SOMERS — The morning began like any other two weeks ago as snow blanketed the farmland south of Kalispell near the northern shores of Flathead Lake. The household came alive with pre-dawn chores, including feeding the cattle, pigs and chickens.
But something new and exciting was also on the agenda that day — a ski trip to Blacktail Mountain. After finishing the daily duties, the group dressed in warm gear, loaded into a van and said a prayer together before traveling to the mountains for a day on the slopes.
After 16 years, the Lighthouse Christian Home is beaming as bright as ever. The interdenominational, nonprofit organization has 15 adults with developmental disabilities living at the 8,000-square-foot home on 40 acres in Somers. Thanks to the support of Fresh Life Church and community members, the organization underwent a renovation this winter that opened up a new apartment upstairs and allowed for the home to welcome one more adult; there has been a long waiting list since the home opened in 1998.
“It’s amazing to see the community wrap its arms around us,” said Shirley Willis, the executive director. “This is one of the most supportive, generous communities that I’m aware of. It’s unbelievable the response we’ve gotten.”
Only seven years ago, the Lighthouse Christian Home had seven residents and five staff members. Now it is growing to 16 residents, including three who live in the adjacent supported living home, and 12 staff, as well as numerous volunteers. The home broke ground in 1994 after the land was donated by Lowell Bartals of the Helena-based “Farm in the Dell” program, which serves individuals with developmental disabilities. It opened with only two residents.
The mission of the home remains the same as ever: to provide life-long care for adults with developmental disabilities through a faith-based, family-oriented environment with residential and work activities.
Residents at the home, ranging in age from early 20s to mid 40s, are aided by staff and volunteers as they maintain a full working farm and garden year-round. Each has their own rooms located in specific male and female areas, and they have daily chores that mix with fun activities, such as games, or even skiing. The residents have eagerly started training for the upcoming Special Olympics Winter Games at Whitefish Mountain Resort on Feb. 28-March 1.
“The point is this is their house. This is how they experience life. For us, we serve them,” Willis said.
Along with the upcoming Winter Games, the group at Lighthouse Christian has another special event in the weeks ahead.
The Tim Tebow Foundation is organizing the Night to Shine, a prom-night experience held at churches across the world next month. The Canvas Church in Kalispell was selected to host the lone Night to Shine in Montana on Feb. 12. The events are held to create an unforgettable prom night experience for people with special needs, ages 16 and older. It includes a red carpet with photographers and a dance floor with music, making for a memorable evening.
“We have our opportunities to socialize any way we choose, whereas it’s very different for this population to find a social avenue,” Willis said.
“To have an event like this is an amazing opportunity that they are really looking forward to.”
Canvas Church is seeking volunteers for the event.
The Night to Shine event is the latest opportunity for the community and Lighthouse Christian to come together. The residents are involved in several community events throughout the year. For example, the group has a team for the upcoming Polar Plunge in Whitefish on Feb. 6.
“We’re very incorporated in the community and the door is always open,” said Kathy Kingery, development director at the home.
She added, “It’s really nice when you walk in the door and get a hug. You don’t go to work very often and get a hug.”
The home is constantly fundraising and accepting donations as it remains a self-sustaining organization. For more information, visit www.lighthousechristianhome.org.