Mineral County Help Line prepares for fall bazaar
Left, Cassie Hewett, advocate and administrative coordinator, and Amy Kelsey, program director and crime victims advocate, make up the Mineral County Help Line. Volunteer driven, the organization is holding its fall bazaar on Saturday, Oct. 19 and looking for help, but also long-term assistance in an organization that focuses on domestic violence and sexual abuse. (Photo provided)
The Mineral County Help Line is a nonprofit organization that started in 1990 to focus on domestic violence and sexual assault victims.
“We help with orders of protection, safety plans and help people sign up for state benefits. We’re a support system with the focus on domestic violence and sexual assault that can provide shelter through motel arrangements for both men and women,” explained Cassie Hewitt who is an advocate and has been the administrative coordinator since December.
Amy Kelsey is the program director and crime victims advocate. The two make up the paid staff with the office on the backside of the Mineral County Library in Superior next to the MSU Extension Services.
The hours are Monday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and available by appointment by calling (406) 822-4262. This is not to be confused with the Crisis Help Line (406) 822-4202 which is answered 24/7 but this does not replace the priority call to 911.
Most people have heard of the National Domestic Violence Hotline which assists victims, and anyone calling on their behalf, by providing crisis intervention and this is the local level of those essential services.
“We work with Mary Furlong with Healthy Relationships and the We Care Foundation and the courthouse as we assist families and individuals with filing orders of protection, and we can accompany clients to court hearings if needed, but mostly provide information about available services and options. People often are looking for information about what their options are. They are likely to go to their pastor or a trusted family member before turning to law enforcement or the criminal justice system,” Hewitt said.
Robert Harris, director of Rescuing Cujo said his new facility is available to assist as an emergency temporary dog shelter if he has room for family situations if they hit that level. When tragedies and crisis situations happen, there are people on standby to help, and the MCHl is a starting point for those contacts.
The organization is grant funded and volunteer driven.
“The Helpline is always open to have multiple spots volunteers can help with but the spring and fall bazaars are always an area volunteers are great because we need help setting up and taking down and just assisting in organizing them in general.” Hewitt stated. “And then eventually, after extensive screening, training and criminal history check, we like to have volunteers take the crisis line, but we like to have them start with the bazaars so that we can see if everyone is a good fit and that their commitment level is with us. You get to know how people operate with one another in a setting of organization and implementation with their skill sets.”
The fall bazaar will be Saturday, Oct. 19 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Superior Elementary Gymnasium at 1003 5th Ave. East. This is one of two bazaars they host each year, and they are not themed, but rather invite anyone who has items to sell and organizations who need more public awareness to bring their goods and information. Mineral County Help Line is soliciting raffle and door prizes as well as vendors and unpaid help that have an interest in what the organization does for vulnerable and frightened people who might live next door.
The Victims of Crime Act federal grant covers most of the wages of the Mineral County Help Line but incidentals like gas cards, motel rooms and meals are covered by donations and merchant fees of the bazaars. It’s $20 for the space and merchants are asked to bring their own tables, chairs and extension cords, if power is required.
From knitted mittens to fresh eggs to fall produce to custom made jewelry and knives…bring it. Become familiar with your neighbors.
Every origination needs volunteers, and new residents could kick tires to see if they are interested in giving some of their time by visiting with those participating on Oct. 19. (406) 822-4262 to offer help with the bazaar, to register to sell goods and to find out more about the Mineral County Help Line.