someone you know is experiencing abuse, this training is for you.
If these dates don't work for you but you'd still like to learn more about keeping our community safe, let us know! We can come to your organization for a personalized training.
If you or a loved one need support,
call our Helpline at 406-752-7273
(Monday - Friday, 9am - 9pm)
or visit abbieshelter.org.
