FLATHEAD INDUSTRIES

October 2015

Welcome Special Olympic Games Recreations and Summer Camp Not your typical Thrift Store Community Support Climb Big Mountain 2015 Contact Us

Honoring the Direct Support Professionals here at Flathead Industries for their sincere efforts and dedication towards making a remarkable difference in the day-to-day lives of individuals with disabilities. 'Flathead Industries was established over 40 years ago by con-cerned individuals with the sole purpose in providing support for people with disabilities. September 13th-19th is recognized as Direct Support Professional (DSP) Appreciation Week. The remark-able support system of direct care continues the growth of Flathead Industries; today we serve over 250 individuals each year!Thank you for working tirelessly to provide good health while supporting the dreams and goals for our folks. Your sincere efforts and dedication makes a remarkable difference in the day-to-day lives of each individual. Thank you for enriching lives and helping others live life to its fullest! You are appreciated in more ways that can be counted.'

WelcomePATRICK MADDISON, COO FLATHEAD INDUSTRIES

Patrick Maddison has joined the Flathead Industries team as our new Chief Operating

Officer. He is a graduate of the University of Montana, School of Social Work and has dedicated his career to working with people with disabilities. Patrick Maddison was the Director of Case Management for Opportunity Resources before joining Flathead Industries. His prior work includes Director of Services for Job Opportunity Based Services, Targeted Case Manager for AWARE and group home staff for Watson Children’s Shelter, where he found his passion for working with people with disabilities. Patrick forged his career to the have the most positive impact on the greatest number of individuals with disabilities and their families.

www.flatheadindustries.org

Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Pages 6-7 Page 8

NEWSLETTERDirect Support ProfessionalsTHANK YOU TO ALL OUR DIRECT CARE STAFF

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

State Winter GamesSPECIAL OLYMPICS MONTANA

Flathead Industries competed during the 20th year of Special Olympics State Winter Games in Montana. Over 250 athletes tested their skills at slalom skiing, snowboarding,

snow-shoeing and cross country skiing. Everyone received a medal for participation and many received medals for 1st, 2nd and third place. Devin and Donovan (pictured on the left) were filled with motivation and excitement as they prepared for competition. Volunteers, staff and athletes formed together and encouraged each other with chanting of team songs.

2015 State Summer GamesMAY 19-22 Missoula, Montana

This year was packed with events! During the Summer Special Olympic State Games in Missoula, Flathead Industries brought a team of 17 athletes

participating in kayaking, power lifting, aquatics and cycling. Over 1,000 athletes from across Montana work hard to compete in several events such as bowling, golf, track and field, cycling, kayaking and aquatics. State games are preceded with about eight weeks of training (see far left photo above). Celebrations, dancing, dinners out, carnival and the opening and closing ceremonies further enhance the summer games!

Standing to receive medals at the Summer Special Olympic State Games held in Missoula. Chad (in the green shirt) won 2nd place and Carey took 3rd in Kayaking.

Relay for Life 2015AMY 2 YEAR SURVIVOR, JACEY 3 YEAR SURVIVOR, ROCKANNA 1 YEAR, KATHY 1 YEAR SURVIVOR,

The American Cancer Society Relay For Life is the world's largest and most impactful

fundraising event to end cancer. It unites communities across the globe to celebrate people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and take action to finish the fight once and for all. Those that participated from Flathead Industries were Amy Neitzling, Jacey Cline, Rockanna Rand, Kathy Geddes, Sandra Rauthe, Emma Hofer, Manda Humphrey. "We all went as a team effort to help fight several forms of Cancer." Sandra Stated.

Flowers and Friends This year was the 5th year of Food and Flowers at the Potting Studio in Bigfork. There were 30 individuals that selected flowers and planted them in their own pots. Lunch and refreshments were provided by the Potting Studio. This is always a good time to spend the day outside amongst friends. Everyone looks foward to this event each year to socialize, eat, get a little dirty and be creative.

Over 100 individuals from Kalispell, Libby, Missoula, Polson and Plains all met once again at 'Summer Camp'. Over half of the campers stayed the night for the 3 days, while others visited during the day. There was something to do for everyone. Groups of friends, and soon to be friends, natu-rally formed at the edge of the

lake, at the pontoon boat, on the basketball court, in the art and crafts area, on the dance floor and every-where in between. Summer Camp could easily be the most popular event put on by Flathead Indus-tries. We are already looking forward to next year!

Throwing The Throttles What could be better then friendly conversations by a fire, a family dog weaving through the crowds, a BBQ lunch and kicking up the snow? The familiar smell of snowmobiles fuse with the brisk air as a team from the Flathead Snowmobile Association

suits up to take consumers and staff from Flathead Industries out for a quick spin. We are so thankful that the FSA volunteers their time and equipment for us to be-able to enjoy the sport and recreation

of snowmobiling!

