On September 15, the Friendship House Early Learning Center opened its doors as part of the recently completed Montana Rescue Mission Unified Campus. The Early Childhood Learning Center is not just for MRM shelter families. Like Friendship House’s other programs, it is available to the public.
Friendship House of Christian Service has been a vital program for children and families in South Billings since 1957. The organization has offered preschool, after-school, teen mentorship, and summer programs for years, but this is the first time it has been able to support families with infants and toddlers. The facility is currently licensed for 25 children, and within a few days of opening, it was near capacity at 15, having four more children waiting to turn six weeks, so they too can join.
Our hard work to serve our community in the best way possible is what sets us apart from other organizations. The last thing we want to do is burden families with even more financial hardships. Our goal is to serve kids ages 0-18 and make sure they have a safe and stable place to go.
We received some feedback from families about our fee structure, and we listened. Going forward, we will not charge an extra fee for PIR days or any days when school is out as long as we are open.
This is one small way we can help parents and our community. Now caregivers can go to work, knowing their kids have a safe and fun place to be, without worrying about the extra costs.
To learn more about the Friendship House and our child care services, go here.
