About 15 pairs of larger sized  high heel shoes were available for participating men. Women and children of all ages also walked, working together to end sexual violence in all forms in our community.  The Walk is also a reminder that sexual violence is an issue that can affect anyone.  About 50 people turned out to support this event, which concluded at Hill Park with food and several guest speakers from the community.

Summary:
“Walk a Mile in Her Shoes: The International Men’s March to Stop Rape, Sexual Assault and Gender Violence”  was proposed by Frank Baird in 2001. This year there are 130 Marches across the country, plus Marches in Canada, Great Britian, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand.

Thank you everyone who helped support this event!

DONATE ONLINE!
http://www.firstgiving.com/walkamileinhershoeshelenamt

For more information, please visit http://www.walkamileinhershoes.org/index.html

Food Staples & Pantry Items:

• Non perishable boxed food (ie. Tuna Helper, cereal, macaroni and cheese, pasta, etc)
• Breakfast cereal or instant oatmeal
• Frozen meats
• Frozen pizzas and dinners
• Canned foods….such as ravioli, beef stew, chili, soups, vegetables and fruit
• Sugar
• Zip-lock baggies–quart & gallon size, plastic wrap
• Large black trash bags
• Medium white trash bags

Domestic/Household Items:

• Laundry hampers
• Toilet paper
• Any liquid laundry detergent, including unscented products
• High efficiency laundry detergent
• Bleach
• Liquid fabric softener and/or dryer sheets
• Laundry spot remover
• Paper towels and sponges
• Dishwasher detergent
• Dish soap
• Sponges
• Brooms & dustpans
• Mops
• White Vinegar (we use vinegar in place of many commercial cleaning products)

  Medicine Cabinet/First Aid Items:

• Deodorant
• Toothpaste
• Band-Aids
• Q-tips

Baby Items:

• Diapers and wipes
• Any new baby items including crib sheets, receiving blankets, wash cloths, pacifiers, and bottles. 

Clothing Needs:

• Women’s sweatpants or pajamas
• New underwear—all sizes female and boy’s age 3 to 10
• New bras in larger sizes and sports bras
• Socks—all sizes, male and female
• Shoes—all sizes for children and adults (new or in good Condition if used)

Personal Hygiene Items:

• Deodorant (including unscented)
•  New hair brushes
• Blow dryers, curling and straightening irons
• Body Wash
• Lotion
• New Makeup/cosmetics
• Tampons—regular and super
• Shaving razors and shaving gel
• Shampoo and Hair Conditioner
• Mouthwash
• Toothpaste

Other:

• Bathroom Towel Sets
• Bed Pillows (new pillows would be greatly appreciated)
• New sheet sets and towel sets (for residents moving into their own housing
• Crafts (cross stitch, knitting/crochet materials, beading, drawing paper, pencils, etc.)
• Fast Food Coupons 

Children’s Program Items:

• Washable markers (all sizes and colors)
• Colored Pencils
• Watercolor paints
• Unlined journals for children who prefer to journal with pictures
• Lined journals for children who prefer to write
• Any new toys for prizes and birthdays (Hot Wheels, Play Dough, Care Bears, My Little Pony, Lego’s
• New or used DVD or VHS tapes

  Furniture and Household needs:

• Any size clean mattress and box springs
• Table and chair sets
• Dressers
• Bookshelves
• End tables
• Throw rugs or area rugs
• Sofas and chairs

  Please contact The Friendship Center if you have any questions.

 The Friendship Center is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization.  We are happy to provide you with a receipt for any donations. We are deeply grateful for your support.

TITLE:   Evening Shelter Manager

DATE:   November 2009

FUNDING SOURCE: This position is funded by a Rural Grant from the U.S. Department of Justice

