INKApril-June 2014Volume 8, No. 2

“The Right Services...To the Right People...At the Right Time!”

AWARE

AWARE has received funding from the Montana Department of Maternal and Child Health, through the Maternal and Early Childhood Home Visiting program (MECHV) to expand and provide

home visiting services in communi-ties in Butte-Silver Bow, Lewis and Clark and Custer counties.

The MECHV grants were awarded in April and May 2014. The four grants will provide more

than $440,000 to implement the Parents As Teachers curriculum in Butte-Silver Bow and Custer coun-ties for two years and $220,000 to implement Safe Care curriculum in

By now, weekly meetings of the committees helping to

implement electronic health records – or EHR – have become routine.

Every Wednesday morning, 16 or so AWARE staff members meet with representatives of Afia, the Michigan-based company that is coordinating the move to EHR.

These EHR committee meetings usually involve a discussion of “the big picture,” updates from subcom-mittees that also meet regularly, and identification of critical tasks and next steps.

The meetings are essential in order for the committee to make quick, informed decisions to keep the project on track.

AWARE has now passed the midpoint in the transition to EHR.

Here’s a brief update of what has happened so far:

FinancesTwo members of AWARE’s

finance team got high fives for their work on EHR.

Leslie York, business operations manager in accounts receivable, and Tabitha Utz, special projects

manager, have completed work on a spreadsheet that will be a key part of the new system.

“Throughout an EHR Implemen-tation there are critical moments where seemingly impossible time-

EHR on TrackAWARE passes midpointin painstaking transition to electronic health records

Grant for infant and child home visiting services covers three counties

Finance team members Tabitha Utz (left) and Leslie York pore over a spreadsheet they created showing AWARE’s programs, services, contracts and billing codes. Utz, a project manager, and York, business operations manager in accounts receivable, spent two weeks paring 10,000 lines of data down to about 3,200 lines. Photo by Jim Tracy

Center for ExcellenceArt & Science Fair — Pages 12-13

AWARE featuredin CPA magazine — Page 6

Note to staffand friends — Page 2

Center for Excellencehires scholastic dean — Page 17

AWARE U offerscontinuing education— Page 15Inside...

See Grant on page 16

See EHR on page 8

“

“A pattern of success and achievement

AWARE Ink is published bimonthly by AWARE, Inc., a 501(c)3 non-profit organization at 205 E. Park Ave., Anaconda, MT 59711. Copy-right ©2014, AWARE Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this newsletter may be used or reproduced in any form or by any means without prior written permission of the publisher.

Please send correspondence to: jtracy@aware-inc.org

Lawrence P. Noonan, CEOGeri L. Wyant, CFOJeffrey Folsom, COOMike Schulte, CHO Board of Directors John Haffey, President Al Smith Cheryl ZobenicaEd AmbergMarlene HolayterRussell CarstensStephen AddingtonBarbara AndreozziJesse Laslovich

Editor: Jim TracyStaff writers: Jacquie Peterson Bryon Higgins

Dear staff and friends,

The amount of work we accomplish as an organization in a matter of months continues to amaze me. As usual, we have a lot going on within all of our services and businesses, and yet we consistently continue to deliver

the highest quality of care possible. It is our mission to help people live life to the fullest extent possible and as such we have devoted a lot of time and energy to the development of our programs and the attainment of goals for the people in our care.

One great example of how we have grown comes from a federal review of our Early Head Start program. Near the end of the review, I had a chance to speak with a member of the review team who had clearly been waiting to voice her observations of the past week. The woman began by listing paperwork errors and technicalities that can be fairly common when running programs such as these, but after a few minutes the reviewer broke into a story that brought tears to her eyes. The story was about a child she had observed that was exceptionally proud of an accomplishment. The young student had just finished brushing her teeth, an important habit for lifelong health, in perfect form and was celebrating

success with her teacher. The interaction between student and teacher was remarkable because they were both overjoyed with themselves at the achievement.

While this may seem like a minor accomplish-ment to many, these are the kind of outcomes we strive for at AWARE.

Each and every moment of success achieved by the people in our care is another step in the right direction and another goal met. These are the kinds of things that truly matter

Are people proud of their

accomplisments? Are

people forming meaningful

relationships? I think the

answer should always be a

resounding YES!

2

Larry Noonan

and help make our work worthwhile and meaningful. As we continue with our work, there will always be the occasional ding here and there for improper paperwork but are we continuously answering the questions our stakeholders are asking? Do our programs really work? Are people proud of their accomplishments? Are people forming meaningful relationships that will lead to success? I think the answer should always be a resounding, YES!

Now, it’s hard to build upon a story like that, but I’d also like to update everyone on some of the other things that are going on in our organization because they really are worth sharing.

Just recently, our mental health services in Anaconda underwent a review from the Mental Disabilities Board of Visitors. The Board of Visitors is a group appointed by the Governor to regulate and report on all the mental health programs in Montana. The official report arrived

a few days ago with just a couple of recommendations along the lines of advocacy and cultural diversity. Aside from these suggestions though, the reviewers were very pleased with our mental health services, the Center for Excellence, our Business Network and our Corporate Congress process. Reviews like this confirm our belief that we truly do provide the highest quality of services. Our electronic health records (EHR) transition is on track, and we’ve passed the halfway point of our implementation process.

We have been publishing the bi-weekly newsletter, EHR Watch, to keep everyone in the loop, up to speed, and aware of how the upcoming changes will affect their day-to-day operations. Going into the summer months we expect to begin training “super users” who will be responsible for future training of AWARE’s employees.

Lastly, our work with balanced scorecards is also moving along nicely. We

have already begun the data collection phase in our residential and community care and treatment divisions and we are beginning to analyze and make sense of this data so that we may focus our attention on specific areas of the organization as they relate to our overall strategy. This is just one of the many examples we are using as an approach to long-term thinking and the success of our organization.

As we charge ahead, I know we will continue our pattern of success and achievement. The opportunities to achieve our goals are abundant and we should make every effort to take advantage of them along the way.

Have a great summer,

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By Mary CaferroThe Arc Montana CoordinatorOn the heels of the successful

Legislative Candidate Forum on Dis-abilities, Great Falls families have organized to further advocate for their children who have intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Parents of children with special needs gathered at the Capitol on May 9. They met with public officials from the executive and legislative branches of government as well as the Office of Public Instruction.

“A Day at the Capitol” provided an opportunity for parents to make con-nections with their decision-makers, using their personal stories to build understanding of the issues their chil-dren face. Families offered themselves

The Arc Montana organizes ‘A Day at the Capitol’as a resource to work pro-actively with policy makers for stronger community services and a more effective educa-tion system. Carolyn Love, a rancher and mother from rural Montana, ex-plained that under the current system, her young adult child will be languish-ing on a waiting list for services until he is in his 40’s.

Parents know their direct experi-ence is valuable. As Joyce Moore, mother of a special needs son put it:

“Raising a child with a disability is a very difficult, full-time job. Parents should be able to use their energy to care for their child, not fight for ser-vices in a system that is not function-ing properly.”

The day’s events began with an advocacy training facilitated by NAMI

Montana, The Arc Montana, and Mon-tana Organizing Project (MOP). Next, families shared lunch and visited with members of the CFHHS (Children, Families, Health, and Human Servic-es) Legislative Committee, DPHHS, Office of Public Instruction, and offi-cials from Gov. Steve Bullock’s office.

Late in the afternoon, parents gave passionate and strong testimony, most for the first time, in front of the CFHHS Legislative Committee.

