This summer Summit facilitated three independent living skills training classes: a Self- Awareness & Assertiveness class, a Working Well with a Disability class and a Disability Awareness and Attitudes class.
The Self-Awareness and Working Well workshops both had six participants who set summer goals, and were led by Darren Larson and Jude Monson.
The Disability Awareness and Attitudes class was held at Big Sky High School and 25 students with disabilities participated. The four-week, two-hour Thursday class was led by Cara Wherley, Darren Larson and Jude Monson along with the following outstanding Big Sky teachers and para-educators: Laura Coulter, WyAnn Northrop, Aaron Fessler, Sandy Finch, John Parker and Jessica Wilsey. Thank you!
If you are interested in taking classes at Summit this autumn call 728-1630 and talk with Jude or Kathy to find out more about upcoming training opportunities!
If you ride the local Mountain Line regular bus route or would like to know more about paratransit door to door service, Summit has scheduled two talks with Jim Gibson. He will be sharing his experience with riding the bus as well as the latest Mountain Line information. The talks will be Wednesday, July 6, from 10-11 a.m. and Wednesday, July 20, from 3-4 p.m. in the Summit conference room. Come to Summit and hear about how to save money in your transportation budget and get to know your Missoula neighbors by riding the local bus!
The Safer and Stronger Program (SSP) pilot for women has been moved to September. Contact Susan Morris if you are interested in hearing more about this project. Summit board member Leanne Beers will be offering a Self-Esteem class and a Safety Awareness Program class this fall and winter. Please call Jude or Kathy to sign up for this class. Thanks to Rosemary Hughes and the Rural Insitute for working with us on all these projects!
Susan Morris and Andrea Dahl are meeting with nursing home residents to explain their local community living resources and the process of moving into the community. If you know someone who is having trouble maintaining their home life or is in a nursing home and has expressed an interest in living in their own home, please contact Susan or Andrea.
Kathy Boyer is Summit’s representative on the Kidney Early Evaluation Program (KEEP) committee which meets monthly at Summit. This Missoula KEEP committee organized a free screening on April 16 at the University of Montana that had almost 100 participants. If you want to learn more about diabetes and kidney disease give Kathy a call at 728-1630.
The Missoula July 6 social event is at Bonner Park starting at 5:30 p.m. Summit, Home- and Community- Based Services and VSA are hosting a barbecue and will provide burgers, hot dogs and all the fixings. We ask you to bring a dish to share, as well as a something to drink. Starting at 8 p.m., the Missoula Community Instrumental Band will be playing at the pavilion.
Mary and the Peer Advocates have been following up on 2011 legislative issues, nursing home transition and friendly visits, Every Woman Matters poster education, access training and school panel presentations. Also, a big welcome to our two new peers: Tim Solem and Mitch McCabe!
Mike Beers and Mary Olson have been traveling this summer nationally to share their experience, knowledge and skills as Summit Independent Living Peer Youth Leaders. They were co-facilitator trainers for the new North Carolina Center for Independent Living during their second NC Youth Leadership Forum. They also will co-facilitate the Montana Youth Leadership Forum (MYLF) in Helena on July 18-22 with the statewide volunteer leadership crew, led by June Hermanson. At least 25 students from across Montana are scheduled to gather at Carroll College to be a part of this years Youth Leadership Forum!
Jude Monson, Program Manager