POSITION SUMMARY: Provides general support for shelter residents

SUPERVISOR: Social Work Management Team

SPECIFIC DUTIES/MAJOR TASKS:
1. Provide limited case management and advocacy to adults and children residing in shelter
a. Provide a direct communication link between Emergency and Transitional Case Managers for shelter residents who are not available during business hours
2. Report all suspected incidents of child abuse/neglect to CPS
3. Work cooperatively with day time shelter manager
4. Coordinate Residents’ Chore List
5. Coordinate, schedule and facilitate weekly house meetings with all residents
6. Coordinate security needs during evening and weekend hours
7. Document all services provided, maintaining accurate and detailed records and work logs
8. Limited childcare as needed
9. Assist with Supervised Visitation program
10. Sort donations
11. Coordinate and supervise evening and weekend volunteers
12. Review security videos
13. Assist with admitting clients to shelter during evening hours
14. Room cleaning and preparation
15. Assist with check-out for residents moving out of shelter during evening hours
16. Limited homework assistance as needed
17. Attend specialized trainings as needed

QUALIFICATIONS
1. Experience in human services field with case management. Degree in human services preferred.
2. Ability to problem solve, manage time effectively and work independently.
3. Strong ability to distinguish between enabling and empowering clients
4. Ability to function as an effective member of a professional team and prevent/respond to triangulation of staff by clients
5. Positive attitude and professional demeanor and image
6. Commitment to maintain client confidentiality and privacy
7. Clear and effective written and verbal communication skills, as well as the ability to listen well
8. Ability to absorb and respond positively to constructive feedback
9. Possess a valid Montana Driver’s License
10. Background check required

WORK SCHEDULE:
Tentatively from 6:30 p.m. until 11:30 p.m. weekdays with some weekend hours.

COMPENSATION:
This non-exempt part-time position requires a maximum of 20 hours per week and pays $10-$11 per hour, depending on education and experience.  Generous benefits. Candidate must complete a six month probationary period.

HOW TO APPLY

Over the years, many folks like you have opened their hearts and offered their generous support by helping those most in need. Please join us in making this holiday season one to be remembered.

The “Adopt a Family” Holiday Giving Program offers the following opportunities:

• Sponsor a needy family through our traditional “Adopt a Family” program.
• Sponsor an “emergency family” whose needs and wishes are not known.
• Help fill the Friendship Center’s needs/wish list (household items and toys).

If you are interested in helping out this year, please contact us. You may click HERE for a form to fax to Julie Burrows, at the Friendship Center at 442-6809 or mail to 1430 Sanders Avenue, Helena, MT 59061. If you prefer, you may also email your preferences to e-mail TheFriendshipCenterHolidays@yahoo.com.

If you have any questions, or need additional information, please feel free to call Julie at 442-6800 or Nina at 449-8899.

We join our adopted families in thanking you in advance for your joyful sharing during this special time!

POSITION DESCRIPTION

TITLE:                                   Crisis Case Manager

DATE:                                            September 11, 2008

FUNDING SOURCE:           This position is funded by a grant from DPHHS.

POSITION SUMMARY:      Provides crisis response to clients seeking emergency shelter.  Provides case management to clients participating in the emergency program, off-site.

SUPERVISOR:                      Direct Services Team Leader

SPECIFIC DUTIES/MAJOR TASKS:

1. Provide initial/crisis response to clients who contact the agency on the phone or in person during regular business hours
2. Provide short-term case management and advocacy to off-site clients seeking emergency services
   1. Conduct intake and staff each case
   2. Provide emergency crisis counseling, information and referrals with all clients
   3. Assess safety and formulate safety plans
   4. Assist clients in securing safe housing on and off-site
   5. Report all suspected incidents of child abuse/neglect to CPS
3. Document all services provided, maintaining accurate and detailed records and work logs
4. Provide back-up support to Administrative Assistant to answer/route incoming phone calls
5. Serve as staff back-up to support volunteer advocate on the 24-hour crisis line on some evenings and weekends
6. Attend weekly staff meetings
7. Participate in one hour of clinical staffing per week, with clinical director.
8. Attend specialized trainings as needed

QUALIFICATIONS

• 1. Bachelor’s degree in a human services field of study or at least 4 years experience as a crisis case manager
• 2. Training and/or experience in the family dynamics and effects of domestic violence on children and the parent/child relationship
• 3. Ability to problem-solve, manage time and work independently under pressure
• 4. Ability to function as an effective member of a professional team and prevent/respond to triangulation of staff by manipulative clients
• 5. Positive attitude and professional demeanor and image
• 6. Commitment to maintain client confidentiality and privacy
• 7. Clear and effective written and verbal communication skills, as well as the ability to listen well
• 8. Ability to balance emotional and physical needs with work demand through personal and effective forms of self care
• 9. Possess a valid Montana Driver’s License

COMPENSATION:

This non-exempt full-time position requires a maximum of 40 hours per week and pays $10-$12 per hour, depending on education and experience.  Benefits include personal health and life insurance, paid vacation and sick leave.  Candidate must complete a six month probationary period in order to make this a permanent position.  Retirement benefits are available after one year of successful employment.

