$1.1 million grant awarded for Early Head Start expansion in Montana

Hoffman named new medical director

INKNov. 2014 - Feb 2015Volume 8, No. 4

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

AWARE

AWARE Inc. announced the promotion of Thomas Hoffman, M.D., of Butte to medical director.

“We are pleased and delighted to announce Dr. Tom Hoffman as AWARE, Inc.’s new Medical Director,” Jeff Folsom, AWARE chief of operations, said. “Dr. Hoffman brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his new role.”

Dr. Hoffman is a Montana native and a graduate of Carroll College. He received his M.D. from the University of Washington and completed his psychiatry residency at the University of Vermont. He then attended the

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Children and Families awarded AWARE Inc. a $1,165,000 grant to improve the quality of childcare programs and expand the access to high-quality care for infants and toddlers in three Montana cities and their surrounding counties.

With this grant, AWARE will introduce Early Head Start services to Lewis and Clark County (serving Helena and East Helena) and Gallatin/Park counties (serving Bozeman and Livingston). The Helena and Bozeman areas are the only two remaining major cities in Montana

that have no Early Head Start services despite high numbers of eligible children. Additionally, the award will allow more families to be served through the expansion of AWARE’s long-standing Butte Early Head Start program.

(Grant, cont’d page 11)

Thomas Hoffman, M.D.AWARE Medical Director

University of New Mexico for his child psychiatry residency and the University of Colorado for forensic psychiatry.

Dr. Hoffman has been with AWARE providing outpatient care in Butte and surrounding communities for the past five years.

He is board eligible in general psychiatry, child and adolescent psychiatry and forensic psychiatry and is also serving as the president of the Big Sky Regional Council of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry.

(Hoffman, cont’d page 10)

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In previous years, we made tremendous strides toward enriching the lives of people entrusted in our care, and I want to keep the momentum going.

Dear Staff and Friends, I hope that each of you had a happy holiday season filled with great memories of the past year and are coming back as ready as I am to take on

new challenges and new opportunities in 2015. In previous years, we made tremendous strides toward enriching the lives of people entrusted in our care, and I want to keep the momentum going. As we prepare for another successful year, work is already being done to improve the kind of high-level, high-quality outcomes our stakeholders expect year after year. In our effort to continuously strive for excellence, below is a brief update on some of the work that has taken place over the past few months. At the beginning of the new year, we implemented an entirely new hiring process called new employee onboarding. The process introduces incoming employees to AWARE, gives them a feel for the type of culture we have established within the organization, and provides basic training that

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 ©2015, 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: jpeterson@aware-inc.org

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

Staff writers: Jamie Boyer Bryon Higgins Jacquie Peterson

Larry NoonanAWARE CEO

Continuing forward in a new year

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is essential for success. So far we have conducted four of these sessions with each one growing in the number of attendees. We are excited about offering this program and believe it will improve our retention and recruitment efforts. Our electronic health record system, myEvolv, has been live since November. This is a direct result of everyone’s hard work during the arduous transition period that demanded a great deal of time from many of you. We

can already see some of the benefits from this system in the form of improved efficiencies and the ability to spend more time providing support to the people in our services. As many of you may have heard, AWARE’s Early Head Start program was awarded with a $1.1 million grant, enabling us to bring our services to additional communities in Montana. The grant is a step in the right direction as we look to expand our early childhood program and focus on providing

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Orientation, onboarding welcomes new employees AWARE Inc. began the new year with a new

employee onboarding process, Jan. 7, 2015. “To welcome new employees and ensure they feel

part of the AWARE family, all new hires are invited to the corporate office in Anaconda for a day-long orientation and onboarding session,” Leighanne Fogerty, AWARE director of human resources, said.

During the day-long experience, employees are introduced to AWARE’s executive team; learn about the history of AWARE; meet with key staff regarding payroll, IT and fleet vehicles; and enjoy lunch.

New hires are also introduced to the human resources team to review important documents, such as the employee handbook and health and safety and disaster emergency response procedures.

Prior to onboarding, human resources sends each new employee an offer of employment letter, several related forms (I-9, W2), as well as contact information to ensure the employee arrives in Anaconda safely and with clear direction and expectations.

“We are really hoping this new process will help with employee retention and overall job satisfaction,”

Fogerty said. “We want every employee to know they are valued and that we are excited to have them join the AWARE team.”

For consistency and ease of planning, onboarding sessions will be scheduled to coincide with each pay day (typically the 7th and 22nd of each month).

