rural-dynamics-v2

Homebuyer Education Classes

Thu, 01 Jan 2026 21:34:23 GMT

Register for a homebuyer Class

Learn How to Buy a Home with RDI’s In-Person or Virtual Homebuyer Education Course

Thinking about buying a home? Join RDI Financial Wellness for a virtual Homebuyer Education and Counseling Course to gain the tools and confidence you need to make informed decisions on your path to homeownership.

�� Virtual Classes via Zoom | 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM
�� January 20–22 (Tuesday–Thursday)
�� February 17–19 (Tuesday–Thursday)
�� March 17–19 (Tuesday–Thursday)

�� In-Person Classes

Saturday, February 28 ^th

Rocky Mountain Development Council

Basement Conference Room

200 South Cruse St

Helena MT 59601

9am-5pm

Lunch Provided

Saturday, March 28 ^th

Rocky Mountain Development Council

Basement Conference Room

200 South Cruse St

Helena MT 59601

9am-5pm

Lunch Provided

All sections of the registration form must be completed. Missing information may delay scheduling. If you are on a tight timeline, calling (406) 403-9397 is the fastest way to get scheduled.

Email your completed registration form to : homebuyer@ruraldynamics.org

Join Zoom :

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/2921587228

Meeting ID: 292 158 7228

This course includes:
• A one-on-one counseling session
• An eight-hour virtual class over three evenings
• Expert guidance on budgeting, credit, mortgages, inspections, insurance, and more

Completion meets HUD requirements for most first-time homebuyer assistance programs.

Note : A required HUD approved intake session with an RDI housing counselor must be completed to earn the certification.

Completed an online homebuyer education course and need your certificate of completion?

If you completed an online Homebuyer Education course through eHome America or Framework, a one on one intake appointment is required to receive your Certificate of Completion.

Your intake meeting may be completed in person depending on location, virtually, or by phone after your course is finished.

How to get scheduled:

Download the Homebuyer Education Registration Form
Email the completed form to homebuyer@ruraldynamics.org
Call (406) 403-9397 to schedule your intake appointment

Made possible by RDI, Montana Housing, Montana Department of Commerce, and other supporters.

Now Hiring: Program Manager

Tue, 23 Sep 2025 20:41:37 GMT

RDI is Hiring A Tax Help Program Manager

RDI Financial Wellness is excited to announce an opening for a full-time Tax Help Program Manager based in Great Falls, Montana. This role is a cornerstone of our Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs, which provide free tax services and financial support to individuals and families across Montana.

About the Role

The Tax Help Program Manager will:

Lead and support a statewide network of volunteers
Ensure tax site compliance with IRS guidelines
Oversee day-to-day operations and client experience
Build partnerships to expand free tax services and connect clients to financial wellness resources

Why Join RDI

In addition to meaningful work, RDI offers:

Annual salary of $45,000–$50,000
Full benefits, including medical, dental, and vision
Paid time off, holidays, and family leave
Retirement plans and tuition reimbursement
Opportunities for professional growth and training support
Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness
Candidates must reside in Great Falls, MT .

Apply Today

Apply online today!

Download the full Job Description

Tax Help Program Manager

2024 Impact Report

Mon, 24 Mar 2025 20:22:31 GMT

A Year of Impact at RDI Financial Wellness

At RDI Financial Wellness, 2024 was a year of transformation, service, and renewed commitment to financial empowerment across Montana. With deep roots going back to 1968, our mission remains focused on helping individuals and families build financial resilience through personalized support, education, and access to opportunity.

This year, we served over 4,000 clients—93% of whom were Montana residents—through one-on-one counseling, financial workshops, and tax preparation.

Our RDI Tax Help program alone returned over $4.4 million to local communities, helping families access critical credits like the EITC and save over $700,000 in tax preparation fees.

Our housing program helped dozens of families avoid foreclosure, while our financial coaching led to numerous credit score increases and empowered participants to reduce over personal debt. We expanded support to veterans, seniors, and individuals with disabilities, managing $3.4 million in pooled trust assets and issuing thousands in assistive technology loans.

From new AmeriCorps partnerships to community education workshops, 2024 proved that collaboration and compassion are at the heart of sustainable change. We’re proud of what we’ve accomplished—and we’re just getting started.

