“A community is the

mental and spiritual

condition of knowing

that the place is shared,

and that the people who

share the place define

and limit the possibilities

of each other’s lives.

It is the knowledge that

people have of each

other, their concern for

each other, their trust in

each other, the freedom

with which they come

and go among

themselves.”

-Wendell Berry

FLATHEAD INDUSTRIESNEWSLETTER

December 2015

Creating a Better SocietyEmpowering through community Living, Work And RecreationFlathead Industries has made notable progress over the past forty years because of our community. Our combined efforts have made it possible to provide supports to hundreds of individuals with disablities. We support our community to make it a better place to live, thus creating a better society. Flathead Industries currently provides supported employment services, residential living, job training and entrepreneurship opportunities. We offer recreational activities, transportation services and individualized care. It is your support of this community that makes community inclusion possible. We believe that all individuals have the right to live, work and participate in recreations in their own community. In this newsletter you will clearly see how you empower individuals towards self-sufficiency in home life, career goals and recreational pursuits.

Thank You to the community and these local businesses for your support:

Coca Cola Culligan

Fun Beverage Park Side Credit Union

The WAVE

Community LivingCommunity EmploymentCommunity RecreationsContact Us

Contents

RESIDENTIALSupported Community LivingCommunity Home

EMPLOYMENTCommunity EmploymentEmployment Services

PG3 PG4-6

PG8 PG7

CONTACT USFlathead IndustriesAdministrationDepartments & Facilities

RECREATIONSSpecial OlympicsSummer CampCommunity Recreations

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Flathead Industries Newsletter

No Place Like HomeIn 1991, Flathead Industries was the first non-profit provider in the Flathead Valley to build and open a fully accessible group home for individuals with disabilities. Today, Flathead Industries operates six fully accessible group homes in Kalispell, Montana. The goal of community home services is to provide support to our residents in order to assist them to achieve more through independence, integration and participation in

their community. Ownership & Independence

Most people dream of having their

own place to call home. People with disabilities are no different. Flathead Industries provides

individualized support to assist

adults who have disabilities to live

on their own or with roommates in their community.

Every effort is made to accomidate each resident’s needs with minimal intrustion.

The concern and commitment to full inclusion for all its residents is one of the components that makes the Flathead Valley a wonderful place to live. Flathead Industries ensures fair, honest, respectful treatment to everyone we encounter by listening with an open mind. We use these values to build our visibility and respect in the community as we strive to develop new facilities and programs designed to enhance the lives of those we serve.

Art From the Heart

Community Home LivingFunding Life-Safety Projects

Round Up For SafetyCooperative members that participate in the Roundup

program at Flathead Electric, allow their monthly bill to be rounded up to the next dollar.

The money raised by participants is then carefully reviewed and granted to non-profit groups in the area.

Safety-related projects are then funded, making our valley safer and overall, a better place to live.

This year Flathead Industries was awarded $3,000 to fund 3 AED’s. Thank You for making this possible!

Stumptown Art Studio

Joe relaxing at home

What is happening at home?On Central avenue in Whitefish you will find a community art studio where all ages and groups create a range of multi-media projects. Stumptown Art Studio is a non-profit organization that reaches into our community.

“Art from the Heart” is one community outreach Stumptown offers outside of their studio. Charity (pictured) has been traveling to Kalispell to facilitate an art class at one of Flathead Industries’

community homes. “All the residents are amazing, they all come from different community homes to join in crafts, socialization and enjoy treats.” When Charity first took over the outreach program three years ago, she was unsure about the dynamics. After teaching a few classes she learned it is now her favorite thing to do! Everyone has their different styles and they love to showcase their art at the studio, give as gifts and enter their artwork in the county fair contests. Stumptown seeks to grow their outreach program. “We love volunteers and appreciate donations to cover materials for kids and adults that can not afford them” says Charity. Thank you Stumptown Art Studio for the joy you bring to our community.

“It really is from the heart, its pure. The way art should be.”

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“Taking Care Of Our People”When Barry (pictured) first began working at Home Depot, he met Jim Winegar (pictured). After several interactions between them, Barry realized that Jim was completely deaf. Instantly, Barry’s intuitions switched on. Due to his father’s loss of hearing, Barry was accustomed to the environmental hazards of being hearing impaired. Jim and Barry developed a natural brotherly relationship, both at work and in the community. Barry explains “In this world we are all different... I watch out for him like a big brother.” Jim has a great smile and infectious kindness. He also has an unbelievable attendance record at Home Depot.

Community Employment

Our local businesses continue to provide more than jobs. They provide a culture of friendship, growth and equality. Jim was referred through Department of Health and Human Services to receive direction for employment. He was then partnered with an employment specialist through Career Connections, at Flathead Industries, to set out to find the perfect job. Calls were made to several local businesses and Jim was aided towards a remarkable career at Home Depot.

