News

• AWARE's Boundaries class for adults with developmental disabilities
• AWARE CARF Accredited
• AWARE opens school-based program in Billings
• Shea looks to upgrade AWARE Inc.'s transportation service
• More help for Montanans with autism
• AWARE to Open Center for Autism
• Miles City AWARE staff moving to spacious new location
• Local AWARE delegates return from 'Corporate Congress'
• AWARE expands 'Intensive Family Education Support'
• National magazine honors AWARE executive as one of four 'Behavioral Health Champions'
• Children's Advocacy Center to Hold Ribbon Cutting in Helena
• State Contracts Expand Services for Montanans Affected by Developmental Disabilities
• Senators help Bozeman couple achieve homeownership
• AWARE News Archives

April 19, 2010
AWARE's Boundaries class for adults with develpmental disabilities

Students in AWARE's Boundaries class for adults with developmental disabilities use hula hoops in their lessons - and not just for laughs or for exercise.

"People learn from various styles," says instructor Jamie Knott. "Some people are visual learners and some are auditory learners. Others are kinesthetic learners. The hula hoops are a visual example of personal space and where each person's boundaries are."

To demonstrate that concept, the students place a hula hoop - about 40 inches around - on the floor and then step into it. The area inside the hula hoop represents the personal space most people feel comfortable with, Knott said.

A therapeutic services coordinator, Knott has been meeting with the class of 10 adults from Anaconda every weekday since late September. The class is split into two groups of five who meet on alternate days - one on Monday, Wednesday and Friday and the other on Tuesday and Thursday. The next week they switch.

The idea for the class originated with Knute Oaas, AWARE's longtime behavioral services coordinator, who had used a similar concept when working with people at the Montana Developmental Center at Boulder.

"He thought such a class would give participants insights into the issues they face while at the same time helping them develop a sense of personal boundaries and respect for themselves and others around them," Knott said.

Oaas met with Donna Kelly, developmental disability quality assurance coordinator, and other service coordinators who work with people with developmental disabilities in the Anaconda area.

They drew up a list of adults they believed would benefit from boundaries training people.

Knott met with each potential participant to create a strength-based curriculum.

"We discussed with each person his or her strengths and they concerns they felt they would like to work on," she said. "Those concerns and strengths were then incorporated into the curriculum. The adults guide the group in what they want help with."

For instance, one adult said he struggles with honesty, which was something the group hadn't covered yet, Knott said.

"I added that to the next group session," she said. "We work on other topics besides honesty. For instance, we have discussed rules in the group and how the rules can be carried over into their lives either at home, at work or in the community. We have discussed how anger has been an issue for folks and we have developed de-escalation strategies."

"We've also developed a greater sense of awareness in regards to feelings. We work on controlling emotions, ways to express their emotions calmly, how name calling hurts feelings, treating others the way we want to be treated, respect, boundaries and relationships, and developing assertiveness since many of them fear saying 'no' because they might lose a friend or they fear they won’t be liked."

Knott uses the strength-based plan to measure progress. Participants also measure their own progress toward the established goals they've chosen to work on. Knott updates the strength-based plans every three months.

"We encourage and invite members of the team, including the program manager, the independent living supervisor, family and other community support," she said.

Knott said participants have shown an eagerness to learn new skills.

"They see how methods they have been using perhaps aren't the only way to handle a situation," she said.

Oaas said feedback he is getting from people who live and work with the boundaries students show the classes are having a positive effect.

"The students are starting to apply in their lives what they're learning in class," he said. "I've wanted this in our training program for some time. To have it started and producing results is good."

Once the program is firmly established in Anaconda, he hopes to implement it in other communities where AWARE offers services to people with disabilities.

Contact:

Timothy Pray, Media Relations Officer, A.W.A.R.E., Inc. 406.563.8117 ext. 15
tpray@aware-inc.org

Jim Tracy, Public Affairs Officer, A.W.A.R.E., Inc. 406.563.8117 ext. 38
jtracy@aware-inc.org

March 2010
AWARE CARF Accredited

CARF International has accredited AWARE Inc. for three years for its community services, case management, community housing and intensive family-based services. AWARE received four exemplary citations, including two for services for children with autism spectrum disorders. Read the full report.

