FM AreA FoundAtion
Season of Caring STORIES SHOWCASING THE WORK OF NONPROFITS IN OUR AREA
SATURDAY NOVEMBER 23, 2019
Season of Caring The FM Area Foundation is the community foundation serving Cass Clay, and our role is to connect people and purpose. We do this by providing grants to nonprofits and assisting donors with their charitable giving. In fact, the FM Area Foundation has been providing philanthropic services to the Fargo-Moorhead area since 1960. Each day working for the community foundation, I am in awe of the amazing work being done by the nonprofits in our community and the donors who help make that work possible. This magazine highlights powerful stories of charities providing services right here in our community. Each story gives us an opportunity to think about how we each can help make a difference this holiday season. At the FM Area Foundation, we are again gearing up for the Caring Catalog. The Caring Catalog is an online, crowdfunding platform for donors to learn about needs in the community and give back to local charities. Visit areafoundation.org/caringcatalog to view a list of projects and programs that need your support and to make your tax-deductible donation. We are once again waiving all credit card fees, so 100 percent of your donation will go to the organizations you are supporting. Many organizations featured in this magazine, among others, are participants in the Caring Catalog. Be sure to make your donation by December 31! Finally, we’d like to recognize and thank The Forum for helping us produce this magazine for the eighth year in a row; a partnership that helps bring awareness to the work of the nonprofit sector. And thank you to the organizations who submitted stories and ads for this special end-of-year publication.
This holiday season, discover what matters to you and give back to the place you love. Thank you, and happy holidays!
Tim Beaton
Connect with the FM Area Foundation online at www.areafoundation.org @fm.areafoundation
@FMAreaFnd
Executive Director FM Area Foundation
Table of
Contents Page 2 FM Area Foundation - The Season of Caring 2019
The Story of Great Danes— Sam and Dean ................................. 4 From Foster Care to Independent Living ................... 6 Finding New Doors ......................... 8 Fighting to End Childhood Hunger ........................ 10
In Sickness and In Health.............12 CCRI Uses Technology to Enrich Lives .............................. 14 Fargo-Moorhead, This is YOUR Kicks Band ............. 16 Believing in a Better Future ........20 A Place to Call Home .................... 22
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FM AreA FoundAtion
November 22 THROUGH
December 31 Give to local nonprofits this holiday season through the FM Area Foundation’s Caring Catalog. An easy and effective way to give! This online, crowdfunding platform connects you to many local charities through just one link. Visit the website below, from November 22 to December 31, to browse the full list of nonprofit projects and programs and to make your taxdeductible donation.
areafoundation.org/caringcatalog
100% of your gift goes directly to charity. No fees. See how your gift can make a difference and support your community this holiday season. #FMAreaCaringCatalog
The Story of Great Danes—
Sam and Dean Sam and Dean were surrendered to us in May. We had been told they were Great Danes. However, when the owners removed the boys from their kennel, our hearts sank. Sam and Dean were so horribly underweight that it took our breath away. Both were not only underweight, but suffering from pressure sores, “flat feet”, and thinning hair; all likely linked to their low weights, poor diets, and the conditions they had been living in.
Story Submitted By:
At 11 months old, Sam weighed just 66lbs. and Dean weighed 73lbs. Both dogs should have easily been over 100lbs. at that age and should have been standing at least a few inches taller than they were. Skin and bones – that’s what they looked like when they arrived. This was not a case of intentional negligence. The family simply didn’t know how to care for Great Danes that require different care compared to other dogs.
BEFORE:
LIVES ARE TRANSFORMED HERE D005799987
Heart-n-Soul Community Café, Inc. is a nonprofit, social entrepreneurship that serves locally grown, fresh food and operates under a pay-whatyou-can model. We value a place where everyone is welcome, and we provide creative payment solutions for all. Mission: Committed to addressing food insecurities, building communities and providing delicious food to nurture body, heart and soul. • www.heartnsoulcafe.com
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Heart-n-Soul Community Cafe
Page 4 FM Area Foundation - The Season of Caring 2019
Your local 24 hour Helpline linking you to community resources and offering listening and support
Text your zip code to 898-211 Dial 2-1-1 or 701-235-7335 (SEEK) National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
1-800-273-8255 (TALK) Answered locally by FirstLink
Now offering Community Addiction Navigator Service
YWCA Cass Clay is a door to safety for women and children escaping domestic violence and homelessness. A place where families are empowered to believe a better future is possible. With food, shelter, clothing and other basics, they begin a journey toward hope with a caring YWCA team to guide them. Thanks to our community for continued your support! www.ywcacassclay.org
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FM AreA FoundAtion AFTER:
Thankfully, our foster mom Shelby who specializes in Great Danes came to the rescue. She started out by slowly switching them to a better diet and getting them the vitamins they needed to correct their flat feet. Within a month’s time, both Sam and Dean had each gained over 30lbs. They had started to grow taller; their feet had been corrected, and their ribs/backbone no longer jutted out from below their dry, flaky skin. The boys were making incredible strides! A month later, the two of them found a loving home together with someone who not only adores the breed but saw the incredible bond that these two dogs had and vowed to keep them together. After
such a rough start, these handsome giants walked out the door, ready to take on the world with their new mom. Sam and Dean are now happy and healthy in their forever home. This is only one of the hundreds of cases we deal with every year. At Homeward Animal Shelter, we continue to rescue, shelter, protect and rehome all animals that come through our doors; providing them will all the love and proper care they deserve until they can find their forever homes. For more information on Homeward Animal Shelter and how you can support the dogs and cats in our care, visit homewardonline.org.