Origin of Supported EmploymentA job strategy for people with disabilities known as supported employment was developed in the 1980’s to create competitive work in integrated settings. Formally it was limited to individuals with developmental disabilities. Over time supported employment changed to include individuals with mental illness, physical or developmental disabilities. Local advocates in the Flathead Valley are an essential key to addressing equality amongst all of us. We all have the ability to create a better society and a better future. Career Connections If you are considering hiring someone with a

disability, there are many support services we are able to provide to make the process successful. Addressing barriers in the work place is not as complicated as some organizations may assume. It is important to work together to identify and overcome obstacles. Workplace training in disability equality will help bring awareness in relation to language, etiquette and communication. Successful Employment Seth and Barry (pictured) are among many employers and employees who have identified such barriers in the work place. Both gentlemen are thoughtful, patient and respectful mentors to their coworkers. These are their stories...

Live, Work, Play

Jim Special Olympics 2015

Barry Employee at Home Depot

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Flathead Industries Newsletter

Seth Bostick, executive chef at the Kalispell Regional Medical Center shares his genuine concern and care for individuals with disabilities. His interest in others is bold and admirable; he began to explain his first involvements of supporting people with disabilities. Seth’s mother was the State Director of Special Education for Idaho. Seth volunteered by taking individuals and groups into the community and essentially being an advocate for them. These stepping stones were an opening to the future endeavors at Kalispell Regional Medical Center. Years later Seth moved to Kalispell, where he met with Martin Fisher. He learned about Flathead Industries’ employment services and skill building programs. Career Connections, a division of Flathead Industries, is an employment support program that seeks employers that are fit for several people with varying abilities. Seth works with Career Connections to assess possible jobs and the skills of employees, to offer stable and supportive employment at KRMC’s cuisine team. Today, Seth gleams at the success of employing four individuals with disabilities. “It was a simple fit; it is a good environment here.” Seth

pinpoints the reality “there is nothing wrong with a disability. They need an advocate for them, other than a mom and dad, sister or brother. They need someone they can trust and believe in.” The first year was a learning curve and “one employee made quite an impression on me.” Seth realizes that there will be challenges to overcome and he focuses on each individual’s needs while leading his current staff. Seth takes pride in his team of hard working employees and their patience in working together. The cross culture of working with people with disabilities is a dynamic yet very important part of our lives. The environment “is not just plug and go” Seth explains, “it requires nurture and care…If you are in a business, it should be something to enjoy, not fear. These are living beings that need someone there.” Seth is more than an administrator, he is a mentor. Though it may not be a job description to invest his time and personal influences in the lives of his employees, but perhaps that is why his teams moral stays strong. Seth easily sets a good example of work ethic while encouraging personal progress and growth.

There are many support services provided if you are considering hiring through Career Connections. Each individual’s skills are assessed, as well as the employer’s job duties to determine a suitable match. To find out more information about community employment or how to receive services, contact Claudette Vance at 755-7656 ext 225 Kalispell Regional Medical Center

“I am already a big winner,

I have great employees with great

work ethics”

A Simple Fit

Seth Bostick, Executive Chef

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Employment Services

Life Skills CenterDaniel is one of 38 people that is employed at a supported setting in which he thrives, known as the Life Skills Center. The Life Skills Centers provides on going services that are individualized to each person to reach their maximum level of independence. For some, day services might be long term or short term, as skills and abilities develop. The Life Skills Center creates products for the community such as rags, buttons and paint stakes. There is also a recycling program and production of home-made fire starters. The goal of all employment support is to focus on each individual’s goals and objectives. Everyone works diligently on improving their independence through life skills and sensory.

Employment for Everyone Flathead Industries provides opportunities for hundreds of people with disabilities in our valley. Integration into the community work force is vital for growth, personal achievement and independence. We offer on the job training as needed, as well as a dependable and enthusiastic work force for local businesses. Thrift Stores and More Flathead Industries Thrift Stores employs nearly 40 individuals with disabilities. This environment serves as job preperation and a stepping stone for community employment. Our Thrift Stores are located in Kalispell, Whitefish and Columbia Falls. Flathead Industries Work Crew Another avenue of community work is known as the Work Crew. A dynamic team of hard working individuals. Flathead Industries established the Work Crew in 2012, to provide services and products to the community. The focus is to expand consumer’s work skills in the community. Each employee is trained to operate various tools and machines. The Work Crew offers services as well as high quality products to the community.

Providing Opportunities The community and local businesses, have supported Flathead Industries for the past forty years. You make it possible for us to offer new opportunities for individuals living with disabilities. These individuals have proven dedication, progressive work ethics and personal growth from employment in the community.

