It’s a New Day at the Montana Rescue Mission
A few days before Christmas, I returned to the Billings Leadership Foundation as its new Executive Director, an opportunity that felt less like a new beginning and more like continuing a story I already believed in.
With 20 years of nonprofit leadership and a previous role as BLF’s Development Director from 2017 to 2019, I am returning now because I care deeply about strengthening care, restoring trust, and building systems that truly serve people in crisis. BLF supports the Montana Rescue Mission, Friendship House, the MRM Bargain Center, and Mission Apartments, and while my role is new, the progress is not.
The rebuilding and healing were already underway, carried by a team that chose the mission over the moment. I’m grateful to step into that momentum, build on it with steady leadership, and help move it forward, guided by integrity, service, and the dignity of every person we serve.
Our dedicated staff has already been improving internal systems, and the culture is healing. Staff chose integrity over ease, accountability over avoidance, and service over discouragement. That kind of renewal does not happen overnight or by accident. It happens because people decide to move forward with purpose and conviction.
Equally affirming has been the positive feedback from partners. Leaders across the community have spoken about the professionalism and dependability they see in our team. They have noted strong communication, a shared commitment to solutions, and a genuine desire to work together for the good of those we serve.
One of the most meaningful moments I have experienced in these early weeks has been talking with those we serve. Listening to their stories and experiences has been both sobering and inspiring. I have received expressions of gratitude for the services offered and the way people are treated.
The team has implemented essential changes to policies and procedures to support the individuals and families who stay with us, helping them through some of the most challenging times in their lives. It was apparent that their dedication to those we serve is shown through long hours, tough conversations, and an unwavering presence.
People reported feeling respected, listened to, and valued. When life feels uncertain or overwhelming, those qualities matter a lot. Our staff knows that every person has worth and deserves to be met with dignity, and they show it every day in their actions.
Trust is built through action and consistent follow-through. It is absolutely a new day at the Billings Leadership Foundation and the Montana Rescue Mission, but that work did not begin when I started. It began months ago, when our team chose to lean into the hard work of rebuilding, deliberately focused on the mission, not on recognition.
To our staff, I offer my deepest gratitude. Your work is seen, and your commitment matters. Together we will do the hard work, and I will find joy and community along the way.
To those we serve, thank you for trusting us in vulnerable moments. We are here to listen and support you.
And to our community partners, thank you for walking alongside us with shared purpose and trust. We will rebuild trust where it has been damaged.
We are committed to proving this not merely through our words but through our actions.
Rebuilding isn’t easy, but when it is rooted in service, integrity, and faithfulness, it becomes a powerful testimony to what we can accomplish together. The entire team and I are grateful for the second chance to make a lasting impact.
Dyann Romeijn
Executive Director
Billings Leadership Foundation
