News from ‘The Nest’
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Jen Blumberg Executive Director The Nest
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The Nest, a transitional living home in St. Ignatius, plans to open its doors to pregnant and parenting young women and their children in March, so we are looking for people interested in working or volunteering at this supportive living home.
We anticipate the following schedule: a Lead Resident Advocate will work 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday (this position has been filled); we will have a staff person come in from 4 to 8 p.m. weekdays, to assist with dinner and bedtime; and the night shifts will be from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. On weekends we will also have 12-hour shifts. We want to be flexible and also would encourage some form of job sharing. We will also need fill-in shift workers.
Rather than specific educational degrees or titles, we are interested in people who have a good understanding of boundaries; of how trauma affects us, especially children; are non-judgmental; are respectful of all people and cultures; and those who have the philosophy that we are always learning. Training, which will be on-going, will be provided. We are also looking for people who understand the dynamics of domestic violence, and also appreciate the importance of the Adverse Childhood Experience, or ACE, study and all its implications. At least an undergraduate degree is preferred, but not essential.
We are also looking for people interested in teaching about cooking and other life skills, including exercise, arts and crafts, etc. As we get to know the residents’ personal hopes and dreams, we will also be recruiting mentors in specific areas.
If you are interested in volunteering and/or becoming a part of our staff, please send a letter of interest, a resume, and three references to The Nest Personnel Committee, PO Box 726, St. Ignatius, MT 59865. No phone calls, please. You can learn more about The Nest at www.facebook.com/TheNestMontana
There will be a volunteer/staff training for those who are interested in being involved at The Nest on Saturday, Feb. 20. For more information, email nestmontana@gmail.com
Our dream at The Nest is that all children will grow and develop to reach their full potential. And this goes for the moms, too. We will work closely with the new mothers to develop goals and monitor their progress, building on each mom’s individual strengths and skills.
Moms will be encouraged to live for at least six months at The Nest, and may stay for up to two years. The Nest will use the Parents as Teachers curriculum in culturally sensitive ways to deliver services that emphasize parent-child interaction, development-centered parenting, and family well-being. Circle of Security classes will provide additional parenting support. Both programs are highly-praised evidence-based models.
Referral forms for potential residents of The Nest have been given to our community partner agencies. The women will be asked to fill out a short application form and an interview will follow. Although there is room for just three moms and their children at The Nest, we will also offer classes in the community on cooking, gardening, parenting and more.
The Board and staff of The Nest wish to thank the generous individuals here and across the state who have understood the need for this kind of program for our moms and kids, and have brought us to this moment — after two years in the making, The Nest will very soon be changing lives.