Contact:

Timothy Pray, Media Relations Officer, A.W.A.R.E., Inc. 406.563.8117 ext. 15
tpray@aware-inc.org

Jim Tracy, Public Affairs Officer, A.W.A.R.E., Inc. 406.563.8117 ext. 38
jtracy@aware-inc.org

September 17, 2009
AWARE opens school-based program in Billings

Billings, Montana — In collaboration with the Billings School District, AWARE Inc. has begun serving middle and high school-aged adolescents with autism spectrum disorders at its day treatment program, the Enterprise Learning Center. All are students of the school district.

The Enterprise Learning Center curriculum of advanced behavioral strategies uses the core principles of applied behavior analysis (ABA), a leading approach in the treatment of people with autism spectrum disorders.

All educational goals and objectives are met through collaboration with the public schools. All educational plans are guided by the Individualized Educational Plan that the child’s family has established with the school. Billings Public Schools provide special education staff to develop and oversee the educational program.

AWARE is committed to building a bridge between home and school for children with autism and other developmental disabilities. A wraparound approach to services encompasses the needs of a child across all settings. The intensive day services and ABA approaches being used at the center are designed to help a child develop self-esteem, make significant developmental progress, learn through experiences, develop social circles of support, make friends and gain the skills necessary to successfully transition to adult life.

The Enterprise Learning Center Staff are:

Renae Jones, service administrator: 11 years with AWARE, service administrator for children’s developmental disability services. Obtaining board certified behavior analysis certification in Montana.

Dan MacDonald, program director: 29 years of experience in the field of developmental disabilities, children and adult services.

Dustin Toth, academic coordinator: Eight years teaching at the elementary level with an elementary education degree and a masters of education in curriculum instruction.

Heather Tullar, behavior care coordinator: Four years working as a teacher's assistant in a room for children with severe disabilities. Two years as a habilitation technician working with children with severe autism.

Crystal Carpenter, behavior care coordinator: Two years of experience working one-on-one with a child with severe autism.

Brandon Cox, behavior care coordinator: Three years at MSU-Bozeman and one year at MSU-Billings, majors in special and elementary education.

A.W.A.R.E. Inc. is a non-profit organization that provides a range of community-based services for children and adults with disabilities. A.W.A.R.E. services are strength-based, family focused, individualized and comprehensive. A.W.A.R.E. has 18 offices of operation throughout the state and employs more than 700 workers. A.W.A.R.E. recently earned a full three-year accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF.)

Contact:

Timothy Pray, Media Relations Officer, A.W.A.R.E., Inc. 406.563.8117 ext. 15
tpray@aware-inc.org

Jim Tracy, Public Affairs Officer, A.W.A.R.E., Inc. 406.563.8117 ext. 38
jtracy@aware-inc.org

August 31, 2009
Shea looks to upgrade AWARE Inc.'s transportation service

ANACONDA, MT — Each month AWARE Inc. puts 50,000 miles on its fleet of 100 vehicles.

"As such, our vehicles are in a constant need of maintenance, repair and replacement," says new transportation coordinator Mike Shea. "With that in mind, I think one of the chief duties I have is to determine what can be done to make the transportation services we provide more efficient and more effective given the resources we have to work with."

Shea, 54, joined AWARE in May after spending two years as a case manager for the Watch Program operated by Community Counseling and Corrections Services at Warm Springs.

Before that he served as Butte-Silver Bow’s finance and budget director.

His position with AWARE, though, brings him back to his first job with local government in Butte after graduating with a degree in business administration/accounting from the University of Montana in 1978.

"When I first graduated college, I was hired as the transit director for Butte-Silver Bow and so it's been interesting to deal with some of the same issues that I was dealing with back then.... and to actually work with some of the same people as I was working with back then," he said. "It's as if I have come full circle."

Shea described his duties as transportation coordinator as "far reaching."

"Transportation is associated in some form with just about every service AWARE provides," he said.

A big part of his job will involve looking for sources of funds that will allow the corporation to replace aging vehicles.

"As a rule, this is accomplished through the grant process, so grant writing will play a prominent part," Shea said.