New employee orientation and onboarding includes an introduction to AWARE’s computer system as well as a brief tour of the electronic health record. Above, Alex Murphy, IT support specialist, directs new staff (from left) Patty Philips, John Cote, Donovan Last Star and Don Bailey on how to sign into their computer accounts.

services as early as possible as a means of furthering our mission. At the conclusion of our latest Corporate Congress event, delegates from all over the state passed 26 bills seeking to improve the way we provide services to people with disabilities. Many of the bills focus on broadening our employment options for individuals in our care and several others are related to AWARE employees in general. We look forward to keeping you updated on the progress of these bills throughout the year.We continue our work with corporate performance management expert, Bob

Paladino, who is helping us define and analyze metrics within each service line in our organization. The idea behind performance management is to identify key indicators within every service that lead directly to improved outcomes for the people we serve. This data, over time, becomes a beneficial tool that everyone can use during their daily work as we strive for continuous improvement. The 2015 Montana legislative session is in full swing, and we have been working tirelessly to do our part to ensure people with disabilities receive the best care possible, so they may live life to the fullest

extent possible. We know that the people in our care are capable of extraordinary accomplishments, so we believe in advocating with them on issues related to the type of care they receive.As we keep moving forward in 2015, I look back on these past several years, and I am proud of what we have been able to accomplish as an organization. We have overcome many challenges for the people in our care, so we may continue to improve our world-class services. Keep up the hard work! Sincerely,

Lawrence P. Noonan

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Andrew Largess, Bozeman District, is a child and family specialist at the Bozeman office. He has worked at AWARE for the last

three years — two of those years at the Candlelight group home.

Katelyn Hoffman, Butte/Dillon District, is a youth case manager in Butte. She has been with AWARE since 2011 and served at

Corporate Congress for the last two years.

Tabitha Williams, Eastern Montana District, is a child and family clinician in early childhood services. She has represented the

eastern Montana district in the last two Corporate Congress sessions.

Cara Firman, Great Falls District, is a child and family specialist at Successful Starts in Great Falls. She has worked at AWARE

for the last five years, starting in Missoula.

Corporate Congress passes 26 billsTwenTy-Three AwAre employees And clienTs participated as delegates at the unique corporate gathering that allows them to sponsor and vote on “bills” to improve the way AWARE Inc. operates and serves customers.Corporate Congress concluded its three-day session Dec. 5th, 2014 at Fairmont Hot Springs. This was the 16th Corporate Congress AWARE has convened since 1999.The 23 participating delegates were nominated and elected by their peers to serve on the legislative body. Each delegate was required to submit at least one “bill” for a proposed process improvement, program development or other organizational goal. The delegates, from AWARE offices across the state, were all nonsupervisory, nonmanagement staff or people who receive services. Delegates were selected to represent every AWARE service and region throughout the state.Corporate Congress, which operates in much the same way as the state legislature, adopted 26 measures. AWARE CEO Larry Noonan is the creator of Corporate Congress, which allows front-line staff in all services to represent fellow employees and people who receive services in a democratic fashion and participate directly in changing the way the organization does business and serves its customers. “When we gather staff and the people we serve together and let them tell us what works and

what doesn’t work — and what we should do differently — it helps the company and benefits the people who use our services,” Noonan said. Chief Operations Officer Jeff Folsom, who helped facilitate the event, said “Other companies hire consultants to get the sort of feedback we get from Corporate Congress. At Corporate Congress our employees and the people we serve are the consultants. Over the years, we have adopted nearly all of their suggestions.”

2015 Corporate Congress DelegatesMelanie Maki, Anaconda

District,is a youth case manager in Anaconda. Corporate Congress 2015 is Melanie’s final term as a

delegate.

Amanda Davis, Billings District, has been working at AWARE since 2011. She is a targeted case manager in Billings. Corporate

Congress 2015 is Amanda’s second term.

Other companies hire consultants to get the sort of feedback we get from Corporate Congress.”

“~ Jeff Folsom, AWARE Chief Operating Officer

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Jessica Cole, Missoula District, has worked at AWARE since 2012. Currently, she is a child family specialist and has

worked in the home support service since 2013.

Michelle Hannon, Adult Mental Health Services is an adult case manager in the Helena office, and she has been with

AWARE since 2008.

LaReissa Swenson, Helena District, has been with AWARE since 2009, working with all ages in different capacities.

Ashley Paris, Clientele Billings, lives and works in Billings. 2015 is Ashley’s second year as a delegate.

Sharati Pia, Admin Services, is a project manager in accounts payable and has worked at AWARE four years.

Alexandra Hoyt, Adult DD Work Services, works at HOPE Collectibles and HOPE Logistics Services as the lead staff. Corporate

Congress 2015 is her first term as a delegate.

Carla Macy, Adult DD Residential Services, has worked as a nurse at the Porphyry House in Butte for two years.

Mary Stahlberg, Kalispell District, a youth case manager in Kalispell, has been with AWARE since July 2013.

David Caldwell, Anaconda Client Employee, is the lead sales associate at HOPE Collectibles. He also works at KANA 580

to help provide sports coverage.

(Delegates, cont’d next page)

Mary Stahlberg, Kalispell district, votes on Corporate Congress bills using an electronic polling system, new to the voting process this year. It was on loan from Chad Bushman, training coordinator, who uses the system for his classes.

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Abigail Venetz, Youth Residential Services, is a treatment service technician at Castle Pines in Great Falls. She has worked for

AWARE since 2013.

Paul Montey, Children’s DD Services, has been with AWARE in Bozeman for three years. He currently works

as a habilitation technician with children and adults in Bozeman and Belgrade. Paul is a returning delegate for the Children’s DD Services.