�� Read the full report here: 2024 RDI Impact Report

2025 RDI Tax Help

Mon, 10 Feb 2025 20:07:58 GMT

RDI Tax Help is available until April 15

RDI Tax Help is still offering FREE preparation and filing services to low- to moderate-income households ($67K or less) and senior citizens (60+). Services will continue until Tax Day, April 15th.

Visit rdifinancial.org/taxes for a complete list of sites around the state, and https://www.irs.gov/.../checklist-for-free-tax-return... to find out what to bring!

Great Falls Schedule

- Mondays: Great Falls Senior Center, 11 AM - 4 PM, In-Person and Drop Off/Pickup

- Tuesdays: RDI Office, 1 PM - 6 PM, Drop Off/Pickup ONLY

- Fridays: Great Falls Senior Center, 11 AM - 4 PM, In-Person and Drop Off/Pickup

- Saturday, April 5th, 10 AM - 4 PM, In-Person and Drop Off/Pickup

Main Locations:

Great Falls Senior Center: 1004 Central Ave

RDI Office: TWO 5th St N, Suite 201

https://www.krtv.com/news/montana-and-regional-news/tax-filing-help-for-montanans

In the video linked above, Paul Sanchez reports on tax-filing help that is available to Montanans with RDI.

FREE Financial Counseling

Thu, 01 Aug 2024 17:32:12 GMT

Free Personalized Financial Counseling

Did you know?

RDI offers free personalized financial counseling! Meet with our certified financial counselor, one on one, to receive personalized financial help.

For more information and to sign up, call us at 406-403-8162 or register online at forms.office.com/r/wpduAUKpaZ .

After required coursework is complete, participants may be eligible to receive a $100 reward. *Available to those meeting eligibility criteria.

Women's Financial Literacy Workshops

Mon, 01 Jul 2024 18:20:36 GMT

Women Leading the Way through Financial Literacy

This summer, RDI Financial Wellness , the Montana Cooperative Development Corporation , and the Montana State Library are proud to announce a collaborative effort to empower women across Montana through a series of financial literacy workshops. These workshops aim to provide the essential tools and knowledge to manage finances effectively and confidently.

Six workshops will be held at various libraries across the state, offering convenient opportunities for people in different communities to participate. The workshop schedule is as follows:

· Great Falls Public Library: Thursday, August 15 at 6:00pm

· Sidney/Richland County Library: Monday, August 19 at 4:30pm

· Miles City Public Library: Tuesday, August 20 at 5:30pm

· Medicine Spring Library: Wednesday, September 4 at 5:30pm

· Frenchtown Library: Tuesday, September 10 at 6:00pm

· Bitterroot Public Library: Wednesday, September 11 at 6:00pm

These workshops are designed to cover a range of important financial topics, including budgeting, saving, investing, and credit management. Participants will also have the opportunity to ask questions and receive personalized advice from financial experts.

"Financial literacy is a critical skill that can significantly impact the quality of life and economic stability of individuals and families. We are thrilled to partner with MCDC and the Montana State Library to bring these valuable workshops to people across Montana," said Jordyn Rogers, Executive Director, at RDI Financial Wellness.

MCDC is equally enthusiastic about the initiative. Tracy McIntyre, Executive Director at MCDC, stated, "Empowering women with financial knowledge not only benefits them personally but also strengthens our communities. These workshops are an important step towards achieving financial equity and independence for women in Montana."

The Montana State Library is committed to supporting educational initiatives that benefit residents. "Libraries are more than just places for books; they are community hubs for learning and growth. We are excited to host these workshops and contribute to the financial well-being of women in our state," said Bobbi deMontigny, Lifelong Learning librarian at the Montana State Library.

The workshops are free of charge, and everyone is encouraged to attend. Registration is recommended, as space may be limited. To register, please visit https://forms.office.com/r/uXdfjPC6Mk or contact your local library.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Jordyn Rogers

RDI Executive Director

jordynr@ruraldynamics.org

406-403-8154

About RDI Financial Wellness

RDI Financial Wellness is dedicated to providing comprehensive financial education and resources to individuals and communities, helping them achieve financial wellness and success.

