Missoula Interfaith Collaborative

Today we are honored to recognize the talented and generous John Floridis, a Missoula based singer/songwriter. For over a decade John has organized and performed holiday benefit concerts to support local organizations, including Missoula Interfaith Collaborative. This month John, along with his friends Jennifer Slayden and Ed Stalling will perform 9 concerts benefiting nonprofits around the state.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY ABOUT BEING A SINGER/SONGWRITER IN MONTANA?
I think at this stage in my life, what I appreciate most is helping to facilitate community. To be sure, I’m still driven to be good at what I do. I want to be really good at what I do, but there are performances where I am critical of my performance yet still see that community has “happened” in some way. This is a big part of what drives me these days.

WHAT LED YOU TO START DOING HOLIDAY BENEFIT EVENTS AND WHAT KEEPS YOU COMING BACK EVERY YEAR?
I had recorded two albums of instrumental Christmas/winter guitar music and wanted to find a way to perform those songs in public but not in just a background music situation. It took a few years to develop the idea of the concerts, but it helped to add some vocal music by contemporary songwriters and also to add other musicians. Ed Stalling has been helping me on percussion for a number of years, and a huge boost is now provided by working with cellist Jennifer Slayden.

I am very proud of the winter benefit events that I’ve helped put together for now well over a decade. There is stress involved in doing just that, the putting together of the events, the publicity, getting sponsors, remembering the “December” songs LOL….but in the end it is always a very satisfying experience to know that I’ve been a part of this happening. It’s very gratifying to see the response the communities across the state have had over the years.

THANK YOU John Floridis for including MIC in your holiday benefit series and for enriching our community and state with your beautiful music!

To see a schedule of John’s holiday benefit concerts including John Floridis and Friends Benefit Concert for Missoula Interfaith Collaborative December 17th visit: https://johnfloridis.com/

The Housing Advocate Network (HAN) is holding a volunteer orientation December 15th, 5:30 -7:00pm at the MIC offices (2205 34th Street). This is a great opportunity to learn more about HAN and how to support your neighbors experiencing housing challenges. For questions or to sign up email [email protected]

Help make the holidays more joyful this year for families and individuals who, with the support of Family Promise of Missoula and the Housing Advocate Network, have found housing this past year. Contributions will provide gifts for children from their wish list, gift cards for adults, and grocery cards to help purchase food for the holidays. Please wrap gifts and bring them to the MIC office by Monday December 11th.

To SIGN UP and for more information visit: https://bit.ly/3uG06oF

Mark your calendars for December 10th and stop by the Missoula Works Sewing Ventures booth!

Missoula Works Sewing Ventures will be at the Missoula Made Fair on Sunday December 10th, 9am-5pm at the University of Montana Adams Center (32 Campus Drive).

Stop by to say hello and to pick up one of our beautifully hand-crafted items. If you are not able to attend you can shop online at www.missoulaworksventures.org

Please bring an item to donate to the Missoula Food Bank & Community Center.

Today we recognize Clearwater Credit Union and Run Wild Missoula. Each of these community-minded organizations have chosen to use Missoula Works Sewing Ventures products for their events, cross branding endeavors, or as gifts to participants or customers.

THANK YOU for your support of Missoula Works Sewing Ventures and for all that you do to enrich our community!

To learn more about Missoula Works Sewing Ventures or to make orders for your business, contact [email protected].

You can view or purchase Missoula Works Sewing Venture products at www.missoulaworksventures.org

Check out this story on the Today Show about an incredibly generous donation made to Family Promise of the Midlands!

Craig Melvin’s family home repurposed as transitional housing A house that has been in Craig Melvin’s family since it was built in 1950 was put up for auction to pay for medical bills — but Craig’s family bought it to k...

Today we are highlighting two more of our beloved staff members, Anita Castro and Rose Konda!

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN ON STAFF AT MIC?
Anita: I have been with MIC since March 2023, so we are coming up on almost a year for me!
Rose: I have been with MIC since August 2022.

