Helena Industries 2016 Annual Update

A YEAR OF INNOVATION

Table of Contents
Helena Industries Introduction
Big Sky E-Recycling
Benchmark Manufacturing
Woodshop
Mail and Fulfillment Center
Community Programs
Work First
Thrift Store
Case Management
Janitorial Services
Gala
PAGE ONE TO THREE
PAGE FOUR & FIVE
PAGE SIX & SEVEN
PAGE EIGHT & NINE
PAGE TEN & ELEVEN
PAGE TWELVE & THIRTEEN
PAGE FOURTEEN & FIFTEEN
PAGE SIXTEEN & SEVENTEEN
PAGE EIGHTEEN & NINETEEN
PAGE TWENTY & TWENTY-ONE
PAGE TWENTY-TWO & TWENTY THREE
Helena Industries received the 2016 Pride of the Patch Award from Farm and the Dell
International. Lowell and Suan Bartells presented the award at the 2016 Cowboy Cowgirl
Up Gala in October.
Sarah, a Helena Industries team member who works in
Benchmark, shows off the briefcases the team creates for a
number of large clients.

For over 46 years, Helena Industries
has provided vocational and
rehabilitative opportunities to
empower people with disabilities to
lead productive and fulfilling lives.
HELENA INDUSTRIES FAST FACTS
Every year, Helena Industries serves approximately 900 people with
significant disabilities throughout southwestern and central Montana.
Helena Industries is headquartered in Helena and has case management offices in
Bozeman, Butte, Anaconda, and Great Falls. Helena Industries case management
offices serve 11 Montana counties.
Helena Industries hosted the 2016 World Down Syndrome
Awareness Day on March 21, 2016. Governor Steve Bullock
joined the Helena Industries crew, the West Mont Cheerleaders,
and more to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of
people with Down Syndrome in our community.
Helena Industries employs approximately 150 people and pays over $1
million annually in wages, contributing to the economic vitality of Montana
communities.
PAGE ONE

From Left to Right: Senator Jon Tester, Helena Industries Big Sky E-Recycling
Director, Matt Elsaesser, Helena Industries Team Member, Ray Loves Him,
Montana Representative Ryan Zinke, Helena Industries Employee, Dory Winters,
and Montana Senator Steve Daines.
TO THE MANY CHARITABLE DONORS, CUSTOMERS, AND
VOLUNTEERS WHO SUPPORTED HELENA INDUSTRIES
THROUGH GENEROUS DONATIONS OF FINANCIAL GIFTS,
TIME, AND TALENT.
A special thank you to the Treacy Foundation and
the Gianforte Family Foundation for their generous
2016 grant awards.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
Helena Industries is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. There are
many ways families, individuals, foundations, and companies can
support the organization’s work. From purchasing Helena Industriesmade
products to using our services or making a financial contribution
to exploring a planned gift, your support allows the organization
to sustain and grow it’s ability to provide important, life-changing
services.
Staff can assist you in determining the option most suitable for your
financial needs.
Call us at (406) 442-8632
OR
visit us online at www.helenaindustries.org
PAGE TWO

2016 ANNUAL PICNIC HELENA CIVIC TELEVISON
David Fulkerson was recognized at the Annual Picnic as the 2016
Consumer of the Year. David works with Thrift Store employee, Wayne,
completing collection pick ups and providing fantastic customer service
across the Greater Helena Area.
Helena Industries employees, Katie Gallagher and Karri Jones, started the Helena
Industries Report. The segment airs on Helena Civic Television and features
organizations and people in the Helena community that are committed to generating
opportunities for and providing services to people with disabilities.
Proud Members of
the following:
2016 ANNUAL PICNIC
Paul Kindt was recognized at the Annual Picnic as the 2016 Helena
Industries Employee of the Year. Paul works in Benchmark and is the
Executive Director of PEERS Unlimited, a nonprofit organization that
provides social and integrative activities for people with disabilities.
PAGE THREE

BIG SKY E-RECYCLING
Generating
employment
opportunities by
keeping waste
out of the landfill.
In December 2016, the Big
Sky E-Recycling Program
celebrated it’s one-year
anniversary. The Program
works with businesses,
government agencies, and local
communities to ensure that
electronic waste is recycled
safely and responsibly.
PAGE FOUR