Ignacio “Nacho” Elguezabal, CSCT Services, worked for AWARE in Helena over the last five years and has spent time working

as a direct care staff with youth.

Janie Harney, AWARE Business Network, lives at the Wyoming group home in Billings. She works at Cold Mountain Pottery.

Christina Fox, Early Childhood Services, is a child and family specialist in Butte and has worked for AWARE for 10 years.

Haley Rowland, Home Support Services, is a child and family specialist in Bozeman and has worked at AWARE for two years.

Nichole Jackson, Targeted Case Management Services, has been with AWARE for 4 years. She works in the Glendive office.

Rebecca Roll, Youth Case Management Services, has been with AWARE since February 2014 as an adult case

manager in Butte, Deer Lodge and Dillon. Sept.1 Becky began working as a youth case manager in Butte.

Passed Corporate Congress bills Abigail Venetz, S001 – Work program – Create work programs for clients in group homes who are under 18 years old.

Alexandra Hoyt, S002 – Skills center for liberal arts – Create an art/activity area and program for clients of all ages in Anaconda.

Carla Macy, S004 – Lift training act – Create a two-person physical lift training as part of HELP training.

Christina Fox, S005 – Therapeutic preschool – Research therapeutic preschool in Bozeman for children with social, emotional and behavioral issues, ages 2 years 9 months to kindergarten.

Janie Harney, AWARE Business Network representative, presents her bills to AWARE leadership and board of directors, Fri., Dec. 5, 2014. Janie presented two bills, including computer training for AWARE clients as well as scheduled field trips and special interest clubs. The 23 Corporate Congress delegates passed 26 bills during the 2015 session. See the bills that passed below.

Corporate Congress has convened since 1999, making 2014 the 16th season of this unique event.

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David Caldwell, S006 – Online job announcement – Add a tab to the AWARE website that allows clients to easily find jobs available through the Business Network.

Haley Rowland, S008 – AWARE-based family support courses – Find qualified individuals within AWARE and the community to provide skills courses for clients and families.

Haley Rowland, S009 – AWARE foundation for continuing education and youth activities – Form a foundation to set aside funds that support clients in achieving their desired goals of education, i.e., college, trade school, extracurricular activities. Implement an application/review process.

Janie Harney, S011 – Computer training — Provide basic computer training and tools for clients.

Janie Harney, S012 – Scheduled field trips and special interest clubs – Schedule a monthly field trip in each community, including transportation and staffing. Organize clubs according to common interests for residents in each community.

Michelle Hannon, S014 – AWARE thank you card act – Provide professionally made AWARE thank you cards for staff to send to individuals and service providers to acknowledge and show appreciation.

Ignacio Elguezabal, S015 – CSCT curriculum collaboration – Provide a short presentation to school staff to define responsibilities/expectations of the CSCT team as well general education on emotionally disturbed children.

Becky Roll, S019 – Schedule fexibility act – Offer more flexible working hours for staff members to accommodate family and client needs.

Sharati Pia, S020 – AWARE mentoring act – Identify mentors to assign to new staff to provide consistent, one-on-one training.

JoEllen Paul, S021 – Greenhouse sustainability – Provide needed materials and gardening supplies to build a small greenhouse or garden in each community upon request.

Amanda Davis, D001 – Consumer community employment – Expand

the annual consumer-based job fair and current job opportunities.

Cara Firman, D003 – Maintenance – Expand the maintenance department to each community to address maintenance needs in a timely manner.

Andrew Largess, D005 – Employee recognition – Establish an employee of the year award for every community that is separate from the Unconditional Care Principle awards.

Katelyn (Crummett) Hoffman, D007 – Family and youth peer support services – Research Montana Medicaid plans and waivers to fund a family and youth peer support program and research the cost efficiency of implementing the program.

LaReissa Swenson, D008 – Crisis nursery – Research and communicate with current child crisis housing organizations and crisis nurseries to help create a 24-hour, short-term AWARE crisis nursery.

LaReissa Swenson, D009 – Dedication to education – Seek further information on collaboration with academic institutions to benefit families, employees and communities to help decrease turn over.

Mary Stahlberg, D010 – Intake packet summary – Review intake

procedures to find ways to condense intake packet to reduce number of signatures and use tablets to easily obtain/transfer signatures.

Melanie Maki, D011 – Philipsburg services act – Research and invest in donated or rented office space two to three days a week in Philipsburg to better meet client needs in the growing community.

Tabitha Williams, D012 – Consultation in early childhood mental health – Develop a coaching model for AWARE Early Childhood Services to build on the strengths of community daycares, preschools and other early childhood venues.

Ashley Paris, D013 – Espresso stand – Research and develop cost-benefit analysis and pilot to open one or more coffee stands in designated communities.

Ashley Paris, D014 – More job opportunity – Create more job opportunities for clients, which would help them be more involved in the community and help them have more independence.

Ashley Paris, D015 – Exercise/workout facility – Create a space in each community or identify a community partnership for an exercise and recreational facility for clients of all ages.

