Flathead Industries

Flathead Industries sits in the heart of Kalispell, Montana, with roots going back to 1973, and you'll find it's grown into a network that reaches across the Flathead Valley to Whitefish, Columbia Falls, and even a clearance store in Kalispell, always working as a non-profit to help everyone feel welcome and involved. This place has always stood for offering support and jobs to people with disabilities and others who face barriers to employment, through group homes, supported living, a life-skills center, and day services, with over 18 locations now, including spots for residential services, administrative work, and skill-building programs. There's a strong focus on building an independent and active life for seniors and community members with disabilities, and so Flathead Industries runs a large team with about 180 staff members helping over 200 people every day, meeting them where their abilities are and guiding them toward life goals together. The emphasis on community shows up in their recreation center, arts room, and spaces for walking, gardening, events, and even resident-run activities, along with a library, barber/salon, movie nights, and furnished rooms with amenities like telephones and a 24-hour emergency call system, plus meal service and a dining room for social meals. There's also a physical therapy clinic to support health and recovery, as well as help with daily needs like bathing, dressing, medication, and transfers, always trying to keep people engaged and active, whether they're older or someone with unique support needs. Their thrift stores, such as Glacier Thrift, Kalispell Thrift, Missoula Thrift, and Whitefish Thrift, as well as their Clearance Store, stand out for offering a wide collection of donated clothing, home goods, and furniture that see new life, all while saving millions of pounds from the landfill each year through upcycling and repurposing. Around 5,000 items come in daily from about 50 donors, and those items get sorted and resold or used in the community, keeping this effort pretty lively and connected to fundraising, events, and donation drives like the Great Fish Community Challenge and the Climb Big Mountain. People can also find jobs here, like Life Mentor (DSP), or join in community events, with information, updates, and ways to donate easy to find on their website. Flathead Industries exists to create a more inclusive valley, always adapting to what the community needs, with programs like vocational rehabilitation, scholarships, and support services for everyday living, always making room for everyone to belong.