About Us
Learn more about our non-profit organization and our mission to make a positive impact for the families in our community.
Making the world a better place
Family Promise of Yellowstone Valley is a non-profit organization with a mission to help homeless families achieve and sustain independence through community support. We believe in empowering families by providing them with the resources they need to get back on their feet and secure a brighter future.
Changing Lives
Improving lives one step at a time with a helping hand.
Building Futures
Creating opportunities and a better future by helping struggling families get back on their feet.
01.
Ongoing Help
We have post-shelter extended support programs ensuring families do not slip back into homelessness.
02.
Open book
We firmly believe in transparency and strive to maintain an open book approach with the Billings community.
03.
Local partnerships
Building strong relationships with the community is vital and we work closely with local partners.
Our History
2004
Doors Open
In 2004 Family Promise of Yellowstone Valley opened its doors in the basement of Bethlehem Lutheran Church and working with local congregations, and mobilizing hundreds of volunteers to end family homelessness in the Yellowstone Valley region.
2012
Progress
In 2012, Family Promise YV raised money through grants and community support and were able to purchase 4 transitional housing apartments to allow our shelter families a place to rent for a lower costs while they improve their rental history, pay off past debts, and build their credit all while continuing case management.
2016
New Center
In 2016, Family Promise of Yellowstone Valley moved into our new Day Center located downtown. This building was completed with community support and love. The new Fortin Family Promise Day Center gives our guests room to heal and grow. Along with the space, FPYV was able to expand its programing to include the Wrap Around and Break the Cycle of Poverty programing; a Community Diaper Bank, and the Partners in Housing program.
2023
Further Reach
In 2023, Family Promise YV raised $1.2 million through grants and community support to purchase 8 additional transitional apartments. We are looking forward to helping more families become self sufficient and break the cycle of poverty.
Make a Difference Today
Your contribution matters. Support our cause by making a donation or volunteering!
Every dollar counts and helps us bring hope, joy, and essential resources to those in need. Together, we can create a better tomorrow.
Our Vision & Mission
Our mission is to help homeless families in the Yellowstone Valley area to achieve and sustain independence through a community-based response. We believe that every family deserves a safe and secure home, and we work tirelessly to provide them with the resources and support they need to break the cycle of homelessness.
Our vision is to create a community in which every homeless family in the Yellowstone Valley area has access to safe and affordable housing, as well as the resources and support they need to achieve long-term stability and independence. We believe that by working together as a community, we can reduce homelessness and ensure that every family has the opportunity to build a better future.
Our Valued Staff
Felicia Burg
Felicia Burg serves as the Executive Director of Family Promise of Yellowstone Valley, bringing more than a decade of nonprofit leadership and fundraising experience in the Billings community. Her passion for this work is deeply personal, having once faced homelessness herself, Felicia found stability and hope through Family Promise. That lived experience fuels her commitment to ensuring every family has the opportunity to rebuild, thrive, and move forward with dignity.
A proud mother of three, Felicia finds joy in cheering at concerts, exploring Montana’s wild beauty, and connecting with the community she loves. Her journey stands as a testament to resilience, compassion, and the power of second chances.
“Your story is your strength—share it bravely, live it boldly, and let it light the way for others.”
Morgan Ewell
Morgan Ewell was born in Billings and grew up in Orlando, spending several years traveling and experiencing different communities before returning to Billings in 2019. A dedicated mom of two, Morgan’s journey has shaped both her resilience and her passion for service.
Before joining the organization, Morgan graduated from the Family Promise program after overcoming homelessness while caring for her 15-month-old and being pregnant. During this time, she also earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology—an achievement that reflects her determination and commitment to building a better future for her family.
Today, Morgan brings her lived experience, empathy, and strength to her work, helping families navigate challenges just as she once did. Her story continues to inspire hope and connection within the community she now serves.
Michelle Downey
Michelle was born and raised in Montana and is a proud graduate of Montana State University-Billings, where she earned her degree in 2003. She has always been passionate about working with people and supporting families. With 15 years of experience in the criminal justice system and ten years working directly with families, Michelle brings deep compassion, skill, and commitment to every role she serves. At home, Michelle enjoys life with her husband, their two kids, and two dogs—Mocha Moo Cow and Benedict Cumberbark—who keep the household lively. In her free time, she loves reading, gardening, camping, and creating stained glass. These hobbies allow her creativity to shine.
Jennifer Allen
With Montana roots and a heart for community, Jennifer combines financial skill, strong organizational instincts, and true empathy for our mission and families. A graduate Cum Laude with a bachelor’s degree in public relations, she brings over six years of bookkeeping experience to the organization—while still enjoying any chance to flex her marketing and PR muscles when the opportunity arises.
Before joining Family Promise, Jennifer’s career path took several turns — but ultimately, she believes fate placed her exactly where she’s meant to be. Supporting families, strengthening stability, and helping an organization built on dignity and hope has become the most meaningful chapter of her professional journey. Outside of work, Jennifer is a busy soccer mom to two teenagers — one girl, one boy — who keep her constantly moving, cheering, and juggling schedules with the same balance and dedication she brings to the office.
Grounded, reliable, and motivated by a heart for service, Jennifer is proud to contribute to a mission that creates lasting change for families in her community.
Bethany Allen
Bethany was born and raised in Ohio and graduated from Cleveland State University with a bachelor’s in social work (BSW). She is a life-time member of the Phi Alpha Honor Society for Social Workers. Bethany has 17+ years of experience working for non-profits and para-church ministries. She originally came to Billings from Ohio to be an AmeriCorps*VISTA twenty-one years ago and loved it so much she never left. Bethany has spent over the last decade working with the most vulnerable homeless populations and continues to be passionate about helping families and children achieve the impossible! Bethany’s home life consists of her husband, daughter and cat, Noodle. In her free time, she dreams about planning her next international adventure. Bethany has visited Ecuador, Germany, Italy, Prague, India, Nagaland, and the Philippines.
