Board
Abbie Cziok
she/her
Attorney
Board President — Leave of Absence
We are fortunate to live in the Helena community.
This last year saw the return of our in-person Benefit Breakfast, where we were encouraged by women who have had their lives changed by YWCA. Members of the WINGS program continue to teach us about resilience, grace, and the importance of community. The Breakfast allowed us the opportunity to meet others in Helena who are also dedicated to making it a more supportive, welcoming place.
We’ve been able to watch the Caterpillars Clubhouse take on its greater potential, creating a space where kids can grow and learn with the assistance of trauma-informed support. Parents can address their daily responsibilities without worrying about the safety of their kids. The work of parents living at YWCA Helena and in our community are also supported by our Caterpillar Program, giving unmatched opportunities to create life-changing family bonds.
Even with these exciting developments, homelessness and the lack of availability of mental health care continue to be a growing problem, one that YWCA Helena remains committed to addressing. We invite you to partner with us and join our mission to help women and children in our community establish stable, fulfilling lives.
Zoe Barnard
she/her
Senior Advisor, Manatt Health
Acting President — Program and Finance Committees
Homelessness and substance use disorder are public health issues that we must address locally and nationally. YWCA addresses needs in our community in an innovative way without losing sight of the bigger picture-the need for equity and inclusion.
Becky Lawson
she/her
Architect, SMA Architects
Building Committee
I support the YWCA because I believe that everyone deserves a safe, comfortable, and foundational space to live, recover, and strive for a new beginning. The environment that a person is in affects goals, thoughts, and emotional well-being. With the staff provided such amazing services at the YWCA, my strength is in seeing how I can help with space that supports these services.
Ari Cowser
The First Judical District Treatment Court Coordinator for Behavioral Health Court
I want to be on the Board for the YWCA because I have an extreme passion for helping individuals in the community who struggle with substance use and mental health. I believe that supporting our community in ways that empower them to believe in themselves and be successful and not be defined by their past is true to heart. YWCA has created massive impact to women and children in our community including my own.
Abigail R. Brown
Office Managing Shareholder, Parsons, Behle & Latimer
Secretary, Building Committee
Melissa Schlichting
she/her
Attorney, Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes
Governance and Nominations Committees
YWCA’s services to Indigenous women and children are what originally drew me to the Y. More recently I am inspired to be on the Board by the innovative programs and services — especially Caterpillars Clubhouse’s therapeutic childcare.