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Mission Moments
April 7, 2023 denisem

Mission Moment

Our Assistance Coordinator has been working with a client for 3 years now, helping her navigate a great deal of obstacles and adversity present throughout her life. This client suffers from a mental disability and transgressed from stability to instability during this time.
Since our Assistance Coordinator has known this individual, she has been admitted to the State Hospital (Warm Springs) twice. She was housed for a time but, due to her mental illness, the property management company would not continue her lease agreement. This tragically left her with no option other than the streets.  For months she traveled between Helena, Butte & Ulsa. She had full custody of her daughter before she experiencing instability and this last time but now went an entire year without seeing her baby girl which only added to her nightmare she found herself in. One cold night while in Ulsa she was walking on Mullen road by Ulsa’s “Tent City” sector where the homeless would stay and was hit by a small SUV going 40 mph. She went To St. Patrick’s by ambulance and was in a coma. After being in the hospital for a few months she was released and came back to Helena, MT. She got her daughter back full time, which was a blessing but was still struggling with homelessness.
After bouncing between three houses, couch surfing she found an ad online for an available apartment. Good Samaritan Ministries Assistance Coordinator had worked with this particular landlord  before, so she called him to advocate for her client. He had already rented the apartment that the ad she had found was for. But serendipitously, he had literally just hung up with another tenant of his who informed him that he had to move out in a week, thus, leaving another apartment available.  Through the grace of God and the blessing of compassionate people, this apartment became available only a week before her section 8 expired indefinitely. She now was able move into her new stable home with her beautiful daughter April 2nd, 2023.
A year and half ago all of her belongings were put into a storage unit that America Storage gave to Good Samaritans for free to use for clients such as this one. Good Samaritans Assistance Coordinator called up Instar Community Service Hannon House which is a transitional living home for men in recovery working to change their lives. They agreed to assist in moving our client’s belongings from the storage facility to her new home. Nine men showed up offering their time for free to help another in need. This is the second time The Hannon house has helped Good Samaritan move a client. Amazing collaboration and selflessness of these incredible men doing service work that really does make a difference. Good Samaritan cannot Thank Hannon House enough for this help. Our client broke down in tears out of gratitude and hope when saw these nine men there to help her. What a humbling experience.
Another successful client housed with the assistance of Good Samaritan Ministries. Not only did we help her and her daughter get stable housing, but we helped a single mom and her 5 year-olds life to be changed forever. Even in our current housing crisis, we succeeded with this case. Her deposit came from The Hunthausen Fund that is half grant half loan and she will have a year to pay back her half of the deposit. Your donations made this possible and changed this family’s life. Good Samaritan is beyond blessed to have donors such as you to be able to financially assist those in need of a hand up.
You change lives. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
From all of our Good Samaritan Staff
Events, News
January 11, 2023 denisem

January is Poverty Awareness Month!

January is Poverty Awareness Month. More than 1.5 million children experience homelessness in a year and over 37 million Americans live in poverty. Our Street Outreach Program is always in need of hats, gloves, socks, blankets, sleeping bags, and tents for our unsheltered neighbors if you have any of these items to donate please drop them off at Good Samaritan or Our Place.

Events, News
November 28, 2022 denisem

2022 SHARE THE WARMTH COAT DRIVE

STARTING THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1ST AT 9:00A.M. – 4:00P.M.
GOOD SAMARITAN WILL BE DISTRIBUTING LIGHTLY USED WINTER COATS
AT THE GSM RECEPTION OFFICE TO THOSE IN NEED
THIS HAS BEEN A COLLABORATION WITH: MR. WISE CLEANER, MONTANA RADIO AND GOOD SAMARITAN MINISTRIES
THANK YOU TO ALL PARTNERS!
Job Openings, News
November 28, 2022 denisem

OPEN POSITION: Full-Time Dock Production Assistant

Name: OPEN POSITION
Job Title: Dock Production Assistant
Department: Dock Warehouse
Reports to: Michelle Hughes
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Hours: 40

Pay:TBD

Mission Statement: Good Samaritan Ministries, motivated by Catholic social 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.

The objective of the Position: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The Dock Production Assistant is responsible for accepting incoming donations as well as sorting and preparing donations for store sales. Working under very stressful conditions is a must. They must possess the ability to be flexible and work on other assigned projects and duties as necessary and instructed. Skills needed for this position are attention to detail, multi-tasking, organization, able to take instruction, works consistently throughout the shift, complete all tasks given.

