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Photos courtesy of Allies in Aging
Allies in Aging: Lifelong Support for Seniors Across Yellowstone County
Allies in Aging may be a new name in Billings, but it has supported seniors for generations. Formed in July 2025 through a strategic and proactive merger between Big Sky Senior Services and the Adult Resource Alliance of Yellowstone County, this united organization strengthens a shared mission: helping older adults remain independent, valued, and connected. As the senior population in Yellowstone County continues to grow, the merger ensures people have access to the support they need to live with dignity and a high quality of life.
Both boards initiated the merger to combine resources and create a more comprehensive support system. Bringing the organizations together made it possible to address the most pressing challenges older adults face, including housing and transportation, food security, in-home care, access to benefits, and elder abuse prevention. The merger wasn’t just the practical choice. It was a reflection of how deeply the Billings community backs this work. When the intention to merge was announced in early 2025, the response was overwhelmingly positive, with 99 % of feedback expressing excitement and full support. The organization describes it as a true testament to how much the community is behind them, one hundred and ten percent. Allies in Aging carries forward every part of the legacies Big Sky Senior Services and the Adult Resource Alliance of Yellowstone County have created and brings the decades of experience and trusted relationships together under one umbrella.
Their vision is clear. Every older adult deserves lifelong support, whether that means a hot meal, safe transportation, help navigating benefits, or companionship from someone who cares. Their mission blends practical services with compassion and focuses on strengthening independence, building community connections, and ensuring no one has to age alone.
Their wide range of programs reflects that commitment. Meals on Wheels is one of their most recognizable services, offering nourishing meals along with the reassurance of a wellness check and a friendly face. Beyond that, Allies in Aging offers meal site dining, resource navigation, nursing, household chores, pet care assistance, respite support, case management, grocery shopping, transportation help, companionship visits, dementia and caregiver services, and additional support designed to meet seniors wherever they are in the aging process. Some services are entirely free. Others follow a sliding scale, and financial limitations never prevent someone from receiving care. They also offer free Dementia Friendly and Age Friendly training to businesses, organizations, and community groups, so the entire region becomes more supportive of older adults.
The organization’s culture reflects their motto: Senior Services, Lifelong Support. Staff and volunteers are helping define new core values that will guide the merged organization for years to come, laying the groundwork for future programs and services. There’s a deep sense of pride in helping shape an age-friendly community where every older adult is valued, supported, and connected.
Stories like Jack’s highlight the heart of their work. When his out-of-state family reached out, they described him as independent and proud, but illness made daily tasks harder and they worried he no longer had the support he needed to stay safe. Allies in Aging stepped in with in-home care through the Senior Helping Hands program and matched him with a Friend Companion who brought encouragement and connection each week. As his needs changed, the team helped him apply for Medicaid and SNAP, arranged grocery deliveries through Pantry Pals, and ensured he had safe transportation to medical appointments through Para-Transit. After more than a year of coordinated support, Jack became eligible for assisted living through Medicaid, and when it came time to move, the team helped clear out his apartment and make the transition smooth and dignified. His story is a reminder that many older adults rely on family, even when those family members live far away, and Allies in Aging walks beside them so no one has to navigate the challenges of aging alone.
Collaboration is central to their work. Allies in Aging partners with organizations across Yellowstone County, including Family Service, Healthy By Design, RiverStone Health, the Laurel Senior Center, and others. These connections help ensure seniors get the right support, even if that support falls outside the organization’s own programs.
Looking ahead, they’re preparing to introduce a new fundraiser in May 2026 and bring back a golf tournament that will help strengthen and expand their services. They’re also working hard to build a strong online presence and would love the community to follow their newly updated social platforms. One of their biggest goals is reaching at least one thousand followers across their social media channels by the end of June 2026:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/allies-in-aging-mt
Instagram: https://instagram.com/alliesinagingmt
LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/company/allies-in-aging-mt
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@alliesinaging
They welcome anyone who wants to get involved. Volunteers are always needed, especially for their Meals on Wheels Flex Pool, which calls on on-call volunteers when a regular route driver is unavailable. They encourage residents to explore their programs, ask questions, and reach out for themselves or a loved one.
