Thanks to a grant from the Gianforte Family Foundation, the Emilie Center is shining a little brighter—and so is the experience for the thousands of community members who rely on it each year. A newly installed LED lighting system has transformed the nonprofit’s facility, making it more welcoming, energy-efficient, and easier for clients to find the items they need.
The Emilie Center provides clothing, furniture, baby supplies, and household essentials free of charge to individuals and families referred by more than 50 local agencies.
“This lighting has completely changed the feel of the space,” said Emilie Center President Barry O’Connell. “It’s brighter, more cheerful, and it helps our clients see what’s available so they can shop with dignity and confidence.”
Prior to the upgrade, the building relied on aging incandescent and fluorescent fixtures that were dim, inefficient, and increasingly difficult to maintain.
”The old lights buzzed and flickered, and replacement parts were becoming impossible to find,” said volunteer Cindy O’Connell. “Before the upgrade, 15 fluorescent lamps were burned out, and the space was noticeably dark. The new lighting makes a huge difference—not just in visibility, but in how the center feels.”
A ministry of St. Martin de Porres Mission, the Emilie Center is entirely staffed by a team of 40 volunteers. Partner agencies—including hospitals, schools, churches, the rescue mission, and Opportunities, Inc.—provide vouchers that allow clients to receive essential items at no cost.
Since its founding, the Emilie Center has served more than 19,360 people, distributing goods valued at over $1.1 million. In 2025 alone, the center helped more than 2,760 clients, with items valued at $193,404.
“Our clientele is incredibly diverse,” Cindy O’Connell said. “We serve people with disabilities, domestic violence survivors, veterans, and families starting over with empty apartments. Having basic furniture and household items gives people comfort and stability so they can focus on rebuilding their lives.”
The Emilie Center is funded entirely through community donations. “We’re blessed by this community,” Barry O’Connell said. “The generosity of donors is what keeps our doors open.”
The center also hosts two public garage sale fundraisers each year, in the spring and fall, with proceeds supporting operating costs. Details about the spring garage sale, expected in late March, will be posted on the Emilie Center’s Facebook page.
“It’s a good cause–reaching out to the community and helping people in need,” Barry O’Connell added.
The Emilie Center is located at 1920 10th Avenue South in Great Falls and is open for clients with vouchers and community donations Tuesday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. If you would like more information or to volunteer, call 406-771-6695.
By Denise Czuprynski: February 18, 2026 – Great Falls, Mt
