KRTV’s Shannon Newth created the Five Under 35 initiative to recognize young adults in Great Falls whose attitudes and actions are making our community an even better place to live. This is the seventh year recognizing young adults in the Great Falls community. Out of about 50 nominations this year, the final five have been selected.
Rachel Arthur, 34 years old, is a care coordinator at the Indian Family Health Clinic in Great Falls.
“I make sure they have the proper housing, insurance, food, clothing, that they’re getting to their appointments,” Arthur explained.
The Great Falls native has been in her current role for around a year. She’s an advocate for patients who may not have a voice, to ensure they get the care they need and connect them to resources.
“I love working in the community and I love helping people in the community who may not be as fortunate as others and letting them know there are people out there to help them and get what they may need if they want it,” said Arthur.
The person who nominated Arthur said caring is the one simple word that best describes her. She’s encouraging and gives from her own pocket, recently helping someone who became homeless in subzero temperatures.
“I felt bad for this gentleman because he rides his bike all over town. He didn’t have a face mask, he didn’t have a hat, he didn’t have gloves,” Arthur explained.
Arthur hopes to lead by example, showing respect to all the people she meets at work and in the community.
“If you look at someone and you’re automatically judging, you’re not going to be able to communicate with the person and if you can’t communicate with the person, then you’re not going to be able to help them. If you’re holding judgment against someone, there is no way that you’re going to be able to help this individual in their most vulnerable state,” Arthur shared.
As part of the Five Under 35 program, each honoree is asked two questions, meant to put conversation and thought in our community. Those two questions are:
- What does Great Falls have going for it?
- How can Great Falls improve?
Arthur is working to introduce a new training model about the impact of trauma and poverty. She says her big focus is on educating people about poverty and resiliency.
Arthur believes community leaders should look at what types of businesses are coming to Great Falls and how they play into our economy and what kind of jobs they produce. "Other companies want to come to Great Falls, are they going to benefit us or are they not going to benefit us? Are they going to ring in more low-income paying jobs or are they going to bring in the margin of maybe better paying,” Arthur said.
The Five Under 35 initiative wraps up each year with a luncheon for new honorees and past winners.
- Five Under 35: Luc Swensson
- Five Under 35: Jami Wald
- Five Under 35: Joshua Diegel
- Five Under 35:Matthew Hunter
