KRTV’s Shannon Newth created the Five Under 35 initiative as a way to recognize young adults in Great Falls whose attitudes and actions are making our community an even better place to live. Shannon hopes the initiative will boost morale and encourage others to take an active role in the community.
Five Under 35 was born with the intention of recognizing those who are already in the community, not only doing amazing things, but who also have an attitude that combats the negativity that is often more contagious. It’s more than a good deeds award. It’s about addressing community concerns through positivity and passion.
“I had no idea what I was getting myself into, but I can tell you I love my job and feel very blessed to be able to say that.”
Ashley Romeo works with the Department of Corrections, Probation and Parole as an intensive supervision program officer.
“Anybody who has been in trouble on traditional supervision as far as drugs and alcohol, if they’re not reporting, they get assigned to me,” explains Romeo.
The 32-year-old says before moving back to Great Falls from Tucson, Arizona eight years ago, she was unaware of some of the challenges our community faces. Now her job provides her a different perspective.
“What is most challenging I would say is a lack of coping skills. People really struggle with that, so then that’s why they’re so focused on using drugs, alcohol, committing new crimes because they don’t have the coping skills for day to day basis,” says Romeo.
Romeo believes Great Falls can improve and help people cope by making available resources more known, and getting people involved.
“I think if people were more aware of the resources we do have to meet their basic needs, that would be a huge help for them.”
“There’s also a lot of boards in our community that need volunteers as far as public safety, child safety, even our park and recreation, which is really important.”
Great Falls is home for Romeo, and she believes having a positive attitude can fend off a sometime negative perception.
“To try and get away from that really is us, the younger community, talking about how great Great Falls actually is,” explains Romeo.
-Reported by Shannon Newth/MTN News
