By Cindy Mullet
Ranger-Review Staff Writer
Glendive’s newest AmeriCorps VISTA was a little skeptical about moving to a small town in Eastern Montana, but Community GATE’s job description convinced her to give it a try.
Kahdesha Chiles said she lived in a small town in Nebraska from the ages 8 to 19 and didn’t like it. Small towns where everyone knows everyone’s business are great for parents with small children, but sometimes offer few options for young adults.
“I did some research looking for places that are good for young people. Glendive was not on the list,” she noted.
But of all the positions she was offered, the Glendive one fit her skills and interests most closely and that, along with encouragement from her mother, tipped the scales for Glendive.
“Mom encouraged me to take it,” she said, “and if Mom’s behind it…”
The other VISTA positions offered less direct contact with people. In Glendive, her primary responsibility will be to help establish a Sober Living program, and she will live in the Prairie Development Center where the program will be based.
“I’m passionate about people, about helping others. What better changes can I bring than living with people and working one on one with them?” she asked.
While Chiles didn’t officially start her VISTA term until Aug. 22, she arrived in Glendive Aug. 11 and in her first days at the PDC had an experience that tested her patience and professionalism, she said.
It was not a pleasant experience, but she felt good about the way she was able to handle it. Facing such challenges will help her grow as an adult, she noted.
Chiles has a degree in psychology and wants to be a life coach. Helping to develop a Sober Living program will use her training and skills. In the beginning she will be working to find funding, set up a Sober Living Facebook page and put together a Power Point to explain the program but eventually will work directly with the participants.
“I have lots of ideas,” she said, adding that as a young adult she can bring a different perspective to the table.
Living above her office workplace is convenient. If she has something on her mind, it’s a short walk to the office. Walking downstairs to go to work will also be especially nice in the winter, she added.
While Chiles’ primary work will be with Sober Living, she is also eager to explore other Community GATE projects and see how she can help with them. She is impressed with Community GATE leaders Bruce Smith and Peggy Iba and their vision for the community
Chiles arrived in Glendive right at fair time and had a quick introduction to how that community involvement plays out. Her second day in Glendive found her out at the fair helping in the 4-H food booth.
“I heard free food and I was there,” she noted, adding that it was a good way to get a feel for the community.
She is also looking forward to being involved with the planning for the upcoming harvest fest and junkapalooza, she said.
While last week was only week two of her VISTA term and she is still in orientation phase, she has experienced so much it feels like week 100. Time seems to fly by, she said.
Even though she was apprehensive about small town life, Chiles has appreciated the warmth and kindness she has experienced from people in the community and is looking forward to learning to know more people and do what she can to make Glendive a better community.
“I’m sure people will see me around,” she said, adding that while Sober Living is her primary focus she is happy to be involved with other community projects.
Reach Cindy Mullet at
crmullet@midrivers.com