SUMMER CAMP 2015

Equal EntrepreneurshipCREATING MORE OPPORTUNITIES

Here at Flathead Industries we plan and make the most of dreams and aspirations. For example, April works at the Kalispell Thrift

store and also crochets blankets in her free time. Teaming together, FI displays her handmade blankets in-store to the public for sale. When you purchase her blankets you support her dream of entrepreneurship and individuality. FI helps create opportunities by facilitating the process, which otherwise may not be possible.

Flathead IndustriesTHE SCOOP ON THE ORGANIZATION AS A WHOLE

Flathead Industries is far more than just a Thrift Store operation. Forty years ago, Flathead Industries began as a recycling company staffed by people with disabilities. Currently there are six group homes, supported living

residences, multiple day-work sites providing employment, support and training. Along with the facilities, our Career Connection department extends into the surrounding cities such as Plains, Eureka, Libby, Whitefish, Kalispell and Columbia Falls. Our job coaches work with individuals with disabilities providing job training, resume development, interview skills and other individual employment needs. Flathead Industries also has a community work crew that takes individuals into the community providing many types of services such as snow shovelling, cleaning, raking leaves, lawn mowing, debris clearing and all the miscellaneous jobs we all never seem to have enough time for.

Not your typical Thrift StoreSO WHAT SETS US APART FROM OTHER THRIFT SHOPS?

Flathead Industries is not a franchise, we are a non for profit organization serving individuals with disabilities in our community. We employ 120 individuals and support over 250 individuals with disabilities each year! We provide

employment services, training, education, behavioural support, medical needs, access to recreations and transportation. We shop local, we support other local businesses and value their continued support. Spread the word: Flathead Industries is not just your typical Thrift Store, but much more!

Sharing Skills... TALENTS, SKILLS AND HARD WORK

Many individuals with disabilities at Flathead Industries have many talents, skills and abilities that rarely get shared to the public. Mark works PT at the Kalispell Thrift

Store and is a phenomenal photographer. Mark was excited beyond belief and grinning ear to ear as we planned to sell his photos in all three Thrift Stores as post cards. You can purchase his work in-store and support his love of photography.

Life saving technology for residential facilities at

Flathead IndustriesROUNDUP FOR SAFETY PROVIDES 3 AED'S

Flathead Industries receives the first AED's generously made possible by the Roundup for Safety program through Flathead Electric Coop. The cost of an AED's ranges from $900-$1200.

Tim Bartholomew, Staff Development Trainer for Flathead Industries, explains "All of our staff members are certified in AED to use but we

have not been able to afford to place AED's in our homes."

Strong ties in the CommunityFLATHEAD INDUSTRIES GIVES BACK

ROUND UP FOR SAFETY FUNDING LIFE-SAFETY PROJECTSCooperative members that participate in the Roundup program 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 pay for 3 AED's.

Career ConnectionsPARTNERS WITH FVCC, KALISPELL POLICE FOR BIKE PROGRAM AT FVCC

Kalispell Police Department donates dozens of bikes to FVCC. A few individuals, receiving

job services through Flathead Industries' Career Connection department, worked on campus to give the abandoned bikes a new coat of bright green paint. This is a unique project benefits everyone including the many students that will be-able to rent these bikes from FVCC.

Forty years ago, since the establishment, Flathead Industries heavily relies on the support of the com-munity. Though today that same support continues, Flathead Industries is always brain storming how to expand and be-able to give back to the community by offering services and products. Local businesses, individuals, families and even strangers might not realize the impact of their support of Flathead Industries. If you could see the personal side of what FI does, this would change your perception of why you donate your used products and clothes and provide a new mean-ing to Climbing the Big Mountain at our yearly fund raiser. There is a deeper relationship that we build here at Flathead Industries, we support the lives of others thus creating a bond of care that is not found at many jobs. The mission is to support and create opportunities for people with disabilities.

24th Climb Big MountainFLATHEAD INDUSTRIES' CLIMB BIG MOUNTAIN FUND RAISER RETURNS! JULY 18TH, 2015

Last year Flathead Industries held a Street Festival in celebration of it's 40th Anniversary as an established non-profit organization. This year we returned to the Climb for our

24th year at the Whitefish Resort. The resort sponsored the use of the mountain and many local businesses jumped in to support our mission. Over 200 climbers, staff and volunteers showed their support at the resort by registering individually or by forming teams to hike the Danny On Trail. The weather was perfect, sunny but not too hot. Hikers began as early as 7am while Flathead Industries Staff set up tables for registration and lunch. A flood of teams arrived between 9am-10am jazzed up and ready to climb!

Tim Torgerson & band with Chelloist Jesse Ahmann

Flathead Industries rec-ognized the celebration of the 25th Anniversary of the ADA at Climb Big

Mountain.

Cookies were provided by Summit Independent Living Center (SILC) and Mc Donalds to celebrate the 25th ‘Birthday’ of the ADA. An informational

table about disabilities and the history of the ADA

was provided by the SILC.