From left, delegates LeReissa Swenson, Ashley Paris and Tabitha Williams pause for a break before voting on the final bills.

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Ten AWARE Inc. employees were recognized by peers as exemplifying the 10 Unconditional Care Principles at the core of AWARE’s operation. Charlie McCarthy, a mental health advocate for more than 50 years, received AWARE’s highest honor, the George Groesbeck Award. The award announcements were made during AWARE’s annual banquet Dec. 4, 2014, at Fairmont Hot Springs. The banquet coincides with AWARE’s Corporate Congress.The 10 Unconditional Care Principles, which resulted from staff and client discussions at a previous Corporate Congress, have been adopted to serve as the foundation for the care provided by AWARE employees. Principles and corresponding winners are listed below:

Holly Hoffenbacker, Billings: Building on our strengths is the key to success. Our services are individualized allowing each person and family to meet their goals. Our flexible approach helps individuals fulfill their hopes and dreams.

Michelle Bishop, Billings: We Take On And Stick With The Hardest Challenges. We do not give up on individuals and families. We use all of the resources available to them. When an individual or family fails, we fail.

Heather Jones, Butte: We are agents of change. We teach new skills, support practices, provide

therapeutic experiences, encourage competence and celebrate successes. We take responsibility for creating conditions that make change and learning possible.

Mat Evans, Great Falls: Everything is normal until proven otherwise. We support individuals to help them experience everyday living and normal patterns of life. Normalization encourages independence, which leads to respect, and respect translates into acceptance, credibility, and status.

Scott Salzer, Bozeman: Families are the most important resource. No one cares for or knows an individual better than his or her family. We use the abilities, talents, skills, and resources of

families as part of any intervention and team process.

Bill Massey, Anaconda: I’m OK, you’re OK. Each individual and family has personal and cultural values that make them unique. When we celebrate and make use of these differences, we help individuals and families build on their basic strengths.

John Jackson & Amanda Nicholas, Great Falls: It takes a team. We believe in and support a team approach. Family members are the most important team members, and their opinions, strengths, and needs should be the most valued. Other team members include AWARE staff and community resources.

AWARE honors 2014 awardees

The Unconditional Care and George Groesbeck awards were announced during Aware's 2014 Corporate Congress banquet at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort, Dec. 4, 2014. Front left, Amanda Nicholas, Jessica Klapan, Michelle Bishop, Andrew Largess; Middle left, Larry Noonan, Kelly Marquardt, Heather Jones, Mat Evans; Geri Wyant; Top left, Trish Kelleher, Holly Hoffenbacker, John Jackson, Bill Massey, Charlie McCarthy.

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Trish Kelleher, Missoula: Our connection with our communities is vital. We strive to be full partners with others in our team approach. We fulfill our role by helping our communities coordinate and develop services for the people we serve.

Jessica Klapan, Anaconda/Butte: We strive for the highest quality care. We do our best to be competent and responsive. We do our best to earn the trust of the individuals and families we serve and of the community.

Kelly Marquardt, Billings: Lighten up and laugh. Although our work is serious and requires enormous commitment, we take time to find the joy in life, to laugh and have fun. This is one of the ways we help the people we serve to learn to enjoy their own lives.

Charlie McCarthy: Charlie McCarthy received the George Groesbeck Award, which honors individuals who have made a significant difference in the lives

AWARE named Charlie McCarthy was named the recipient of the George Groesbeck Award during the annual Corporate Congress banquet, Dec. 4, 2014. The George Groesback Award honors individuals who have made a significant difference in the lives of people and families living with disabilities. Pictured above, AWARE CFO Geri Wyant, Charlie McCarthy and AWARE CEO Larry Noonan.

of persons and families living with disabilities. McCarthy began his career as a social worker in 1966. Throughout his career, he helped write most of the fundamental licensing rules mental health professionals operate to this very

day. He has countless honors recognizing his service to this state and his positive impact on improving the lives of so many Montanans, especially those from the disability community. Since 2003, Charlie has worked for Disability Rights Montana.

AWARE mailed 122 certificates to the employees who were nominated by their peers for an Unconditional Care principle award. More than 277 nominations were reviewed by the UCC principle award comittee to determine the top 10 2014 recipients. If you'd like to nominate a fellow employee for a 2015 UCC Principle Award, please email your comments to Leighanne Fogerty at lfogerty@aware-inc.org. Nominations are accepted year-round.

Unconditional Care Principle award roundup

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Early childhood center expanded

Construction started June 2014 on the expansion of The Early Chilldhood Center in Butte. Completed October 2014, the expansion connected the two AWARE buildings on Mercury street, one originally housed AWARE's main office in Butte (now located at 107 E. Granite). A hallway now connects the two buildings and includes a new kitchenette, breakroom, two new classrooms and offices.

Hoffman, cont’dfrom page 1In his new role as medical director, Dr. Hoffman will not only provide leadership to AWARE’s clinical team, but he will also oversee AWARE’s state-wide mental health service systems. Dr. Hoffman will continue to provide outpatient care in Butte and surrounding communities.