About Montana Cooperative Development Corporation

MCDC is committed to promoting and developing cooperatives to meet the economic and community needs of rural Montana.

About Montana State Library

The Montana State Library provides access to information and resources that promote learning, leadership, and community engagement throughout the state.

New Executive Director at RDI!

Wed, 05 Apr 2023 15:58:45 GMT

Congratulations, Tom & Jordyn!

We are pleased to announce that effective April 1, 2023, Jordyn Rogers, the Deputy Director of Rural Dynamics Inc. (RDI), has assumed the position of Executive Director. Jordyn has been with RDI for the past seven years and has been steadily increasing her responsibilities in managing the day-to-day operations of the organization. As Deputy Director, Jordyn has overseen the growth and implementation of all RDI’s programs.

In her new role as Executive Director, she will not only ensure a smooth and seamless transition but will provide a new and fresh approach to the organization in the years to come.

Tom Jacobson, the Executive Director of RDI for the past 20 years has stepped down from the position. Tom will continue to partner with RDI and pursue new opportunities in a consulting role through his company, High Country Strategies. During Tom's tenure, RDI has grown into a leading organization has providing vital resources and services to rural communities throughout Montana and the Great Plains.

"I am grateful for the opportunity to have served as the Executive Director of Rural Dynamics, Inc. for the past 20 years," said Tom. "I am proud of the work we have accomplished and the impact we have made on the lives of so many people. I have complete confidence in Jordyn and believe that she is the right person to lead RDI into the future."

"We are extremely grateful to Tom for his years of dedicated service and leadership," said RDI Board Chair Molly Kimmel. "He has been instrumental in the growth and success of RDI, and we look forward to continuing to work with him."

About Rural Dynamics, Inc. (RDI)

Rural Dynamics, Inc. (RDI) is a statewide leading nonprofit organization that provides a wide range of resources and services to rural communities throughout Montana. RDI's mission is to empower individuals, families, and communities to create financial stability, affordable housing, and economic opportunity. Learn more here: https://www.ruraldynamics.org/services

Contact

Jordyn Rogers

Rural Dynamics, Inc.

jnrogers@ruraldynamics.org

406-403-8154

Welcome to Montana, Gold 2!

Mon, 23 Jan 2023 05:04:30 GMT

NCCC Americorps members support Tax Help MT Program

We have been having a great time sponsoring the AmeriCorps NCCC Pacific Region Gold 2 team! They have been busy exploring Montana, becoming IRS-certified for tax prep, and volunteering at the Children's Museum of Montana on #MLKDay

Super excited to have them support our #VITA and #TCE Tax Help Montana program until April. Welcome team!

Client Success Story - MATL Program

jordynr@ruraldynamics.org (Jordyn Rogers) — Wed, 09 Feb 2022 05:37:29 GMT

Client Success Story - MATL Program

Rural Dynamics client, Stephen M., talks about his experience with our Montana Assistive Technology Loan (MATL) program. Learn more by visiting https://www.matl.ruraldynamics.org/ .

2021 Annual Report

Tue, 08 Feb 2022 18:28:49 GMT

In 2021, Rural Dynamics continued to deliver critical financial services through adaptation, perseverance, and creativity.

Welcome To Summer Service, Morgan!

Mon, 21 Jun 2021 15:08:39 GMT

We have a new AmeriCorps VISTA Summer Associate serving at the Indian Family Health Clinic!

Morgan’s project will support community and patient outreach at the clinic – including relevant COVID-19 vaccine information.

Morgan is a recent graduate of Great Falls High School and will be attending Bellevue College on a softball scholarship to study Psychology in the fall.

Learn more about the Indian Family Health Clinic here!

Welcome To Helena, Sophia!

Thu, 10 Jun 2021 15:12:24 GMT

From the island of Martha’s Vineyard in Massachusetts, Sophia moved across the country to Helena, MT when given the opportunity to serve as an AmeriCorps member with YWCA Helena.

As the Social and Racial Justice VISTA, she uses her background in community organizing and historical study to bolster YWCA’s mission of “eliminating racism, empowering women” through building strong community bonds and expanding anti-racism resources.

Sophia earned her Bachelor’s degree in History at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where she discovered her love for the mountains, yoga, and old bookstores.

