Who We Are
In 1974, a group of community members united to create The Poverello Center. The organization was established as a ministry to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and shelter the homeless in the Franciscan spirit of peace and care for others. In the last four decades our organization has grown from a simple mission to a lifelong cause – working to alleviate the experience of poverty and houselessness in our community.
Jill Bonny
Executive Director
Jill Bonny is the is the Executive Director of the Poverello Center. Jill earned her Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Montana. Growing up in Montana, Jill has always been involved as a volunteer in hospitals, nursing homes, fire departments, local coalitions, and served as the Vice President of the NASW-MT Board of Directors. Jill joined the Poverello in the fall of 2014 as a practicum student while earning her social work degree. When she is not working, Jill enjoys spending time with her husband and children on their “little farm” in the Bitterroot Valley.
Kristen Border Patton
Director of Operations
Kristen Patton is the Director of Operations at the Poverello Center. She graduated from the University of Montana with a bachelor’s degree in political science and began working at the Pov in 2009 as the Administrative Assistant. Kristen has completed graduate courses in Human Resource Management, Technical Writing and Non-Profit Management while working at the Pov. In her spare time Kristen enjoys golfing, fishing and spending time with her rabbit and family.
Clair Bopp
Director of Shelter Services
Clair Bopp completed her Masters in Social Work at the University of Montana in 2016. She began her journey at the Poverello Center in 2015 as a practicum student and is currently the Director of Shelter Services. Clair is committed to the organization’s mission of providing food, shelter, help, and hope to all who ask.
Stephanie Dolan
Director of Development
Stephanie moved to Missoula in 2020 from Brooklyn, NY after falling in love with Montana and dreaming of getting out of City. As a lifelong non-profiteer working in economic development and poverty alleviation, Stephanie was thrilled to join the team at the Poverello in September 2022. She brings 20+ years of dedication to economic justice and community development. Throughout her career she has developed and managed financial education programs, helped grow public benefits access for low income earners in NYC, supported entrepreneurs, and helped the organizations she has worked with grow economies of scale. In her free time you'll find her cross country skiing and playing hockey all winter; and fishing, mountain biking, and hiking with her husband and 2 pups, Rufus and Willie, in the summer.
Lisa Sirois
Director of Programs
Lisa Sirois is the Director of Programs for the Poverello Center. Lisa completed her Master of Social Work degree in 2019 through the University of Montana, but first came to Missoula for a Jesuit Volunteer/AmeriCorps position volunteering with the Poverello in 2015. When not at work, Lisa can be found playing board games or exploring Montana with her partner and friends, cuddling with her dog and cat, or knitting while enjoying some bad tv or reading a good book.