In 2016, The Big Sky E-Recycling Program provided on-going public e-waste collection in
partnership with the Helena Industries Thrift Store and coordinated e-waste collection events
throughout the Helena community and the region in rural communities like Conrad. To
encourage and make easy e-waste recycling, the Program hosted quarterly collection drives
in partnership with Helena Recycling and the State of Montana. More than 8,000 lbs. of
e-waste was collected from Helena-based State of Montana employees who were able to safely
and responsibly recycle their personal outdated and unused electronic devices from laptop
computers to televisions, PDAs, and printers.
STATE OF MONTANA E-WASTE
COLLECTION EVENT
Looking to 2017, the Big Sky E-Recycling Program will continue to prioritize recycling and
reuse, generating revenue to sustain and grow the program by selling selected and sanitized
devices on eBay.
WORKPLACE SAFETY IS OUR
PRIORITY
100
TONS
OF E-WASTE
COLLECTED IN
YEAR ONE.
The Big Sky E-Recycling Program is proud to be part of the national CyclePoint network
and is R2/RIOS licensed, prioritizing workplace safety, data security, and generating
employment and training opportunities for veterans and people with disabilities. Today,
the Program has grown to employ eight people. The Program gives employees and other
participants from organizations like Career Training Institute and the State of Montana
Vocational Rehabilitation Program transferable skills for workplaces and industries
of the future.
Montana Senator John Tester stopped by to recycle his personal electronics from his ranch in
Big Sandy, Montana. He even was able to send his hard drive through the shredder to ensure it’s
complete and certifiable destruction!
PAGE FIVE

BENCHMARK MANUFACTURING
Creating products
designed to empower.
With the introduction of new product
lines, Helena Industries Benchamark
Manufacturing team members take
pride in knowing the products they
create are beneficial and appreciated
by the end-users .
PAGE SIX

In 2016, Helena Industries designed a new
product: wine totes. The totes comfortably
and conveniently carry 2, 4, or 6 bottles
of wine. Island Liquor Store and The
Hawthorn Bottle Shop and Tasting Room,
both local businesses, purchased customized
wine totes. The totes are sold at their retail
locations.
RECYCLED
BAGS
WINE TOTES
Helena Industries is a proud member of the
Montana Nonprofit Association (MNA).
MNA reached out to Helena Industries ahead
of their 2016annual conference and asked the
Benchmark team to make conference bags
made from recycled banner material. Recycled
banner bags are now a new Helena Industries
product line!
NEXT GEN USFS
BACKPACKS
The United States Forest Service (USFS)
has worked with Helena Industries
for approximately 35 years. Helena
Industries creates large backpacks for
wild land firefighters. In fall 2016, the
USFS introduced the new generation of
backpacks. The backpacks are larger and
can are designed to hold up to two week
worths of supplies for firefighters. There
are over 90 steps to create a single bag!
17,000 + BACKPACKS MADE
FOR THE
USFS OVER 35 YEARS!
PUNKINFUTZ
CREW
In spring 2016, Helena Industries
Benchmark Manufacturing Team was
fortunate to secure a contract with
PunkinFutz, a NYC-based company
that creates products for children of all
abilities. Owner, Lisa Radcliffe, decided to
work with Helena Industries because she
wants the creation of her products to be,
“part of the solution for all our children’s
futures.” Helena Industries works closely
with the company to produce multiple fun,
creative products, including the PunkinPie
(shown above). This project represents the
innovation and diversification Helena
Indsustries knows is key to future growth.
PAGE SEVEN

It takes two. A number of tasks in the Helena Industries
Woodshop require teamwork. This provides our team members with
disabilities the opportunity to work together, honing their teamwork
skills and, together, taking pride in a job well done.
WOODSHOP
PAGE EIGHT

Helena Industries
recieved a grant from
the Treacy Foundation
to purchase a new
pallet machine to
increase productivity
and generate training
opportunities.
In August 2016 long-time,
loyal customer, American
Chemet made their largest
pallet order ever. Thanks
to the new equipment,
the Woodshop team was
able to answer their call
and fulfill the pallet order!
Importantly, the equipment
continues to provide an
opportunity for people
with disabilties to learn,
use, and hone a new skill.
Working with local
businesses like
Blackfoot River
Brewing Company
generates revenue
for our Woodshop,
which translates
into vocational
opportunities.
This year, Helena Industries
worked with the Blackfoot
River Brewing Company
team to make their holiday
gift boxes. The boxes were
a hit. Around the holidays
Helena Industries was also
fortunate to work with the
recently re-branded Gulch
Disillers, producing unique
boxes to display their locally
made spirits.
“Helena Industries has been providing
pallets for American Chemet for the last 35
years and they have done a great job for us.
We have grown thru the years and Helena
Industries has grown with us allowing us to
purchase most of our pallets locally.”
~American Chemet
PAGE NINE

