Some big changes have taken place with the Summit Kalispell office. We have moved into our new offices at the Gateway Community Center (the old Gateway West Mall). You can now find us at 1203 Highway 2 West #35. The new office has a lot more room with space for peers to work and a computer in the reception area for consumers to use. We are enjoying our new space and all the activity that takes place in the mall.
We had our Grand Opening Ceremony October 22 with a ribbon cutting. Also on October 22nd the first Disability Resources Fair was held in the Gateway Community Center. The fair was put on in collaboration between several agencies serving people with disabilities. We had an excellent turnout for the first year and hope to do it again in the coming year.
We welcomed four new peer advocates into our group this year. We have three newly hired Peers: Claudette Byrd-Rinck, Debra LaVanway, and Bob Trudeau. We also have Rick Heitz who is currently on volunteer status.
In August, the Peer Advocates had a MATOR equipment demonstration and BBQ at the Snappy’s Sport Center fishing pond. Lots of people were able to catch fish in the pond and all had a great time.
Dianna helped to coordinate a collaborative Candidates Forum in October that was very well attended.
In November we had a Barn Dance at the Gateway Community Center with 35 to 40 people in attendance. There was a square dancing demonstration by the Flatheaders Square Dance Club and Western 10-step dance instruction by April and Sam from the Blue Moon. The Big Sky Fiddlers provided the music. Everyone who attended had a wonderful time and we look forward to seeing what the New Year brings.