The Arc Montana is continuing to organize parent engagement efforts and candidate forums around the state.

Please like us on Facebook (The Arc Montana) for information on events, news and updates on all things disability! Coming this fall: The Arc Montana annual conference!

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A contingent of Montana parents of children with disabilities and other concerned Montanans gathers for a group shot at the Capitol on May 9. The parents testified before the Children, Families, Health, and Human Services Interim Committee. Pictured left to right are Alicia Smith, Mary Caferro (The Arc Montana Coordinator), Carolyn Love, Diana Tavery, Reno Kaul, Jeanne Brown, Lena, Joyce Moore, Trinette Pepos (Smitherman), Bobbie Sue Talmage and Amanda Voytosky. The dog’s name is Tella. Courtesy photo

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The library is in the media room on the second floor of administration building in Anaconda. See the list of available titles, new titles are bold:•AGuidetoCollaborationforIEPTeams–Nicholas R.M. Martin•AmericanSamurai–William Lareau•AskandTell:Self-AdvocacyandDisclosureforPeopleontheAutismSpectrum–Various•AutismSpectrumDisorders–Richard L. Simpson•BakeaDifference–Family Favorites Cookbook•BaseballBouillabaisseandtheBestofClass:HowtoIncreaseYourPersonalPower,EnergizeYourTeamandAstonishYourCustomers–Darby Checketts•BoardsThatMakeaDifference–John Carver•BooksofAdam– TheBlunderYears (2) – Adam Ellis•Buddy’sShadow–Shirley Becker• Certain Proof, A question of worth – A Feature Documentary bu Footpath Pictures, Inc.•ChangingtheCourseofAutism–Bryan Jepson, M.D. with Jane Johnson•CompetitiveAdvantage–Michael E. Porter•CompetitiveStrategy–Michael E. Porter•ConfessionsofaProfessionalHospitalPatient–Michael A. Weiss•Cookie–Linda Kneeland•CountUsIn–Jason Kingsley & Mitchell Levitz•CreatingaHabitatforHumanity–Jonathan T.M. Reckford•CulturalReciprocityinSpecialEducation – Maya Kalyanpur and Beth Harry•DemystifyingTransitionAssessment– Colleen A Thoma Ronald Tamura•DictionaryofDevelopmentalDisabilitiesTerminology–Pasquale J. Accardo & Barbara Y. Whitman et al.•Dirt – Susan Senator•DisablingProfessions–Ivan Illich et al.•EffectiveFundraisingforNonprofits–Ilona Bray•EnergizeYourTeamandAstonishYourCustomers–Darby Checketts•EssentialManager’sManual–Robert Heller & Tim Hindle•EverythingisNormalUntilProvenOtherwise:ABookAboutWraparoundServices–Karl W. Dennis & Ira S. Lourie•FastForward–James Champy & Nitin Nohria•FearofFalling–Barbara Ehrenreich•FeedAllMySheep:Aguideandcurriculumforadultswithdevelopmentaldisabilities–Doris C. Clark•First,BreakAlltheRules:WhattheWorld’sGreatestManagersDoDifferently–Marcus Buckingham & Curt Coffman•Gesundheit!– Patch Adams•GettingtheMostOutofIEPs–Colleen A. Thoma & Paul Wehman•GroupHomesforPeoplewithIntellectualDisabilities– Tim Clement & Christine Bigby•HealthMattersforPeoplewithDevelopmentalDisabilities–Beth Marks, Jasmina Sisirak & Tamar Heller•HealthMatters:TheExerciseandNutritionHealthEducationCurriculum–Beth Marks, Jasmina Sisirak & Tamar Heller•HighSchoolTransitionthatWorks! – Maryellen Daston, J. Erin Riehle, Susie Rutkowski•HouseCalls–Patch Adams•HowCanIHelp?AFriend’sandRelative’sGuidetoSupportingtheFamilywithAutism – Ann Palmer•HowAboutaHug–Nan Holcomb•Imponderables:TheSolutiontotheMysteriesofEverydayLife–David Feldman•InkintheWheels:StorestoMakeLoveRoll–S Barton and Megan M Cutter•IQof63SoWhat–Ben D. Anderson•It’sTime– Judith Mammay•JobSuccessforPersonswithDevelopmentalDisabilities–David B. Wiegan•Just Like Other Daughters – Colleen Faulkner•Kaizen:TheKeytoJapan’sCompetitiveSuccess–Masaaki Imai•LaunchingintoAdulthood–Donald Lollar•LeadershipSecretsofAttilatheHun–Wess Roberts•LifeBeyondtheClassroom,TransitionStrategiesforYoungPeoplewithDisaiblities – Paul Wehman•LifeisaGift– Jenny Miller•MakingSelf-EmploymentWorkforPeoplewithDisabilities–Cary Griffin & David Hammis•ManagingattheSpeedofChange–Daryl R. Conner•ManagingQuality–Jacqueline M. Katz & Eleanor Green•ManagingtheNonprofitOrganization–Peter F. Drucker•Me,Hailey!–Sheri Plucker•MontanaCenteronDisabilities:FocusingonAbilities–Sue Hart•MotivationalInterviewingwithAdolescentsandYoungAdults–Sylvie Naar-King, Mariann Suarez•MyHolly,AstoryofaBrother’sUnderstandingandAcceptance–JulieLeavittWolfe

Borrow A Book: New titles added to corporate library

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By Jim Tracy

Corporate performance expert Bob Paladino gives AWARE high marks in an article in the American Institute of Certified Public Ac-countants Magazine.

AWARE “is leading people, process and customer indicators to

manage its expansive, entrepreneur-ial-driven service or-ganization,” Paladino writes in a piece titled “Transition from lagging to leading KPIs (key performance indicators).”

The article was published in March in the Corporate Finance Insider section of the magazine.

Paladino, a CPA, is an adviser, trainer and author of dozens of articles and three best-selling busi-ness books. AWARE executives partnered with him in early 2013 to design corporate strategy maps and “balanced scorecard KPIs.”

The article encapsulates AWARE’s development of a corporate strategy map and key performance indicators with atten-tion focused on leading indicators throughout the organization.

Here’s how he describes the company:

“AWARE Inc. provides residen-tial living and community care and treatment services to those with mental health, intellectual, and

developmental disabilities. Its first home opened 38 years ago with a few residents in Anaconda, Mont. Since then, the company has ex-panded to more than 80 homes and 20 service lines serving thousands of people in Montana. AWARE has

grown to become the state’s largest health care provider of its type.”

Paladino notes that he suggested three steps for AWARE’s finance and leadership team to follow to move from “a lagging set of finan-cial indicators to a ‘strategic’ set of leading and lagging indicators.”

Working with AWARE staff, he developed a corporate strategy map, or storyboard, that contains 20 strategic objectives across four perspectives.

In deploying a companywide strategy map, Paladino notes that AWARE established a corporate performance management team that identified multiple data sources and the types of reports needed.

“The experience of AWARE Inc. executives shows investments in people development directly affect the quality, timeliness, and level of patient service,” he says.

With the help of the IT depart-ment, AWARE extracted, trans-

The experience of AWARE Inc. executives shows investments in people development directly affect the quality, timeliness and level of patient service. — Bob Paladino

Paladino highlights AWARE in CPA magazineLagging to leading

Bob Paladino

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ferred and loaded data to automate and populate strategy maps and scorecards in a software system.