Learn more about YWCA Helena here!

Welcome To Helena, Alex!

Wed, 26 May 2021 15:15:01 GMT

After growing up in Northeast Florida, Alex graduated from Flagler College with a degree in Anthropology. Her love for serving others landed her in Helena, MT working for Habitat for Humanity.

She loves hiking, beer, sports, and Archeology. Alex has traveled to 23 countries with Chile being her favorite so far. Alex loves to explore new places and spend her time outdoors.

Learn more about the Helena Area Habitat for Humanity and ReStore here!

Thank You For Serving, Alyssa!

Fri, 21 May 2021 15:16:43 GMT

AmeriCorps member Alyssa Coustenis, a Tonawanda Seneca, is from the Allegany Reservation (Salamanca, NY). She graduated from Delaware State University in 2019 where she majored in Communications with a minor in Sociology.

Alyssa serves at the National Native American Hall of Fame in Great Falls.

Learn more about the National Native American Hall of Fame here!

Welcome To Zoo Town, Krysten!

Wed, 19 May 2021 15:18:30 GMT

I am originally from California, however I moved to Portland immediately after graduating high school. I am now a recent graduate of Portland State University, majoring in Environmental Studies and minoring in Geography.

My love of the outdoors has continued to grow throughout my studies, and I am off to find new adventures in Missoula, Montana. I spend most of my free time biking, hiking, cooking, and playing cards with friends.

I have volunteered with the homeless, elderly, and special needs people in my community throughout my life which gives me a critical insight into the struggles that these groups face. I want to help build a stronger local community and provide resources to people who are struggling. I hope to bring a critical perspective to this Americorps VISTA position and help build a stronger Missoula.

Learn more about the Missoula Community Foundation here!

We Are So Happy To Have You Join, Chris

Tue, 23 Feb 2021 16:20:17 GMT

Chris Manos’ next “season of service” is as Rural Dynamics AmeriCorps VISTA in Helena, MT. He has been fortunate to live in Montana for many years and in the Helena community for the last 19 years. Public service and giving back has always been a primary focus, throughout his various jobs and in all the great communities he has lived.

With a Bachelor of Science, US Military Academy, West Point, NY, a law degree, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND and a Masters in Strategic Studies, Army War College, Carlisle, PA, his interests, careers and service have been varied. A veteran of 30 years with active and reserve duty, he has seen assignments and deployments in Europe, Asia and Southwest Asia. His community and professional involvement in a variety of non-profits and service organizations as a board member or in leadership positions have contributed to his knowledge and experience, underscoring his teamwork and collaborative approach to every task.

Completing a first year of service as an Economic Development Administration (EDA) AmeriCorps VISTA, I am excited to start a second year as a Rural Dynamics AmeriCorps VISTA continuing community economic success and a Volunteer Assignment Description (VAD) focusing on workforce development initiatives with Montana Business Assistance Connection (MBAC) and Gateway Economic Development District (GEDD), for the three-county region of Broadwater, Lewis & Clark and Meagher, Montana.

Learn more about the Montana Business Assistance Connection (MBAC) here!

Welcome AmeriCorps NCCC Purple 7!

Wed, 20 Jan 2021 16:22:29 GMT

AmeriCorps NCCC Pacific Region members on team Purple landed in #Montana last week to serve with RDI via our Tax Help Montana program! This year, we have a goal to help 6,000+ households with their tax prep.

Learn more about the Tax Help Montana program here!

Welcome To National Service At Rural Dynamics, Amy!

Tue, 29 Dec 2020 16:25:28 GMT

Amy is joining the Great Falls Library as an AmeriCorps Vista. In this role, she will be building upon the library’s efforts to grow its community reach through a social media ambassador program, Little Free Libraries, and a formalized program to engage volunteers. With a background in marketing and community engagement, as well as a lifelong passion for libraries, Amy is excited to serve the Great Falls Library, its foundation, and the community of Great Falls.

