July 25, 2007
Judith Basin County Public Assistance Office Closes
The Judith Basin County Office of Public Assistance has been closed indefinitely, the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) announced Wednesday.
The office serves about 100 low-income county residents from Hobson, Stanford, Geyser and Raynesford who utilize the state Food Stamp, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and Medicaid programs.
According to DPHHS Office of Public Assistance county director Barb Gilskey, the office kept regular hours in the Judith Basin County Courthouse in the county seat of Stanford for the past 20 years.
But, after the office’s one part-time employee resigned in May, the decision was made to not fill the position. Gilskey said the Stanford position will instead be used to bolster staff at other county public assistance offices that are growing and need additional staff.
The move prompted the Judith Basin County caseload to be shifted to the Fergus County public assistance office in Lewistown. There, social services specialist Susie Fabian has been assigned to the Judith Basin clients. She can be reached at 406-538-7468.
Even though the office is closed, there will be an opportunity for clients to meet with staff in person in Stanford. On the last Thursday of every month, a public assistance employee will be available in a basement office of the courthouse from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The office is handicapped accessible.
In addition, Gilskey stressed Judith Basin County residents don’t have to apply for public assistance in Lewistown if, for example, Great Falls is more convenient. “People can apply in any county they choose,” she said. “The only requirement is they need to be a resident of Montana.”
For more information call Gilskey at 406-538-7468.