From the scorecards, “one can clearly see the ‘cause and effects’ forecasted by improvements in the leading indicators,” Paladino says.

Investment in trainingHe says increased investment in

employee training is expected to enhance clinician capabilities and competencies and thereby enhance service levels. In turn, these lead-ing indicators will drive enhanced scores while reducing risk factor incidents.

In reviewing leading indicators, one area of focus is on voice of the

customer, measured by net promot-er score or NPS. NPS, introduced about 10 years ago in an article in Harvard Business Review, is a leading indicator of customer loy-alty and driver of company growth.

“Early survey results reveal NPS scores (for AWARE) above 60 percent, which is considered excel-lent,” Paladino says.

According to Harvard Business Review, Southwest Airlines, long considered the industry benchmark for customer service, has NPS scores of 50 percent to 55 percent.

Finally, he observes that the for-casted impact on AWARE revenue “undescores the value in engaging

leaders to more fully understand and appreciate how people, pro-cess, and customer results drive the economic model.”

Paladino says his experience shows that it takes approximately two to three years to fully imple-ment this across all areas in an organization.

You can read the article online at: http://www.cpa2biz.com/Con-tent/media/PRODUCER_CON-TENT/Newsletters/Articles_2014/CorpFin/transition-to-leading-kpis.jsp.

Cedar Vance stops by to chat with Wayne Dagel at AWARE’s table at a Provider Fair in Billings that took place leading up to and during the Special Olympics opening ceremonies and the dinner/dance afterward. Dagel asked Cedar to autograph a copy of the Winter 2014 issue of Apostrophe magazine issue that features her on the cover. An accomplished rider, Cedar participated in equestrian events at the 2014 Special Olympics State Summer Games. Courtesy photo

Autograph session

I’m not an advocate for disability issues. Human issues are what interest me. — Aimee Mullins

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lines need to be met and this was certainly one of them,” said Matt Hansen, senior business systems engineer at Afia Inc. based in Ann Arbor, Mich.

York and Utz were tasked with completing a 10,000 line Excel spreadsheet that required atten-tion on every line. Each line lists a service that is either billable or non-billable that AWARE had previously identified for use in the EHR system.

The two had to look through each line and identify any specific billing rules or special circumstanc-es, so that the Netsmart team could set it up to be billed correctly in the system.

In order to do this correctly, they had to coordinate with sev-eral AWARE staff throughout the organization to get feedback on any areas where more detail was needed as well as communicating with Netsmart to make sure that everything was defined properly.

Netsmart is the vendor AWARE selected to implement a connected, efficient, and fast EHR system that will effectively support AWARE staff as they deliver client services. AWARE will use Netsmart’s my-Evolv, a web-based EHR system that will integrate and manage cli-ent data from intake to discharge.

York and Utz attended multiple full-day training sessions to better understand the myEvolv system to support the finance worksheet and the system configuration.

Lists of servicesIn February, AWARE staff and

Netsmart consultants built lists of programs and services and identi-fied sites where those services are offered, including offices and homes within communities.

Building on that foundation, York and Utz refined those lists.

“We had to say, ‘OK, if this ser-vice is performed for this program at this facility, this is how much we get paid for it,’” York said. “We had to delete a lot of rows on the spreadsheet, but we also had to add a lot of rows.”

They also had to determine which parties to bill, e.g., Depart-ment of Public Health and Human Services, Department of Correc-tions or a private insurance com-pany.

“We had to drill everything down,” said Utz. “We had to assign an allocation code and a rate for every billable event.”

10,000 linesThe two divided the 10,000 lines

in half and over a period of two weeks worked on their parts of the project before coming together to put the two halves together.

“You really had to concentrate on it,” York said. “We also had to get clarification from AWARE service directors.”

They ended up with about 3,200 lines on their spreadsheet.

Netsmart will use the spread-sheet to build the financial part of the EHR system. On April 1, AWARE’s EHR team went over that spreadsheet with a team from Netsmart.

The biggest beneficiaries of the work the two did may be the people who receive AWARE ser-vices. Getting rules in place will reduce the amount of time that staff have to spend on processing billing information at all levels and allow them to focus more on streamlining internal processes and providing even better care to clients.

Despite the tight deadline and the demanding nature of the as-

signment, York and Utz both said they’re pleased with the outcome.

“It was a fun challenge,” York said.

Added Utz: “We enjoy doing this kind of thing, but it was intense.”

TrainingSoon every employee will

need to know computer skills as AWARE prepares to adopt EHR.

“Employees will need basic computer skills – typing, Internet functions, opening, closing and saving documents and the ability to navigate around the software,” said Jason McDonald, project manager for the EHR transition and AWARE’s business operations manager in accounts payable.

To identify AWARE’s computer skill needs, all AWARE employees had the opportunity to complete a computer literacy assessment.

“The results of this assessment lets AWARE know what our real needs are, which allows AWARE to better train and prepare our staff to utilize the EHR,” McDonald said.

Opportunities for further com-puter skill development for em-ployees are available, and with this training, employees will be able to efficiently use the EHR.

Different trainings available“This allows AWARE employ-

ees to be prepared for the EHR implementation, which gives them more time to do what they do best, provide outstanding care for the individuals we serve,” McDonald said.

The assessment was offered to all AWARE employees.

Beginning in June, trainers from AFIA will help AWARE staff who need further computer instruc-tion become comfortable with the basics.

EHR Continued from page 1

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For example, they’ll learn dif-ferent types of hardware used to document patient information in the EHR – desktop PCs, laptops, tablets, mouse, touchpad, laptop batteries, power cords, etc., and how the monitor, print and network cables connect to different ports.

They’ll become comfortable using a mouse and/or touchpad, especially knowing the difference between right-click vs. left-click.

Classes could include hard-ware basics, security, desktop, start toolbar, Internet vs. intranet, properly logging off, manipulating program windows, file structure, network basics, operating system versus program applications, copy and paste, printer basics and basic troubleshooting.

McDonald, who has been in-volved in the EHR transition for more than two years, said from time to time employees may be asked to complete surveys or as-sessments like the basic computer skills assessments.

Making a smooth transition to EHR will require knowing what our needs and skills are, but will also require testing, “patience and ‘buy in.’”

“We have a long ways to go, so we need patience while we make sure we implement a system that will work as best it can for our clients the people we serve and for AWARE,” he said.

“It will be important to have everyone participate in as many of these opportunities as possible, as these may shape the trainings we provide to employees in order to make sure they are ready when we go-live. And for that, each employ-ee needs to know we believe this truly is the best thing for our clients and our organization. Buying in also includes asking questions – if

you have questions or concerns, please ask.”

Digitizing Forms One benefit of converting to

electronic health records is the abil-ity to take advantage of paperless technologies that will save time and money, clear clutter from of-fices and shrink AWARE’s environ-mental footprint.

A team of employees has been working for months to push AWARE toward paperless offices by reducing the number of forms used by various services, programs and communities.

The team started nearly two months ago converting what were paper forms into electronic forms with pull-down menus, cells on spreadsheets and “data points.”

They trimmed the number of forms AWARE staffers use by about three quarters.

The forms committee was charged with the daunting task of reviewing every form that AWARE uses as an organization, which was over 700 in total.

The list has now been con-solidated to about a quarter of that number, which creates efficiency throughout the entire organization — from training, to quality of care, to finance.

The team includes EHR project managers Pandi Highland and Ja-son McDonald, Mike Kelly, Leslie York and Donna Kelly.