Amy’s lifelong passion for libraries began at a young age. From as young as five, Amy recalls Saturday visits to the library with her father, where she was able to pick out five books to check out and bring home. Starting in first grade, she remembers vividly walking with her classmates to the local library in Harrisburg, PA and getting a tour of the local library. Programming such as puppet shows, read along aloud with a librarian, and summer reading contests were engaging and encouraged Amy to embrace her love of learning. As a teen, Amy was fortunate to witness her town of Camp Hill build a new library from the ground up, made possibly by generous donations from benefactors and donors within the community. She spent the next few years volunteering at the library. Her proudest moments include helping seniors to create documents using Microsoft Word and to fundraise money for Teen Space, a safe and comfortable area for teens to read, do homework, and feel at home while at the library.

Flash forward to present day, Amy can be found exploring new places with her dog Scout, frequenting local coffee shops and bookstores, or browsing the book stacks at the local library, on the hunt for the next read! She is an active member of Children Media Association and the Junior League, non-profits focused on enriching and empowering the lives of children. Libraries serve various populations and are focal points of the community in which they serve, uniquely positioned to make a direct impact on people’s lives. Amy is looking forward to the opportunity to serve the community of Great Falls and to continue the legacy of the Great Falls Library.

Learn more about the Great Falls Public Library here!

Welcome To National Service At Rural Dynamics, Skyler!

Mon, 28 Dec 2020 16:27:23 GMT

Skyler Manley is a multimedia storyteller with a strong interest in documentary production. She recently graduated from Flagler College in 2020 with a bachelor’s degree in Digital Media Production and Journalism with a minor in Political Science.

With a passion for honest and emotional storytelling, Skyler has a focus on working with subjects to make sure that they tell their own story.

She hopes to bring that passion to share YWCA Helena’s mission and help amplify their voice to the community through social media and digital content creation join the team behind their pursuit to provide safe supportive housing, empower women, promote justice and dignity for all.

Learn more about YWCA Helena here!

Welcome To National Service In MT, Tyler!

Tue, 10 Nov 2020 16:31:58 GMT

Tyler Myhand is an AmeriCorps VISTA member currently serving with Habitat for Humanity/Restore in Helena, MT.

Through his work there, he strives to expand to capabilities of Habitat for Humanity in Helena and to create and support community partnerships.

Tyler has previously served as a support team leader in the National Civilian Community Corps, where he spent time serving disadvantaged communities in the Greater Indianapolis area alongside Jameson Camp. Tyler also served with the Whiterock Conservancy, addressing the environmental needs of Coon Rapids, Iowa and the surrounding land.

He has a love of travel, mountains, and great food.

Learn more about the Helena Area Habitat for Humanity and ReStore here!

Financial HELP-Link Poster

Fri, 02 Oct 2020 03:35:36 GMT

Rural Dynamics & Help-Link Partner up!

The partnership betweenRural Dynamics and Montana Department of Labor and Industry is pleased to provide a robust financial education and coaching platform that is customizable for specific needs and areas of interest.

Welcome To National Service In MT, Julia!

Tue, 22 Sep 2020 15:33:28 GMT

Julia has joined YWCA Helena as the Programs Research VISTA. She is transitioning to social services from a career in chemical engineering and will use her experience in data analysis and project management to support capacity building and improve outcomes.

Julia was raised in Virginia and has spent the past few years in Chicago, where she found her passion working with women while volunteering at a transitional housing shelter. She is new to Montana and exploring Helena through her favorite things, which include hot yoga, pottery, and dogs.

Learn more about YWCA Helena here!

Thank You For A 2nd Year Of National Service In MT, Abby!

Wed, 16 Sep 2020 15:35:24 GMT

Abby is in her second year of serving the Montana World Trade Center as an Americorps VISTA. She works closely with the Executive Director with a focus on foreign direct investment. Working remotely, she concentrates on content development, trade show planning, group organization and numerous other projects.

Being outdoors and supporting her community are important to Abby. She enjoys hiking, running, paddleboarding, skiing and snowshoeing. She also serves as chair of the Montana’s Longest Table event, board member for the Montana Winter Fair, Fergus County Port Authority board member and volunteers for other local community events.

When not working on MWTC endeavors, she is working on her family ranch in Central Montana growing wheat, barley and hay and raising beef cattle.

Learn more about the of Montana World Trade Center here!

Thank You For A 2nd Year Of National Service In MT, Erica!