MAIL & FULFILLMENT CENTER
Sharing the beauty of Montana with
the world. For over 40 years the Helena Industries Mail and
Fulfillment Center has worked with the Montana Department of
Commerce’s Office of Tourism to distribute travel packets about the
wonders of Montana to prospective visitors. The Helena Industries
Mail Center provides employment opportunities for approximately 20
people with disabilities.
PAGE TEN

Helena Industries attended the Montana Department of
Commerce’s 2016 Made in Montana Tradeshow held at the
Lewis and Clark County Fairgrounds. At the Tradeshow, Helena
Industries representatives met the owner of Missoula-based
business, Flyvines. Flyvines makes accessories like sunglass
crookies, bracelets, and dog collars from recycled flyfishing line.
Flyvines secured a large number of purchase orders at the show,
and as a result had one of the best problems a young business
can have. They had to figure out how they were going to fulfill all
their purchase orders. The Helena Industries Mail and Fulfillment
Center team stood ready to help. Team members took on the
project, completing small assembly work, helping Flyvines meet
their production goals and grow their company.
The relationship was win-win for two Montana-based
companies.
“Helena Industries quickly
assembles our mailings,
adds labels, pre-sorts to
destination, fills out any
paperwork, and delivers
these to the bulk center at
the Post Office. They send an
average 600 travel brochure
packages per week for us, give
us accurate and professional
advice, and always let us
know about ways we can save
money on our large volume
orders. Helena Industries
saves us time, money, and
after partnering for the last
15 years, I don’t know how
we’d be able to do what we do
without them.”
~Canon Leurkens, Montana
Office of Tourism
PAGE ELEVEN

COMMUNITY PROGRAMS
Connecting people with
disabilities with meaningful
community-based
employment.
PAGE TWELVE

Clients come to Helena Industries Community Programs from the
State of Montana Vocational Rehabilitation Program. Clients have
diverse backgrounds: some are graduating high school and seeking
their first job while others hold college degrees., others served our
country in the United States Armed Forces or have experienced a
medical issue later in life that resulted in a disability.
Regardless of background, the goal remains the same:
to help people with disabilties determine and realize
their career and education goals.
Long-term Job Coach, Vern Whitlock retired
in 2016. Vern provided job coaching, followalong,
and other services to Helena Industries’
clients for over 20 years.
Thank you to the over
60 local employers who
partner with us to connect
people with disabilities
with employment and
training opportunities.
Helena Industries Job Coaches work hard
to provide vocational services and support
to adults and youth to help them become
competitively employed with local employers.
Job Coaches help clients identify, obtain,
and maintain competitive employment that
matches their vocational skills, interests,
and abilities.
PAGE THIRTEEN

WORK FIRST
Workplace innovations that
work. A visit by SourceAmerica Industrial
Engineer, Paul Nishman, encouraged creativity
and innovation in Work First. By creating a
group work station, Work First team members
can now interact while they confidentially shred
documents for businesses, organizations, and
community members. A simple innovation with
a big impact.
PAGE FOURTEEN

24
TEAM
MEMBERS
Our Document Destruction Team prioritizes
data security and environmental stewardship. To
make sure that the program cut waste, the Work
First team collaborated with the Benchmark
Manufacturing crew to make reusable canvas
bags to store and transport shredded paper. The
hand-made canvas bags eliminated the annual
use of approximately 10,000
plastic bags entirely!
"It's amazing to see the change in the employees. Now our employees work
together better and positive interactions are commonplace. For example, they
encourage one another and sometimes engage in friendly
productivity competitions."
~Richard Ferris, Work First Program Manager on the creation of a team workstation.
The Work First team continues to
complete a number of outdoor
maintenance jobs, helping Valley
Bank locations keep their exteriors
litter-free and washing windows
at local State Farm Insurance
agencies. The community-based
jobs allow for Work First team
members to not only enjoy fresh
air and a change of pace, but also
interact with community members
and one another in new settings.
The team work station for
document destruction has
made a significant impact in
Work First. For example, since
the introduction of the new
work station, team member
productivity has increased
30 percent and behavioral
issues decreased over a
three-month period by
approximately 60 percent.
PAGE FIFTEEN