Highland is a program officer. McDonald and York are business operations managers, respectively, of accounts payable and accounts receivable.

Mike Kelly is a service direc-tor, while Donna Kelly is a service administrator. They have been working with Matt Hansen, senior business systems engineer at Afia,

the company that is coordinating the transition to EHR.The team meets each Wednesday to report on progress and compare notes.

“We were charged with looking at every form we use at AWARE,” said team member Mike Kelly. “By eliminating the ones we no longer use and condensing sometimes two or three or four forms into one, we have whittled the number down to about 170.”

Painstaking workWhile the team is still debating

the usefulness and value of a few forms, its focus now turns toward finishing the painstaking work of entering “data points” from the paper forms into fields on an elec-tronic spreadsheet.

They try to find which fields are consistent across as many forms as possible and which fields are unique. To do that, the team drew heavily on the expertise of AWARE field staff — what the team has come to know as “subject matter experts.”

“They know the forms they use, and they can answer all the ques-tions about those forms,” Kelly said.

“The most impressive thing about this committee has been their dedication to pulling in staff from all corners of the organization to ensure that they are getting all of the information that they need to make the right decisions for the future of AWARE,” said AWARE CEO Larry Noonan.

Making time on short notice“All of the decisions have been

informed and vetted, which is a time-consuming process, Noonan said. It is also a testament to the commitment from all of the staff outside of the committee that

Continued on next page

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they make time on short notice to provide the necessary feedback and consultation.”

All of the hard work the team has devoted to the project should result in well-designed forms that eliminate duplicate work, drive informative reporting and insure accurate billing.

“We function very well indepen-dently,” said team member Pandi Highland. “We function even better as a forms committee, supporting each other and interacting with many other subject matter experts on these forms projects, capturing and moving forward necessary and required change to assure that we are creating effective and quality forms and to assure that we are creating forms that are efficient and workflows that are efficient for our direct care staff.

“The forms committee has really strived to capture each moment of our work in terms of making each interaction, each action, each proj-ect…the most quality it can be!”

More accessible recordsThe switch from paper-based

charting to digital charting should make life easier for staff at all levels, according to Dr. Len Lantz, AWARE’s medical director and a member of the team guiding the transition to EHR.

“I think some processes will be easier with the EHR and some will

be less convenient, but the end product will be a medical record that is more accurate, more ac-cessible and more functional than our current paper-based charting system,” Lantz said in a recent interview.

Lantz also discussed other areas where he believes EHR will make an immediate improvement.

One of those is telepsychiatry.“The EHR will allow staff and

doctors to have better access to the chart when doing telepsychiatry,” he said. “Rather than printing, sign-ing and faxing or mailing records from one site to another, records will be immediately available to all pertinent staff.”

Lantz believes the EHR will also help staff who are responding to crisis calls.

“By allowing doctors and thera-pists to have immediate access to the medical record,” he said, “our crisis responders will have the in-

formation they need to help people, especially people they have never met,” he said.

And, he said, electronic records should produce a psychological benefit for patients.

“Persons served will not see a paper chart — a big ring binder — when they receive services at AWARE,” he said. “Kids often say, ‘Is that my chart?!’ when they see their doctors referencing a ring binder. Seeing a large binder filled with paperwork about them can alarm some individuals, and the EHR will reduce those worries.”

Some challenges While the transition to EHR

promises substantial improve-ments, Lantz said, it has not come without challenges.

“In addition to the substantial time commitment in the selection, buildout and implementation of the EHR, I believe the biggest chal-lenge is anticipating the needs of all staff, while streamlining and standardizing our workflow,” he said.

“It is important for the EHR to work well not just for some staff but for all AWARE employees.”

We’re halfway there. Actually, AWARE is past the midway point in implementing electronic health records, or EHR.

Seeing a large binder filled with paperwork about them can alarm some individuals, and the EHR will reduce those worries. — Dr. Leonard Lantz

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In addition to doing their regular jobs, many AWARE staff have been deeply involved in the transition to electronic health records, or EHR. It’s a massive undertaking that requires a lot of extra work and strict attention to detail. It also promises great rewards. When the transition is complete and EHR is fully in place, we will truly be better connected and more efficient in the way we deliver services.

Until then, however, staff have to become familiar with new technologies, new terms and new ways of doing our jobs.

AWARE is committed to making that as easy as possible for every employee. To that end, the biweekly EHR Watch electronic newsletter now includes answers to questions staff have raised.

EHR Q&AWhat will I see when I log in to myEvolv?

You’ll see the record of the client(s) assigned to you.

When will we go live?AWARE is expecting to go live with the

new EHR system in fall 2014.

Are we converting historical data from old/current charts?

No. We will be converting databases with basic demographic information over to my-Evolv.

Will we get training?Yes, all staff will be trained. This is be-

ginning with power users who will receive “train-the-trainers” sessions during the week of July 7-11, 2014, with end-user staff train-ing starting after that. We understand that this is a completely new environment for many

people. AWARE will allocate sufficient train-ing, material, time and resources to insure that everyone receives the support they need in order to become comfortable and fully utilize the new system.

Electronic devices can fail for any num-ber of reasons, including client action and accidents. What measures will be taken to assure that data can be collected if EHR’s become unavailable for some reason.

AWARE has a disaster recovery plan to utilize in the event of a disaster. Everything within the EHR is backed up and secured in real time, at an off-site, secure data center.

How will multiple staff use the system at once in a group home?

Multiple staff can access and enter infor-mation into the same client’s chart within the EHR, simultaneously. Access will be defined by role-based security and the HIPAA prin-ciple of “need to know.”

Some staff are worried about the comput-er skills that are going to be required. Will we receive additional training for computer skills outside of the EHR?

AWARE staff who require additional com-puter training will be invited to a computer literacy training, or will be asked to take a self-directed computer course. All staff will receive EHR Training.

Will we get new computers for each ser-vice or group home? If so, how many will we get and when?

AWARE is assessing the needs at each loca-tion. We understand access is essential to an effective implementation. A plan is being fi-nalized for full upgrades and rollout as neces-sary to provide all end users (direct care staff) with a positive experience.

EHR Q & A

Center for Excellence

Science FairStudents at the Center for Excellence held their annual science and art fair May 28 at the Technology Center in Anaconda.

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Center for Excellence

Science FairStudents at the Center for Excellence held their annual science and art fair May 28 at the Technology Center in Anaconda.

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Dr. Samir “Mr. Magazine™” Husni interviewed AWARE CEO Larry Noonan and Apostrophe staff and then published a “round-table conversation” on his blog in March.

Husni is the founder and director of the Magazine Innovation Center at the University of Mississippi’s Meek School of Journalism and New Media. He is also professor and Hederman Lecturer at the School of Journalism. As Mr. Magazine™ he en-gages in media consulting and research for the magazine media and publishing industry.

Here’s an excerpt from the interview:

“Usually, leaving off an apostrophe can make a big difference in something, whether it’s gram-matical or an attachment in people’s lives; es-pecially people with developmental disabilities. When the apostrophes are eliminated; people realize “can’t do’s” become “can do’s.”

And that is the mission of Apostrophe Maga-zine – Apostrophe promotes inclusion of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, showcasing that they too can become a produc-tive and important part of our society. The good

people at Apostrophe Magazine believe that no one with a disability should be forced to live, work or learn in a segregated setting and that is the focus of the magazine, oftentimes their editorial contributors being developmentally disabled individuals themselves.

