Bev Smart found new friends, self-confidence and a supportive community through the Special Friends Advocacy Program and People First, a local program for people with disabilities.

“It’s helped me a whole lot,” Smart said of Special Friends, a United Way member agency, and People First, a self-advocacy organization directed by its members. “I know how to talk to people and how to socialize.”

Special Friends programs and services are designed to enhance the quality of life for people with developmental disabilities. The program’s goal is to promote the rights, dignity and full community inclusion of people with developmental disabilities.

Assistance is provided in financial management and medical and housing matters, as well as crisis intervention and social interactions.

Special Friends is just one of the many agencies and services that benefit from the local United Way fundraising campaign that currently is under way. “Advance the Common Good” is the theme of the 2012 United Way fund drive, which benefits a variety of nonprofit agencies throughout Northwest Montana.

The monetary goal for the campaign is $804,803, the amount raised in 2009, the last time United Way reached its goal. 

Smart has been involved with Special Friends and People First since she moved to Kalispell from Portland, Ore., “a real long time ago.”

Gay Moddrell, executive director of Special Friends, says she has seen many positive changes in Smart’s life since she first met her more than 30 years ago.

“She has a great deal more self-confidence,” Moddrell said. “She felt isolated and was lacking in self-confidence. Now’s she’s Miss Social Butterfly.”

Moddrell said Smart has represented Special Friends and People First around the community and has become comfortable with public speaking.

“We’re kind of like a home base for her,” Moddrell said, adding that she’s in touch with Smart in person or by phone every day.

Smart said Special Friends helped her become comfortable in the community and learn her way around. She has her own apartment close to her job at Wendy’s and feels confident in her ability to socialize and be comfortable around people.

“It’s helped me with how to get around and get things done,” she said.

Donations to United Way benefit member agencies and services in Flathead County, serving thousands of local individuals and families with a variety of needs. The United Way also provides community resources including the annual Answer Book, a counseling directory, the Montana 211 project and a Volunteer Center.

Last year, member agencies helped 44,631 people in need. Ninety-nine percent of all money raised stays in local communities.

Donors may choose how to donate, including cash, payroll deductions, charging to credit cards, direct billing or  automatic bank transfers. Donors also may designate which member agencies or local affiliated partner agencies or the Montana Shares Federation they want to receive their gifts. 

For more information on the United Way campaign, call 752-7266. Donations may be mailed to P.O. Box 7217, Kalispell, MT 59904.