Annual YBGR Kalispell Thanksgiving Dinner Brings Families Together
What brings families back to the same table year after year? A place where they feel supported, welcomed, and connected.
This week, families gathered once again in Kalispell for our annual Thanksgiving dinner hosted by our Child Welfare Prevention and Support Services (CWPSS) team. Local families, CASA workers, and partners from Child and Family Services joined us for an evening of sharing a meal, reconnecting, and strengthening the relationships that help kids thrive.
A Tradition Rooted in Family and Community Connection
This Thanksgiving dinner tradition began years ago in Kalispell with Berni McDonald, CWPSS Program Supervisor, and Tammy Eads, Administrative Supervisor—long before either joined our YBGR family.
Pictured: Tammy Eads, Kalispell Administrative Supervisor, and Berni McDonald, CWPSS Supervisor, at last night’s Thanksgiving celebration for families. This holiday tradition began years ago with Tammy and Berni—long before they joined the YBGR team. The two created it to support Flathead County families.
What began as a simple effort to bring people together has grown into a meaningful tradition for current families, program graduates, and our community partners, who form a critical network of support for the Flathead County residents we serve.
Since becoming part of the YBGR umbrella of care, our Child Welfare Prevention and Support Services program in Kalispell has helped dozens of families find stability and build strong foundations for the future.
Expanding Child Welfare Prevention and Support Services Across Montana
Because of the impact in Kalispell and the growing need statewide, our Child Welfare Prevention and Support Services program is now expanding across our community-based care locations.
The program partners with Child and Family Services—blending parent education, parent coaching, and care coordination to prevent separation, support reunification efforts, and strengthen family systems.
Events like this dinner show what that work looks like in action: connection, consistency, and a community that shows up for families.
To everyone who made this night possible—and to the families who open their lives to us—thank you. Your trust, care, and commitment are valued. We’re grateful for you.
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