“I believe strongly in the services AWARE provides, and I am looking forward to playing a key role in developing the direction of AWARE’s mental health services,” Hoffman said. “As a growing organization, the impact we can have throughout the state – and beyond – is enormous, and I’m honored to be a part of it.”

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Grant, cont’dfrom page 1“This grant allows us to partner with established, licensed childcare providers to implement the Early Head Start program,” Melinda Wade Corso, AWARE’s early childhood services director said. “This is a unique aspect of this grant, saving AWARE the cost of starting a program from the ground up in the Bozeman and Helena communities.”

The agencies that partner with AWARE will adopt Early Head Start standards and evidence-based practices supported through the grant’s resources. AWARE will provide oversight, curriculum

development, nutritional support as well as mental health screenings and services to partnering providers.

“The Early Head Start Program provides services to children ages birth to three,” Wade Corso said. “At least 50 percent of the families we serve will be receiving childcare subsidies. We will specifically look for children who are Early-Head-Start- and childcare-subsidy eligible, children with disabilities and children with challenging behaviors.”

Additionally, full-year, full-day

childcare services in both family and center-based settings will be offered.

“This is a comprehensive program. We will work to link families to other community resources such as health departments, childcare resource and referral agencies, Head Start programs, disability service providers and school districts,” Wade Corso said. “We will also provide parental support resources for infants, toddlers and their families.”

Throwback Thursday, Flashback Friday — A social media meme that has come to life in the Butte main office is in full effect. Find the wall, highlighting a throwback to each staff's past as you walk in the office just behind Jessica Apland's desk. Above, Jessica points out her photo.

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EHR updateAWARE's electronic health record has been up and running now since November!

According to Jason McDonald, system administrator, with everyone's hard work and dedication to the transition, the entire process has gone smoothly.

“We're here to help to make sure the EHR continues to compliment the work staff does so they can continue to provide quality care,” he said.

AWARE is keeping staff updated through a monthly electronic newsletter called EHR Watch. It's delivered via email, which is one way staff are kept up-to-date.

Each issue is filled with the latest EHR news along with navigation tips and system updates. The newsletter will help make employees' jobs a little easier when it comes to using the EHR.

EHR tips and tricksBelow are a few tips that will help staff work smarter and faster while using the EHR:

Reviewing treatment plans

• When reviewing a treatment plan, review all the components and mark it as achieved or discontinued before dropping them from the plan. That way, it is documented that the component is no longer needed.

Updating and reviewing notes

• When updating notes, press the

All AWARE employees now have their own email addressIn most cases, an employee's email address is first initial + last name@aware-inc.org. For example, jsmith@aware-inc.org. Employees can access email, using their password to login into their computer or myEvolv, our EHR.Staff who have trouble signing in or setting up their email, can contact IT at the main office: 406-563-8117 or ehrquestions@aware-inc.org.

save button in the top left versus closing the document in the top right.

• During a review, notes appear in the chart by the service date, not the date completed.

• After entering a note, press the refresh button so it appears in the service entry screen. Notes default to the last entry (service date wise). Go back a couple of pages if the service date was earlier.

Entering client information

• Add new or edit collateral information (this is also how to mark emergency contacts) in client > client information > relationships. There is a collateral/emergency contact tab. If they show up there and are underlined, click to edit. Or go to new manual event to add a new contact.

New to the EHRWatch for these new EHR functionalities in the near future:

Copy forward functionality – The EHR team is working on and testing the ability for fields in the treatment plan to copy forward to the review event.

Group event routing – The EHR team is testing routing for group events now, which may be available in the near future.

Questions about the EHR?Send an email to:ehrquestions@aware-inc.org

Or contact:Jason McDonald - 406.563.8117 jmcdonald@aware-inc.orgPandi Highland - 406.533.5811phighland@aware-inc.org

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Helena elementary school makes donation to AWAREThe students at Four Georgians Elementary in Helena raised and donated $67 to AWARE. The students earned ‘gold nuggets’ throughout the year and turned them into money. The students then picked four organizations to donate to, including AWARE, Lewis and Clark Search and Rescue, YMCA, and Make a Wish Foundation. AWARE staff are planning a fun activity for the youth clientele at the Four Georgians, such as an ice cream social or pizza party.

“We are very excited to welcome Patricia Phillips as our new Eastern Montana service administrator,” Jaci Noonan, AWARE’s director of home support services and case management said. “Patricia brings a vision and leadership style we’ve been needing in Eastern Montana.”

AWARE welcomes new service administratorPhillips, a native of Montana, recently relocated to eastern Montana from North Carolina where she was an administrator in the special education department at a psychiatric residential treatment facility. At the psychiatric residential treatment facility, she was primarily responsible for case management of students with behavioral and intellectual disabilities.

“It’s great to be back in Montana, doing what I love,” Phillips said.

Patricia’s background is well suited to lead and meet the challenges of the diverse Eastern Montana landscape. A veteran of the Marines, her undergraduate degree is in human development and family studies, and her graduate degree is in executive leadership.

