Pay It Forward Stories 2021

Due to the stressful past year, there have been some that have had some financial struggles. I identified some members of the community that were unable to afford Mother's Day gifts. Not only are these mothers deserving of something nice but it's good to see the pride in gift giving from the children / spouses complements of the Dennis & Phyllis Washington Foundation.

I gave my pay it forward card to the ravalli county jr. rodeo club…. That club does a great job with kids that are wanting to succeed at rodeo… they prepare kids for future of rodeo

I was able to provide my Pay It Forward card this year to the Magic Forest Childcare and Preschool and they had the following to say:

We, at the Magic Forest Childcare and Preschool were lucky enough to receive one of your $500 gift cards. We were so excited to put that towards a project that benefits all of the children in our care. Running a childcare program is a very expensive profession and we often have to budget and save to accomplish projects around our facility. We were able to use the gift card to install a safer ground cover under our outdoor swing set/jungle gym. It looks beautiful and we are delighted to know that the children are safe as they climb, play, and explore. We are grateful to the Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation for helping us accomplish this goal and improve our program. Thank You!

I chose to give to 4 separate Missoula area non-profits through the Missoula Community Foundation's Missoula Gives event.

This year we hooked up with Spokane Quaranteam whose goal this year is to feed as many of the homeless children and feed any child in need. Rick Clark and his volunteers are doing such a great job reaching out to these areas and communities hardest hit in these current times.

The Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation has done a wonderful job giving back to individuals and organizations of many communities. I want to say thank you for involving your employees in The Pay It Forward program.

I have donated my giving card to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Cystic fibrosis is a rare and fatal genetic disease. The disease causes persistent and debilitating lung infections and stops the absorption of food, which often leads to premature death. Due to minimal federal and pharmaceutical funding, cystic fibrosis research is largely dependent on private donations such as the pay it forward program. Many strides have been made to improve the life expectancy of cystic fibrosis patients as the average age of survival has doubled in the past 30 years. However, a cure is out of reach without continued donations.

I am extremely grateful to have this opportunity to give back to a cause that is close to my heart. I have an eight-year-old relative in Butte that was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis shortly after birth. Donations towards cystic fibrosis give her and her family hope that one day this disease can be cured.

I gave Billings Clinic Foundation half of it to the Women Health for women that does not have health insurance or very little and the other half for mental illness.

I donated my card to HomeSafe. HomeSafe was founded in 1983, when several individuals recognized that no services existed for battered women and their children. A group of dedicated volunteers began facilitating weekly support groups in Sumner County, and opened the first domestic violence shelter in Gallatin in 1987. The first paid employee was hired part time in October 1995. With funding from the State of Tennessee, services were expanded into Wilson and Robertson County. With expansion into the other counties, the program, which was initially known as the Sumner County Coalition Against Domestic Violence, changed its name to HomeSafe of Sumner, Wilson and Robertson Counties – Inc. At HomeSafe we view domestic and sexual violence as a violation of basic human rights. We are committed to supporting victims in their struggle to liberate themselves from abuse, and to serving our community by promoting a culture of nonviolence, peace, and social justice.

I gave my card to a friend, Lisa LaBuff Kingston, who was in a terrible car accident in October 2020. She had rolled her vehicle several times at the bottom of Homestake Pass. She severely broke her neck & was paralyzed from the waist down. Lisa was flown to Salt Lake & received care & physical therapy while recuperating from her accident. Lisa had to learn everything over again. Lisa as of today, is still in a motorized wheelchair, but has made huge steps to recovery. Lisa has feeling in all of her body, with the exception of some parts of her stomach. Lisa can move both arms, but has trouble with her fingers at times. She has feeling in her legs & feet, but can not walk on her own yet. Lisa can stand with the assistance of harness or having people stand at her sides.
Lisa & her 9 year old daughter, Kenna, have moved in with Lisa's mother. Lisa can not drive or go back to work yet, so she has to make arrangements with friends & family for transportation.
Lisa has such a positive attitude & I want to thank you for giving me the opportunity to help Lisa.
The photo I have submitted is of Lisa & her daughter, Kenna, at Kenna's Dance recital in May 2021.

I do not care if my story is published, but would ask if Lisa gives consent to it first. Thank you again.

I used my giving card to purchase science and math coding materials for my 2nd grade classroom at Arrowhead Elementary School in Billings, Montana. A large focus in the last few years in education is the move to integrate Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics into elementary classrooms. Part of the Montana State Technology Standards for education in 2nd grade includes coding as a goal. I used my giving card to purchase coding materials that can be used in the classroom as group and individual activities. Technology is a focus that has grown in many ways in my classroom and my students and I thank you for your donation. It has enabled us to purchase materials to make learning and reaching our science and technology goals while having fun!
Thank you so much for your generous contribution to our learning. Mrs. Laura Tieszen

After losing my uncle to suicide in 2014, I wished that there was more that I could have done to help him. That is why I chose to donate to Project Tomorrow in order to help raise awareness to the many suicides that happen in the Missoula area every year. As their website says, “Together, we are fighting for a better tomorrow, for Missoula, for Western Montana.”