“The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) pro-hibits discrimination against people with disabilities in employment, transportation, public accommodation, communications, and governmental activities.”

Team 'KRMC'Team 'E. Thomas & Electric'

Team 'Plum Creek'

Team 'NW Ortho & Sports'

Team 'City Service Valcon' Team 'Flathead Electric Co-op'

Team 'T-Bend Construction'

Team 'Walgreens' of Whitefish

Team 'The WAVE'

There are a few individuals that set themselves apart during Flathead Industries' yearly fund-raiser. Vaughn Warriner,

a very active community member that gathers pledges from businesses and friends. Vaughn has a sincere heart and an internal motivation that inspires many of us. Thank you Vaughn for your dedication and for raising $432 during Climb Big Mountain!

Arriving by trail or gondola, Climbers trickled to the lunch area to pick up their lunch and relax. The beauty of the resort was astounding, children were tossing frisbees and live music played in the background from the Ed & Mully's patio. What a perfect day to meet new faces and embrace familiar ones.

THANK YOULOCAL BUSINESSES DONATED ITEMS FOR A

SUCCESSFUL SILENT AUCTION AT THE CLIMB Thank You and congratulations to all the winners and

these businesses:

PRINCIPAL SPONSORS

Coca-Cola Bottling Culligan

Fun Beverage Hammer Nutrition

North Western Energy West One Bank E. Thomas & Electric Supply PGA MT Western Chapter Mann Mortgage

BITNEY'S FURNITURE GLACIER GUIDES & MT RAFT CO.

GLACIER SUN WINERY COUNTER ASSAULT

VILLAGE GREENS GOLF CLUB WILD HORSE LIMOUSINE LUTHERAN BIBLE CAMP

BRIX BOTTLE SHOP CABELA'S

GLACIER DISTILLING MONTANA COFFEE TRADERS

WAVE FITNESS CENTER COINS AND CARATS

Target Albertsons

Smiths Super One

On the same token... some may recognize the name Herb and Vonnie Koenig. Not only did they bring in a good deal of

pledges this year, they also have a long history with Flathead Industries. From everyone here at Flathead Industries "Thank You Herb & Vonnie!" for your continual support, and for raising over $1,300 during Climb Big Mountain!

Costco Mc Donalds

SILC The Apple Barrel

GATHERING PLEDGES$1,772 IN PLEDGES FOR FLATHEAD INDUSTRIES

Team Flathead Industries Team Warriner

IN-KIND SPONSORS

Time to Relax...

MAJOR SPONSORS

Glacier View Golf NXGEN Walgreens Payne West Prime View Dental

Keep In Touch

Sign Up to our E-Newsletter smathiason@flatheadindustries.org or by mail, in-store, phone or online

Vocational and Employment Services

Applications and Job Listings are available at the Main Office: 66 4th Ave West North, Kalispell Kathy Schenck, Human Resource Mngr 406-755-7656 ext 234 Job Applications are available online Soon! Open positions will be online

THRIFT STORE LOCATIONS Kalispell 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

• 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 • Claudette Vance, Vocational Rehabilitation Director 755-7656 ext 225 • 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 • Dick Ramos, Employment Specialist 752-1204 ext 223 • Tom Murphy, Employment Specialist 755-3842 ext 109 • Tim Bartholomew, Staff Development Coordinator 755-7656 ext 238 • Sam Dennison, IT Specialist 212-2314 • Sarah Mathiason, Marketing Coordinator 755-7656 ext 229

Mitch McKinley, Retail Operations Director 314-8321 Suzanne Schmertz, Kalispell Thrift Store Manager 755-3842 Cindy Chopper, Columbia Falls Thrift Store Manager 892-4849 Heidi Dennison, Whitefish Thrift Stores Manager 862-5221

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

Products & Services

Donations

Job Opportunities

Thrift Stores

FINANCIAL DONATIONS By Mail: 66 4th Ave WN Kalispell, MT 59903 Online: Click on 'Donate Now' www.flatheadindustries.org Questions: Carmen, CFO 755-7656 Ext 226

PRODUCTION SERVICES Michelle Pellet 755-7656 Ext 236 • Painting stakes • Custom Badges and Buttons • Fire starters • Confidential Document Shredding • Quality Rags 100% Recycled • Pick up & delivery available

Contacts

To apply for services an application must be made

through a referring agency:

Department of Public Health and Human Services:

Vocational Rehabilitation

Services Division, Developmental Services Division or Department of

Veteran's Affairs

Weekly sales are posted on our Facebook page, E-newsletter and printed in-stores. Sign up in-store for our weekly E-newsletter. *Thank You for your support and donations. Drop off locations are available at each Thrift Store. Donations are 100% Tax deductible

CONNECT ONLINE

WEBSITE www.flatheadindustries.org You can now donate online

easily and securely

FACEBOOK facebook.com/flatheadindustries

TWITTER @flatheadindustries1973

LINKED IN FlatheadIndustries OTHER DONATIONS

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