Board and staff members from Adult Resource Alliance and Big Sky Senior Services gathered on Tuesday, June 3, to celebrate the official signing of their merger agreement, marking the final step in uniting the two senior-serving nonprofits into one organization: Allies in Aging. The event was held outside the 1505 Avenue D location, where attendees enjoyed drinks and cake under sunny skies.
The merger is a strategic and proactive move initiated by the boards of both organizations to better meet the growing needs of Yellowstone County’s aging population. By combining resources, expertise, and shared missions, Allies in Aging will offer a more comprehensive and resilient support system for older adults, empowering them to live a high quality of life, as well as their caregivers.
During the celebration, Erika Purington, Executive Director of the Adult Resource Alliance and incoming CEO of Allies in Aging, honored the legacy of the organizations’ founding leaders:
“Thank you to the leaders who came before us – thank you for laying the foundation. Your dedication built the values, the culture, and the excellence that we now carry forward. We stand on your shoulders. It’s because of your legacy and your commitment that we now have this opportunity to shape a bold new future, together.”
Purington as well as Tyler Amundson, Executive Director of Big Sky Senior Services and incoming Director of Mission & Development of Allies Aging, extended their heartfelt appreciation to the teams behind both organizations coming together. Amundson said:
“[To the] staff, you have been incredible through this process. I know it’s been scary at points, but we really are doing this to serve our seniors and our community better, and we’re going to do that now. Thank you, [staff], for being willing to dive into this and … for your future leadership as we do this work together.”
Purington also reflected on the human side of organizational transformation:
“Mergers are never just organizational events. They’re human experiences. They bring change, questions, uncertainty – and yes, a fair bit of chaos. And through all that, you [the team] kept going. You kept doing the work. You kept caring about the mission, about each other, and about what we could become… Thank you – for your trust, your grit, and your heart. I see it. I feel it. And now we’re ready to build on it – together.”
The merger agreement was officially signed by Duane Loken, Board Chair of the Adult Resource Alliance, and Brooke Rivera, Board Chair of Big Sky Senior Services. Rivera will continue serving as the Board Chair for Allies in Aging, while Loken, after seven years of dedicated board service, will lead the newly re-established advisory committee for the organization.
While the new name, Allies in Aging, and tagline, “Senior Services, Lifelong Support,” has been publicly announced, full branding – including the new logo, font, and color palette – is currently in development and will be revealed soon.
The event marks not just a contractual milestone, but the beginning of a new chapter in senior services for the region – grounded in shared values, mutual respect, and a united vision for the future. Allies in Aging in partnership with the Billings Chamber of Commerce will host a ribbon cutting event and open house on Tuesday, July 15, at 1505 Avenue D, Billings, beginning at 2:30 p.m. with more details to come. For additional information, please contact Emily Schaff, Marketing & Development Manager, at development@allianceyc.org.
About Adult Resource Alliance of Yellowstone County
The Adult Resource Alliance of Yellowstone County has been assisting seniors within Yellowstone County and their families and caregivers since 1975. We provide a comprehensive range of services that promote the overall well-being of younger, healthier, and more active seniors and support and assist the older adult population to remain independent and living in their own homes as long as possible. If you have any questions, please visit allianceyc.org.
About Big Sky Senior Services
Big Sky Senior Services offers low-cost, home-based services for Senior Citizens that enhance their quality of life, promote independence and keep them safe and free from abuse. Big Sky Senior Services is a local nonprofit helping senior citizens remain living in their homes as long as possible. This is done through wrap-around services including in-home care, nursing services, a representative payee program and a volunteer program for socialization. For more information, visit their website: www.bigsky.care.
Media Contact:
Tyler Amundson
Director of Mission & Development
tyler@allianceyc.org
406-272-6558
