Jeremiah Project GENERATION BUILDERS 2x2 LUNCHEON 2016

Following a silent auction, Robin Huebner welcomed a full house to the Second Annual Generation Builders 2x2 Luncheon. The luncheon, which supports the Fargo-Moorhead area Jeremiah Program, was hosted at the Courtyard by Marriott.

The Jeremiah Program, with its mission to end poverty two generations at a time, assists single mothers and their children. A nationally recognized nonprofit with a holistic approach, the Jeremiah Program’s goal is opening a FargoMoorhead campus in 2017.

Mary Lou Dahms, board of trustees chair, and LeDora Wohler, program supervisor at the Nurse Family Partnership of Fargo Cass Public Health, spoke. Wohler said there are three main barriers young single mothers face in the Fargo-Moorhead area: affordable housing, affordable childcare and transportation. “Our community will soon have a Jeremiah Program to help mothers with these barriers and offer a bridge from poverty to self-sufficiency.”

Diane Solinger, executive director, spoke about the Jeremiah Program’s two generation strategy which includes support for career track college education, early childhood education, and life skills training.

Jeremiah Program graduate Alisha Koerber gave a heartfelt talk about coming into the Jeremiah Program eight years ago. She was alone, scared and pregnant, with a history of drug use and incarceration. “Jeremiah empowerment classes taught me that I was valuable, loveable and important. The staff kept me accountable. I learned life skills, went to college, and got a good job.”

Koerber said, “I’m very happy to be working and supporting myself and my son. I deal with life struggles differently now. I’m thriving. I hope you see in me what your support can do to transform a family.”

Trustee Jan Promersberger reminded the audience that Jeremiah Program members are responsible for their own college/educational funding and pay rent. “It’s not a handout, but a hand up.”

LEARN MORE: jeremiahprogram.org