The title comes from the 70s album by Frank Zappa of the same name, more specifically from a song “Stink-Foot,” where a dog begins to talk to a man and says, “It should be easy to see…The crux of the biscuit…Is the Apostrophe.” Of course, the man then assures the dog that he can’t say that. And the dog replies, “But, I do it all the time.” Hence, turning the “can’t dos” into “can do’s”. It’s a milestone in concepts and a maga-zine title that is much more than just catchy in its meaning; it’s inspiring and proves that no obstacle has to stand in a person’s way; no mat-ter what their circumstances.

Read the interview online: http://mrmagazine.wordpress.com/2014/03/26/eradicating-the-apostrophes-in-the-lives-of-people-with-devel-opmental-disabilities-is-the-mission-of-apostro-phe-magazine/

Turning the ‘can’t do’s’ into ‘can do’s’

15

At AWARE, this is no differ-ent. Leaders are relied on to set the tone, maximize productivity, promote harmony and maintain standards to ensure proper client care. So, what is the expected role of a leader? How can they help and how are they expected to perform? To help find an answer to these questions, a new block of instruc-tion has been added to Supervisor Orientation: Leadership Develop-ment.

There are some who subscribe to the belief that leaders are born. However, this dismisses the pros-pect of a person capitalizing on their abilities, as well as limits their capacity to identify, strengthen and hone their own leadership qualities.

The purpose of the Leadership Development program is to help supervisors build and sharpen their leadership skills, identify their leadership style(s) as well as learn techniques to better interact with subordinates, peers and supervi-sors.

It is not designed to create a superhuman or infallible poten-tate — no leadership development program is designed to produce such a being. Nor should it ever strive for such a futile endeavor. Rather, AWARE’s Leadership De-velopment training takes a candid approach and openly addresses questions lingering in the mind of supervisors.

Opportunity for successQuestions such as: Is there a

single leadership style offering a greater opportunity for success? What about the difference between a manager and a leader — is one “better” than the other? What are some qualities of an effective

By Chad BushmanAWARE Training Coordinator

Leadership impacts every facet of our personal and professional lives. Lead-

ers shape the climate and attitude of an organization because we look to them for guidance, vision, discipline and mentorship. Leader-ship development is a pressing and

challenging issue facing many compa-nies today.

As such, organizations focus their attention on cultivating the leader-ship poten-tial in their employees.

In his article, The Focus of Leader-ship: Choosing Service over Self-Interest, Michael McKinney (2000) stated:

Leadership affects everyone“Leadership is an issue that

affects all of us. Not only are we impacted by it, but also, we are all called upon to exercise it. Whether we are called upon to be involved in leading government or business, guiding young minds, leading a family, standing for what is right, or organizing a dinner, a carpool, or a household, everyone has a leader-ship role to play.

We are each thrust into many different leadership roles again and again, throughout our lives. We are each called upon to be custodians of what is right and good, lasting and of value, for those in our care.”

AWARE U offers continuing education opportunities

Chad Bushman

leader and why are they important? Finally, what are common leader-ship pitfalls and how can they be avoided?

AWARE proudly state caregivers “work for those they serve.” The same principle applies to leaders—they polish their talents and en-deavor to learn new skills to ensure they continue to provide guidance, vision, discipline and mentorship to those they serve.

Leadership traitsAWARE’s goal is to help su-

pervisors recognize their existing leadership traits, work to generate new ones and endeavor to sharpen them both.

The Leadership Development program is the first step in the effort to develop leaders for con-tinued service in the professional caregiver community.

McKinney, Michael (2000). The focus of leadership: Choosing service over self-interest. Retrieved from http://www.leadershipnow.com/service.html.

We are each thrust into many different leadership roles again and again, throughout our lives.

— Chad Bushman

“Want of foresight, unwillingness to act

when action would be simple and effective,

lack of clear thinking, confusion of counsel

until the emergency comes, until self-pres-

ervation strikes its jarring gong — these are

the features which constitute the endless

repetition of history.” — Winston Churchill

GrantContinued from Page 1

Butte-Silver Bow and Lewis and Clark counties for at least one year.

According to AWARE CEO Larry Noonan, each grant was writ-ten and funded with community partners, including the Butte-Silver Bow Public Health Department, Lewis and Clark Health Depart-ment, Family Concepts, Florence

Crittenton Center and Grounds for Change in Custer County.

“The services will focus on pro-moting the physical and emotional health of the child and family while connecting families to valuable community resources and activi-ties,” Noonan said.

These home visiting programs are voluntary, family-centered ser-vices in the home for families with infants and young children. These

new services provide professional, trained staff who partner with parents to help them meet family goals.

Home visiting services will be-gin during the summer of 2014.

Those who would like to take part in the program can contact Melinda Edwards at 406.360.8856 or medwards@aware-inc.org.

AWARE athletes from Anaconda won medals in seven events at the Special Olympics Montana State Games May 13-16 in Billings. Repre-senting AWARE left to right (back row): Jay Arensmeyer (bocce, bowling), Dan Ramsey (bocce, bowling), Brandy Wilson (javelin, 100-meter walk), Judy Armbruster (bocce, 50-meter run), Russell Carstens (assistant coach); front row: Troy Miller (bicycle road race, softball throw) and Aimee Roberson ( bocce, bowling). Coaches not pictured were Deon Brown, Shonna Furman and Bill Massey. Photo by Jim Tracy

16

Special Olympians

17

Steve Picard is putting his experience in Montana public schools to work

for AWARE at the Center for Excel-lence in Anaconda.

As newly hired scholastic dean, Picard supervises all day treatment staff and manages day-to-day op-erations at the Center. He also su-pervises two comprehensive school and community treatment (or CSCT) programs in the Anaconda schools (programs are expected to be added in other communities) and acts as an education consultant.

He’s perfectly suited for the lat-ter part of his job description after working as a teacher and admin-istrator for nearly 30 years before joining AWARE.

“I am very grateful for the op-portunity to work for AWARE in an education role,” said Picard, who holds a master’s degree in educational leadership with K-12 principal endorsement from Gon-zaga University and a bachelor’s in physical education and health K-12 from Carroll College.

“I appreciate the support the day treatment staff has given me dur-ing my first three months. I am very impressed with the corporate structure, management, human re-sources, payroll, training, etcetera. AWARE is a class act that gives dis-abled and emotionally challenged children/adults an opportunity to live a productive life.”

Picard believes the Center for Excellence allows children from Montana and abroad to be success-ful in an educational setting.

“The center gives every child an opportunity to grow intellectually, physically and emotionally, with a

therapeutic and educational exper-tise supporting them,” he said. “As an administrator in school systems for the past 25 years, I realize that as public administrators we could not adequately fill the role that was needed to make all children suc-cessful. AWARE has filled that gap for some children by their services and the Center for Excellence.

Before joining AWARE, Picard was principal at a correctional facil-ity near Anaconda known as RYO

or Reintegrating Youthful Offend-ers.

His job there included super-vising and evaluating education programs, establishing and main-taining academic standards for staff and youthful offenders and directing staff in the development and implementation of program goals focused on the improvement of youthful offender learning and appropriate behavior.

He also oversaw the develop-ment, implementation and con-tinued improvement of the school curriculum and supervised all personnel assigned to the academic program in addition to teaching in classrooms as needed.

His innovations at RYO includ-ing starting a certified training, included wildland fire training and flagging for construction and trans-portation.

In addition, he developed a student handbook and academic incentive programs for the offend-ers such as honor roll and student of the month.