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, lifts furniture items and assists customers with loading purchased merchandise
 Responsible for keeping the dock warehouse clean, orderly, and safe during scheduled shift.
 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
 Other duties as necessary
Other Duties and Responsibilities:
 Interacts and communicates professionally and effectively while maintaining open communication with supervisors, and other team members, customers and clients.
 Functions as a team member for the success of the Good Samaritan Store

 Learns New Tasks
 Follows Directions and Policies
 Attends work on a regular basis with minimal absences or tardiness
 May be required to work over 40 hours a week, or re-arrange hours as necessary, must be
approved by the supervisor
 Attends all meetings and trainings as required
 Other duties as assigned

Qualifications:
 Organized, sets priorities, meets deadlines and works with minimum supervision
 Excellent customer service skills while dealing with customers, co-workers, and volunteers
 Must be a team player
 Valid MT Driver’s License, or valid MT Identification Card, and social security card for hiring
purposes and dependent upon position.
Preferred:
 High School Diploma or GED
 Previous experience or knowledge of thrift store operations
Physical Requirements:
 Frequent Lifting, carrying, and transporting of objects weighing up to 125lbs or above.
 Mobility within the facility and ability to occasionally drive, load and unload the delivery truck

Working Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of
those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
 Mainly works inside the building
 Fast paced store environment with heavy traffic flow on and off throughout the day

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature of the work being performed by employees in this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications. The Good Samaritan Ministries Management reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet the store needs.

Job Openings, Uncategorized
November 28, 2022 denisem

Financial Assistant

Objective of the Position:  To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

 

The Fiscal Manager Assistant assists in managing and implementing fiscal, accounting procedures and policies.  This position works under strict timelines and completion dates.  Must possess the ability to be flexible and work other assigned projects and duties as necessary and instructed.  Must have working knowledge of bookkeeping, fiscal management, accounting procedures, payroll processing, grant development and grant management. Skills needed for this position are attention to detail, multi-tasking, and organizational. Should be proficient in QuickBooks, Microsoft Office, and Internet Utilization and have at least three years of progressive accounting responsibility.  Experience in nonprofit accounting and/or thrift store operations is strongly desired.

 

Essential Skills and Abilities:

Duties and Responsibilities including but not limited to the following:

Accounting Skills

  • Knowledge of principles, practices, terminology, and common forms used in GAAP, computerized accounting, and general ledger. General understanding of internal controls and auditing practices and procedures.

 

Annually

  • Develops, modifies and maintains the Annual Report and Fiscal Policy and procedures manual
  • Prepares and maintains audit reports from a variety of supporting records and works closely with auditing firm on annual audit and Form 990.
  • Prepares draft of annual budget with input and final approval by the Executive Director and the Board.
  • Prepares 1099 MISC forms for vendor payments

 

Monthly

  • Analyzes and reconciles financial records/accounts for discrepancies and corrects irregularities.
  • Prepares monthly adjusting entries to reconcile prepaid accounts, loan accounts, record assistance activity, etc.
  • Compiles, with accuracy, reports and financial statements for Board review, granting agencies, and internal departments in Excel and QuickBooks.
  • Prepares for and attends all board meetings.

 

Weekly/Daily

  • Maintains and monitors Point of Sale system and records store sales daily.
  • Communicates with vendors (as required) regarding accounts payable.
  • Maintains and reconciles bank accounts for multiple programs (Thrift Store, Assistance, loans, savings and various grants).
    • Prepares (daily) and records deposits across program bank accounts
    • Prepares and records vendor payments across program bank accounts, utilizing online bill pay and checks.
  • Perform routine calculations to produce analyses and reports as requested.
  • Help oversee and manage individual accounts.
  • Create, send, and follow up on invoices.
  • Is a backup for payroll processing, ensures payroll garnishments and child support payments are made in a timely manner.
  • Assists in monitoring, tracking, and maintaining databases to include monetary donations, in-kind donations, financial assistance, in-store assistance, thank you letters and tracking for donors and volunteer hours.
  • Classify, records, and summarizes financial data to compile and keep financial records.
  • Compile statistical, financial, accounting or auditing reports and tables pertaining to such matters as cash receipts, expenditures, accounts payable and receivable, and profits and losses.

 

Grants

  • Assist and participate in grant development opportunities with the Fiscal Manager and Executive Director; identifies needs and researches potential opportunities for grant submission. Help assist in the development of grant proposals.
  • Maintains a master grant list; develops reports on status and manages the internal and external reporting requirements as established by the grantors.