Phillips is a licensed special education teacher and School

administrator. She has worked in both public and private alternative school settings. Additionally, she created hands on, experiential learning curriculums and worked directly with kids placed by juvenile court at a residential wilderness camp.

“I’m really eager to meet with the eastern Montana team and start the process of learning all that we do; what we are doing well and what may need to be added,” Phillips said. “I really want to help both our clients and staff grow. I’m also looking forward to working with the school district and growing AWARE’s relationships with educators.”

“My style is to lead by example. I would never ask someone to do something that I wouldn’t do, I will be there for my team. There is a lot of opportunity in eastern Montana, I’m excited to get going!”

Patricia PhillipsEastern Montana Service Administrator

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Paul and Quincy Buckles stopped by the Missoula office one day looking to learn more about AWARE Inc.’s services. They were interested in getting more help for their son, Isaac, who was diagnosed with autism.

After a short conversation about AWARE’s services, Jake Henderson, service administrator in Missoula, was able to put the Buckles at ease.

They immediately made an appointment to further their relationship with AWARE. Now they receive home support services.

Jake assigned the Buckles to Barbara Porter, child and family specialist in Missoula.

Jake said Barbara is typically assigned cases like the Buckles’ due to her strength in working with children with autism.

“I told Barb to find out what the family needs and make it happen,” Jake said.

Wraparound servicesDuring the first few meetings, Barbara and other AWARE staff worked with the Buckles to create a wraparound plan.

AWARE’s wraparound philosophy is a process that works to

emphasize strengths while setting goals to fulfill each family’s desired outcomes.

Wraparound plans are different for every family.

Barbara said home support services includes a phone call or face-to-face meeting with the family once a week. AWARE staff also visits families’ homes. Some families might need assistance at the grocery store or with relationships at school.

“It just depends,” she said.

In the Buckles’ case, they just wanted to go to church together as a family. So Barbara and AWARE staff stepped in to help fulfill their wish.

In the spirit of AWARE’s wraparound philosophy, Barbara worked closely with the church and AWARE team members.

She contacted the pastor at the Zootown Church in Missoula, several times.

“I had many games of phone tag with him,” Barbara said. “He got to see my obnoxious, persistent side. I like to think of it as one of my positive traits.”

She wanted to be sure the pastor knew about the Buckles desire to attend church and be comfortable while there. She was able to assist the Buckles in educating the pastor

about their son’s autism.

Once on board, Rose Wakkinen and Matt Windham (as backup), behavioral support coordinators, were assigned to accompany the Buckles to church on Sundays.

Jake said Rose or Matt sit with Isaac during church to make sure his needs are met. They help reinforce a foundation for proper public behavior.

Overseeing the outcome for the Buckles, AWARE Lead Clinician Cindy Schaumberg, MSW, LCSW, PhD, said the care provided by the team embodies a true wraparound plan.

“Not only did we help the Buckles clinically, we were able to bring in the entire community,” she said. “It was a nice team approach to everything.”

Successful outcomesWith persistence and dedication, AWARE staff helped the Buckles fulfill their desire to go to church as a family and bring an increased understanding and compassion for people with autism to the pastor and congregation.

“I felt like I was just doing my job and giving them support as needed,” Barbara said. “I didn’t think I was going above

Missoula family's success highlights AWARE services

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I felt like I was just doing my job and giving them support as needed. I didn’t think I was going above and beyond. I was just giving the service that all our families deserve.

and beyond. I was just giving the service that all our families deserve.”

The Zootown Church responded to the their new found knowledge and tremendous assistance by making a donation to AWARE.

During service on Christmas Eve, the congregation showed their support by collecting $5,132.30 to help AWARE serve families facing challenges like the Buckles. “The donation came from a church of working class people,” Jake

said. “We were told one person even donated the last 30 cents they had in their pocket.”

According to the Buckles, who dropped the donation off at the AWARE office in Missoula Jan. 29, 2015, Pastor Scott Klaudt said the donation gave the church community an opportunity to be true Christians.

AWARE plans to use the Zootown Church’s donation to serve families in Missoula.

For more information about donations, please contact Richard Saravalli at 406.443.3120 or rsaravalli@aware-inc.org.

Paul Buckle with his son, Isaac, work with AWARE to receive home support services. Photo by Barbara Porter.

”

“

~ Barbara Porter, Child and Family Specialist, Missoula

Zootown Church is located in Missoula at 3623 Brooks Street, with services Sundays 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Thursdays, the church gathers at Zootown Brew, 121 W. Broadway, 7 p.m. Find live services at zootownchurch.com. Zootown Church helps people form a relationship with Jesus Christ while creating a relational environment where friendships are formed and people become disciples for Christ. Courtesy photo.

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and outdoors news and events from Oregon, Washington, Idaho and Montana. Hempstead is also in the final stages of planning

to broadcast the Anaconda High graduation live. “To my knowledge this has never been done before,” Blake said. “If we can pull off an event of this importance, it will show that our level of commitment to our listeners is second-to-none.”Future plans include the addition of talk shows highlighting community issues and an AWARE exclusive show offering mental health insight and advice from one of AWARE’s own board certified clinical psychologists.“Most importantly, we're a community-friendly radio station and believe it’s important to be available as a voice for our listeners,” Hempstead said.