Mon, 14 Sep 2020 15:37:22 GMT

Erika Rasmussen is serving her second term as an AmeriCorps VISTA member at the Women’s Foundation of Montana, moving from California to Missoula, Montana in August of 2019. Having had previous experience as a small business manager, Erika immediately identified with WFM’s mission to “increase economic opportunities for women and create a brighter future for girls.” She works closely with the Program Director, creating online, print, and educational content for PowerHouse Montana, a program of WFM that creates a professional community for women in Montana.

Erika earned her Bachelor’s degree in Chinese Language and Culture and minored in Chemistry at Oberlin College in Ohio. There, she found her deep love for bikes, writing, and coffee.

Learn more about the Women’s Foundation of Montana here!

Blue Cross And Blue Shield Of Montana (BCBSMT) Announces Rural Dynamics Winner Of $50,000 HKHF Grant

Wed, 09 Sep 2020 15:40:00 GMT

In an effort to address the toll that financial stress takes on health care costs, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana (BCBSMT) has awarded Rural Dynamics with a $50,000 Healthy Kids, Healthy Families® grant.

Rural Dynamics, a statewide nonprofit organization, is developing a program to help Montanans be more financially astute, therefore reducing the likelihood of financial stress, increased health risks, and costs associated with it.

The HKHF initiative is an ongoing commitment by BCBSMT to invest in and partner with like-minded nonprofit organizations that offer sustainable, measurable programs to reach children and their families in the five following areas: nutrition, physical activity, disease prevention and management, substance abuse prevention, and suicide prevention. The goal of the program is to improve access to quality care and drive down the future cost of health care.

“We care deeply about the physical, social and emotional wellness of our communities, and we’re proud to invest in innovative organizations that support children and their families throughout Montana,” said John Doran, BCBSMT Divisional Vice President of External Affairs. “These efforts are even more important now, as our fellow Montanans grapple with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the impact it continues to have in all aspects of our lives.”

In collaboration with BCBSMT, Benefis Health Systems, the Center for Financial Services Innovation, the Institute for Research on Poverty and the Center for Financial Security, Rural Dynamics rolled out a Financial Coaching program for Benefis and Great Falls Public Schools employees.

The program offers clients individualized plans for personal finance goals and education to make financially fit decisions.

Learn more and read the full release from Blue Cross of Blue Shield Montana.

Welcome To National Service In MT, Katy!

Tue, 08 Sep 2020 15:41:48 GMT

I am Kathryn Rasmussen, relocating to Helena, MT from Tacoma, WA to work as the Social and Racial Justice Program Assistant at the YWCA Helena. I come from a land of natural beauty and opportunities which is why Helena is such a refreshing change in a new outdoor-accessible environment.

The YWCA Helena has been under lots of construction and new leadership changes. Many new employees have been hired along with several AmeriCorps members under a new grant. The YWCA houses women transitioning out of the criminal justice system as well as supports many in maintaining sobriety and regaining custody of their children. I am going to be working closely with our social and racial justice team working to eliminate injustices towards women and POC in Helena.

Learn more about YWCA Helena here!

Welcome To National Service In MT, Jonas!

Thu, 03 Sep 2020 15:43:23 GMT

Jonas Munson is serving as an Americorps VISTA at Recycling Works in Missoula, MT. Munson is passionate about protecting the environment and creating a more equitable society for all. At Recycling Works, he helps in a variety of roles including digital marketing, copywriting, customer service, and accounting.

Previously, Jonas earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of California, Los Angeles. In 2021, he hopes to begin graduate school with a focus in Marriage and Family Therapy.

Learn more about Recycling Works here!

Welcome To National Service In MT, Aly!

Tue, 25 Aug 2020 15:45:18 GMT

Aly Reynolds has been recruited by the Rural Dynamics VISTA program and has begun serving as an Americorps VISTA at Community Food & Agriculture Coalition (CFAC) in Missoula, MT. She is serving in a role that focuses on marketing, outreach, and communications. Her work centers on connecting community members to the mission of CFAC.

CFAC develops and strengthens Missoula County’s food system and that of the surrounding region by supporting local farmers and ranchers, administering the state-wide Double SNAP Dollars food assistance program, and advocating for local, state and national policies that promote the local food system. Aly is very excited to learn from CFAC’s team of passionate, motivated individuals who are helping shape a more resilient food system!