"Obviously, this is by no means inclusive. As a new position, I think the job will continually evolve."

Shea is married to the former Lisa Blaskovich (born and reared in Anaconda). Their son, Dylan, age 9, is a fourth-grader at Butte Central Elementary.

Contact:

Timothy Pray, Media Relations Officer, A.W.A.R.E., Inc. 406.563.8117 ext. 15
tpray@aware-inc.org

Jim Tracy, Public Affairs Officer, A.W.A.R.E., Inc. 406.563.8117 ext. 38
jtracy@aware-inc.org

March 19, 2009
More help for Montanans with autism

AWARE seeks to continue the success of its community living initiatives with a program in Missoula for people with autism spectrum disorders.

Missoula, Montana — AWARE Inc, Montana’s largest human services provider, announces the opening of its newest residential program for young adults with autism spectrum disorders, AWARE’s Missoula Community Living Initiative. The program will employ up to 14 people from the Missoula area.

This initiative is the second program of its kind in Montana. The Candlelight Community Living Initiative (also operated by AWARE) has been serving four children with autism spectrum disorders in Bozeman since May 2008. AWARE chose Missoula as the location for this initiative for its proximity to the residents’ families, underscoring our belief that people with disabilities or mental illnesses should be served close to home and in the least-restrictive setting.

Autism is defined by the Autism Society of America as "a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life and is the result of a neurological disorder that affects the normal functioning of the brain, impacting development in the areas of social interaction and communication skills." Both children and adults with autism typically show difficulties in verbal and non-verbal communication, social interactions, and leisure or play activities. Autism is a spectrum disorder and it affects each individual differently and at varying degrees.

The new program will create 14 jobs with benefits, resulting in more than $440,000 in annual Missoula County ongoing sustainable long-term direct economic activity, including direct wages and local purchasing.

That goes along with $400,000 in additional immediate short-term economic activity, including real estate purchases, training, renovation construction, program development wages, and purchases for furnishings, appliances and adaptive medical equipment.

Over the next 10 years, AWARE estimates the direct impact for Missoula County to be more than $5,440,000.

"Autism continues to be a growing concern for Montana families, and we’re eager to continue addressing those concerns with a dynamic and caring staff who have been trained in the most current and nationally-recognized methods and technology," said Larry Noonan, AWARE chief executive.

An open house event will be scheduled for late spring.

AWARE offers family support services, youth case management, case management for adults with developmental disabilities, adolescent group homes, intensive family education and support services (in-home services for children with developmental disabilities such as autism), outpatient treatment and psychiatric services. AWARE’s office in Missoula is located at 2300 Regent, Suite 103.

A.W.A.R.E. Inc. is a non-profit organization that provides a range of community-based services for children and adults with disabilities. A.W.A.R.E. services are strength-based, family focused, individualized and comprehensive. A.W.A.R.E. has 18 offices of operation throughout the state and employs more than 700 workers. A.W.A.R.E. recently earned a full three-year accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF.)

Contact:

Timothy Pray, Media Relations Officer, A.W.A.R.E., Inc. 406.563.8117 ext. 15
tpray@aware-inc.org

Jim Tracy, Public Affairs Officer, A.W.A.R.E., Inc. 406.563.8117 ext. 38
jtracy@aware-inc.org

April 28, 2008
AWARE to Open Center for Autism

Through a contract with Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, AWARE will open the state's first intensive residential program in Bozeman focusing on young people challenged by autism and other developmental delays.

Bozeman – AWARE, Inc., Montana’s largest human service provider, has been awarded a contract by the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services’ (DPHHS) Developmental Disabilities Program (DDP) to offer intensive residential services to children affected by developmental disabilities.

AWARE’s Candlelight Community Living Initiative, slated to open on May 1, 2008, in Bozeman, will serve four young people from around the state who have intense developmental and behavioral needs such as those arising from autism spectrum disorders. The children will range in age from 10 to 16, and each child will attend the appropriate public school. What are autism spectrum disorders?