WHAT IS YOUR ROLE?
A: I am the Admin Assistant for MIC, so I do payroll, deposits, balance the books, pay bills, and I do all the scheduling & invoicing for the Get It Done Crew. I also am a part of our Community Building Team, so I help with all the fun activities that we do at MIC. i.e., teaching everyone how to hula hoop, our lovely poetry board, and our cribbage tournaments. I also set up and clean up all our main events that we have, including the potlucks!
R: I am the Business Manager for MIC.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB?
A: What I like the most about my job is all the wonderful and loving people that I work with. The most rewarding thing would also have to be all the love that I am surrounded by; everyone is so supportive and encouraging of each other, and very accepting. I love my job!
R: What I love most about my job is the sense of family, compassion and honest caring throughout MIC. Some days the work is hard, no doubt. MIC truly values people on a personal level, which makes the hardest days just as great. I like that I get to learn new things about MIC every day, and they are not just finance/accounting specific. I also love MIC’s vision, growth and culture. It is by far the most rewarding role I have had yet!

IS THERE MOMENT OR MILESTONE THAT STANDS OUT?
A: The milestone that stands out to me during my time at MIC is that I have accomplished a lot of my life goals in just a few short months here. Everyone here wants you to succeed in life, and they have been very helpful to me. I love my MIC family, so glad I found a job that makes me feel welcome and that I have a sense of belonging.”
R: “We had a person who wanted so much to participate in the Missoula Works Get It Done program that he walked over 20 miles from the Huson area to our office. The long walk left holes in the bottom of his boots. Within the week, an anonymous donation of a new pair of work boots was made for the participant. Little things go a long way and MIC recognizes and remembers the little things.

THANK YOU Anita and Rose! We are so glad you are part of the MIC family!!

A Big Thank you! to Westview Mini-Storage for donating dishware and supplies to go in our Welcome Baskets we give to families served by Family Promise of Missoula and the MIC Housing Advocate Network when they find housing! Thanks for thinking of us!

Please consider a donation to Missoula Interfaith Collaborative during Giving Tuesday (Nov 28th)! All contributions will go toward feeding, housing, and employing families in our community through Housing Advocate Network, Family Promise of Missoula, and Missoula Works!

bit.ly/3Yinoej

Thank you YWCA Missoula! We greatly value your partnership and all that you do to support folks in our community

♥ A note of gratitude to this community ♥

Thanks to our generous supporters and volunteers, last year our domestic violence shelter provided 8,440 nights of shelter to adults and children who had nowhere else to go after fleeing violent homes. We also converted several rooms to be pet-friendly, so that survivors do not have to leave a beloved dog or cat behind.

344 families received emergency shelter and/or supportive services through our Family Housing Center, which we operate in partnership with the Family Promise program of Missoula Interfaith Collaborative.

We truly could not do this work without our many supporters and partners. It takes all of us, together, to build a brighter future for the Missoula community.

See you on Saturday!

Please attend our Small Business Saturday Makers Market featuring the work of local artists, and makers including Missoula Works Sewing Ventures!
https://fb.me/e/6Nf6LzjpN

Today we recognize another incredible MIC staff member, Megan Clifford. Megan had her one year anniversary of working at MIC a couple of months ago and we are so fortunate to have her!

“I am the Housing Advocate Network Program Coordinator and Diversion Coordinator. I love getting to work alongside individuals looking for housing, building relationships with volunteers and members of our community. One moment that I will always remember is when the first family that I worked with finally got into housing after living in a hotel for 7 months! I had the privilege of delivering them a welcome basket. Seeing them in their new home was one of the greatest experiences of my life and they treated me to the most amazing home cooked meal! I still have a connection with this family today and I think that will forever be my favorite part about this work - building connections.”

THANK YOU, Megan, for all you do to keep our MIC programs running and to support individuals and families in our community facing housing challenges. We appreciate you so much!

Thank you St. Joseph’s Catholic School for donating food boxes for our MIC program participants today!

Thank you Missoulian for this great feature about Missoula Works Sewing Ventures!

Missoula-made gear benefits women, workers over 55 You can buy backpacks, slingbags and f***y-packs from a Missoula nonprofit that employs people of diverse backgrounds and abilities.

Thank you Lambros ERA for your generous gift to support Family Promise and Welcome Baskets!

Today we would like to recognize and thank Atonement Lutheran Church - Missoula , who have been participating in and supporting MIC programs for years. They are a Family Promise Support Congregation, and some members of their community serve as HAN advocates. They also have shared their space with us and currently house the MIC offices, and the Missoula Works Sewing Ventures facility.

THANK YOU, Atonement Lutheran, for your ongoing partnership! We look forward to continuing to collaborate and support one another.

Thank you KPAX-TV for this story about Missoula Works Sewing Ventures !!

