Summit has recently contracted with Portland State University to participate in a research project called the Women’s Safer and Stronger Program along with two other centers for independent living, Sources in Fayetteville, AR and ABIL in Phoenix, AZ.

The project will last three years and women from western Montana who have experienced abuse are welcome to participate. The program is an online education tool that is designed to help women with disabilities learn to be safer from abuse and to provide them with information about local resources where they can get assistance if they are experiencing abuse.

Jude Monson, program manager; Susan Morris, outreach specialist; and Leanne Beers, board member, will be taking the lead in this project for Summit. In addition, we will have the opportunity to work with staff at the Rural Institute, including Rosemary Hughes and Rebecca Goe, and their valuable resources. We will be recruiting volunteers from the seven counties in western Montana to participate in this program so if you or someone you know may be interested, please contact Jude or Susan at the Missoula Summit office 728-1630.