The Autism Society of America defines autism as "a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life and is the result of a neurological disorder that affects the normal functioning of the brain, impacting development in the areas of social interaction and communication skills. Both children and adults with autism typically show difficulties in verbal and non-verbal communication, social interactions, and leisure or play activities. Autism is a spectrum disorder and it affects each individual differently and at varying degrees."

The opening of the home represents an increasing need felt by some Montana families overwhelmed by the high level of care and attention their children require. "DDP has many children waiting for services, and some of them are requiring out of home placements," says Jeff Sturm, DDP director. "Group homes are one alternative that we needed to expand to meet the needs of those children."

All of AWARE’s services adhere to a "wraparound" philosophy, meaning that community and family life become the primary catalysts for the child’s and family’s treatment.

"AWARE firmly believes that every individual can be, and should be allowed to access, enjoy, and contribute to their community," says Teresa Rivenes, administrator for AWARE’s Intensive Family Education and Support Services and this new residential program. She continues, "Children develop additional skills when they are given opportunities to learn and develop those skills in the community in the context of their daily lives and routines. In order for children to develop their highest level of independence and achieve their maximum potential they need multiple opportunities in the community to learn, practice, and perfect new skills."

Through its Intensive Family Education and Support, AWARE has been providing services to this segment of the population since 2002 in the homes of families whose children have developmental and behavioral challenges, including autism. Recently, AWARE became the first human service provider to offer these services statewide. These services include respite, family support, adaptive equipment, case management and habilitative aids.

"Based on the relationships we've built during the course of the time that we've been providing those services, it has become increasingly clear that some of these kids and families need more intensive care," says Larry Noonan, CEO of AWARE. "That is why we jumped at the opportunity to submit our proposal to the state when they put out their request." The DPHHS asked for proposals in January. "We had an open process where providers were allowed to submit their proposals, and AWARE was selected from that process by the proposal evaluation team, says Sturm.

The new program is being publicized as a "center for excellence" in the treatment and education surrounding autism spectrum disorders. This treatment and education will be provided by master’s level staff familiar with both the community and the detailed needs of the children being served. Additionally, all staff will be trained in ABA (Applied Behavioral Analysis), a best practice intervention for the treatment of autism and related disorders. AWARE hopes to have the first ABA certified staff in the state of Montana. Due to the intensive level of attention required by the children, staffing ratios are high.

That goes along with $400,000 in additional immediate short-term economic activity, including real estate purchases, training, renovation construction, program development wages, and purchases for furnishings, appliances and adaptive medical equipment.

Over the next 10 years, AWARE estimates the direct impact for Gallatin County and the Bozeman area at more than $5 million.

By this time next year, AWARE hopes to have another home operating in Gallatin County, essentially doubling the impact. "It is our goal to have three homes running in the next two to three years," said AWARE CEO Larry Noonan. "This would make it clear that this is a center of excellence with all the professional relationships and staff that would be included in the Gallatin County network of homes."

Those interested in pursuing employment within the new program should contact Leighanne Fogerty, AWARE Human Resources Specialist, at 406.563.8117, extension 19.

Montana defines a developmental disability as follows:

"…a disability attributable to mental retardation, cerebral palsy, autism, or any neurological handicapping condition closely related to mental retardation. The disability must have been documented to have originated before the individual attained the age of 18, and is expected to continue indefinitely and constitute a substantial hardship."

AWARE Inc. provides group homes for youth and adults, case management, supported living, family support, Early Head Start, Intensive Family Education and Support services, community mental health supports, outpatient psychiatric services, transportation services, work services, and leads the effort with the Montana Home Choice Coalition in making home ownership a reality for those affected by disability.

AWARE Inc.’s services are strength-based, family focused, individualized and comprehensive. AWARE recently earned a full three year accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities.

Contact:

Timothy Pray, Media Relations Officer, A.W.A.R.E., Inc. 406.563.8117 ext. 15
tpray@aware-inc.org

Jim Tracy, Public Affairs Officer, A.W.A.R.E., Inc. 406.563.8117 ext. 38
jtracy@aware-inc.org

April 25, 2008
Miles City AWARE staff moving to spacious new location

MILES CITY — AWARE Inc.’s Miles City staff will move into new offices on South Fourth Street at the end of April. The move provides a good illustration of the company’s growth in Eastern Montana.

