The Pulse- Fall 2023

THE PULSE

THE GREAT FISH COMMUNITY CHALLENGE COMES TO AN END

FlatheadIndustriesparticipatedinthe WhitefishCommunityFoundation’sGreat FishCommunityChallengeforthefirsttime thisyear TheGreatFishCommunity Challengegivingperiod,whichtookplace August10throughSeptember15,2023, inspiredcommunity-widegivingandbuilt awarenessaboutthecriticalworkof FlatheadValleynonprofits.

TogetherTheGreatFishCommunity Challengeraisedmorethan$52millionfor 77FlatheadValleynonprofitsinjustfive weeks!Thispreliminarytotalexcludesthe GreatFishMatch,whichwillbeannounced October24attheGreatFishAwards CeremonyattheWachholzCollegeCenter inKalispell.

TheChallengebringsthecommunity togetherthroughahigh-profile,collectively beneficialevent Since2015,theGreatFish CommunityChallengehasraisedover$22 millionformorethan85localnonprofit organizations WhitefishCommunity FoundationorganizestheChallengefreeof chargeforqualifyingnonprofits.Attheend oftheChallenge,WhitefishCommunity Foundationawardsapercentagematchon thefirst$20,000raisedbyeachnonprofit.

FlatheadIndustriesraised$43,110fromthe event,alongwiththefoundationmatch whichwillbeannouncedOctober24th, FlatheadIndustrieswillexceedourgoalof $50,000.

FlatheadIndustrieswillfocusthefundsthat areraisedthroughtheGreatFishChallenge towardscreatingopportunitiesresidentially forourclients;specifically,towardsmaking thekitchenofourWillowGlenGroupHome moreaccessibleforthepeoplethatlive there Theclientsinthishousehavea varietyofdevelopmentaldisabilitiesthat requiremultiplemodificationstoatypical kitchenandlivingroomarea.This renovationwillnotonlyprovide independenceandsafetyforthecurrent eightclientsthatliveinthishomebutfor manymorefutureclientsthatwillneed residentialservicesfromFlathead Industries

FlatheadIndustrieswouldliketothankallof thosewhodonatedthroughthisevent Itis thegenerosityofourcommunitythathelps uscontinueourworkofcreating opportunitiesforpeoplewithdisabilities.

FLATHEAD INDUSTRIES CAMP 2023

FlatheadIndustries'annualsummercampheld September5th-7th.

FlatheadIndustriesisknowntocreate opportunitiesforpeoplewithdisabilities andoneofthemostbelovedwaysamong staffandconsumersistheannualsummer camp.

FromSeptember5th-7th,Flathead Industrieshostedtheannualsummercamp atFlatheadLutheranBibleCamp,onthe WestShoreofFlatheadLake.

Formostcampersandstaff,campisoneof themostmemorableeventsoftheyear.Itis oneoftheveryfewtimeswhereconsumers ofFlatheadIndustriescometogetherwith oursistercompanies,RavalliServicesand LittleBitterroot

OnTuesday,campersarrivedandwere treatedtolunchbeforejumpingintoan activitiessuchasartsandcrafts,movies, swimming,kayaking,paddleboardingand basketball.

Afterdinner,therewaslivemusicfor entertainment,asstaffandcampers relaxedaroundthecampfireandinthe dininghall.

Overnightcampersretiredtocabinswhile otherswatchedalateeveningmovieinthe dininghall.

OnWednesday,overnightcampersenjoyed breakfastinthedininghall.Daycampers arrivedafterbreakfastandmorning activitiesstarted.Camperspartookinarts andcrafts,manicures/pedicures,volleyball, basketballandyardgames.Afterlunch, wateractivitieswereoffered.Consumers enjoyedgoingdownthewaterslide, jumpingontheinflatabletrampolineaswell ascanoeingandpaddleboarding.

Afterdinner,DJSamsetupfora“bringthe roofdown”dancewhereconsumersand staffshowedofftheirbestdancemoves! Afterwards,thosespendingthenightwill retiretocabins.

OnThursday,camperssqueezedinsome lastmomentsoffunplayingBINGO completewithprizes,andclosingcamp withafinallunchmeal.

Camp2023wasanothermemorableyear! Thankyoutoallofthosewhomadeita success!

CONSUMER SPOTLIGHT:

NIKKI YOUNG

Nikki grew up as an only child, which she claimed to love because she did not have to share anything. To this day she lives with her parents here in Kalispell She speaks fondly aboutherparentsisreallyclosetothem OneofNikki’sfavoritememorieswithherparents hasbeentakingtripstoBannack,Montana

If you’re unfamiliar, Bannack is a ghost town It wasabandonedintheearly1900swhenthegold mines ran out Bannack is in Montana, more precisely in Beaverhead County, on the BeaverheadRiver,notfarfromDillon

This town has become quite a vibrant tourist attraction, particularly around Halloween when the town hosts their annual ‘Ghost Walk’, where they claim that tourists can “go into the darknessoftheghosttowntomeetthesoulsof theoldtown”

Nikki and her parents did just that, and Nikki claimsthathermotherevenphotographedone of the more well-known ghosts known as “Dorthey”.

