Joe Thompson Volunteer Spotlight

Joe's wife, Donna, was the original founder of the Anaconda Family Resource Center. Her professional life was dedicated to helping end all types of family violence.

Since its inception, Joe has assisted Donna in every step. In the late 1980's, Joe and Donna took classes to become accredited facilitators in Parenting Classes. Shortly thereafter, Joe began co-facilitating a domestic violence group. Almost immediately after that, a Guardian Ad Litem program was developed and again, Joe was a key player.
A few years had passed and then a new self esteem program for children was added as a service. Again, Joe was at the forefront. Other classes he helped initiate included babysitting, dating violence, inappropriate touch and inappropriate aggression.

It's important to note that Joe did all this while he was employed as a full-time Forensic Psychiatric Social Worker at the Montana State Hospital. After working a full day, Joe would come home, ready to support and assist Donna in any way possible; all on behalf of the children of Deer Lodge, Powell, and Granite County's.

Joe continues to volunteer; he is an active Guardian Ad Litem and steps in whenever needed for other programs. He also continues to facilitate the Stress and Anger Management classes. In Joe's words, "I continue in that capacity today after Donna's death and my retirement, and offer to serve in whatever way I'm needed. It keeps me active."

The staff and board salute Joe Thompson and all that he has done for this agency. Without the efforts of Joe and those like him, we would not have the valuable services we offer today. SALUTE!!!

---