When AWARE first opened its office here in 2006, the location at 1709 Batchelor St. was large enough to accommodate a staff of three – Service Administrator Jeff Regan and adult case managers Eileen Dey and Keith Polesky.

Today AWARE employs 14 people in Miles City, including eight who need permanent offices.

"We just quickly outgrew our space," said Regan. "Our two-year lease was up in March, so it worked out almost perfectly.

Regan said the new location at 305 S. Fourth, which formerly housed the Bureau of Land Management, provides 2,200 square feet of office space, compared to only 1,200 in the current location. Another 800-square-foot common space, including a conference room, makes it ideal for staff meetings and training.

The new location also comes with private offices.

"The landlord put up inside walls for individual offices, so now we have three individual offices for staff who provide services to youth," Regan said.

They also have a table and waiting room "and way more privacy," he said. Staff will use another separate office as a therapy room. The space affords users privacy for therapy and activities, such as arts and crafts.

Other staff doing targeted case management, meanwhile, have separate offices in another area of the building, plus a waiting room and storage area. There is also enough space for the clinical supervisor.

AWARE's Miles City operation will also get a technology upgrade in the move. The office is slated to receive several new computers and a new phone system with a separate fax line.

"We use that fax line for everything, so that will help out a lot," Regan said.

The new office also comes with more parking for staff and visitors, plus a picnic area and an empty lot next store.

"We want start a garden in the lot this spring for our kids to work in," Regan said. AWARE staff in Miles City besides Regan, Dey and Polesky are :

Trista Muraoka, youth case manager; Jennifer Preble, treatment service specialist; Bill Hill, treatment service technician; Anna Rapson, treatment service clinician; Beth Tunnell, treatment service technician; Joe Jerrel, treatment service technician; Lou Straub, adult case manager; Caleb Samuelson, treatment service technician; Jamie Fischer, treatment service technician; and Curtis Fillefer, treatment service technician.

AWARE’s presence in Miles City results in more than $400,000 in annual Custer County on-going sustainable long-term direct economic activity.

Contact:

Jim Tracy, Public Affairs, AWARE, Inc. 406.563.8117 ext. 38
jtracy@aware-inc.org

Jeff Regan, Service Administrator, A.W.A.R.E., Inc. 406.232.4765
jregan@aware-inc.org

December 14, 2007
Local AWARE delegates return from 'Corporate Congress'

FAIRMONT HOT SPRINGS, MT - AWARE Inc. employees Becky Clark, Mona Fergerson, Lisa Huber, Jamie Knott, and Erman Miller have returned to work in Anaconda and Galen after participating as delegates at a unique corporate gathering that allowed them to sponsor and vote on "bills" to improve the way their company serves consumers.

Corporate Congress sponsored by AWARE Inc. concluded its three-day session Dec. 7 at Fairmont Hot Springs. This is the ninth Corporate Congress AWARE has convened since 1992.

Clark, Huber, Knott, Fergerson and Miller were among 23 delegates nominated by their peers in October and elected to the gathering in November. The delegates, from AWARE offices across the state, were all non-supervisory and non-management staff. Delegates were selected to represent every AWARE service and region.

The Congress, which operates in much the same way as the state legislature, adopted 23 measures including one Knott sponsored to improve communications between supervisors and staff and one Miller authored to help introduce new employees to people in the community who provide health care and other service to AWARE clients.

The creation of AWARE CEO Larry Noonan, Corporate Congress allows front-line staff in all services to represent fellow employees and consumers in a democratic fashion and participate directly in changing the way the organization does business and serves clients.

"When we gather staff and consumers together and let them tell us what works and what doesn't work — and what we should do differently — it helps the company, but even more it benefits the people who use our services," Noonan said. Said Chief Operations Officer Jeff Folsom, who facilitated the event: "Other companies hire consultants to get the sort of feedback we get from Corporate Congress. You know the definition of a consultant — someone who comes in, borrows your watch, tells you what time it is, keeps the watch, and charges you an exorbitant fee.

"At Corporate Congress our employees and consumers are the consultants. Over the years we have adopted nearly all of their suggestions.