Thank you to the Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation for allowing me to Pay It Forward to Project Tomorrow.

This giving card was used to purchase a much needed Heavy-Duty Metal Bender for the Granite County High School Industrial Arts class in Philipsburg. My students and I send thanks to Mike Lee from Montana Rail Link and to the Dennis & Phyllis Washington Foundation for this awesome program.

Once again this year I decided to help several different Individuals and Organizations in our Community.

First I helped Emily S. who was in need of just the basic everyday essentials, the Salvation Army is helping her with rent but really nothing else. She was very thankful to be able to go to Wal-Mart and get cat food and a few things for herself.

I also delivered Wal-Mart cards and fuel cards to Winds Of Change, they had stories in the Sunday Missoulian of things that some of their clients needed so I felt they would be best to Distribute those.

I also contacted Anne Graham Ed.D. of Learning With Meaning which is an alterative school in Missoula. The kids pay based on their income and getting Scholarships, I donated $200.00 to the Scholarship Fund to help those who do not have the funds to pay. As of this last year Learning With Meaning has not turned down a child to attend this school which is partly due to donations to the fund.

I tried to donate my pay it forward card to the big brother big sister group but had no luck getting a response back. I ended up donating to the Laurel Storm soccer club. The money was used to help paint the fields and buy new equipment. The club was very thankful since they have hundreds of kids that are getting into the sport

My card was given to The 406 Flyers 14U Softball team to purchase uniforms and equipment. This was a new team this year and being able to use this card to help start this team awesome!

Emma's House Children's Advocacy Center in Hamilton Montana is a facility -based program that provides forensic interviews , medical exams , and trauma treatment to children and their families when there is a report of child abuse (sexual, physical, drug-endangerment, or neglect )made to law enforcement of the State child abuse hotline. Part of our response to child abuse investigation is working collaboratively as a multi-disciplinary team of professionals to make sure that we are meeting as many needs as possible for our families. We were thrilled to receive the Pay it Forward Card to help some of our kids with more "unconventional" expenses that we do not have specific funding for. We also wanted to thank our multi-disciplinary partners for their commitment to making changes in the criminal justice system , so that the investigative process is more meaningful and helpful to kids. We used the Pay it forward card to purchase crayons and coloring books for younger children to have when they come to Emmas House and sit in the waiting room, often feeling very stressed and anxious. One booklet we purchased is entitled " Who Knew? The Internet Safety Issue" to provide education to children and caregivers about ways to stay safe while navigating the internet. Another booklet is called "Understanding Depression" which we thought might be helpful to a teenager visiting Emmas House. We also prepaid for a transferrable punch card to the local athletic club, since many of our kids are home without lots of activity options in the summertime. The athletic club has tennis and basketball courts, group exercise classes, weight rooms, and an indoor pool. This card is held at the front desk (with discretion) for anyone who comes in and says they were sent by Emmas House. Several kids have mentioned how much they look forward to going to lift weight and just having something to do to "get out of the house." Lastly we used the Pay it Forward card to purchase gag gifts as a way to thank our team partners with law enforcement, child and family services, prosecution ,medical /mental health providers. These are given out at the end of our monthly case review meetings in an effort to share laughter and recognition of the hard work. Examples include : "Animal Paw" socks, silly coffee mugs, "and desktop Skee-Ball." These small token are a gesture of appreciation and also provide a little extra incentive to attend the very important monthly case review meetings. With the remaining seven ($7) dollars we bought a ball and a basket of apples for "Twyla" , the beloved service dog of Emma's House (trained and donated to Emmas House by Canine Companions for Independence) . Twyla sits with kids in forensic interviews and accompanies children to the courtroom if they have to testify. Many times, Twyla has curled up at the foot of a child in the witness box , easing the stress and anxiety of it all. Twyla's treats are well-earned!

I gave it to a young lady who started her own non profit for free spay/neuter clinics a tear ago. She hold a clinic once a quarter. to date she has held 5 and with your help she can add two more this year.

Every day, there are people who make a difference in communities all over the country. One of those people touched our lives and many others through her work and giving of her time. Her knowledge of the Native American culture has helped keep many stories and traditions alive in her area. Sharing her knowledge kept her spirit up during trying times. Those trying times include her health problems.
She has autoimmune problems and has suffered a back injury. With the pandemic, this has limited her time in the work force. The establishment she worked at closed during this difficulty time. Her only means of making money was through her outstanding beading skills. Her autoimmune issues flared up causing her only means of income to dissolve. Her hands became inflamed and she could not continue beading. Physical Therapy has helped her along as well as helped control her back issues.
We know that the gift card we presented her has enabled her to get a computer to try and work from home. This is a safe environment for her at this time and we very much wish her well in her recovery. The Pay It Forward program has been wonderful and provides help to our Montana community friends and neighbors.
Thank you, Dennis and Phyllis Foundation, for a making a difference in our community!
Mark S. Smith

I used my card and donated it to needy families with low incomes and bought children school clothes , shoes , winter gear etc. It was such a blessing to be able to help those less fortunate during such trying times. thank you Washington Foundation for giving me the chance to be apart of such an incredible cause.