Business networkCurbside recycling now in Butte with AWAREFebruary 2015, Butte-Silver Bow kicked off its first ever curbside recycling program, and AWARE is playing a key role. “This is a pilot recycling program involving Butte-Silver Bow, McGree Trucking and AWARE Recycling,” Mike Shea, AWARE Business Network service director, said. Butte-Silver Bow is leading the project and expects approximately 160 to participate in the pilot phase. “They are leasing a truck from McGree Trucking and plan to have a pickup every two weeks,” Shea said. “All recyclable materials will be brought to AWARE Recycling in Butte.” Accepted recyclables include plastics 1 and 2; cardboard; aluminum and tin cans; newspaper; and magazines.The pilot program is scheduled to run for six months at which time it will be assessed and a determination made whether or not to continue. “If the response to the first pickup is any indication, we expect the program to not only continue, but grow and serve all of Butte,” Terry Harrington, Butte’s recycling manager, said.

Growth Thru Art displayed at Uptown

AWARE's Growth Thru Art program, which is located in Billings, was invited to display the artwork created by the people who attend the program. The art was hung January 2 and displayed through February. Growth Thru Art hung 22 pieces, and several of them were purchased.

Works of art created by various artists in AWARE’s Growth Thru Art program in Billings were recently on display at the Uptown Café in Butte. The showing, which consisted of 22 pieces, began January 2 and ran through the end of February.The pieces were hung throughout the restaurant and displayed each artist’s name. A description of the Growth

In addition to overseeing the day-to-day operation of the station, including production and scheduling, Blake also oversees the administration and updates to the kana580.com website.“This is an exciting opportunity for me,” Hempstead said. “I’m really looking forward to the opportunity of growing the station with the addition of some unique programming.”The most recent addition to the station is the Northwest Outdoors Show, which encompasses hunting, fishing

Hempstead named general manager

Blake Hempstead

Thru Art program was also on display. “The show was an enormous success,” Shea said. “We had great feedback, sold multiple pieces and generated a lot of awareness for the program.”Eventually, AWARE would like to expand the Growth Thru Art program to other cities, Butte being one. “Shows like this will help make that goal a reality,” Shea said.

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You may ask, “what’s in a name… or a logo… or a slogan?”

Some would say, “EVERYTHING!”

What do you think of when you hear “golden arches” or “just do it?” And how unmistakable is a certain letter “c” in the soft drink isle?

The fact that these symbols, slogans and logos are instantly recognizable, even through a mere description, is no accident. Companies spend millions of dollars to ensure there is something unique consumers will remember — to solidify that one thing that helps them stand out.

Besides spending millions, how have these companies and countless others achieved this?

�First and foremost, consistency. Each time you see their logo, it is the same —

nothing added, nothing taken away, no element or word has moved. The same font or typeface is used.

Imagine if the golden arches looked like this M . Would you think of that certain fast-food restaurant? Probably not.

�Secondly, repetition. For example, every time you see an ad for

McDonald's, you see the golden arches — every time, no matter what.

�And finally, everyone in the company is telling the same story.

This type of recognition is a goal we’ve began working toward at AWARE, starting with each

by Jamie BoyerMarketing Director

Marketing minute

and every new employee being told the same story during onboarding. This ensures every employee is introduced to the AWARE family in the same way, hears the same thing and understands how to answer when someone asks, “Where do you work?” or “What do you do?”

What's coming up at AWARE?Additionally, the marketing team has begun collecting the numerous informational pieces that have been used throughout each office and service area. Our goals in this effort are numerous.

First, we will create a logo standard, ensuring our logo is used the same way, each and every time.

Secondly, we will streamline the number of pieces we are putting out to the public. This will ensure the right information is being shared, and that it is timely and relevant.

And finally, we will revise pieces to give them a consistent look and feel. This way, every time someone sees an AWARE informational piece, they will know it’s from AWARE.

This process won’t happen overnight. AWARE has grown into an amazing, diverse organization, and it will take some time to fully tell its story. However, a great first step is to centralize all marketing materials through the marketing department.

If there is a story you want to tell, or a service you want to promote, please contact Jamie Boyer in the Anaconda corporate office, 406.563.8117 x 1018 or jboyer@aware-inc.org. We are happy to help and look forward to sharing all that is AWARE!

~ Jamie Boyer, Marketing Director

The fact that these symbols, slogans and logos are instantly recognizable, even through a mere description, is no accident.

“”

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Employee insurance plans updatedAWARE employees saw big changes in health insurance this year.

“We've listened to our employees and made some changes to best meet what our employees were asking for,” AWARE Chief Financial Officer Geri Wyant said. “What we heard was that employees wanted more money, so we decided to make changes to our pay structure, and also provide an incentive to employees who were willing to put the work in to meet key performance standards. We have gone to a comprehensive-, competency-based compensation and benefits package; and to balance the budget, the board of directors and executive management had to make some tough decisions, which included changes to our insurance plan.”

