We started our day today volunteering at the thrift store, called Twice But Nice. This store is operated by Mission Mountain Enterprises, an organization that serves adults with disabilities on this reservation. In Ronan, the town where we are staying, there is an activity center for adults with disabilities right next to the Thrift Store. The individuals take turns working at the store and doing activities at the center each day. They are remodeling their thrift store next week, so it was great to be there to help them empty out rooms, and pack up all of their inventory! We got to work alongside adults with disabilities from the reservation, and had a lot of fun.
After volunteering at the Thrift Store, we took a tour of Salish Kootenai College, which is about two miles down the "highway." This is the Tribal College on the Flathead Reservation. Each reservation has a tribal college, and according to everyone we've talked to, this is the best tribal college there is. There are nine baccaluarate programs and around 850 students. There are dorms and a dining hall, student government, and other college activities.
After the tour, we went to the Tribal Vocational Rehabilitation Consumer Focus Forum. They hold this forum every once in a while to hear from their clients about their services, what they need and benefit from, and any other comments. We were welcomed with a sign and they provided lunch, and even huckleberry ice cream for dessert!
There were around 20 people at the meeting, all sitting in a large circle. These people included the Tribal director of Voc Rehab, the director of DHRD, and the director of another nonprofit that serves people with disabilities of all types, along with volunteers and clients. It was very interesting to hear about the services and challenges in this cultural and rural area.
We had to leave the meeting early, however, to get to our next volunteer placement! We were to volunteer up by Flathead Lake with the Environmental Protection Agency, doing a tribal campground cleanup.
*** One of the coolest parts of everywhere we have been is that each time we go somewhere, we are introduced to so many important people! At University of Montana in Missoula, we met each program directo. At Tribal Health, we met with the director and his staff. Now, at the Tribal offices, we met every single staff person there; they all came down to meet us, introduce themselves, and explain what they do. Then they all wanted a picture with our group! It was so awesome to be so welcomed. ***
The tribal campground cleanup finished earlier than expected, so we took advantage of our extra time by takinga dip in Flathead Lake. Montana is well-known for this lake as it offers the most beautiful view of snow-capped mountains and refreshing, aqua water that comes from snow melt. Peaceful naps were interrupted by some hard-core playful wrestling between Adrian and Josh, which only escalated as the day went on.
After visiting the lake and eating dinner, we came back to the Bed and Breakfast only to have another visit from Rich and his son. Rich, the director of the Environmental Protection Agency, has a 14 year-old son with autism. He was so welcoming of our group and enjoyed Josh, Adrian, and Christy so much that he came over to visit and take some pictures of us and his son. We are hoping his interest and support will help start a Best Buddies chapter here!
With all this action and fun, we have been completely enjoying time with each other and others in the community. It is still noteworthy to mention the awe of the scenery. The breathtaking sunset has a different mystery everyday and leaves a stunning red-orange haze over the rolling plains in the West and reflects on the snow-capped mountains in the East. It brings great closure and beauty to each day.
No comments:
Post a Comment