Non-profit helping to create jobs in Missoula Missoula Works Sewing Ventures is a non-profit that creates job opportunities for marginalized people in the community.

Thank you to everyone that joined us for the ribbon-cutting event last night, celebrating the official launch of Missoula Works Sewing Ventures! Attendees enjoyed food, drinks, a tour of the facilities, and had the opportunity to purchase a beautiful hand made item.

Our local stitchers have created a line of high-quality, sustainable products including totes, f***y packs, cross body bags and more! Items can now be purchased online at: www.missoulaworksventures.org

Today we are excited to recognize three of our incredible MIC staff members, Linea Maxwell, Daisy Alexander, Naomi Hartman Gerheim. This dynamic trio brings so much to our MIC programs and culture, and we appreciate all they do!

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WITH MIC?
NAOMI: I have been a part of the MIC since BC (Before Covid). I have been an employee since February and was on the board before then.
DAISY: I started as a practicum student in August of 2022.
LINEA: I started with MIC in the beginning of March 2023.

WHAT IS YOUR ROLE?
N: I started as the Sales and Outreach Coordinator for MW, and am currently the Development Coordinator.
D: I am a Personal Development Coordinator. I connect people to jobs, through our staffing agency, and in-house employment programs (Get It Done, and Sewing Ventures). I support personal and professional development, and also do MIC program and community development.
L: I’m the Missoula Works Sewing Ventures Manager.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB?
N: Working with two of my best friends, and being part of the incredible work MIC does hardly feels like a job (most days.) I have learned so much, and look at the world in a whole new light.
D: I love being part of creating this place of belonging for everyone who comes through our doors, and I love seeing the looks of pride and satisfaction on people's faces when they receive positive feedback about their hard work. I also love witnessing participants growing and supporting each other.
L: Is “everything” an acceptable answer? I love getting to be part of this incredible idea, helping to bring it to life, and watching it grow! I love the team we’ve put together and the supportive working environment we’ve created! I love that when I think about our future I get excited and it energizes me!

WHAT IS ONE MOMENT THAT STANDS OUT?
N: The community that has been built is pretty incredible. Like any family, there are dozens of personalities that seem like they should logically be oil, water, C4, and a dozen Ghost Peppers, when put together in a pot, somehow make something amazing.
D: We have had some individuals choose to work for us over higher-paying jobs because they love the environment here. It makes me feel like what we are building and offering the community is a tangibly beautiful thing.
L: One that currently that stands out is moving to our current location. It was a collective effort and everyone had a part they played in making it happen! Having our own space and turning a vision into reality has been absolutely incredible!

THANK YOU Naomi, Daisy, and Linea for being part of the MIC family!

Please join us THIS WEDNESDAY for the official launch of Missoula Works Sewing Ventures!

Meet some of the staff, tour the facility and find out how to get your hands on a beautiful hand-crafted item. Our stitchers have been hard at work creating, innovating, and collaborating to put out a line of high-quality sustainable venture gear. Using repurposed and salvaged materials we are creating jobs for local citizens and doing our best to sew a better world one stitch at a time.

To attend the event, please RSVP here: https://bit.ly/3SwY2ZM

Need a turkey & fixings for your table this November holiday?
Stop by the food bank (1720 Wyoming St.) November 19th between 9am and 6pm for our annual distribution.
Check out missoulafoodbank.org for more info

Today we are highlighting one of our longtime partners, Immanuel Lutheran Church.

Members of their congregation regularly participate in MIC’s Faith Leadership Gatherings and Pastor Molly Sasser-Goehner serves as a leader within that group. Additionally, Immanuel Lutheran is incredibly supportive and giving to MIC programs, especially Family Promise. Each year, their volunteers take on the enormous task of leading and organizing the Family Promise Welcome Baskets, and the Holiday Giving Drive (a program that has been going on for over 40 years). These programs have helped support hundreds of families in Missoula.

Currently, there are over 50 Family Promise families eligible for a Welcome Basket or a Giving Tree gift. YOUR SUPPORT IS NEEDED!

GIVING TREE: We are looking for organizations and/or individuals willing to “sponsor” a family or families during the holidays. We will be supporting households who have obtained housing through Family Promise or the Housing Advocate Network this past year. By sponsoring a family, you get to help add some warmth and joy to their season.