Aly received her Bachelor’s in Strategic Communication and International Development from Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Throughout her studies, Aly grew a passion for community food access. Her International Development program led her to study for a semester in Honduras, where she took part in a community garden program. Witnessing communities taking charge of their own food system caused a shift—Aly knew then she wanted to pursue a career in sustainable food systems. Upon her return, Aly worked on an urban farm and interned in various communication roles. She hopes to use her voice alongside those advocating for better food systems, something CFAC specializes in. Aly looks forward to serving with CFAC for her VISTA year.

Learn more about CFAC here!

Responding To Coronavirus At Rural Dynamics

Sat, 21 Mar 2020 15:48:53 GMT

In this time of uncertainty we’d like to take a moment to express our hope that you remain, safe, healthy, and hopeful as the global community navigates the difficulty ahead. It is critical that we all take steps to embody our humanity and work to ensure the best outcome for ourselves and those that surround us.

People are at the center of everything we do. As COVID-19 spreads across the United States, we are closely monitoring the situation and following the guidance of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to protect the health and well-being of our clients, our staff and volunteers, and our community.

For ongoing safety and precautions, we are preparing to work from home, attend meetings remotely, and are deferring travel.

During this social distancing, it is crucial to not lose sight of the connectedness we share. We are taking every effort to hold on to good we see in the world and to rise above the fear that has caused some to make racist and xenophobic statements. COVID19 can infect any person from any background, and it is imperative that we can remain united in spite of the physical distance we take.

Rural Dynamics is especially mindful of our senior volunteers and vulnerable populations we interact with every day. Our community is in the forefront of our mind, and along with the health authorities’ precautions we are making every effort to remain accessible during this time for services our clients need.

COVID19 is new territory for us all to navigate. We look to our values at this time, because now is when they matter. We hope that you may stay present, be safe and responsible, and lean into the good humanity has to offer. Even when that may feel difficult.

With care,

The Rural Dynamics Team

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana Awards Rural Dynamics $50,000 Grant to Address Connection Between Financial Stress and Well-being

Tue, 13 Aug 2019 15:52:38 GMT

Money talks — and so do rising health care costs. In an effort to address the toll that financial stress takes on health care costs, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana (BCBSMT) has awarded Rural Dynamics with a $50,000 Healthy Kids, Healthy Families® grant.

Rural Dynamics, a nonprofit organization based in Great Falls, is developing a program to help Montanans be more financially astute, therefore reducing the likelihood of financial stress and the health risks and costs associated with it.

“Financial stress takes a real toll on mental health and physical wellbeing and contributes to rising health care costs,” said John Doran, BCBSMT Divisional Vice President of External Affairs. “The Rural Dynamics proposal addresses the root cause of financial distress. Not only will this proposal relieve the mental anguish of financial problems, it has great potential to also reduce future health care costs as a result.

“Addressing mental health is not a one-size-fits-all approach and this is a new and unique way of treating one of its underlying symptoms.”

Sen. Tom Jacobson of Great Falls is the executive director of Rural Dynamics and visited BCBSMT’s Helena headquarters Tuesday, where Doran and approximately 60 BCBSMT employees gathered to surprise him with the grant.

“When we opened the door and saw the big check, that was quite the surprise. It was a very good surprise,” Jacobson said. “We’ve been working with Blue Cross and Blue Shield for almost a year now to try and look at ways that we can address the financial wellness of individuals so that it has an improved physical wellness on the back end.”

In collaboration with BCBSMT, GreenPath Financial Wellness, Benefis Health Systems, the Center for Financial Services Innovation, the Institute for Research on Poverty and the Center for Financial Security, Rural Dynamics intends to test several tools to determine how to best serve those in need, including:

Providing online prevention tools to educate and assist families in budgeting and planning for financial security
Completing an assessment of income and expenses to form the baseline for developing a budget and plan to pay for expenses not covered by insurance
Debt repayment plans with health care providers that may consist of negotiated payment or other concessions
Allowing for affordability within the family’s budget
Other interventions that are identified as desirable and feasible to users and stakeholders through the design process

Click here to read the full release on Blue Cross of Blue Shield Montana.