Please join us for an Open House and photo exhibit by Ed Field, “Faces of Our Unsheltered Neighbors” in partnership with Town Pump Foundation. Our Place drop-in center is a peer run support program specializing in recovery, resources, education, and referrals in Helena, MT.
Light snack and refreshments will be provided!
631 N Last Chance Gulch
Hope to see you there!!
This past August, Chuck Butler attended the “Rough Sleepers” community conversation on homelessness facilitated by Helena community members. He was moved to get involved in Our Place and the unhoused community in Helena. Chuck Butler moved to Helena, Montana in 1985 to pursue a job in healthcare with Blue Cross Blue Shield. His career has spanned a number of fields including journalism, politics, and healthcare. Throughout his career, he’s always been moved to do what he can to help others.
Chuck believes that no one should be sleeping outside in Helena. He is the Stewardship Chair of Plymouth Congregational Church. Chuck started getting involved with Our Place and the unhoused community after attending all five of the “Rough Sleepers” Community Conversations put on by Jennifer Thompson and the United Way of Lewis and Clark County. He said, “what I was hearing about people in my own community sleeping outside, struck a nerve. I thought, it isn’t right that people in our community are sleeping outside. Something has to be done.”
After hearing about solutions to the issues that seemed far down the line, he decided to use his influence to do something that would help people outside now. He mobilized the members of Plymouth Congregational Church to hold a fundraiser for sleeping bags. With the funds, 45 new sleeping bags for Our Place were purchased for those unsheltered. Mark Nay, Helena’s Street Outreach Coordinator was grateful for the donation and mentioned that these would go fast. When the community came together over a shared cause, they made a difference.
I asked Chuck, what he would tell members of the community, who would like to get involved but don’t know where to start?
“I would say “go talk to your neighbors”. I had not been in Our Place before a couple of months ago, but I would drive by it on my way to work for 30 years. Often, it is easier to turn a blind eye to those who are suffering, but extending a helping hand is the sign of true strength. I started going in and talking to a couple of the guys in there. I have always been welcomed with a great big bear hug. We need to remember, that we are not helpless, and small acts of kindness can mean a world of difference.”
Chuck and Susan Butler just deposited another check for 50 more sleeping bags to donate to Our Place. Chuck will be at the Open House at Our Place on Dec. 5th. He encourages community members who have wondered how they can make a difference, to take the first step and come on in. All are welcome.
Thank you, Chuck for your commitment to the Good Samaritan Mission!
Job Title: Production Assistant: Dock Posting
Hours: 40/wk
Supervisor: Michelle Hughes
Posting Created By: Samantha Jensen
Good Samaritan Ministries, motivated by faith-based teaching, works in our community to advance family life, human dignity, and the common good. We provide services to meet the physical, social, emotional, and spiritual needs of individuals and families of all faiths, especially those most in need. Good Samaritan Thrift Store acts as an integral part of Good Samaritan Ministries mission to offer the programs and services to advance human dignity, respect, and support.
The Dock Production Assistant is responsible for accepting incoming donations as well as sorting and preparing donations for store sales and under very stressful conditions.
Essential Functions: Duties and Responsibilities including but not limited to the following
· Works on dock accepting incoming donation items and sorts according to the various departments.
· Works on dock refusing incoming donation items that are ripped, stained, torn, or broken.
· Moves lift furniture items, and assists customers with loading purchased merchandise
· Responsible for keeping the dock warehouse clean, orderly, and safe during the scheduled shifts.
· Provides customers with donation receipts
· Responsible for ensuring a safe sales floor environment for co-workers and customers
· Informs supervisor about any repairs or supplies needed
· Adheres to all building safety requirements, as well as follows procedure when an incident, accident or injury has occurred.
· Adheres to all store lifting policies and weight restrictions
· In the event, a co-worker is out, potentially be willing to cover for the dock area
· Greets and assists customers, clients, and donors, treating all with respect and dignity
· Maintains floors, sweeping, washing on the dock area
· Breaks down cardboard boxes for recycling
· Interacts and communicates professionally and effectively while maintaining open communication with supervisors, other team members, customers, and clients.
· Learns New Tasks
· Follows Directions and Policies
· Attends all meetings and trainings as required
· Other duties as assigned
· Frequent Lifting, carrying and transporting of objects weighing up to 125lbs or above.
· Mobility within the facility and the ability to occasionally drive, load, and unload the delivery truck
Benefits: Full Medical, Dental, Vision, Health Savings Account and 401 (k)!