 

 Other Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Promotes the mission of Good Samaritan Ministries and Thrift Store Functions effectively as a team player while interacting and communicating professionally and effectively, maintaining open communication with supervisors, and other team members, customers, clients, vendors, and community partners.
  • Attends all meetings and trainings as required and pertaining to position.
  • Learn new tasks.
  • Attends work on a regular basis with minimal absences or tardiness
  • May be required to work over 40 hours a week, or re-arrange hours as necessary, must be approved by the supervisor
  • Comply with federal, state, and company policies, procedures, and regulations.
  • Adheres to all building safety requirements according to the fire code for all areas in the store.
  • Other duties as assigned

 

Special Events:

  • An integral part of the special events team to include Fashion Show, St. Francis Dinner and other fundraising events.
  • In conjunction with the Executive Director, develops requests for donations, sponsorships and in-kind donations.
  • Responsible for fiscal responsibilities during fundraising events
  • Assists in maintaining and keeping fundraising databases current

 

Qualifications:

  • The desire to promote the mission of Good Samaritan Ministries and Thrift Store
  • Must be skilled and proficient with QuickBooks and maintaining databases
  • AA or preferred BA in Accounting, Business or another related field OR 5-10 years’ experience or a combination of education and work experience in accounting and/or bookkeeping, Accounts Payable/Receivable
  • Grant development and writing (to be discussed)
  • Attend Board meetings and present/review financial statements
  • Valid MT Driver’s License or valid MT Identification Card for hiring purposes

 

Physical Requirements:

  • May be required to lift, and carry objects weighing up to 20lbs. team lifting 20lbs and above
  • Must be able to sit for long periods of time while working on the computer
  • May spend work hours interacting with vendors, staff, customers, or those in need of support through the ministries.

 

Working Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

 

  • May work both inside and off-campus to attend community meetings.
  • Fast paced store environment with heavy traffic flow on and off throughout the day
  • May be required to interact throughout the day with customers or those in need

 

Job Openings, News
November 28, 2022 denisem

Full-Time Cashier Needed

 

 

Job Title:  Full-Time Cashier

Department: Cashier

Reports to: Marlene Elledge

Hours: 40/week

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Pay: $9.25

                                                                               

Mission Statement:  Good Samaritan Ministries, motivated by Catholic social 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.

 

Objective of the Position:  To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

 

The Cashier is responsible for operating cash registers, credit cards, personal check sales as well as voucher transactions from our Ministry program.  They maintain a clean, organized, and safe environment which is pleasing for employees and customers.  They are responsible for responding to “Back-up” cashier calls.  They will possess cashier, and cash handling skills.  Excellent Customer Service is a must.  They must possess the ability to be flexible and work other assigned projects and duties as necessary and instructed.  Skills needed for this position are attention to detail, multi-tasking, organizational, able to take instruction, works consistently throughout the shift, complete all tasks given.

 

Essential Functions:  Duties and Responsibilities including but not limited to the following

Cashier Responsibilities:

  • Operates cash registers, cash transactions, credit cards, personal check sales, as well as voucher transactions
  • Ensures Check Rite machine is used on all check transactions
  • Acts as the first point of contact by greeting and assisting customers, treating all with dignity and respect
  • Responsible when a “Back-Up’ cashier is called that you respond and cover for the time period needed.
  • Answers incoming calls when the Receptionist is not available
  • Responsible for managing the flow of the front counter and cash register
  • May be required to tidy up the dressing rooms

 

Other Cashier Responsibilities:

  • When you have down time ensures shelves are stocked for daily sales, especially during ½ price sale
  • Responsible for keeping assigned cashier areas clean and orderly, while keeping displays pleasing to the customer’s eye.
  • Assists with “pull downs” at the end of the month or as directed.
  • Puts away processed and priced merchandise to the correct departments as time allows
  • 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 staff and/or area
  • Greets and assists customers, treating all with respect and dignity
  • Works consistently through the day with approved breaks.  When area duties are “caught up”, finds other tasks or projects to stay busy in the effort to support the store and co-workers
  • Takes initiative to help others by picking up around the store (inside and out), moving empty carts into cart area when needed
  • Other duties as necessary

 

Other Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Interacts and communicates professionally and effectively while maintaining open communication with supervisors, and other team members, customers and clients.
  • Functions as a team member for the success of the Good Samaritan Store
  • Learns New Tasks
  • Follows Directions and Policies
  • Attends work on a regular basis with minimal absences or tardiness
  • Attends all meetings and trainings as required
  • Other duties as assigned

 

Qualifications:

  • Organized, sets priorities, meets deadlines and works with minimum supervision
  • Excellent customer service skills while dealing with customers, co-workers, and volunteers
  • Must be a team player
  • Valid MT Driver’s License, or valid MT Identification Card, and social security card for hiring purposes and dependent upon position.

 

Preferred:

  • High School Diploma or GED
  • Previous experience or knowledge of thrift store operations

 

Physical Requirements:

  • Ability to stand for long periods of time, Frequent Lifting, carrying, and transporting of objects weighing up to 25lbs.
  • Mobility within the facility

Working Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • Mainly works inside the building
  • Fast paced store environment with heavy traffic flow on and off throughout the day

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature of the work being performed by employees in this position.  They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications.  The Good Samaritan Ministries Management reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet the store needs.