GENERAL FEDERATION OF WOMEN'S CLUBS:  GFWC of Montana is a state federation of the General Federation of Women's Clubs, Inc. joining with 10 million worldwide GFWC members in 20 countries. Founded in 1890, GFWC is one of the world's largest and oldest women's volunteer service organizations.  Headquartered in Washington, DC, our organization offers a network of support to better serve local communities.  The combined force of members on the club, district, state, and international levels offers strength in unity. Further details: 

This year's goal is for our members to participate in programs and projects that strengthen the individual club members, the Montana clubs, GFWC of Montana, and GFWC International.

2008-2010 GFWC of Montana State Project

Embracing the Past while Envisioning the Future

Billings Junior Woman's Club will assist in raising $10,000 to help build a chapel on the grounds of the Montana State Hospital in Warm Springs is the special project we will work together on to achieve a common goal. Faith and spirituality are important to the recovery of people with mental illness and often provides strength to persevere when life’s events seem overwhelming. The patients of the hospital long for a “place of refuge,” where they can be comfortable in a location away from the hospital routine, and the stresses of their everyday lives.

GFWC Billings Junior Woman’s Club

Volunteering in the Billings community since 1933

Member of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs

Our Roots

The GFWC Billings Junior Woman‘s Club was organized January 11, 1933. In 1934 we joined the Montana Federation of Woman’s Clubs and then in 1935 the General Federation of Women’s Clubs. The General Federation of Woman’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 710 members. GFWC Billings Junior Woman’s Club was incorporated under the laws of the State of Montana on the 23^rd day of September 1958, exclusively charitable as defined by section 501 (c) (3) of IRS code.

Our History

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 the 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 and the Ronald McDonald House.
1990’s   Established an annual $1000.00 college scholarship. Continued funding of School Medical Fund. Won a national award for greatest number of teachers sponsored for Kind News. 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 scholarships for Billings Public Schools and Yellowstone County. Promoted the Opera for Children program, continued work at Zoo Montana, and pillows for breast cancer patients, awarded matching grants to purchase library books for schools purchasing an art video series. Donated fund to start a Boys and Girls Club in the Heights. Yearly adopt one or two families through Family Network Services, or Gateway House providing food, clothing and other necessities. Work with Youth Services providing a shopping trip, decorated tree with personal care products, and dress a child. Supported two school libraries with donated books and time, Started “Books for Babies” at both hospitals. Worked with a local eye doctor to start a program for first grade students called “Be Wise about your eyes”. Built a web site for GFWC Billings Junior Woman’s Club. Provided posters, presentations, and donations to increase community awareness of Domestic Violence. Partnered with Chico’s to raise money for domestic violence and participated in the Million Voices campaign. Assisted with the state W.H.A.L.E. (we have a little emergency) project.

GFWC-Billings Junior Woman's Club
P.O. Box 20234
Billings, MT 59104-0234