Gov. Gianforte Highlights Montana Organization Providing Mentors for At-Risk Youth

Encourages support for Friends of the Children Eastern Montana during 12 Days of Giving

• December 10 2025

HELENA, Mont. – On the eighth day of his 12 Days of Giving, Governor Greg Gianforte highlighted Friends of the Children Eastern Montana, a nonprofit providing long-term mentors to children who face systemic obstacles and who have experienced significant trauma.

“Friends of the Children Eastern Montana provides our youngest Montanans with the stability, encouragement, and support they need to grow and thrive at a time when they need it most,” Gov. Gianforte said. “These long-term mentorship opportunities can change the trajectory of a child’s life. This holiday season as you think about ways to give back, consider supporting this organization and the kids they serve every day.”

Photo courtesy of Friends of the Children Eastern Montana, promoting its holiday giving campaign to fund extracurricular activities for children enrolled in the mentorship program

Founded in 2022, Friends of the Children Eastern Montana partners with 15 schools across Yellowstone County and the foster care systems to identify children between the ages of four and six to pair them with a dedicated, professional mentor known as a Friend. These mentors make a twelve-year commitment to each child, working with them from kindergarten through high school graduation.

The organization serves children in the Billings area who experience adversity at an early age. Mentors spend time independently with eight children every week for four hours, providing academic support, teaching life skills, engaging in enrichment activities, and building connections to community resources both in school, at home, and in the community. Since its founding, the organization has served and enrolled over 50 children.

Friends of the Children Eastern Montana is part of a national network serving thousands of children across the country. In Billings, the program next year will exclusively enroll children who are in the foster care system. Through their long-term mentoring program, these children will be less likely to become teen parents or enter the juvenile justice system, and will go on to enroll in college, obtain a career, or serve our country.

The organization relies on community generosity to fund mentorship, activities, and support that comes at no cost to families. During the holiday season, they are raising money to fund a full year of enrichment for all youth enrolled in the program. Gifts will be contributed to support activities such as dance lessons, team sports, art classes, and STEM programs. Montanans interested in learning more about Friends of the Children Eastern Montana or making a donation can visit FriendsEasternMT.org.

“In rural Montana, children face unique challenges, and having a trusted mentor who shows up week after week, year after year, can make all the difference,” said Nina Hernandez, Executive Director of Friends of the Children Eastern Montana. “Every contribution helps us reach more children and provide them with the consistent support they deserve.”

In the month of December, the governor’s fifth annual 12 Days of Giving campaign highlights the work of a dozen organizations serving Montanans in need.

• On the 1st Day of Giving, the governor and first lady donated new, unwrapped toys to the Helena-area Marine Corps Toys for Tots and encouraged Montanans to donate to their local campaign.

• On the 2nd Day of Giving, the governor launched the fifth annual food drive among state agencies and encouraged Montanans to give to the Montana Food Bank Network or their local food bank.

• On the 3rd Day of Giving, the governor promoted blood donation through the American Red Cross of Montana and encouraged eligible Montanans to donate.

• On the 4th Day of Giving, the governor highlighted the Montana Hope Project and encouraged Montanans to support its mission of granting wishes for children facing critical illnesses.

• On the 5th Day of Giving, the governor highlighted Underwater Soldiers and encouraged Montanans to support its mission of helping veterans heal while restoring Montana waterways.

• On the 6th Day of Giving, the governor encouraged support for the Threshold of Life memorial to honor the contributions of all organ, eye, and tissue donors in Montana.

• On the 7th Day of Giving, the governor contributed a quarter of his salary to NeighborWorks Great Falls High School House Program to support workforce training and increasing the supply of housing.

• On the 8th Day of Giving, the governor highlighted Friends of the Children Eastern Montana and encouraged Montanans to support its long-term mentorship program for kids.

###