2. Would I be required to work at Helena Industries before I was placed on a job with a community employer?
No, while some individuals do choose to work in one of Helena Industries’ production/services areas for a while, many individuals that we serve go directly into community jobs.  Our objective is to provide the best combination of work and work training possible for each person.

3. How many people does Helena Industries serve?
Helena Industries serves approximately 500 people with disabilities annually.  The majority of these people receive vocational evaluation, vocational training or case management services.  Our vocational services are provided in Helena and the surrounding area, while our case management services are available in Helena, Bozeman, Butte, Great Falls, Anaconda and points in between.

4. How many community employers does Helena Industries work with?
Over our 30 year history, Helena Industries has found job placements with more than 500 employers.  At any given time, we will be actively working with 50 to 60 businesses that employ persons with disabilities.  We carefully match the skills and interests of the employee with the needs of the employer.  After placement, our staff works hard to ensure that the employee learns the job and that the employer is satisfied.

5. Where would I live if I chose to receive services from Helena Industries?
Helena Industries is a qualified provider of Supported Living Services and can provide these services on a limited basis.  There are also several other qualified providers of residential services in the Helena area.  To the extent possible, we will assist new folks in locating an appropriate living situation.

6.  What products does Helena Industries make?
We have two product manufacturing areas, Wood Products and Benchmark Textiles.  In the wood product area, we make a variety of items such as stakes and lath that are used by the State and Federal highway departments in road construction.  We also make shipping containers and pallets, specialty gift boxes and storage sheds.  In the textile plant, we make backpacks, duffel bags, briefcases, and other heavy fabric products.  Most of these products are sold to the Federal government and are used by workers who fight forest fires.

7. Will I be paid for work done while I am in work training at Helena Industries?
Yes.  Helena Industries follows U.S. Department of Labor rules regarding wages paid to people with disabilities while learning how to work.  Helena Industries pays productivity-based wages that are tied to community standards.  Last year, Helena Industries paid over $1,000,000 to workers.
If you are working in a job outside of Helena Industries in our supported employment program, you will be paid on the wage scale of the employer for whom you are working.

8. How do I apply to come to Helena Industries?
Three ways – 1) If you receive services from the Montana Vocational Rehabilitation Program, request that your VR Counselor make a referral to us at Helena Industries; 2) If you receive services from the Developmental Disabilities Program, talk to your Case Manager about making a referral to Helena Industries; 3) If you are not working with either of these agencies or are not sure, call us directly at (406) 442-8632 and ask to speak to the Director of Programs.

9. I am an employer who is interested in possibly hiring individuals through Helena Industries.  How do I get more information?
We are always delighted to work with new employers!  Please call Kerrie Reidelbach, our Job Placement Specialist, at (406) 442-8632.  Kerrie will be happy to meet with you to determine what your needs are.  Once she knows what you are looking for, she will work hard to find the right person to fill the bill. Kerrie can also provide you with information about the benefits and incentives available for employing a person with a disability.  If, after placement, it is determined that your new employee needs some extra help to learn the job, we can provide a job coach who will teach job skills to the employee and will ensure that the job is done well from the first day of employment.

10. Do I have to pay for the services I will receive at Helena Industries?
In most cases, individuals who are clients of the Montana Developmental Disability program do not have to participate in the cost of the services they receive.  For individuals who are clients of the Montana Vocational Rehabilitation program there is a financial means test that could require some individuals to contribute to the cost of their services. For the most part, Helena Industries is reimbursed by these two programs for the services it provides, however, from time to time we do serve individuals who pay for their own services because they do not have funding from another source.

11. How successful is Helena Industries at meeting the needs of people with vocational challenges?
For specific information about Helena Industries’ success, please click on the “Annual Program Report” link at your left.  Over the nearly 4 decades that Helena Industries has been in existence, it has had a reputation for providing a wide variety of employment options, being very successful at finding community jobs and focusing on real work rather than work simulation.  The folks we serve experience the pride and dignity of doing meaningful jobs and being rewarded for their efforts.  Quality is a high priority for us as is indicated by our being continuously accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF).