The GFWC Billings Junior Woman’s Club was organized January 11, 1933. In 1934 we joined the Montana Federation of Women’s Clubs and then in 1935 the General Federation of Women’s Clubs. The General Federation of Women’s Clubs is an international organization of community based volunteer women’s clubs. It is also the largest and oldest non-denominational women’s organization in the world. GFWC has over 10 million members worldwide. Montana has 32 clubs with 700 members. GFWC Billing Junior Woman’s Club was incorporated under the laws of the State of Montana on the 23rd day of September 1958, exclusively charitable as defined by section 501(c)(3) of IRS code.
1930’s Took public stands on the necessity of rest rooms in City Hall and public kindergartens. Supported the Community Chest Drive and the Red Cross Drive.
1940’s Started School Medical Fund, involvement centered on the war effort with donations to Vet’s Hospital, Red Cross, Women’s Field Army. Members volunteered on committees to entertain soldiers and sell war bonds. Money was raised to help build the new YWCA building. Members also worked on projects at the Eastern Montana Normal School Kindergarten, provided Layettes for needy mothers and supported public kindergarten.
1950’s Established the Children’s Receiving Home, raised funds to run and maintain this program. The club continued with their School Medical Fund and also sponsored a girl to Girls State.
1960’s Started a Building Fund drive for a new Children’s Receiving Home. The new building was built and the mortgage was burned in 1966 after a very successful fund-raising effort. Members started running concession booths at the fair, which continued into the 80’s. Volunteers helped with polio clinics, collected food for the needy, supported school bond issues, planted trees in city parks, and purchased equipment for the two hospitals.
1970’s Began Bunnies Project, with members visiting local hospitals on Good Friday dressed as bunnies. The club was the national Community Improvement Project award winner for its Children’s Receiving Home program. A Rent a Santa program was also started. The School Medical Fund was officially reestablished in response to increased need in the community.
1980’s The state became the official provider of care for children in crisis and the Children’s Receiving Home/ Billings Youth Home was closed. The building currently houses a day care center. Major projects include the donation of the ZOOMOBILE to Zoo Montana and refurbishment of two rooms at the Ronald McDonald House.
1990’s Established an annual $1,000 college scholarship. Continued funding of School Medical Fund. Won a national award for greatest number of teachers sponsored for KindNews. Created a library at the Montana Rescue Mission Women’s and Families Shelter, co-sponsored the playground at Zoo Montana, started the Comfort Pillow Project for breast cancer patients, helped in raising funds to restore the stained glass windows in the Rotunda of the State Capital, recognized by the Governor for our participation in Montana’s Promise, Summit on Youth. Donated time and books to school libraries.
2000’s Continued college scholarship program and added scholarship for graduates of Billings Public Schools. Promoted the Opera for Children program, continued work at Zoo Montana, awarded matching grants for schools purchasing ARTANSWER video series. Yearly adopts two families through Family Network Services, supported needy school library with donated time, AR books, and tests. Continued to co-sponsor the playground at Zoo Montana with the Optimist Clubs of Billings.