About The Roe River Chapter

A couple walking down a paved path, with white mobility canes.

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.

Montana Association for the Blind in Great Falls

Contents

Key moments

1970's – Great Falls Chapter documented

Records from the early 1970's show an active Montana Association for the Blind chapter in Great Falls. The chapter is referenced in statewide materials, including convention-related records, indicating formal recognition and participation within the organization.

Late 1970's – Statewide involvement and representation

By the late 1970's, the Great Falls Chapter was functioning as a regional voice within the Montana Association for the Blind. Chapters during this period commonly supported statewide conventions, shared leadership responsibilities, and contributed to policy discussions affecting blind Montanans.

1981 – Legislative advocacy in Helena

In 1981, testimony was presented to the Montana House Appropriations Committee by a representative identified as president of the Great Falls Chapter. The testimony addressed funding and service issues impacting blind Montanans, demonstrating direct legislative advocacy connected to the Great Falls chapter.

1980's – Ongoing advocacy and organizational stability

Throughout the 1980's, the Great Falls Chapter remained part of Montana Association for the Blind’s statewide structure. During this period, MAB chapters across the state, including Great Falls, were actively involved in legislative monitoring, public testimony, and advocacy related to rehabilitation services, education, and independent living.

1970's - 1990's – Community support and continuity

Across the 1970's, 1980's, and into the 1990's, the Great Falls Chapter served as a consistent local point of connection. While detailed meeting records from this period are limited, available documentation and statewide records confirm continued chapter presence, participation, and alignment with MAB’s mission of advocacy, independence, and peer support.

2000's – Continued presence through changing participation

As with many volunteer organizations, participation levels and leadership changed over time. The Great Falls Chapter continued to exist within the Montana Association for the Blind framework, with activity levels reflecting broader shifts in community engagement and organizational capacity.

2022 – Renewed meeting activity

Montana Association for the Blind publications in 2022 reference renewed chapter activity in Great Falls, including the return of in-person meetings alongside remote participation options.

Early 2024 – Chapter dissolved during a transition period

In early 2024, the chapter experienced a brief but serious period of turmoil. Officers were removed from their duties, and legal actions involving several members required statewide intervention. To protect the integrity of the organization and allow for a reset, the chapter was formally dissolved.

August 2024 – Roe River Chapter established

Later in 2024, the Montana Association for the Blind established the Roe River Chapter as a fresh start for organized chapter activity in Great Falls.

October 2024 – Roe River Chapter officially chartered

In October 2024, the Roe River Chapter was officially chartered, restoring a fully recognized local chapter within the Montana Association for the Blind.

Why the Roe River name

The chapter is named after the Roe River, located in Giant Springs State Park in Great Falls, Montana. The Roe River is widely recognized as the shortest river in the world and is fed by Giant Springs, one of the largest freshwater springs in the United States. Giant Springs produces approximately 156 million gallons of fresh water per day, flowing through the Roe River and into the Missouri River.

Today

Today, the Roe River Chapter builds on decades of history while focusing on active community involvement and forward-looking programs. A major emphasis of the chapter’s work is strong involvement with the Montana Association for the Blind Summer Orientation Program. Chapter members support students while they are in Great Falls by helping coordinate community activities, social events, and local engagement during their time in the program.

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