I came to Montana from Florida, and I’m finally getting used to the temperature here. I have actively participated in legislative lobbying efforts through Home and Community Based Services. I took part in the Food Insecurity Project for a couple of years through the University of Montana. Recreationally, I try to take advantage of the [...]
Joel’s background is in accounting and finance, in which he has a bachelor’s degree. Before joining the Independent Living Movement, Joel worked in public accounting before moving to work in the financial department of several manufacturing businesses. He joined Summit in 2010 when he was hired on as a peer. He most recently served as [...]
I recently had the opportunity to represent Summit ILC at the state mental hospital on June 10. I doubt any organization other than Summit would have the vision to send a former mental patient to represent it at the very institution he was once a patient in. It was cathartic to return there as a [...]
Unintended weight gain can be a common issue for many people. We know that many snack foods can cause an increase in body fat. However, some foods that have been billed as healthy can also cause issues. Here are five common foods you may think are healthy, but actually tell your body to store fat [...]
The Peer Advocacy Program is active and thriving. Each individual peer advocate brings unique strengths to the program, and the peer group collectively works very well together to accomplish common goals. New peers have brought their strengths to the program and look forward to helping individuals achieve their goals as well as tackling larger, systems-based [...]
Most experts agree, muscle burns more calories than fat. Muscles are more compact and look better than fat. It is important to rev up your metabolism by regularly working your muscles. When exercising, it is important to always use a controlled motion. Even if you can’t get to a gym, there is plenty you can [...]
We all need to manage stress in our lives. Stress can negatively affect our health and cause depression. Stress is caused by having too many obligations or too few. To be fulfilled we all need to feel useful. Accepting a certain number of obligations, but stopping before you start feeling overwhelmed, can help manage stress. [...]
Don Johnston Ravalli Peer Advocate The Pam Davis Award is a binnenial award given at the DPHHS Community Services Bureau Conference to recognize an individual whose leadership and determination has impacted the development and promotion of quality community based services.
Hi there! I’m Laurie Swanson, a new peer advocate with Summit. As a native of Missoula, I enjoy what the area has to offer, especially the arts, markets and the outdoors. You will likely see me with my service dog, Kosha, a pretty little Australian Shepherd cross. Kosha and I have been a team for [...]
Summit is partnering with the Rural Institute and two other CILs to offer peer support services in Ravalli and Lake counties. This peer support project is for people with physical limitations such as walking, seeing, hearing or talking, who may be experiencing depression, anxiety, frustration or other mental health symptoms. Peer support means getting together [...]