Refer Us Flathead Industries Work Crew is one of the trusted referral agencies from Flathead Home Services (FHS) that provides many home services from landscaping, moving, lawn mowing, snow removal and so much more. Flathead Home Services is a local referral based business located right here in the Flathead Valley. FHS has created a large network of trusted home service professionals. You can find more information at flatheadhomeservices.com

“Being disabled should not mean being diqualified from having access to every aspect of life” -Emma Thompson

Daniel Life Skills Center

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Flathead Industries Newsletter

Adult Recreation ProgramNothing can compare to the

spectacular natural beauty of the Flathead Valley. With our four season recreational

opportunities Flathead Industries is committed

to providing people with disabilities the opportunity to participate in safe pleasurable

activities that are a part of everyday community life.

Recreation and Leisure

Promoting Inclusive RecreationLeisure activities and recreations can be a critical vehicle for developing new skills, making friends, improving health and enjoy life! Contact us to find out how you can sponsor programs and recreations such as Flathead Industries yearly summer camp.

Summer Camp 2015

How You Can Get Involved There are many rewarding

opportunities at Flathead Industries. If you are interested

in becoming a volunteer please contact Sue Bonin at

755-7656 Ext 230

Empowerment Is KeyThank you to many of you whom set aside reservations for individuals with disabilities. Whether it is a donation, free tickets to a concert or sponsoring new team uniforms for athletes; your generosity fosters opportunities for new experiences, advocacy for equality and inclusion into the community.

Community Support Thank you Glacier Symphony & Chorale and Flathead County Sheriff ’s Association for donating event tickets this year. This year our seniors enjoyed a Christmas Luncheon by the Kalispell Rotary Club. Several individuals would not have been able to attend these special events without your assistance and contributions.

Eddie at the Holiday Bowl

First Place

Maria and Joe

Santa visits bringing gifts to the Special Olympics ‘Holiday Bowl’ December 2015

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Vocational and Employment Services To apply for services an application must be made through a referring agency: Department of Public Health and Human Services: • Vocational Rehabilitation Services Division 751-5940 • Developmental Services Division 755-6344 • Department of Veteran's Affairs 721-0628

Contact Us • Main office 755-7656 • Vickie Poynter, Chief Executive Officer 755-7656 ext 231 • Carmen Noffsinger, Chief Financial Officer 755-7656 ext 226 • Patrick Maddison, Chief Operations Officer 755-7656 ext 245 • Susan Bonin, Special Services Director 755-7656, ext 230 • Mike Allen, Employment Services Director 270-7316 • Shannon Malmin, Group Homes Manager 755-7656 ext 224 • Jen Harmon, Manager of Supported Living Services 890-2686 • Kathy Schenck, Human Resources 406-755-7656 ext 234 • Deb Lee, Systems Management Coordinator 755-3842 ext 240 • Tim Bartholomew, Staff Development Coordinator 755-7656 ext 238 • Sam Dennison, IT Specialist 212-2314 • Sarah Mathiason, Marketing Coordinator 755-7656 ext 229

Products & Services WORK CREW SERVICES Becca Balla 261-0506 • Fire Wood sales and delivery • Mowing, gardening & lawn care • Snow and debris removal • Janitorial services & misc services • Construction clean up & disposal PRODUCTION SERVICES Michelle Pellet 755-7656 ext 236 • Painting stakes • Custom Badges and Buttons • Fire starters • Confidential Document Shredding • 100% Recycled Quality Rags • Pick up & delivery available

Job Opportunities Applications and Job Listings: Main Office: 66 4th Ave WN • Kathy Schenck, Human Resources 406-755-7656 ext 234 • www.flatheadindustries.org

Thrift Store LocationsKalispell Thrift 40 East Idaho Kalispell, MT

(406) 755-3842

Glacier Thrift 412 Nucleus Ave

C.Falls, MT (406) 892-4849

Whitefish Thrift 223 Baker Ave Whitefish, MT (406) 862-5221

Keep In Touch

Connect Online

Flathead Industries | P.O. Box 1916 | 66 4th Ave West North Kalispell MT 59903

flatheadindustries.org Sign up for Sales & Info. smathiason@ flatheadindustries.org facebook.com/ flatheadindustries linkedin.com/in/ flatheadindustries @Findustries1973

Thrift Stores • Mitch McKinley, Retail Operations Director 314-8321 • Suzanne Schmertz, Kalispell Thrift Store Manager 755-3842 • Cindy Chopper, Columbia Falls Thrift Store Manager 982-4849 • Heidi Dennison Whitefish Thrift Store Manager 862-5521

All donations are 100% Tax deductible, please ask for receipt Please make donations to Thrift Stores during store hours

Need to schedule a pick up? Call Kalispell Thrift at 755-3842

Vocational & Employment Services • Claudette Vance, Vocational Rehabilitation Director 755-7656 ext 225 • Dick Ramos, Employment Specialist 752-1204 ext 223 • Penny Bump, Employment Specialist 752-1204 ext 242 • Tom Murphy, Employment Specialist 755-3842 ext 109

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