AWARE is no longer offering coverage for spouses but will continue to offer employee/dependent coverage.

“Given the changes in health care due to the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and the increase in overall health care, it became more apparent, and quite frankly, more cost effective for both the employee and the company to look to purchase insurance for spouses through the exchange. The way the ACA works is that if AWARE offered affordable spousal coverage, employees would not be allowed to purchase more affordable coverage through the exchange, so this drove our decision to discontinue coverage for spouses,” Geri continued.

Effective Jan. 1, 2015, Allegiance is the insurance provider for AWARE employees and the pharmacy benefit manager has changed from Prime Therapeutics to CIGNA. Both the High Deductible Health Plan and the Value Plan will still be offered; however, some of the details have changed.

The High Deductible Health Plan will be moving to a deductible of $2,600 individual and $5,250 employee/child(ren). For employees on the Value Plan, the benefit is changing to a $500 individual deductible and $1,500 employee/child(ren).

The CORE employer-paid vision exam and preventive dental benefit is discontinued due to lack of participation in 2014; however, employees can

still purchase voluntary vision and dental coverage.

“We know these are big changes, but we are still offering some great benefits such as one of the best 401K plans in the industry, base life insurance for employees enrolled in either one of the health plans and a contribution to an employees' Health Savings Account if they are participating,” Geri said.

AWARE added some new benefits:• AWARE now allows employees to carry

forward up to $500 in remaining flex balances into the 2016 plan year if they participate in the Value Plan and use the Flex benefit;

• a combined maximum of 40 visits for physical therapy, speech therapy and occupational therapy;

• a nutritional counseling benefit of 100 percent paid up to $250 maximum per benefit period;

• a $100 chiropractic x-ray benefit; and• a $250 wig benefit has been added when

hair loss is due to a medical condition.

Employees covered under an AWARE insurance plan still have access to the Employee Assistance Program with three free face-to-face visits per issue and 24/7 telephonic counseling. All employees are eligible for AAA discounts and participation in the Legal Shield program at a discounted rate.

If you have any questions about plan specifics, please contact either Mary Kay or Sue at the Leavitt Group at 877-343-1060.

We've listened to our employees and made some changes to best meet what our employees were asking for. ”

“~ Geri Wyant, AWARE Chief Financial Officer

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AWARE Inc. held its annual Big Sky Psychiatry Conference Friday, Jan. 30, 2015, at Big Sky Resort in Montana.

This year, more than 55 psychiatrists and allied mental health professionals attended the conference, coming from all over the northwest, including Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, Washington and even Maryland and Massachusetts.

“Our goal is to bring together practitioners and experts in the field to share best practices, network and ultimately, improve the level of care offered throughout Montana,” Dr. Lantz, AWARE’s outgoing medical director said.

The conference has built its reputation over the last six years, bringing in the top professionals in the psychiatric field to speak at the one-day event.

The conference featured three presenters (pictured above with Dr. Lantz): Glenn Jordan Treisman, M.D., Ph.D.; Timothy Edwin Wilens, M.D.; and Bryan King, M.D.

5

AWARE held its Sixth Annual Big Sky Psychiatry Conference at Big Sky Resort Jan. 30, 2015. Speakers at the conference include left Glenn Jordan Treisman, M.D., Ph.D.; Timothy Edwin Wilens, M.D.; Bryan King, M.D.; and outgoing AWARE Medical Director Leonard Lantz, M.D.

Big Sky Psychiatry conference hosts physicians from across the northwest

They presented topics including ADHD and substance abuse; understanding psychiatric and substance use disorders in transitional aged youth; treatment of self-injurious behavior and aggression in neurodevelopmental disorders; and schizophrenia on the autism spectrum, among other topics.

Partnering with The University of Washington School of Medicine, AWARE was also able to offer credits to those in attendance.

New this year was a closing reception that provided an opportunity for attendees to network, share information and build relationships with peers.

“AWARE continually works to improve access to services, and connect patients with providers. This conference is not only important for its networking and educational opportunities, but it also serves as a means to introduce AWARE to the psychiatric community while positioning AWARE as a leading provider of psychiatry services in Montana,” Lantz said.

Plans are already underway for the Seventh Annual Big Sky Psychiatry Conference in 2016. It will be announced on the website in the upcoming months at aware-inc.org, or watch your mail for save the date announcements.

NONPROFIT ORGUS POSTAGE

PAIDANACONDA, MTPERMIT NO. 14

AWARE Inc.205 East Park AvenueAnaconda, Montana 59711

1-800-432-6145AWARE-inc.org

Laurie Osterman, program manager II at Grant House in Glendive, likes to photograph graffiti. She says her photograph of this train card turned out to be a good omen. According to Laurie, the day she went to the Job Service to turn in her application for the position at Grant House, she stopped to take a photograph of the matador on the train. When she looked at her photos, she noticed the AWARE at the bottom of the train car. “It was a sign,” she said. When she called to follow up with her application, she was offered an interview and later hired. Laurie said after she received the job, she sent the picture to Walmart and had it put on a canvas and hung it on the wall in her office the first day of her new job.

Graffiti