October 2018: Conversations and Research Begin, Meetings, Networking Among Community
January 2019: Entity Formed, 7-Member Board of Directors Created from a a broad base of expertise and community affiliations with experience in sober/transitional living, addictions counseling, social work, grant-writing and non-profit administration, accounting, real estate, and public health administration.
January 2019: Began attending BSB Substance Abuse Task Force meetings
March 2019: 501(c)3 Application Approved by the IRS
March 2019: Prospective Facility Identified: Action Inc. Building
April 2019: Began developing partnerships with other related service providers in town, including the Butte Rescue Mission, CCCS Inc, AA/NA and Montana Chemical Dependency Center.
July 2019: $15,000 Grant received from Montana Healthcare Foundation to pursue State of MT DPHHS Substance Use Disorder provider endorsement; develop revenue model; business plan.
August 2019: Began working with Aune Associates Consulting to pursue MT state endorsement as a Substance Use Disorder provider.
August 2019: Entered a Buy-Sell Agreement on a 7-Bedroom house with a closing date of November 1st.
September 2019: $15,000 grant from the Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation to support participation of low income individuals and pay salary for the Residential Manager
September 2019: Withdrew from contract to purchase house due to inability to adequately respond to neighborhood backlash and the spread of misinformation
October 2019: Submitted a proposal for a partnership to CCCS Inc. Board of Directors, outlining a plan for sharing resources and asking their organization to provide treatment services to residents in the SPIRIT Home through the SMART Program
November 2019: Began crafting a job description for a full time Residence Manager to live in the home
December 2019: Discussed options for building a home with a local developer and an architect, as there would potentially be less backlash from neighbors if we built on an empty lot
February 2020: Continued to search for appropriate home in Butte to site the SPIRIT Home
March 2020: Posted job description for Residence Manager online
April 2020: Began interviewing potential candidates for the Residence Manager position
May 2020: Hired Demetrius Fassas to serve as the part-time Executive Director
June 2020: Purchased Home at 609 West Galena, in Butte, MT
July 2020: Received $1,000 grant from the Anaconda Community Foundation to assist in paying for home improvements
August 2020: Home improvement projects and outfitting with furnishings and fixtures to suit the needs of the Recovery Home
September 2020: Received $15,000 grant from the Gianforte Foundation to assist in paying for home improvements
October 2020: Received $2,300 grant from the Western Service Area Authority to support participation of low income individuals
November 2020: Hired/Contracted Residence Manager and Assistant Residence Manager positions
December 2020: Received $40,000 grant from Montana Mental Health Trust to cover Executive Director and Assistant Residence Manager staff positions
January 2021: Moved in first Butte SPIRIT Home Resident
April 2021: Received license from Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services as an ASAM Level 3.1 Recovery Home
May 2021: Received $15,000 from a private donor to establish a Scholarship Fund for low-income residents
July 2021: Received $50,000 grant from the Montana Healthcare Foundation to scale up staffing and create a benefits package
August 2021: Transitioned Residence Manager position from CCCS contract to Butte SPIRIT payroll
September 2021: Received $26,000 grant from the Gianforte Foundation to cover Residence Manager staff position
October 2021: Granted full State Approval from the Department of Health and Human Services, enabling Butte SPIRIT to bill insurance for provided services
November 2021: Butte SPIRIT Home reached full capacity for the first time with 7 men living there; 12 total men served since January 2021
December 2021: Received $50,000 grant from Montana Mental Health Trust to cover Clinical Director staff position