Making these trips with her parents has always beenmemorableforNikki.Fortheirnexttrip,Nikki is looking forward to visiting Mount Rushmore and Devils Tower National Monument in September.

NikkiisoriginallyfromoutsideDallas,Texas,and moved to Flathead Valley in 1991 for her dad’s job.

When asked what a challenge she has had to overcome, Nikki reveals the difficulties she has faced with not having full mobility of one of her handsbutmaintainsapositiveattitude

“Sometimes I have to take the time to stop and think,” said Nikki “If someone can do this thing two-handed,thenhowcanIadjusttodoitonehanded? It’s been a lot of figuring out what worksbestforme”

Nikkidoesnotletthisholdherbackthough Nikki maintains a part-time job, travels, and enjoys art projects such as scratch art and colored pencildrawings

Nikki has been working at Kalispell Thrift Store sinceshegraduatedhighschoolin2002

“I feel that Flathead Industries has helped me most with building those skills to get and maintain a job,” said Nikki “I really enjoy getting to organize and create displays During HalloweenandChristmas,Igettodothewindow displayswhichhasalwaysbeenfunforme.” Nikkiwoulddescribeherselfasnice,friendly,and helpful and her co-workers would agree with her.

“She’ssohelpfulandindependentandshedoes such a great job keeping the library organized,” saidIcisSatterly,DirectSupportProfessionalwho worksalongsideNikki.“Myfavoritemomentsare when I pick her up for work and we have long conversations about her trips to ghost towns andotherparanormalstories.”

WhenNikkiisnotworking,sheenjoysrelaxingat home, watching TV, and spending time with her parents Nikkidoesnothaveanycurrentfavorite shows or movies but explains that she enjoys family time bonding around the tv Nikki listens toCountrymusicthemostoutofanygenreand TimMcGrawisafavoriteartistofhers

One of Nikki's favorite places to eat is Pizza Hut, which she goes to every year on her birthday She prefers her pizza with pepperoni and Canadianbacon

STAFF SPOTLIGHT:

WENDY STOREY

For Wendy Storey, a Supported Living Assistant Manager here at Flathead Industries, working withindividualswithI/DDhasbeenapartofher lifeforaslongasshecanremember

Wendy’s aunt was a consumer of Flathead Industries for a time which made Wendy feel comfortableearlyoninthislineofwork

“I had an understanding for people with DD [developmental disabilities] ever since childhood,”saidWendy “Itwasjustapartofmy life.”

WendygrewupinsouthernCaliforniabutcame to Flathead Valley to be with family in 2007. BeforeWendystartedatFlatheadIndustries,she was a Personal Care Attendant for Personal TouchHomeCareforfiveyears.

“I already knew some of the supported-living guys before starting here because of that job,” saidWendy,whorecentlycelebratednineyears ofemploymentatFlatheadIndustries.“Itwasan easy transition for me and them. I immediately jumped into getting them out into the community as much as possible. As well as helpingthembeasindependentaspossible.”

HerrelationshipwithConsumersremainsoneof thereasonswhyWendycontinuestoworkinthis field

“The love I have for this company and the consumers [is why I do it],” said Wendy “I just lovegettingtheseguysoutintothecommunity, having them do things they want to do, and makingthingspossibleforthem Iwentonatrip toHelena{withaconsumer}andwenttoHawaii with consumers It’s great being a part of makingtheirdreamsareality”

Wendy explains that this is more than a job for her,ultimatelyitisanopportunitytomakeareal differenceinthelivesofothers

“I’m proud of the example I can set for others,” said Wendy “When I’m out with Consumers, I makesurethatIshowkindnessandIknowthat when our Consumers see that they are likely to emulatethat.”

Wendy’scoworkerscanallagreethatshestrives to show care towards everyone and that if someone is ever feeling down, they know that a hugfromWendyistheinstantcure.

“IfeelthatIamgoodatcomfortingpeople,and I’m told that I give good hugs," said Wendy. “My friends would likely describe me as a happy, smileyperson.”

Showing this level of compassion comes easily for Wendy, most likely due to the mentors that sheclaimshavehadahugeimpactonher.

“Jen Harmon [Associated Director of Supported Living] has been a mentor for me She was a lead when I got into supported living, and she continuestobethepersonIgotoforadviceon anything She’sfantastic,”saidWendy “Mymom inspires me as well She has shown me how to spreadlovetoeveryone Nomatterwhotheyare orwheretheyarefrom,youshowlovetothem”

IfWendywasnotworkinginhercurrentposition, shefeelsshewouldcontinuetowanttomakea differenceandworkwithteenagersinsomesort of counseling role Wendy wanted to be a beauticianwhenshewasachildandjokesthat she plays this role at times when she works on personalcarewithconsumers

POETRY

JENNI BAILEY

ANarcissisticGod?