He also developed “Thursday Thoughts,” which reviewed day to day operations of the education de-partment, highlighted staff accom-plishments and overall promotion of a team approach to the educa-tional program.

Picard’s public school experi-ence included stints as assistant principal and activities director at Havre Middle School (2008-2009); assistant principal at Havre High School (2007-08); educational coor-dinator at Kicking Horse Job Corps (2005-07); and assistant principal and activities director at St. Ignatius High School and Middle School (2001-2005).

CFE scholastic dean embraces AWARE prinicples

Steve Picard - CFE scholastic dean

The center gives every child an opportunity to grow intellectually, physically and emotionally. — Steve Picard

Information Technology Program Manager Wendall Smith takes a quick inventory of Dell computer components AWARE has purchased for the upcom-ing electronic health records (EHR) deployment. AWARE is assessing computer and oth-er information technology needs at all of its locations across Montana to develop a strategy to deploy the equipment. For the latest on AWARE’s transition to elec-tronic health records, check your email for EHR Watch. If you have questions, send an email to: ehrquestions@aware-inc.org.

Or please contact:Jason McDonald 406.563.8117 x 34jmcdonald@aware-inc.org

Pandi Highland 406.533.5811phighland@aware-inc.org

IT for EHR

406.656.0928 • 1050 S 25th St • Billings, MT

8 Classes WeeklySTUDIO HOURSMonday - Thursday9 - 11 a.m. & 1 - 3 p.m.

Ceramics • Pottery • Weaving • Drawing • Painting • Sculpting

Call Tim or Cheryl for more information

Choose your own project! Ask about our artwork for sale!

Painting by Melody Bromgard

Our MissionTo facilitate effective opportunities to enhance the quality of life for people we serve by providing employment training and life skills. We serve people with disabilities in the communities and support their pursuit of meaningful employment and choice.

Another’s Treasure...

HOPEHelp Our People Excel

&Collectible Recycling Store200 N. Polk � Anaconda � 563-7712

OPEN Monday -Fririday 8 - 5

� Household� Clothing

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� & More!Drop Off DonationsMon-Fri 10 - 7

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Photo by Jim Tracy

The Right Services...to the Right People...at the Right Time!

1818

19

NEWS BRIEFS Compiled by Jacquie PetersonNEWS BRIEFSDream kitchen built for people with disabilities in ButteRENATA BIRKENBUEL [Montana Standard]

Highlands College construction technology students built a new dream kitchen for people with disabilities. Located at the Silver Bow Developmental Disabilities Council, Inc., headquarters, 305 W. Mercury St. in Butte, Mont., the new accessible kitchen is compliant with the American Disabilities Act, according to Montana Standard writer Renata Birkenbuel.

The new space allows instructors to teach nutrition and cooking classes as part of an overall wellness objective, said Cassie Weightman, specialist with the Montana Independent Living Project.

“We want it to be one of those places where you’re happy to be with your friends,” said Weightman, whose group partners with the council. “There’s no other place like it in Butte.”

The Butte-oberfest event helped the Silver Bow Developmental Disabilities Council raise the funds for the Nutrition Education Station.

According to the Montana Standard, the project was completed in mid April. The space will eventually be available for groups to rent.

At 103, Missoula woman recalls helping start Opportunity Resources for daughter DAVID ERICKSON [Missoulian]

Over the past 60 years, perhaps tens of thousands of people with disabilities in western Montana have been given a chance to build their own life because of the tenacity and dedication of people like Eva Amundson.

Eva Amundson, founder of Opportunity Resources Inc. in 1955 just turned 103. She was active in the nonprofit’s growth throughout the years and continues to sit on the board of directors as an emeritus member.

According to the Missoulian, April 23, The Springs senior living center in Missoula, Mont., held a party to help her celebrate her 103rd birthday.

April 24, Opportunity Resources held a special board meeting at The Springs so Amundson could attend.

“She’s been a real rock here,” said Tim Furey, director of development at ORI. “She’s just been a great foundation. She’s provided us with a lot of direction and support.”

The April 23 article in the Missoulian says that Amundson’s daughter, Ardis, who had polio and whooping cough as a baby, suffered because the cough destroyed part of her brain.

The Missoulian quoted Amundson: “And we came to Missoula and we had a teacher for Ardis, and she had

four or five other kids.... And the teacher said if she could just get the kids together she could help all of them at the same time. And that’s where Opportunity Resources really started. It was an opportunity school and it was just the parents, you know. Every day you’d go down and help a little bit here and help a little bit there. And it has grown by leaps and bounds.”

Find the complete story, At 103, Missoula woman recalls helping start Opportunity Resources for daughter, at the Missoulian.com.

Victor students discuss the R-word MICHELLE MCCONNAHA [Ravalli Republic]

Every morning, Victor High School faculty and students start their day by gathering with an inspirational message, recognizing contributors and achievers — providing students with a sense of belonging.

According to the Ravalli Republic, the March 26 assembly included a presentation by junior Jon Wilson and special education student Chris Clare, a senior. These two students are setting out to improve the world for those who often cannot speak for themselves.

During the assembly, Wilson and Clare spoke and showed pictures of the two of them at local, state and national events and videos about how life damaging the use of the R-word is. The new R-word, they said, is respect.

“End your use of the derogatory word ‘retard’ — it is disrespectful to people,” said Wilson. “Think before you speak.”

“Special Olympics has changed my life. I didn’t know what to expect but it is great,” Clare said. “The R-word is like poison. It hurts someone so much that they can’t really live with themselves. So I hope the R-word can change [to respect] and we can light the tunnel that is so dark right now.”

Read the complete story, Victor students discuss respect at assembly, at the RavalliRepublic.com.

Walk to raise Williams syndrome awareness [Havre Daily News]

Montana’s first walk to raise awareness for Williams syndrome was held Sunday May 4 in Havre, Mont.

According to The Havre Daily News, the walk was organized by Dottie and Steward Wilson and their daughter, Keeley, has Williams syndrome.

Williams Syndrome is a genetic condition that is present at birth and is characterized by medical problems including cardiovascular disease, developmental delays and learning disabilities, according to the Williams Syndrome Association.

The 1.3 mile walk brought more than 80 people who were

20

lead by Keeley. The Wilsons hope to make the walk an annual event, The Havre Daily News article reported.

Williams syndrome affects 1 in 10,000 people worldwide. All proceeds were donated to the Williams Syndrome Association.

Woman with Down syndrome earns degreeASHLEE BARACY [FOX44.com]

After more than a decade of trying, Angela Long of Westland, Mich., finally earned her college degree, living proof that hard work pays off, according to Fox44.com.

In an interview, Angela said, "I always thought that when people say you can't do this, I have to prove them wrong."

Diagnosed with Down syndrome 31-years-ago, Angela doesn't let that hold her back.

Fox 44 reported that it took 12 years for Angela to complete her degree. Failure wasn't an option, even if it meant taking a math class four times.

"There were tears and frustration and not knowing for sure 'am I gonna pass this time.' It's been tough of course. I had to take a class four times in a row, but the fourth time, I finally passed that class," Angela said.

And if anyone had an excuse to throw in the towel, it was her. She has paid for every book and every class out of her own pocket by working at Kroger over the past 15 years.

Beating all odds, she has surpassed every goal set for her. Angela graduated with an associate’s degree in liberal arts from School Craft College.

"Finally I am going to walk across that stage and I'm going to have my day," Angela said.