Click Here to take survey

Saturday, August 23rd, 2008 starting at 5:00 pm

Last year the First Community Bank Railway 8k raised approximately $3000 for The Friendship Center and  over 150 people of all ages participated, directly helping victims of domestic violence and sexual assault in our community.  This community event is becoming a popular and fun tradition for families and individuals.  First Community Bank will be sponsoring a Pig Roast-BBQ  at the finish line.

The race starts at the Carroll College Football Stadium and ends at the Great Northern Carousel.  For more information about the race, obtain a downloadable entry form to mail in or to view the course map, please go to www.helenarunningclub.com .

Participants may also register at www.active.com .   Early registration is recommended–late entrants cannot be guaranteed a t-shirt.   Online registration closes August 20th. Race day registration is at the starting area from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Please note that for everyone’s safety, dogs, bicycles, roller skates, in-line skates and skateboards  are not allowed. The use of headphones is discouraged.

If you would like to volunteer to help with the race or have questions about the Railway 8K after looking at the links above, please contact race director Brian Wieck at bquick50k@hotmail.com

Many Thanks to the Generous Sponsors who Make this Event Possible:

First Community Bank     Allegra Network     New West Health Services

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Monanta      DA Davidson Companies

Great Northern Carousel     Lehkind’s Coca-Cola Bottling Co.

Active.com     

Helena Regional Airport Commissioners & Staff

Mail or deliver to:

Attention: Julie

E-mail to: officem@thefriendshipcenter.org

This postion will remain open until filled.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

TITLE: Administrative Assistant/Receptionist

DATE: June 2008

FUNDING SOURCE: This position is funded by a grant from the U.S. Dept. of Justice

POSITION SUMMARY: Provides primary telephone answering services and general administrative support

SUPERVISOR: Executive Director

SPECIFIC DUTIES/MAJOR TASKS:

Responsible for answering the telephone during business hours; transferring calls, taking messages.

1. Greets clients and the public when they enter the building.
2. Provides administrative support as needed
3. Provides support to the donations coordinator.
4. Maintains inventory of office supplies and coordinates purchase of supplies.
5. Prepares bank deposits and maintains donor log following a specific, established procedure.
6. Produces thank you letters with the direction of the executive director.
7. Training as required.
8. Other duties as assigned.

NOTE: This position does NOT provide direct services to clients. All issues requiring direct services should be referred to social workers.

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Experience as a receptionist
2. Administrative experience
3. Experience answering phones and taking messages
4. Positive attitude and professional demeanor and image
5. Commitment to maintain client confidentiality and privacy
6. Experience receiving and managing donations
7. Basic computer skills
8. Possess a valid Montana Driver’s License

COMPENSATION:

This non-exempt full-time position requires a maximum of 40 hours per week and pays $9-$11 per hour, depending on education and experience. Benefits include health benefit plan, life insurance, retirement, paid vacation and sick leave. Candidate must complete a six month probationary period in order to make this a permanent position.

More Information about Working at The Friendship Center

How to Apply for this Position

To apply for any of the currently available opportunities:

Please send an e-mail to Deb Bakke with a single attachment containing your resume, professional references and a cover letter. Please use a Word or PDF format. OR mail resume, professional references and a cover letter to THE FRIENDSHIP CENTER at 1430 Sanders, HELENA, MT 59601.

• All positions remain open until filled
• All resumes are screened by our management team, and interviews are only offered to applicants who meet at least the minimal qualifications of posted positions
• References are not contacted until after all interviews are complete
• All positions require successful completion of a probationary period to be considered “permanent,” and are contingent upon results of a criminal background check
• The FriendshipCenter is a family friendly, equal opportunity employer

Don’t Forget to Attach Your Resume If You Choose to Email the Information