Organization that provides mental health, disability services cuts 80 jobs

ANACONDA — AWARE Inc. announced that it is cutting 80 positions, the majority affecting staff for services and group homes across the state.

The layoffs are in response to a series of recent regulatory changes within the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, combined with tighter budgeting handed down by the 2011 Legislature that could threaten up to $1 million in AWARE funding in the next year.

AWARE Inc. is a private, nonprofit organization that provides community-based services to people with mental, emotional and physical challenges who would otherwise be served in a more restrictive setting.

Larry Noonan, CEO of the Anaconda-based organization, said 48 of those jobs are part-time with respite care services in the Billings area. They also lost six jobs in the Butte and Anaconda area between maintenance, Early Head Start, respite and administration.

From: Billings Gazette