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Silver Bow Developmental Disabilities Council outlines reorganization, service expansion to commissioners
Summary
Holly Bennett, executive director of the Silver Bow Developmental Disabilities Council, updated the council on a reorganization begun in 2024, current operations serving roughly 55 clients across four counties, staffing, new vans and community partnerships; commissioners placed the communication on file.
Holly Bennett, executive director of the Silver Bow Developmental Disabilities Council, presented to the Butte‑Silver Bow Council Committee of the Whole May 14 on the agency's recent reorganization, services and community partnerships.
Bennett said SBDDC began a stabilization and reorganization process in mid‑2024 and moved to a not‑for‑profit governance structure with a seven‑member board. "We are a 501c3 charitable organization," Bennett said. She described the board and named members who participated in the reorganization, and credited interim director Dan Dennehy for assistance.
Bennett told the council SBDDC currently serves about 55 clients across four southwest Montana counties from a Butte base and employs roughly 49 staff. She described work‑based placements for clients in local businesses, saying clients are employed at "McKinsey River Pizza, Dairy Queen, Wendy's, Safeway, as well as many other businesses in our community and the surrounding areas." Bennett also highlighted a disability food truck and an on‑site kitchen that have supported local businesses and nonprofit partners.
She said SBDDC has acquired four minivans, two of them handicap‑accessible, and that 33 athletes from the program were in Billings that week for Special Olympics events. Bennett emphasized the council's goal of increasing client independence and community engagement: "Our primary focus is the happiness and the quality of life of our individuals with disabilities in our community."
Chairman Morgan thanked Bennett and the SBDDC board for the organization's work and said the county appreciates their contributions to the community. Commissioner Thatcher moved to place Communication 2025-218 on file; the council voted 11-0 to do so.
Bennett closed by thanking community partners and the board and saying the organization has "more plans for the future" and will roll out another community project to increase client engagement.