Contact:

Jim Tracy, Public Affairs, AWARE, Inc. 406.563.8117 ext. 38
jtracy@aware-inc.org

October 17, 2007
AWARE expands 'Intensive Family Education Support'

GREAT FALLS, MT —AWARE Inc. in Great Falls to help expand services for families with children affected by developmental disabilities.

The service also helps children dually diagnosed with developmental disabilities and mental health issues.

Rivenes, recently director of development for Quality of Life Concepts in the Electric City, will work with AWARE’s IFES, or Intensive Family Education and Support, services.

Such services are intended for families with children — from infants through age 21 — who have extraordinary needs and a developmental disability. The Medicaid waiver program provides case management and an array of other support services for families whose children have intense medical or behavioral needs. Services include respite care, environmental modifications to a home, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, adaptive equipment, and habilitation aide services.

IFES can eliminate the need for out-of-home placement for children now living with their natural families, or allow children currently living in more restrictive environments, such as group homes, to return to their natural families or to be placed with foster families, Rivenes said.

An example of a person who might benefit from IFES is a child with autism, or other developmental disability diagnosis and who is medically fragile, has frequent mood swings, someone who needs one-on-one supervision, someone who is self-abusive, or someone the school system has identified as too much work, too much trouble, too disruptive, and unsafe to himself or unsafe to others.

Parents of such children often become frustrated and need respite, or relief from the day-to-day pressures of caretaking. IFES can help cover respite care.

The service can also provide coaching in parenting, family support, and case management, in addition to medical care.

AWARE recently was recognized by the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services as the only agency in Montana to be approved as an IFES provider across the entire state. Some 323 Montana families receive the service from various agencies.

"It is wonderful that families will now have a choice of providers," Rivenes said. "Choice benefits families in that providers work even harder to deliver the best services. AWARE is unique in that we have services in place to address children's mental health concerns as well as issues that accompany the developmental disability diagnosis. AWARE is the only provider in Great Falls, maybe even the state, that can approach services from both angles."

Rivenes has a master’s degree in social work with an emphasis in human services and a master’s in education. She is pursuing her doctorate in social work. Rivenes is also certified by the state of Montana as a family support specialist.

She will be based at AWARE’s offices at 600 6th St. NW, Suite 4. You can reach her at 406-771-8182 ext. 104.

Contact:

Jim Tracy, Public Affairs, AWARE, Inc. 406.563.8117 ext. 38
jtracy@aware-inc.org

November 15, 2007
National magazine honors AWARE executive as one of four
'Behavioral Health Champions'

ANACONDA, MT — AWARE, Inc., Chief Executive Larry Noonan is one of four "champions" featured in the cover story of the November issue of the nationally circulated Behavioral Healthcare magazine.

"If you ask a child what he wants to be when he grows up, he’s not likely to say CEO of a behavioral healthcare organization," writes editor Douglas Edwards in the November issue.

"But somewhere down the line today’s leaders realized their passion for this field and made a commitment to improving service delivery for their consumers and communities. Being at the top of a behavioral healthcare organization certainly is a tough job, especially with omnipresent staffing and funding challenges. Yet some executives find ways to help their organizations not only survive, but thrive. They transform their operations to meet strategic goals; grow services to meet consumers’ evolving needs; and share their experiences with colleagues to help improve service delivery across the country."

This is the third year Behavioral Healthcare is honoring such "champions" in the field. Besides Noonan, this year's honorees, nominated by readers and selected by the editors, are: Ann Borders, president and CEO of Cummins Behavioral Health Systems, Inc., in Indiana; Dale K. Klatzker, PhD, president and CEO of The Providence Center in Rhode Island and Massachusetts; Lawrence P. Noonan, CEO of A.W.A.R.E., Inc., in Montana and New Mexico; and Tuerk Schlesinger, MBA, CEO of AltaPointe Health Systems, Inc., in Alabama, chosen in partnership with the sponsor of this year's awards, Netsmart Technologies.

Noonan, a native of Butte, has been CEO of AWARE since 1988. In January, he was named Montana Entrepreneur of the Year by the Montana Ambassadors.

