MOI executive, board still leaning toward renovations

Over the past two years the Board of Directors and Executive, Director Don Nevrivy of Malta Opportunities, Inc. has been engaged in a planning process and worked with Ballantyne Design Associates (an Architect firm from Fort Benton, Mont.) to prepare a Preliminary Architectural Report (PAR) which assessed the conditions and potential alterations to its Day Activity Center located on the corner of Central Ave (also US 191) and 3rd Street in Malta. Funding for the PAR was provided in part by an award made to the City of Malta on behalf of MOI from the Montana Department of Commerce Big Sky Trust Fund and CDBG Planning. Eryn Nissen, Community Planner with Bear Paw Development Corporation is assisting with the project.

Through this process officials and a volunteer committee reviewed multiple options which included new construction and several configurations at the existing location. A preferred alternative has been identified which includes significant interior and exterior renovations to the existing MOI building which will improve the overall safety, convenience and efficiency of operations and bring the facility into code compliance. The projected project cost is $761,875.00 and includes construction, contingency, grant administration services and architect fees. MOI board will be working to identify optional additional expenses for items such as storage cabinetry, furnishings, equipment and alternative contingency options.

A public hearing was recently conducted by the Phillips County Commissioners, who have agreed to sponsor applications to the Montana Department of Commerce for grant funding assistance for the project. MOI is prepared to provide matching funds and will consider a local capital campaign if needed to assist with other costs. An important aspect of the application process is public awareness and support of the project.

MOI, is charitable nonprofit corporation, established in Malta in the mid 1970's following a movement to encourage placement of developmentally disabled people in communities across Montana in lieu of institutionalized settings. Under contract with the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS), MOI coordinates supported employment, day activity and transportation services for seventeen Clients in addition to operating a separate residential housing unit known as the Group Home. They also provide assistance to nine Clients in single or independent living situations.

Valued production services provided by MOI and its clients include a commercial laundry for over 15 business customers in the Malta area; a public laundromat; recycling that includes cardboard pickup and baling in partnership with the City of Malta, aluminum can collection and recycling and cutting rags for sale and quilting; a community Thrift Store; custom document shredding and individual cleaning and snow removal for local businesses in Malta.

According to MOI Executive Director Don Nevrivy, MOI is in the top ten of non-government employers in Phillips County and in 2015, their annual payroll was $537,000. This includes 12 full and part time staff persons at both the Day Activity Center and Group Home plus 17 Clients. Of those 17 current Clients, 10 are originally from Malta or Phillips County. Others came from across Montana and places like Bainville, Billings, Poplar, Harlem, Havre, Glasgow and Hardin. Nevrivy noted that "improvements to the Day Activity Center will help retain current employees and Clients and help assist in serving the ongoing needs of the disabled in our community and across Montana in the future. We're excited about this project and the positive changes it will bring."

The mission of MOI is to provide services to people with developmental disabilities that will allow them to achieve their personal goals, reach the highest level of independence they choose and pursue a lifetime of self-fulfillment.