THRIFT STORE
Prioritizing variety
and value.
When community members shop at the Thrift Store,
they support for Helena Industries’ mission to provide
meaningful vocational opportunities for
people with disabilities.
PAGE SIXTEEN

Thanks to Rodda Paint, the
Helena Industries Thrift Store
got a face lift, which include
a fresh coat of paint.
It’s 50% off every Wednesday at the Helena Industries Thrift Store!
Helena Industries welcomed
a new Thrift Store Manager
in April 2016, Caryn Walsh.
Caryn has made significant
improvements to the store,
priotizing value, variety, and
customer service. She has
also started a Silent Auction,
which features vintage and
unique items.
The Helena Industries Thrift Store
provides vocational opportunities for
people with and without disabilties.
Approximately 25 people work at the
Store, which is open 7 days a week!
PAGE SEVENTEEN

CASE MANAGEMENT
Ensuring people with
disabilities have the tools and
resources to thrive.
PAGE EIGHTEEN

CASE MANAGEMENT OFFICES LOCATED IN:
Butte Bozeman Anaconda Great Falls
SERVING THE FOLLOWING COUNTIES:
Butte-Silver Bow Madison Beaverhead Anaconda Deer Lodge Cascade Gallatin Jefferson Granite Park
Provided case management
services to over 700 people with
disabilities in 2016.
In the words of people that Case
Managers serve:
“ I have been very pleased
with HI Case Management. I
feel like they know who I am,
as well as my brother. They
return calls immediately and
get things done.”
“This is the first year our son has had a case
manager. We are just learning the ins and outs of
the services that are available. The Case Manager
has been the most helpful navigating us through this
process. He is a very knowledgeable young man and
is a pleasure to work with. Thank you. We would not
know what to do if you aren’t on our team.”
“Our Case Manager continues
to go above and beyond helping
us cope with our end of life
experiences. Our consumers wellbeing
is very important to her and
we greatly appreciate it.”
PAGE NINETEEN

JANITORIAL SERVICES
An opportunity for community-based
employment. The Helena Industries Janitorial Team
provides custodial services to state and federal agencies as well
as private businesses across the Greater Helena Area.
PAGE TWENTY

13 Helena Industries Janitorial
Team members clean approximately
350,000 square feet
of office and retail pace in the Greater
Helena Area everyday.
The Helena Industries Janitorial Team secured a contract
with the historic Montana Club and some of the building
tenants in downtown Helena. The Janitorial Team also
secured a new contract with The Hawthorn
Tasting Room and Bottle Shop.
In 2016, Helena Industries successfully
renewed a contract with the U.S.
Department of the Navy to provide
comprehensive maintenance, snow removal,
and custodial services at their
Ft. Harrison location.
Helena Industries bid farewell and best of luck to Bob Richardson, Janitorial Manager. Bob Richardson
led the Helena Industries Janitorial Team for 10 years.
PAGE TWENTY-ONE

A fundraiser and friend-raiser to support Helena Industries
mission and work.
Cowboy Cowgirl Up for
Helena Industries
PAGE TWENTY-TWO

THANK YOU TO THE OVER 300
COMMUNITY MEMBERS WHO
ATTENDED THE FIRST-EVER
“COWBOY COWGIRL UP FOR
HELENA INDUSTRIES”
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE
WINNER OF THE 2016 RAFFLE, MR.
SKYLAR DENMAN!
Skylar will be joining the Helena Industries
team spring 2017, and he plans to treat the
entire PEERS Unlimited group to his raffle
winnings. The raffle prize includes a barn
dance at the historic Kleffner Ranch with
music by Rob Quist and a chili feed thanks
to Chili O’Brien’s. The raffle was made
possible thanks to: Kleffner Ranch, Mary Jane
Davidson, Park View Dental, Comfort Suites,
Blackfoot River Brewing, and
Helena Copy Center.
THE EVENT WAS HELD ON SATURDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2016
AT THE HISTORIC KLEFFNER RANCH
RAISED OVER $75,000 TO ADVANCE HELENA INDUSTRIES
MISSION AND WORK
A LIVE AND SILENT AUCTION
MUSIC FROM THE HIGH COUNTRY COWBOYS
MADE POSSIBLE BECAUSE OF GENEROUS SPONSORSHIPS AND
DEDICATED VOLUNTEERS.
PAGE TWENTY-THREE

1325 Helena Ave., Helena, Montana 59601
HelenaIndustries.org
info@helenaindustries.org
(406) 442-8632