09. Appointment - Planning BoardThere1111g, Iselelyll White
From: Blake Sherman [shermanblake@hotmail.com]
Seat: Friday, June 10, 2011 7:11 PM
To: Theresa White
Subject: Kalispell Planning Board (Read This One Please. It has the attachment.)
Attachments: Social Service Resume 2011.doc
To the city of Kalispell,
My name is Blake Sherman and I wish to serve as a new member of the cities planning board. I have a strong interest in
building a better Kalispell and community development in general. Kalispell is a developing city and I feel I would offer
fresh insight to its growth. I was born and raised in Kalispell, but spent other chapters of my life in U.S. cities like Los
Angeles and New York City, as well having lived abroad. I returned to Kalispell two years ago and feel like my time away
has both given me a greater appreciation for the place I grew up, and also visionary possibilities for what it can be in its
future. I believe Kalispell is a great place to live, but with progressive (and much needed) planning Kalispell can become
even better.
I'm attaching my resume that includes various positions or projects I have done that involved working with people and
communities. Resume aside, I think my greatest skill is a person who brings communities and their peoples together, as
well as a person who believes in taking action to simply make things better.
Please contact me with questions or to have further discussion.
All the best,
Blake Sherman
shermanblake@.hotmaii.com
.720 Stage Lane
Kalispell, MT 59901
323-542-0056
725 Farview Street
Kalispell, MT 59901
323-842-0056
shermanblake@hotmail.com
SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS:
Working with people and communities of different social, cultural, and economic backgrounds. Experience in
education, community development, social service, non-profit organizations, creative arts, and counseling.
EXPERIENCE:
Flathead Dod eball Association Kalispell, Montana
.Position: Founder/Director ... ... ... ... ...... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ........... ... ... 1012009-Present
Designed and built a non-profit adult recreational sports league. Managed over 100 players and their separate teams.
Established a sustainable program that has already experienced two separate seasons. Instituted league advertising,
scheduling, regulations, and co-operative partnerships with other businesses that built enthusiasm for the league and
positive growth for the community.
Contact: Ginny Wilson (390) 927-5359
"Voices" Mural Pro'ect Kalispell, .Montana
Position: Project ...................................................................................... o�lo� D-Prese�at
Applied and received a grant through the Puffin Foundation that assisted in funding a creative arts project for the
community. Organized several mentor artists to work with a group of teenagers to design and create a mural.
Utilized team building activities and facilitated creative inspiration for participants. Provided a creative outlet for
both artistic minds and people of different, sometimes marginalized, backgrounds. Worked in partnership with
freelance artists, local high schools, and non-profit agencies for homeless or "at -risk" youth.
United A ainst Hatred Kalispell, Montana
Position: Co-Creator/Advocate... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ....... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ..... 0312010Present
Created a community advocacy organization to promote diversity and counter hate -group activity. Promoted the
group via social networking, which brought nearly 500 people to support the group and its causes through social
networking. Helped organize rallies to protest against hateful activity in the local community. Designed and
organized a community event/concert called the "Global Block Party" to encourage diversity within the community
and global citizenship.
Contact: CJ Cummings (406) 257-1654
Citizens For A Better Flathead Kalispell, Montana
Position: Site Coordinator..........,.... . 0612010-Present
Guided by the CFB non-profit agency, directed participants and volunteers for a project called "Operation Medicine
Cabinet" that encourages the community to properly dispose unused pharmaceuticals. Provide education about the
Flathead Valley water system and sustainable resource management.
Contact: Mayre Flowers (406) 756-8993
Missoula AIRS Council Kalispell, Montana
Position: outreach Counselor ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ........................................................ ... .... 0912009-0612010
Worked with both the Flathead Health Department and a non-profit agency based in Missoula, led community
education and testing of communicable diseases in the Flathead Valley Area.
Contact: Jen Macfarlane (406) 740-2604
Stella Mari's (NGO} Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Position: Teacher...................................................................................................04/09-07109
Duties: working with children in a very low-income community. Teaching the fundamentals of the English
language. Enhancing Learning Skills by in -class Exercises/Gaines/Assignments. Integrating processes of
Community Development and building curiosity in Social Education.
Contact: Bebel 55-21-2275-6405 or bebel54@hotmail.com
Women In Need, Inc. New York, New York
Position: Case Manager Assistant...............................................................................09/08-12/08
Ditties: Assisting the case manager in daily activities at a 200+ family homeless shelter in Brooklyn, NY. Observing
client In -Take, Screening Processes. Finding State/Government Program Assistance. Shadowing In -Shelter
Psychological Counseling/Peer Mediation. Helping Residents Find Jobs, Mousing, and Preparing Professional work
Resumes. Data Entry and Filing.
Contact: Cyril Jacobs (718) 495-6292 ext. 841
School District No. 5 and High.. School District Kalispell, Montana
Position: Substitute Teacher.....................................................................................04/03 -06/08
Ditties: Supervising Flathead High School students in classes of English and the Theatre Arts. Former teachers of
mine entrusted me with their classroom to use my knowledge to facilitate Theatrical Exercises and .maintain a
Supportive Creative Environment.
Contact: Greg Adkins (406) 758-8671
Youth with A. Mission virgin Islands & Costa Rica
Position: Outreach Worker...................................................................................10/2002-03/2003
Ditties: Facilitating Community Building Programs with both youth and adults. Projects included
Construction/Maintenance of Buildings and Properties and Creative Arts Education. Tutor/ Recreation Aide for
After -School Program for At -Risk youth.
Contact: Rhodna Gladney (340) 778-7373
Flathead C.A.R.E. Kalispell, Montana
Position: Counselor.........................................................................................................06/01-
06/01 (seasonal)
Ditties: Teaching Teens the Importance of living a Drug Free Lifestyle. Creating Activities that Nurture Teamwork,
Trust in Others, and Confidence in the Social Arena. One -on -One Mentoring with Teens. Counseling of Personal
Issues. Promoting Healthy Lifestyles and Community.
Contact: Derek Dalton (406) 212-8674
Kalispell City Parks and Recreation Kalispell, Montana
Position: Camp Counselor/ Lifeguard.................................................................. 06/0 l-08/02(seasonal)
Ditties. Supervising and creating games, activities, and sports for children ages 5 through 12. Leading the youth with
Peer Relations, Teamwork, and positive Social Interaction. Aiding and Building Intellect through art and field
trips./// Maintaining Safe Environment and well-being of Children and Adults at city pool. Knowledge of CPR and
other Lifesaving Skills.
Contact. Aide Sawnyer (406) 758-7718
EDUCATION:
City University of New York
PUC — Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
New School University
American Academy of Dramatic Arts
REFERENCES:
Cohen .Ambrose
Michael Wilson
Shannon Jakes
Communication and Culture 08/09-present
Community Development 03/09-07/09
Social Research 09/08-12/08
Theatre 09/03-06/04
(406) 407-6126 Friend
(814) 441-5445 Professional
(406) 261-8598 Friend