Ianswertonoone,includingyou Iwon’tmakemykneeshurt,justtopray Repent?Why?IfyoualreadyknowI’mnot perfect?

Ihavearighttoquestionyourexistence, ifyoumakemequestionmine Itrains,andI’mtold‘’God’scrying’’,whyis itimportanttoknowyoucry?

Yournamecarriesmorehatethanlove, andyou’restillimportant I’msupposetoloveyou,I’msupposedto belovedbyyou,aGOD I’mhelpingmyself,Iwaitedforyourhelp… nothing!

Youdemandlove,butIsitherebegging youtoloveme

AnarcissisticGod?Yes!Iwillnothelpyou benarcissistic!Iwillcontinuebeing‘’the goodcrazy’’I’vealwaysbeen.

ArtofNight

The dark of night, is my writing platform And my bedroom, is the home of the soundingboardIwritewiththetearsthat fall from my tired eyes And the rain encourages the heaviness to flow out Goodnight,andIwillsleeptight

ScatteredPoem

Eveninmydarkness,I’msomeone’schild Eveninmylight,I’mabeautifulwild I’m scattered like the thoughts in my mind

I’mrandomlikeaunusual,historicalfind Ilaughatabsolutelynothing Icryaboutthatsomething Thisworldgetsmymiddlefinger Myworld,becauseIgettriggered Goingfromonetopictoanother Conversationsthatsmother Deeplove,deephate

NotoneforthePearlyGate

Tuckmeintobed,hyped Blanketson,Ineedtearswiped

Thisisme

Letitbe!

SPECIAL OLYMPICS BASKETBALL

TheFlatheadIndustriesSpecialOlympicsBasketballTeamisgearingupfortheiryearly tournaments OnOctober13th,theteamwillbeparticipatingintheAreaGames,which willfeatureotherFlatheadValleyteams

FromtheretheteamwillsetofftoHelenafortheTheSpecialOlympicsStateBasketball Tournament,November9-11th Approximately750athletes,200coachesandvolunteers, plushundredsoffamiliesandfriendsfromacrossMontanawilltraveltoHelenatowatch theathletescompeteintwodaysofintensebasketballcompetition.

“Twoofthelastthreeyearswehavebeenabletobringhomegold,”saidJakeLarsen, coachofFlatheadIndustries.“Iknowtheteamisexpectingtodothesamethisyear.”

Casino Royale: A night of glamour, a fundraiser for a great cause

Flathead Industries has spent 50 years creating opportunities for people with disabilities. Over 240 people with disabilities are supported each year. Your support of this event will go directly to our initiatives across the Flathead Valley, we truly couldn't do what we do without your continual support. We hope to see you at Casino Royale!

Cocktail Hour: The dress code is formal. Masks will be available for purchase at the event.

Location & Time: The event is at the Hilton Garden Inn, from 5.309.30pm.

Food & Beverage: We will have cash bars, dinner is provided and poker for charity.

Fundraising: There will also be a silent and live auction, so come prepared to support.

CONTACT US

• Main office 406-755-7656

• Vickie Poynter, Chief Executive Officer -Ext. 231

• Patrick Maddison, Chief Executive Officer -Ext. 245

• Carmen Noffsinger, Chief Financial Officer -Ext 226

• Susan Bonin, Day/Special Services Director -Ext. 230

Kathy Schenck, Human Resources Director -Ext. 234

• Mitch McKinley, Retail Operations Director 314-8321 • Shannon Malmin, Residential Services Director -Ext. 224

• Crystal Hartigan, Associate Director of Client Services -Ext. 229

• Jen Harmon, Associate Director of Supported Living -Ext. 241

• Cristie Hunt, Day Service Program Manager 309-2782

• Sandy Cothran, Associate Director of Vocational Rehab. -Ext. 242

• Candice Campbell, Staff Development Coordinator -Ext. 238

• Diane Sanford, Case Record Coordinator -Ext. 233

• Sam Dennison, IT Support Specialist -Ext. 236

• Brandon Beard, Marketing and PR Manager -890-9591

• Jenny Schouppe, Grant Writer & Content Manager -890-4683

THRIFT STORE LOCATIONS

Kalispell Thrift 40 East Idaho Kalispell, MT (406) 755-3842

Glacier Thrift 412 Nucleus Ave Columbia Falls, MT (406) 892-4849

Whitefish Thrift 237 Baker Ave Whitefish, MT (406) 862-5221

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? Please call 406-270-7316

CLEARANCE STORE LOCATION

74 4th Ave WN Kalispell, MT 755-7656 Ext. 249

Everything is $1 or less. Please continue making donations to any of our Thrift Store locations.

FLATHEAD INDUSTRIES

E-COMMERCE STORE

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DONATION PICKUP

SERVICE

To schedule call 406-270-7316

PRODUCTION SERVICES

Cristie Hunt 406-309-2782

•Pick up & delivery for Confidential Document Shredding

•100% Recycled Quality Rags