LOVE INC | A Catalyst for Hope
July 2025
Article by Tiffany Ricci
Transformation: “A significant or profound change, often involving a shift in self-concept, beliefs, or behaviors, leading to a more positive and fulfilling existence.” This is the goal behind the work at Love INC: Love in the Name of Christ. The heart of this organization is to move beyond merely meeting the needs of an individual; it aims to address the broader needs of society. They want to meet them where they are and help them achieve their God-given potential.
Their mission is to unite local churches in helping transform lives and strengthen communities through compassionate support and service. Their vision is to see churches united in purpose, working hand in hand to meet real needs and make a lasting impact in the lives of those they serve.
How do they accomplish such a bold goal? By partnering with a network of local faith communities, each uniquely equipped to offer support in meaningful ways. Love INC serves as the vital link that connects those willing to help with those in need, making transformation possible with just one phone call.
That initial phone call connects the individual with a trained volunteer, who begins the intake process, marking the start of a supportive and judgment-free relationship. It’s a space where stories are shared and truly heard. Some callers may be living paycheck to paycheck and struggling to keep up. Others might be facing broken relationships or simply feeling emotionally drained and searching for a new direction.
Volunteer Roger Hawkins delivering dinner to the kids | Photo courtesy of Love INC
The volunteer on the phone with the person in need is well-trained to help identify their true needs and can connect them to the resources they need in order to transform. Love INC helps people go from out-of-control to stable, from generational poverty to financial freedom, from lost and broken to seen, heard, and known. With the support of local churches, the person in need is given a hand up, not just a handout.
One of the most effective ways Love INC helps people in need transform is through their community classes. These classes are literally life-changing. Each week, volunteers come together to provide the necessary skills people need to change their trajectory. Love INC just finished up three classes focused on parenting, finances, and goal-setting. Classes are 12 weeks long, and subjects are rotated so that attendees receive a wide variety of education to support their transformation. Imagine what twelve weeks of finance or parenting education could do for all of us a!er we leave home! Other subjects covered include cooking, job readiness, and boundaries.
These classes are about more than the material they are covering. They’re the foundation for relationship-building between volunteers from local churches and the attendees they are teaching. Week in and week out, attendees learn valuable life skills while forming bonds with loving individuals invested in their well-being and future.
Free childcare is available during class time, allowing parents with children to attend. Children are also learning and are served dinner. Attendees receive incentive points for the classes they attend, which can be used to exchange for household goods or Pick-a-Bags filled with goods to meet the needs of those they serve.
While the class content is valuable, it’s the sense of community that makes the greatest impact. Each week, attendees find support, encouragement, and accountability, tools that help them build a life that’s more stable, fulfilling, and sustainable. Connections form, friendships grow, and lives begin to change. These classes also create a powerful space for collaboration, uniting faith communities across Billings to serve neighbors in need. Love INC acts as a vital bridge, identifying unmet needs and working alongside local churches to help fill the gaps.
True transformation happens when compassionate communities meet people where they are, offering support, connection, and the tools to reach their full potential.
GET INVOLVED WITH LOVE INC
Want to be part of meaningful change in our community? Here are a few ways you can help:
CONNECT with your local church to see if they're partnered with Love INC—or reach out to explore becoming a partner.
FILL A PACK-A-BAG with essential household items. Stop by Love INC to pick up an empty bag and return it filled.
VOLUNTEER at the call center and help start the journey of transformation for someone in need.
DONATE to support ongoing efforts. Every gift makes a difference. LEARN MORE at loveincycmt.org Or contact Val Young
Originally printed in the July 2025 issue of Simply Local Magazine
Check this article out in the digital issue of Simply Local here!