You can read about the champions online at www.behavioral.net.

Behavioral Healthcare, a Cleveland,Ohio-based monthly, describes itself as "a practical resource on technology, reimbursement, and treatment trends for managers and clinicians in the mental health and substance abuse fields."

Contact:

Jim Tracy, Public Affairs, AWARE, Inc. 406.563.8117 ext. 38
jtracy@aware-inc.org

April 10, 2007
Children’s Advocacy Center to Hold Ribbon Cutting Thursday in Helena

Helena— The Lewis and Clark County Children’s Advocacy Center of AWARE Inc. will hold an open house and ribbon-cutting on Thursday from 4 — 7 p.m. in at AWARE’s offices at 616 Helena Avenue, Suite 305 in Helena. State Attorney General Mike McGrath will cut the ribbon.

The center provides a healing environment for children who have been victims of abuse.

Thursday’s open house is intended to provide an understanding of the flow of the center, which minimizes the trauma involved when a the child victim is interviewed and examined in a process that may lead to the prosecution of the offender.

AWARE’s Lewis and Clark County Children’s Advocacy Center is staffed by professionals who can provide all the services a child may need at one location rather than having to spend weeks traveling around the city and county to various law enforcement personnel, doctors,and psychiatrists. "This is all done with the child in mind," says Dana Toole, director of the project. "A child who has been through such a horrible experience should not be subject to red tape, and we can avoid that by focusing on healing."

The Advocacy Center uses the offices of A.W.A.R.E. Inc., a statewide provider of human services and mental health case management.

"You can never have too much innovation when it comes to the health and safety of children," said AWARE CEO Larry Noonan. "The issue of abuse and the healing involved is obviously deeply important to the people of Montana, and we’re pleased to be a part of that healing."

In addition to the office space, A.W.A.R.E. supplies Children’s Mental Health professionals to the multidisciplinary team.

Partner agencies and members of the multidisciplinary team include the Lewis and Clark County Attorney’s Office, Lewis and Clark County Child and Family Services, Helena Police Department, Lewis and Clark County Sheriff’s Department, Lewis and Clark County Health Department, Montana Legal Services Association, Partners in Pediatrics, Helena Pediatric Clinic, St. Peter’s Hospital, and the Friendship Center.

***

A.W.A.R.E., Inc. provides group homes for youth and adults, case management, supported living, family support, Early Head Start, community mental health supports, outpatient psychiatric services, transportation services, work services, and leads the effort with the Montana Home Choice Coalition in making home ownership a reality for those affected by disability.

A.W.A.R.E., Inc.’s services are strength-based, family focused, individualized and comprehensive. A.W.A.R.E. recently earned a full three year accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). For more information on A.W.A.R.E., Inc. and its services, please visit www.aware-inc.org.

Contact:

Timothy Pray, Media Relations Officer, A.W.A.R.E., Inc. 406.563.8117 ext. 15
tpray@aware-inc.org

June 5, 2007
State Contracts Expand Services for Montanans
Affected by Developmental Disabilities

Montana DPHHS entrusts A.W.A.R.E., Inc.
with providing Case Management services
for developmentally disabled adults
in Missoula, Yellowstone, Stillwater Counties

Anaconda — Hundreds more adults affected by developmental disabilities will begin receiving Case Management services beginning in August as a result of the state’s awarding contracts to AWARE Inc.

AWARE will serve 140 additional adults in Missoula County, and 65 in the Billings/Columbus area. This will bring the total number of adults served by AWARE Case Management to more than 500 individuals, including those already served by AWARE in 17 Eastern Montana counties, as well as Bighorn and Carbon counties.

The need for the additional case managers is in response to the Legislature’s change in the ratio of full-time employees to clients. Before the change, the average caseload was 47-50 clients, now reduced to 35.

"People will be getting better service because there will be smaller caseloads," said Jeff Sturm, director of the state’s Developmental Disabilities Program.

AWARE will hire four full-time case managers in Missoula, two in Billings/Columbus, and the possibility of adding one each in Hardin, Glasgow and Miles City.

"We have always been confident in our ability to provide services that help individuals affected by developmental disabilities to receive services that allow them to live their lives in a way that affords them the highest quality of life possible," said Jaci Noonan, director of Adult Case Management for AWARE.