Watch a video and read Angela’s story, MI woman with Down syndrome earns college degree, despite adversity, at fox44.com.

Xbox One Kinect used in therapy for kids TRACY LEIN [Polygon.org]

Researchers at the Bloorview Research Institute in Canada are developing games using the Kinect that help children with cerebral palsy gain motor function. Polygon.com reports that researcher Elaine Biddiss said kids with cerebral palsy typically have difficulty extending their limbs like their wrists, elbows and shoulders, so integrating the Kinect into their therapies gives kids the incentive to perform the necessary exercises.

"Rehabilitation is driven by repetitive practice, and that can be boring for kids to do the same thing over and over again," Biddiss said. "But when you put it in a game environment with rewards and points, that helps to motivate kids.

According to Polygon, Biddiss said the games aren't simply physical therapies with game elements tacked on. All games are designed with user experience and therapeutic benefits in mind. One game is based on a Japanese game called Hole In The Wall, where virtual shapes fly toward the player, and the kids have to try to fit their bodies in the shapes.

Bloorview Research Institute's games are not yet commercially available. The games are currently used in clinics at the Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital.

For more, read “Xbox One Kinect used in therapies for kids with cerebral palsy,” at polygon.com.

Man with Down syndrome fullfills life goal RYAN GRENOBLE [Huffintgonpost.com]

Michale Mullins, a 38-year-old die-hard Red Sox fan, a person with Down syndrome, realized a dream he's had for a decade: Singing "The Star-Spangled Banner" at Fenway Park to open for the Red Sox, reports huffingtonpost.com.

Mullins has spent the last 10 years singing the national anthem for a minor league team, and four years lobbying the Red Sox for a chance to sing at Fenway. He's been helped by the Michael Lisnow Respite Center in Hopkinton, Mass.

"Nope, I'm not nervous," he told Boston's WCVB in an interview before the big day. "Piece of cake."

A video of the performance, uploaded May 3, features Mullins proudly singing the national anthem. He's flanked by Dan Cloutier and Arva Ferguson, who regularly sing with him at the Respite Center. You can also find a video of the group practicing the anthem before the game.

Search for Man with Down syndrome fulfills life goal, sings National Anthem at Red Sox game at HuffingtonPost.com.

Michigan boy, 14, carried brother 40 miles CARL RYAN [The Blade]

Hunter Gandee, 14 years old, carried his brother 40 miles from Bedford Junior High School in Temperence to the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor over two days for a cause close to his heart, reports Carl Ryan of TheToledoBlade.com.

According to The Blade, his younger brother, Braden Gandee, 7, a first grader at Douglas Road Elementary School, has cerebral palsy and uses a walker and braces.

To Hunter, his little brother is “my inspiration,” and he assists him in every way he can. Because of his brother, Hunter has adopted cerebral-palsy awareness as a personal cause.

Hunter has heightened public awareness about cerebral palsy by posting to Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. He’s also raised $350 for cerebral palsy research at the University of Michigan by selling $1 CP Awareness wristbands.

The 150 pound boy carried his 50 pound brother piggy back June 7-8, and they departed at 8 a.m., with a sendoff from the junior high, which was specially opened for them that Saturday morning.

School board members and other district officials, along with friends and supporters, was there to send them off.

The boys walked with a group of volunteers while their parents, Danielle and Sam Gandee, drove ahead of them.

Their journey ended at the Bahna Wrestling Center at the University of Michigan.

Read, Bedford teen to carry brother on 40-mile walk, at thetoledoblade.com for the complete story.

21

RAF

FLE!

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Credit_donation_to:________________________ (member_group_listed_on_back)

SHOW YOUR SUPPORT_for_Montana_Shares,_a_partnership_of_Montana-based_nonprofit_groups_dedicated_to_improving_the_quality_of_life_in_communities_throughout_the_state._Enter_to_win_one_of_the_28 fabulous_prizes.

20th Annual

Suggested donation $10 per ticket, or 3 tickets for $25. Need not be present to win.To enter the Montana Shares raffle, enter your information and return tickets to the address on back.

Name_________________________________

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www.montanashares.org

Helena HolidayA_one_night’s_lodging_in_a_Deluxe_King_room_for_2_including_the_breakfast_bar_at_and_donated_by_Best_Western_Premiere_Helena_Great_Northern_Hotel._(YCC)

Four_premium_tickets_to_the_Nutcracker_Ballet_performance_by_Queen_City_Ballet_Company_in_Helena_in_December_2014._(QCBC)

A_Montana_Breakfast_Basket_with_baked_goodies,_jams,_jellies_and_honey.__Also_including_coffee,_tea_and_fantastic_serving_items.(REO)

Butte Fun & Food$110_gift_certificate_to_Fred’s_Mesquite_Grill_in_Butte._(MCCRRN)

A_custom_90_minute_tour_for_2_of_Uptown_Butte_with_Butte_Urban_Safari_tours_in_a_“tricked_out”_safari_golf_cart,_$15_gift_certificate_to_Park_Street_Pasties_and_$15_gift_certificate_to_Hennessy_Market_in_Butte,_MT._(Mai_Wah)

Brew for Hope

Going to the Birds in HelenaAn_elegant_overnight_stay_at_and_donated_by_The_Sanders_–_Helena’s_Bed_and_Breakfast._(HAHFH)

One_full-festival_registration_for_Montana_Audubon’s_16th_Annual_Wings_Across_the_Big_Sky_June_5-7,_2015_in_Helena!_Also_included_is_the_exquisite_book_Rhapsody in Blue – A Celebration of North American Waterbirds._(MA)

_“Brew_for_Hope”_coffee_basket_-_“Strength_in_Numbers”_Coffee_Mugs,_“Brew_for_Hope”_Whole_Bean_Coffee,_“Brew_for_Hope”_ground_coffee,_handmade_Awareness_Bracelet,_bag_of_Bequet_Carmels,_coffee_kitchen_towels,_coffee_scoop,_muffin/bread_mixes._(CSCMT)

MSU Net Nights

Drape Yourself in LuxuryA_delicate,_hand-crafted_“Super_Kid_Mohair”_and_silk_scarf._Drapes_beautifully_and_done_in_an_elegant_color_combination._(NWMT)

A_basket_with_products_by_Vapour_Organic_Beauty,_which_revolutionizes_luxury_and_performance_cosmetics_with_pure_organic_formulation._Included_are_sweets_from_The_Montana_Chocolate_Company,_Stevensville,_MT._(MMP)

4_beautiful_hand_made_beads_and_chains_from_Bonnifide_Designs,_each_a_dimensional_floral_design_in_four_different_color_patterns._(MSNTF)

For_the_2014-15_season-_2_seats_each_at_one_of_the_MSU_Women’s_Basketball,_Men’s_Basketball,_and_Volleyball_games_(Excludes_Cat/Griz_games)_(M4HF)

$50_Gas_Card_(GFCFB)One_night_stay_at_and_donated_by_the_Hilton_Garden_Inn_in_Bozeman.(DRM)

Fishing FunCabela’s_RLS+_Rod_and_Reel_combo.__The_RLS+_is_Cabela’s_highest_quality_rod_and_reel_package.__The_high-performance_RLS+_reel_has_machined_aluminum_construction,_anodized_to_withstand_rough_use,_a_large_arbor_and_adjustable_disc_drag.__The_RLS+_rod_has_moderate/fast_action,_a_machine-aluminum_reel_seat,_and_high_quality_components.__The_9_foot,_5_weight_combo_is_perfect_for_Montana_rivers_and_streams._(MWF)