WELCOME BASKETS: As families from Family Promise or individuals from the Housing Advocate Network “graduate” into homes of their own, each receive appropriately sized housewarming gifts of necessary supplies needed to reestablish home life. We are running very low on items and funds for the baskets and are seeking contributions.

To contribute, or learn more, contact [email protected].

THANK YOU, Immanuel Lutheran for your incredible partnership, and for all that you do to support MIC programs and more importantly - families in our community.

Please join us as we celebrate the official public launch of Missoula Works Sewing Ventures! We have been around Missoula for a while, but now we are launching out to the world. Our stitchers have been hard at work creating, innovating, and collaborating to put out a line of high-quality sustainable venture gear. Using repurposed and salvaged materials we are creating jobs for local citizens and doing our best to sew a better world one stitch at a time.

To attend the event, please RSVP here: https://bit.ly/3SwY2ZM

Today we are highlighting one of MIC’s incredible volunteers, Jim Prendergast. Jim is moving out of state very soon, and we sure are going to miss him.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN VOLUNTEERING WITH MIC?
I have been volunteering with MIC since it started up but became very actively involved two years ago.

DESCRIBE SOME OF YOUR VOLUNTEER WORK
At present I am on the MIC Board and will be present at Board meetings via Zoom from Venice Beach. My other volunteering has been doing Walk-ins at the Meadowlark one day a week. I also man the walk-in HAN room once a week. I also was on the Leadership Committee.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT YOUR VOLUNTEER WORK AT MIC?
The most rewarding aspect of my volunteering has been manning the walk-in room at the Meadowlark. Being there for unhoused families seeking shelter in the Family Housing Center has been an amazing experience in my life.

IS THERE A MOMENT OR MILESTONE THAT STANDS OUT?
Well, my speech at our MIC Fundraiser last June stands out. I never in my wildest dreams thought I could do it and the feedback was wonderful. Actually, it was a milestone in my life.

THANK YOU, Jim, for your years of volunteerism. We wish you the very best on your upcoming life adventure. You will always be a valued part of the MIC family.

Join us for our next program tour on November 15th! Register here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080d4aa5ab2da2fa7-mictour

Today we are highlighting YWCA Missoula, an incredible organization creating “real change for more than 3,000 adults and children each year.” They are also, one of our valued community partners.

Around 2016, MIC and the YWCA came together to address family houselessness. In a joint venture, we built the Meadowlark Family Housing Center (FHC). The FHC provides critical support and shelter for families experiencing houselessness. Additionally, it is where YWCA Missoula and Family Promise base their programs from.

We caught up with Becky Margolis (YWCA Communications Coordinator), and asked her the following questions:

WHAT STANDS OUT ABOUT THE COLLABORATION BETWEEN YWCA AND MIC?
“Appreciating the different experiences and perspectives that we all bring to the table. The dedicated MIC volunteers who wear many different hats and walk alongside families in our community to find housing and meet other critical needs, serve meals in the FHC, and build a support network.”

WHAT IS A RECENT MOMENT OR MILESTONE AT YWCA YOU ARE PROUD OF?
“Building and opening The Meadowlark, which has allowed us to serve significantly more people in the community and provide more comprehensive services. And then being flexible so we can adapt to our community’s needs-- like providing more support and longer stays to families in the Family Housing Center since the Missoula housing market is so inaccessible, more mental health care, and building up our programs for children.”

Thank you to the YWCA for all that you do in our community and for your continued partnership! To learn more visit www.ywcamissoula.org

Can the cats kicks off soon! https://missoulafoodbank.org/get.../events/can-the-cats

Next week kicks off Can the Cats. Every Missoulian is the key to success in this annual food drive competition! That means YOU- Yes, you-play a pivotal role in helping Missoula Food Bank & Community Center & UM Pantry outraise the Bozeman community! But how?? Donate at grocery stores, businesses, & schools around town. Cheer on our student-athletes & give at the gate! Buy a drink at one of many community pint nights! There's so many ways to make sure our community is nourished all winter long. Which one will you do?
Get ready at https://missoulafoodbank.org/get-involved/events/can-the-cats

Today we recognize the one and only Rebecca Pettit! She has been with MIC for close to seven years, and is currently MIC Development Director, and Family Promise Director.

TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT WHAT YOU DO
My job is so fun and rewarding! I get to share the amazing work we do in the community with our supporters and invite them to deepen their relationship with us. I have also been the Family Promise Director since this past spring and am continuously amazed by the shear number of volunteers in Family Promise, wow! We have such giving and amazing people in our community!

WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT MIC AND THE WORK THAT YOU DO?
Our community of volunteers and supporters is astounding. I love my coworkers, the people I get to work with every day are just astounding people. I love our partnerships in the community. Especially as a person who used to work at the YWCA, I love that I can still be involved with this amazing organization, just in a little different way. I love working with people of faith. Seeing faith in action in these beautiful ways is inspiring. I have never been bored with my work at MIC, not one day 🙂

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE MILESTONES OR MOMENTS THAT STANDOUT DURING YOUR TIME AT MIC?
The building of the Family Housing Center and seeing families have same day access to shelter is amazing. I remember when I was working at the YWCA, prior to the shelter, and we would talk to people about staying warm in their tents/cars if they were lucky and put them on a waiting list. The Family Housing Center is a joyous place, it's remarkable! Meeting Father Greg Boyle and having him at a MIC event was amazing. I find the work he does and Homeboy Industries so inspiring!

WHAT IS ONE THING YOU ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO?
I love that we are focusing on a community of belonging because there are so many people who are isolated and alone. I am excited to see where this goes.

THANK YOU Rebecca for ALL that you do for MIC and families in our community! We love you!

Come by Franklin Elementary TONIGHT between 5-8pm!

All are welcome! Learn more about the MCPS Native American Student Services Department on our website: https://www.mcpsmt.org/domain/1398

Today we are delighted to recognize the amazing Courtney Arntzen , community chaplain.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN CONNECTED WITH MIC?
I first learned about MIC when I was still living in North Central Montana, Casey Dunning presented to a group of pastors from across the state. In that presentation, he shared a dream, a vision, and a deep hope. I was tangentially connected with MIC while pastoring at First Presbyterian Church, Missoula. About five years ago (maybe check the dates), I was invited to speak at a fundraiser at First Presbyterian Church. After that presentation, I was invited to offer a reflection at the First Tangible Hope gathering held at the Wilma. That evening became a catalyst for my current position in Missoula as a Community Chaplain, serving individuals who have meaning-making questions but do not necessarily have a faith community in which to explore their wondering.

WHAT DOES YOUR WORK AS A COMMUNITY CHAPLAIN INCLUDE?
As Community Chaplain, I create spacious containers for holding the paradoxes of life. I offer space for the guests and staff at the Poverello to name the impact on their lives of friends who died. I hold space for individuals with significant encounters with the justice system to explore their beliefs about life, meaning, purpose and hope after an arrest or incarceration. I walk alongside groups as they talk through and process challenging circumstances that impact their entire staff. I get to witness some of the most complex aspects of life, and I get to witness seeds of hope sprout before my eyes. I am invited into some of the most challenging circumstances of life, spaces to which not many are invited. This is a wonder and certainly the most rewarding part of my work.

WHAT DREW YOU TO MIC?
MIC is a natural fiscal sponsor for the work of the Missoula Community Chaplain. They invite people of various belief systems to share in meaningful conversations. They help faith communities that may not otherwise be in the same room, to share space and find common purpose for the greater good of Missoula.

THANK YOU Courtney for all that you do for our community. To learn more about her work visit https://courtneyarntzen.com

We are looking for Crew member/Driver to be a part of the Get IT Done crew. This job offers experience in a variety of different fields. Send a resume to [email protected] or stop by Open Office Hours, Monday - Thursday 10 am to 12 pm. Read full job description in the comments below.

The first training option kicks off this Saturday! Reach out to [email protected] to sign up or learn more.

It is an opportunity for anyone in the community to learn a little more about the issues and dynamics of homelessness and gain some practical skills for engaging with neighbors in order to support them on their journey. Either join us for a full day Saturday training, with lunch, or subsequent Thursday evenings.

Register here: https://bit.ly/3RJUm6u

“We don’t show up with solutions. We stay engaged, de-escalate and find out what that person needs in that moment.”

This article highlights the work of the Mobile Support Team. The Missoula Fire Department and Partnership Health Center developed the program with the goal of "diverting people with low-risk behavioral health issues from jail and hospital emergency departments. The Missoula Mobile Support Team (MST) was implemented in the Fall, 2020 and currently works in collaboration with the Crisis Intervention Team (CIT)."

The fourth response – The Pulp When a Missoulian is in crisis, the best emergency response often arrives in a minivan.