"We help clients and their families build on their strengths, reaching out to adults affected by developmental disabilities and their families, and connect them with resources to ensure that all needed services are in place."

These services include assessment, case planning and coordination, assistance in daily living, referral and advocacy.

"First, this is a chance for us to provide opportunities to those who need and deserve them," said AWARE CEO Larry Noonan. "However, it’s also a chance to show how the state and nonprofit organizations such as ours are working together to advocate for those who may not have been able to get all that great case management has to offer."

Tim Plaska, coordinator of the review committee that rated the proposals, said the state awarded the two-year contract based on AWARE’s proven experience.

"AWARE, Inc. is a diverse organization with a history of success, as well as a clear vision of the future," Plaska said. "They provided a proposal with clear detail as to how they will provide the service."

State Definition of Developmental Disability:

• Disability attributable to mental retardation, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, autism, or any neurological handicapping condition closely related to mental retardation
• Disability must have been documented to have originated before the individual attained the age of 18.
• The condition can be expected to continue indefinitely and constitutes a substantial hardship.

A.W.A.R.E Inc. operates group homes for youth and adults and provides, case management, supported living, family support, Early Head Start, community mental health supports, outpatient psychiatric services, transportation services, work services, and leads the effort with the Montana Home Choice Coalition in making home ownership a reality for those affected by disability.

A.W.A.R.E. Inc.’s services are strength-based, family focused, individualized and comprehensive. A.W.A.R.E. recently earned a full three-year accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). For more information on A.W.A.R.E., Inc. and its services, please visit www.aware-inc.org.

Contact:

Timothy Pray, Media Relations Officer, A.W.A.R.E., Inc. 406.563.8117 ext. 15
tpray@aware-inc.org

Jim Tracy, Public Affairs Officer, A.W.A.R.E., Inc. 406.563.8117 ext. 38
jtracy@aware-inc.org

July 1, 2008
Montana Senators Work Together to Open Door to Homeownership Dream for Bozeman Couple

U.S. Senators Max Baucus and Jon Tester will speak at a housewarming celebration Thursday, July 3, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Bozeman.

The housewarming is for Pam and Lyle Whitmore (1120 West Babcock, Chequamegan Village #7), a Bozeman couple who overcame tremendous life challenges to recently purchase their first home with the assistance of the AWARE Montana Home Choice Coalition. Senators Baucus and Tester played a pivotal role in the Whitmores’ obtaining their home. The couple is the 75th homeowner with disabilities in Montana to successfully achieve homeownership through the support of the Coalition.

Bozeman’s mayor Kaaren Jacobson, Larry Noonan, CEO of A.W.A.R.E, and Michael O’Neil, Montana Home Choice Coalition State Director will also be speaking.


Lyle Whitmore and Senator Jon Tester

The Whitmores’ will share their story and thank all of those who helped them purchase their beautiful new home, including the senators, AWARE Montana Home Choice,Remax Realty Bozeman, Bozeman HRDC, MT Department of Public Health and Human Services DDP, Montana Board of Housing, HUD, Montana Department of Commerce Housing Division, Neighborworks Montana, and First Interstate Bank.

The Coalition will also recognize other key community partners throughout Montana who have helped them assist 75 other individuals and families and like the Whitmores with disabilities to become homeowners.

A.W.A.R.E. Inc. supports and sustains the Montana Home Choice Coalition in making home ownership and other community housing choices a reality for those affected by disability, including Montana's seniors.

AWARE is Montana’s leader in proving quality community services including group homes for youth and adults, case management, supported living, family support, Early Head Start, community mental health supports, outpatient psychiatric services, transportation services, and work services.

For more information on A.W.A.R.E., Inc. and its services, please visit: www.aware-inc.org. For more info on the work of the Montana Home Choice Coalition, please visit: www.montanahomechoice.org or contact Michael O’Neil, State Director at (406) 459-0281.

Contact:

Jim Tracy, Public Affairs Officer, A.W.A.R.E., Inc. 406.563.8117 ext. 38
jtracy@aware-inc.org