Pets and Pampering$100_gift_certificate_for_retail_goods,_adoptions,_summer_camp_registration,_or_dog_training_classes_at_Heart_of_the_Valley_Animal_Shelter._(HOV)

A_set_of_4_high_ball_drink_classes_in_cut_glass_with_customized_inlay_of_a_dog_on_each_one._Beauty_Basket_with_skin_and_face_products_from_Skin_Chic,_NIA-24_sun_screen_and_exfoliate,_Merle_Norman_Lip_care_set_and_a_Lisa_Archer_silk_scarf._(AM)

Wine with Woodsy NotesWoodblock_artist_Claire_Emery’s_notecards._Claire_is_an_artist_and_naturalist_who_creates_bold,_exquisitely_detailed,_narrative_woodblock_prints._(ALA)

Three_bottles_of_wine_along_with_two_Arrowhead_Shaped_Silver_Medallions_-__1_troy_oz_custom_minted_in_.999_fine_silver._(SAF)

Explore the CatsFor_the_2014-15_season-_2_seats_each_at_one_of_the_MSU_Women’s_Basketball_games_and_Volleyball_game_(Excludes_Cat/Griz_games)_(M4HF)

A_Family_Membership_to_ExplorationWorks,_an_ExplorationWorks_coffee_mug_with_a_free_drink_ticket_and_2_Finger_Puppets_-_1_bobcat_and_1_griz!_(ExWorks)

$50_Gas_Card_(GFCFB)

DRAWING TO BE HELD ON SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2014

22

Montana_Shares_(MS)Alternative_Energy_Resources_Organization___(AERO)American_Lung_Association_in_Montana_(ALA)AniMeals_(AM)A.W.A.R.E.,_Inc._(AWARE)Big_Brothers_Big_Sisters_of_Montana_(BBBSMT)Bridgercare (BC)Cancer_Support_Community_Montana(CSCMT)Cooperative_Health_Center,_Inc._(CHC)Disabilty_Rights_Montana_(DRM)ExplorationWorks_(EXWORKS)Great_Falls_Community_Food_Bank,_Inc._(GFCFB)

Heart_of_the_Valley,_Inc._(HOV)Helena_Area_Habitat_for_Humanity_(HAHFH)Holter_Museum_of_Art,_Inc._(HMA)Jeannette_Rankin_Peace_Center_(JRPC)Komen_Montana_(KM)Last_Chance_Community_Pow_Wow_(LCCPW)Lewis_&_Clark_Humane_Society_(LCHS)Mai_Wah_Society,_Inc._(MAIWAH)Montana_4-H_Foundation,_Inc._(M4HF)Montana_Association_for_the_Blind,_Inc._(MAB)Montana_Audubon_(MA)Montana_Child_Care_Resource_&_Referral__Network,_Inc._(MCCRRN)Montana_Food_Bank_Network,_Inc._(MFBN)

Montana_Meth_Project_(MMP)Montana_Spay/Neuter_Task_Force_(MSNTF)Montana_Watershed_Coordination_Council_(MWCC)Montana_Wilderness_Association_(MWA)Montana_Wildlife_Federation_(MWF)NARAL_Pro-Choice_Montana_Foundation_(NARAL)NeighborWorks_Montana_(NWMT)Queen_City_Ballet_Company_(QCBC)Rural_Employment_Opportunities_(REO)Student_Assistance_Foundation_of_Montana_(SAF)Youth_Connections_Coalition_(YCC)

Suggested_donation_

$10_per_ticket,_or__3_tickets_for_$25

To_enter_the_Montana_Shares_raffle,_enter_your_information_and_return_your_tickets,_along_with_any_donation_to:

Montana_SharesPO_Box_883Helena,_MT_59624

(406)_442-2218shares@montanashares.org

Visit_Montana_Shares__online_to_learn_more_and_print_more_ticket_sheets:

montanashares.org

Thanks to all the businesses and friends who donated prizes to the Montana Shares 2014 raffle. Donations help promote the work of these nonprofits:

(The member group that coordinated their prize is noted in parenthesis after each description.)

Drawing_will_be_held_on__Saturday,_

September_6,_2014

Thank you for supporting Montana

Shares!

Printing by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Montana

Abundance_of_Montana_basket_featuring_Montana-grown_and_processed_products_donated_by_AERO_farmer_and_rancher_members_from_across_the_state._(AERO)

Framed_wildlife_art,_Pintails,_featuring_a_pair_of_flying_pintail_ducks,_by_Ken_Carlson._Donated_by_MWCC_Chair,_Laura_Andersen;_and_a_$15_gift_certificate_at_and_donated_by_Birds_&_Beasleys,_Helena._(MWCC)

An_unframed,_28”X22”_Hush of the Land_limited_edition_Monte_Dolack_print_featuring_the_Scapegoat_Wilderness.__(MWA)

A_$100_gift_card_to_Town_Pump._(MAB)

Brown_silk_monks_bag,_brown_silk_scarf,_and_beaded_necklace.__Donated_by_Monkey_Business._(BC)

$250_contribution_to_a_new_or_existing_529_Account_with_the_Montana_Family_Education_Savings_Program._(SAF)

A_gift_basket_of_Montana_grown_food_products._(MFBN)Ornate_Tibetan_amber_and_bone_art_deco_necklace._(LCHS)

A_made_in_Montana_Gift_basket._(BBBSMT)

The_Continental_Divide_Trail_Picnic_Package:_Two_Crazy_Creek_Chairs,_Two_CDT_Pint_Glasses,_a_CDT_Map,_a_MWA_Totebag,_and_a_bottle_of_wine._(MWA)

An_original_etched_glass_art_piece_designed_and_created_by_Boone_Dalton_of_Helena,_MT_(KM)

A_Pendleton_60x60_Mesquite_Throw_with_leather_carrier._(LCCPW)

An_original_framed_black_and_white_photograph_of_a_peaceful_scene_on_Holland_Lake,_photographed_by_well-known_Missoula_photographer,_Tony_Cesare,_signed_by_the_artist._(JRPC)

A_beautiful_handmade_quilt_done_in_fall_colors._(CHC)

Colorful_African_design_basket_by_Samba_Daramy_of_Washington,_a_woman’s_hat_made_by_SweaterHeads_of_Oregon,_a_man’s_hat_by_Wizbang_Hats_of_Bozeman_and_2_insulated_Kleen_Kanteens_steel_water_bottles._(MAB)

A_light_blue_and_black_lidded_jar_by_the_artist_Kevin_Waller._(HMA)

A_framed_photograph_and_gift_cards_by_Kitty_Kolden._(NARAL)Inspiring_artworks_crafted_by_people_with_intellectual_

and_developmental_disabilities._(AWARE)

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NONPROFIT ORGUS POSTAGE

PAIDANACONDA, MTPERMIT NO. 14

AWARE, Incorporated205 East Park AvenueAnaconda, Montana 59711

1-800-432-6145www.aware-inc.org

Printed on recycled paper /

EACH ONE IS UNIQUE — Hope Collectibles & Recycling Store in Anaconda is selling one-of-a-kind birdhouses. Birdhouse artists are Walter Americanhorse, Leslie Williams, Keith Miedinger and Michel Poucher of Billings. Each birdhouse is made from cedar wood. The birdseed can be poured in from the top of the birdhouse. You can purchase the basic model for $35. Photo by Jacquie Peterson