I donated to the USO...United services Organization. The USO strengthens America’s military service members by keeping them connected to family, home and country, throughout their service to the nation. The USO is active in Montana as well as all the other States in the union. The USO supports our military personnel by providing meals and a place to sleep/rest at most major Airports for military members and their families who are traveling to/from assignments and change of duty stations. The Organization also provides military children and families with gifts and other items during Holidays like Christmas, Halloween and Easter for example. They supply entertainment and refreshments to our troops domestically and overseas when their duties keep them away from home for extended periods of time. It supports those who have sacrficed much to defend our freedom and liberties against enemies both foreign and domestic. Thank you to DPWF!

I happened to meet the family of a child who had been in a tragic burn accident. She underwent a horrible experience and many, many surgeries- and continues to have surgeries. Her name is Rawkee, and the family created a foundation in her name: R.A.W. for Real Authentic Warriors. This foundation pays medical expenses of burn victims and offers support to family members.
I couldn't be more grateful to the Washington family for their gift and the opportunity to help this little girl and others like her. THANK YOU! Please follow their foundation on Instagram to read her story and know her courage.

A friend was diagnosed with diverticulitis and had to go back to surgery for complications and also has a wedding planned for September so I felt she needed it most. She was very grateful for the pay it forward program and I know I got this in late but have been very busy with work.

With the support of the Dennis & Phyllis Washington Foundation Pay It Forward Program and the generous gift recommendations by Susan Twiford and Brenda Richter from Montana Rail Link, Missoula Aging Services (MAS) used both cards to buy 4500 disposable bags for the Meals on Wheels Program. These bags allowed us to deliver nutritious meals to homebound older adults and people with disabilities throughout Missoula County. Because of this generous funding, we were able to buy enough bags to cover a month's worth of meals.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, MAS used reusable bags for meal deliveries. However, because older adults are most at risk for serious illness from the virus and to protect our volunteer drivers from infection, we followed CDC guidelines and transitioned to disposable bags. During this past year, we experienced a significant increase in the need for the Meals on Wheels Program since many older adults were required to shelter in place to remain safe. Because of this increased need, we expanded the program free of charge to people under the age of 60 people with disabilities who were required to financially contribute to the program before the pandemic. To further remove barriers, both hot and frozen meals are being delivered and meal number restrictions have been reduced to ensure that all participant needs are being met. The result of this decision has been a large influx of new clients and a massive increase in the number of meals delivered. This expansion has also meant an increase in the number of disposable bags needed for meal deliveries. The generous Pay it Forward recommendations of Susan and Brenda have made it possible for us to purchase these bags so we can spend more money on the nutritional needs of our clients.

Though this past year has been challenging, MAS has continued to support those most in need of our services and these two gifts have made a tremendous difference in the lives of our Meals on Wheels clients. Here is what one client had to say about MAS and Meals on Wheels, “To be honest I do not think I could have made it this far without your help. I am 84 and this coronavirus has really knocked me for a loop. It has made simple things like getting around and getting food so much harder. I appreciate you all.”

Volunteer drivers, Elisabeth and Richard have also been positively impacted by their role in delivering meals during the pandemic. “There aren’t a whole lot of things anybody can do right now like we used to do so this is one of our really joyful mornings,” Elisabeth said after they finished their route for the day.

The support from the Dennis & Phyllis Washington Foundation of the Meals on Wheels Program has made a tremendous impact during these unprecedented times. And we especially appreciate Susan and Brenda for thinking of the Meals on Wheels Program when they made their funding recommendations. Thank you all for empowering older adults in our community so they can continue to live healthily and age with dignity and independence in their own homes and communities!

As a volunteer board member and coach for our local Laurel Youth Soccer Club, I initiated and planned our annual club fundraiser this year. We decided that instead of doing door to door sales we would organize a raffle that featured local small and large businesses! The raised funds go towards scholarships for participants and for new equipment. We had a total of 30 donated prizes for the raffle and we used the "Pay It Forward" money to purchase one of the grand prizes which was a fully decked out Trek bicycle! Thanks to all the donations and the "Pay It Forward" contribution our club raised over 3x what we normally do! It was a big hit! Thank you Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation!

Thank you to the Dennis and Phyllis Washington foundation for giving me the opportunity to be a "Pay it forward" recipient! Somehow, through all the madness that 2020 provided, I was blessed enough to not directly know any families that were in need of help. However, in the town of Livingston, I know there are always families that are struggling to put food on the table. That is why I chose the Livingston Food Resource Center as the recipient of my Pay it forward card. Not only are they a food pantry where people can go to get healthy necessities they need, but also a kitchen that prepares meals and provides summer lunches in the city for children. Even beyond that, they also provide resources and programs to help members of the community. I couldn't think of a better way to reach so many families in the community. Thank you again for the opportunity to help families in the community.