2025 Community Impact Award Winners

Celebrating Our 2025 Community Impact Award Winners

Recognizing the individuals and organizations leading the way toward a thriving community for all.

At Greater Gallatin United Way, we believe in the power of community—of people coming together to make a difference, big or small, every day. This year marked a special milestone for our Community Impact Awards as we opened nominations to the public for the first time. The response was incredible. We received thoughtful, heartfelt submissions that reflected just how deeply this community cares for one another.
These seven awards honor the individuals, businesses, and organizations who are creating lasting impact in the key focus areas of Basic Needs, Early Learning, Youth Success, and Mental Health & Well-being. Each honoree embodies the spirit of “United is the Way”—proving that when we come together, we build a stronger, more resilient Gallatin Valley for everyone.

Basic Needs Impact Award: Sara Friedman

This award recognizes a person, business, or organization providing essential support—whether through food, shelter, safety, or disaster response—to those facing urgent challenges.

Sara Friedman, this year’s honoree, brings compassion and connection to her work every day. An educator and mother of three, Sara has dedicated her career to supporting children and families in Bozeman. As the Thrive Liaison at Whittier Elementary, she helps families navigate everything from afterschool enrollment to school resources, ensuring everyone feels supported and included, especially those facing language barriers.

Her thoughtful communication, advocacy, and commitment to equity have made a profound difference for families and students alike. Sara’s work reminds us that sometimes the most essential needs are connection, trust, and someone who truly listens.

Early Learning Impact Award: Megan Roth, Bozeman Reads Early Learning Center Coordinator

Early learning lays the foundation for lifelong success—and Megan Roth is helping to build that foundation every day.

As Coordinator of Bozeman Reads Early Learning Center, Megan has transformed what began as a small parent-engagement effort into a robust early literacy initiative serving 95 four-year-olds across five classrooms. A former special education teacher, Megan’s leadership and innovation have expanded access to high-quality early education while supporting educators through “train-the-trainer” programs and professional development.

Her dedication ensures that more children enter kindergarten ready to succeed, setting them on a path toward lifelong learning and opportunity.

Mental Health & Well-being Impact Award: Roots Family Collaborative

The Mental Health & Well-being Impact Award honors those advancing mental health access and resilience in our community.

Roots Family Collaborative, led by Co-Executive Directors Suzanne Bendick and Kerry Williams, received more nominations than any other organization this year—a testament to their profound impact. Through compassionate programming, peer support, and resource connection, Roots helps families navigate the emotional and mental health challenges that can accompany pregnancy and early parenthood.

By reshaping the conversation around perinatal mental health and ensuring no parent feels alone, Roots Family Collaborative is building a culture of care and community that strengthens families from the very beginning.

Youth Success Impact Award: Erin Clements, Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office

From mentorship to safety education, Erin Clements has made youth success her mission.

A dedicated leader in both law enforcement and community partnerships, Erin has expanded the county-wide Bike Rodeo, coordinated cross-agency collaborations like the Community Collaboration Team, and provided training to law enforcement to better serve children and families. Her work bridges systems and communities, ensuring that every child feels seen, supported, and safe.

As a former Child Protection Specialist Supervisor, Erin brings deep understanding and compassion to every role she takes on—proving that leadership grounded in empathy can change lives.

United in Action – Volunteer of the Year: Casey Goodrich

The United in Action Award honors a volunteer whose dedication and service embody the spirit of community.

This year’s recipient, Casey Goodrich, has become a favorite face at Meadowlark’s kidsLINK program, where he volunteers weekly, jumping in wherever needed, mentoring students, and sharing his love for technology through creative projects like the “motorized climbing dinosaur.” Even after sustaining injuries, Casey continued to show up, proving that true commitment comes from the heart.

His energy, kindness, and enthusiasm remind us that volunteers don’t just fill gaps—they create joy, connection, and lasting impact.

Youth in Philanthropy Award: Cash Shonkwiler

Age is no barrier to leadership or generosity, and Cash Shonkwiler is living proof.

A high school student and kidsLINK coordinator, Cash is trusted by staff, adored by children, and respected by parents. She regularly fills in before school, mentors students, and extends her compassion through peer tutoring, Special Olympics volunteering, and her role in “Partners,” a group supporting students with special needs.

Her leadership, empathy, and drive embody what it means to give back—and demonstrate the incredible ripple effect one young person can have on a community.

United is the Way Award: City of Bozeman

The United is the Way Award celebrates collaboration in action—leaders who bring people and resources together to drive community solutions.

This year’s recipient, City of Bozeman, exemplifies that spirit through their steadfast leadership in addressing two of our community’s greatest challenges: affordable housing and accessible child care. Through their policies, investments, and coalition-building, Bozeman has championed solutions that support working families and strengthen our local economy.

Their partnership with Greater Gallatin United Way on the launch of Child Connect, a community-powered child care initiative, stands as a model for how public and nonprofit collaboration can create real, lasting change.

Honoring Collective Impact

Each of these honorees reminds us that lasting change doesn’t happen alone. It happens when we unite—when educators, public servants, businesses, and everyday neighbors come together to build something bigger than themselves.

Congratulations to all of our 2025 Community Impact Award winners and nominees. Thank you for leading the way toward a stronger, more connected, and thriving community.

Because United is the Way we turn compassion into action and challenges into opportunities.