MAB - Roe River Chapter
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The Roe River Chapter of the Montana Association for the Blind, located in Great Falls, serves as a hub of community, support, and empowerment for individuals with vision loss. As a newly established chapter, our mission is to foster independence and enhance the quality of life for blind and visually impaired residents in Great Falls and surrounding areas.
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Summer Orientation Program
The Summer Orientation Program is a hands-on, immersive experience that helps blind and low vision students build confidence, independence, and practical skills they can carry into everyday life. Because the program takes place right in our own backyard, the Roe River Chapter plays an active role in supporting students beyond the classroom. Chapter members help coordinate and host activities during students’ downtime, giving them opportunities to relax, socialize, and explore the community in a meaningful way. From bowling nights and casual dinners to nature hikes and local outings, these activities reinforce orientation and mobility skills while also creating space for connection, fun, and a sense of belonging. Through this support, the Roe River Chapter helps ensure the Summer Orientation Program is not only educational, but welcoming, engaging, and rooted in real community life.
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New! Braille Buddies - Braille Learning and Support Group
The New Braille Buddies program from the Roe River Chapter is a welcoming peer-support initiative designed to encourage and support new braille readers as they build confidence and skills. Whether someone is just beginning to explore braille or returning to it after vision changes, participants are paired with experienced braille users who offer guidance, practice, and encouragement in a relaxed, judgment-free environment. Support is available either in person or over Zoom, making the program accessible to members across the region. More than just learning dots and patterns, New Braille Buddies fosters connection, independence, and a shared sense of progress within the blind and low vision community.
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Monthly Chapter Meetings
The Roe River Chapter meets on the second Saturday of each month at 11:00 AM, providing members with a welcoming space to connect, share updates, and engage in meaningful discussion. Meetings focus on chapter business, upcoming events, advocacy issues, and resources relevant to blind and low vision individuals in the Great Falls area, while also offering time for conversation, mutual support, and community building among members and guests.
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Contact the Roe River Chapter
The Roe River Chapter welcomes questions, ideas, and involvement from anyone interested in learning more about our work. The easiest way to get in touch is by email, where a chapter officer can respond and help connect you with meetings, programs, or volunteer opportunities. You may also reach out during our regular chapter meetings, which are open and welcoming to members and guests alike. We’re always glad to hear from community members and fellow Montanans who want to get involved or learn more about the chapter.
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Make a Donation
Donations to the MAB Roe River Chapter are guided by the unwritten but deeply valued principle of Treasure, Talent, and Time. We understand that everyone gives in different ways, and all forms of support are meaningful to our chapter. Financial contributions help us fund programs, events, and outreach that directly benefit blind and low vision individuals in our community. Equally important are donations of talent—sharing skills, knowledge, or professional expertise—and time, whether through volunteering at events, helping with planning, or simply showing up to support one another. This approach also shapes how we request support for chapter activities and events, ensuring that giving is accessible, respectful, and inclusive for everyone who wants to be involved.
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Most Recent RRC Updates
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Jan. 18, 2025: Meeting Minutes
The meeting was held on January 18, 2025, at 525 Central Ave. #M4 and was called to order at 11:08 AM. Previous meeting minutes and the treasury report were approved, and a motion passed to submit a provisional budget to the state board. A board update focused on strengthening organizational structure, addressing leadership and chapter welfare concerns, supporting chapter stability, and encouraging membership growth and development, along with coordination of fundraising at both the state and chapter levels. Old business included discussion of funds expected to be transferred into the chapter account and confirmation that related investigation expenses would be recovered through insurance. A provisional budget was outlined to support chapter classes, outreach activities, scholarships, community projects, promotional materials, and membership resources. Fundraising ideas included ticket sales, raffles, garage sales, and an upcoming Valentine’s Day bake and craft sale at a community event, along with plans to improve promotional tools and online donation options. Additional discussion covered future chapter-focused events, support for program students, logo updates pending approval, reminders about an upcoming optional social meeting, confirmation of regular meeting times, and scheduling of the next meeting, after which the meeting was adjourned.
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Dec. 14, 2024: Meeting Minutes
The chapter meeting was held on December 14, 2024, at 525 Central Ave. #M4 and was called to order at 1:39 PM. Prior to the meeting, a presentation on safe winter travel was given. Minutes from the November 9, 2024 meeting were reviewed and approved. The Treasurer’s Report was presented, noting the opening of a new bank account, income from individual donations and a bake sale, no expenses, and a positive cash balance; the report was accepted.
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Nov. 9, 2024 - Meeting Minutes
The meeting was held at the OverHere Consulting office and included approval of the previous meeting minutes and a brief financial update, with plans underway to establish a bank account by early December. Members discussed an upcoming technology sharing event focused on adult peer learning, as well as preparations for a bake sale fundraiser connected to the Christmas Stroll, including cash-handling procedures, volunteer scheduling, and signage. Updates were shared on outreach efforts such as the continued development of the chapter website, researching a new banner, and forming a committee to create brochures and posters for local doctor’s offices. Additional discussion covered ideas for future crafting and educational classes, along with general conversation about potential programs the chapter may support. The meeting concluded with details for the next meeting, which will feature a guest speaker on safe winter travel, followed by adjournment.
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