Feeding families this holiday season. #HeartsSolveHunger
greatplainsfoodbank.org FM Area Foundation - The Season of Caring 2019 Page 5
From Foster Care to
Story Submitted By:
Independent Living Being placed in foster care was not Josie’s fault. She met her first foster family at age 8 due to ongoing caregiver neglect. Throughout the years, Josie moved to various foster homes and group homes, sometimes looking for a family or provider that could better meet her needs, sometimes because the family was ending their foster care license. As she neared the age of 18, she knew she needed to be thinking about her future, but at that time, all Josie wanted to do was to be out of foster care and on her own. One day, her foster mother and social worker, Anna, talked with her about PATH’s Independent Living Program, which supports youth and young adults aging out of foster care and transitioning into adulthood. Josie was skeptical at first, feeling she could do it on her own. After considering the many benefits this
program would have for her, and with encouragement from her foster mother, she decided to give it a try. Josie began attending monthly meetings to learn life skills, such as budgeting, applying for jobs, finding transportation, applying to college, and securing housing. She started to meet with Anna monthly to work on identifying her goals and where she sees herself in the future. “These conversations changed my life. It ignited a fire under my feet and pushed me to be the best me I could. It made the weight on my shoulders feel a lot lighter knowing somebody else was helping me carry it,” Josie said. Josie and her social worker also talked about healthy relationships and the importance of setting boundaries with those around her. Now she can better identify
Birthright of Fargo-Moorhead
For more information, to donate or become a volunteer:
218-477-1977 | www.birthrightfm.org birthrightfm@702com.net
BRINGING HISTORY TO LIFE!
CHRISTMAS ON THE PRAIRIE Saturday, Dec. 7, 2019 10am - 5pm
· Photos with Santa · Telephone Line to the North Pole · Horse Drawn Wagon Rides · Kid’s Christmas Crafts · Christmas Carolers · Historic Demonstrations · Christmas Card Printing · S’mores Over Outdoor Fire · Craft & Vendor Show · AND so much more!
WWW.BONANZAVILLE.ORG 701-282-2822 Page 6 FM Area Foundation - The Season of Caring 2019
Birthright is an inter-denominational support service founded in 1968 to offer a personal and caring response to women facing unplanned pregnancies. Birthright continues to evolve to meet the needs of families – mothers, married or single, dads and even grandparents, in helping babies have a healthy start in life. With each passing year, the need for volunteers at Birthright has grown. Volunteers with Birthright provide help in a positive and tangible way: •Family-centered support for infant needs including diapers, formula, clothing and other items up to 24 months •Referrals and help in finding appropriate resources for prenatal care, financial help and other needs •Friendship, acceptance and understanding in a confidential atmosphere
Finding
Story Submitted By:
New Doors
Aron Ogden watched the door of his jail cell close, sure that he was destined for a life behind bars. For many people, doors symbolize a new beginning. For Aron, the locking sound of the cell reinforced a story he told himself many times over. He was certain he would die behind bars. By the age of 13, Aron had seen more trauma and trouble than most adults would care to imagine. The victim of horrific abuse, Aron sought refuge with his estranged father. What seemed like a new beginning, turned tragic when he lost his father in a life-changing accident. Aron turned to drugs. In his teens he fell into a cycle of addiction and began making and selling drugs. Like so many, Aron became a victim of the methamphetamine crisis. Aron has been shot at, robbed and come close to death many times.
The cycle of abuse and tragedy continued as Aron entered the criminal justice system. Multiple incarcerations left Aron feeling hopeless. Yet, one thing remains true after all these years, he is a fighter. But sometimes even the best fighters need someone in their corner. That is our mission and our purpose. Aron shares his experience with F5: “During my last incarceration, I wanted to stay locked up. I was scared, I knew I didn’t want to continue this path and end up like my friends, dead from drug use or violence. I am really surprised I am still here living. There is a reason for this, and I believe I do have a purpose. When I was released, I had no one and nowhere to go. I knew I didn’t want to return to the drug-dealing lifestyle; I knew this time I had to make a change. While I was incarcerated, I was involved in jail meetings where F5 staff came in and talked to us about opportunities to better ourselves. As soon as I heard about it, I knew I had to get involved with these people. They had a background similar to mine, and if they could stay out, then I could too.
ElksCamp CampGrassick Grassick Elks children and adults with various disabilities and special ServesServes children and adults with various disabilities and special needsneeds
801 Page Drive in Fargo
(701) 235-8217
Nurturing Abilities, Achieving Dreams.
Supporting People with Disabilities
“Tme hemo merie mos ries created at “T he at ed at ca mp , wh eth erscre it’ s esom e type of camp , wh eth er it’ som pe of ity, thpy eraorpy or some type ty of acity tiv thera som e ty pe of ac tiv , e is pos iti vel ybeembedded in th is pos iti vel y em dd ed in th e mi ofe the campers that will mindbe s nd ofchstheri caed mpfor ers that will eti.”me.” be cherishedshfor a lifaetilifme
Speech/Language Services • Reading Instruction Speech/Language Services • Reading Instruction Occupational Therapy Activities • Swimming Instruction Occupational Therapy Activities • Swimming Instruction Supervised Recreation • Adaptive Technology Services • Craft Activities Supervised Recreation • Adaptive Technology Services • Craft Activities
Owned & Operated by North Dakota Elks Association Owned & Operated by North Dakota Elks Association 701-327-4251 • elkscampgrassick.com • facebook.com/campgrassick 701-327-4251 • elkscampgrassick.com • facebook.com/campgrassick Page 8 FM Area Foundation - The Season of Caring 2019
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CHI Friendship is a nonprofit organization that supports people with disabilities. We provide the full spectrum of developmental disability services which include individualized comprehensive residential and vocational supports, allowing for full community participation. Thank you to the community for embracing our mission by supporting all people to have meaningful employment, integrated environments, and community inclusion. You can get involved with CHI Friendship by volunteering, donating and/or applying for employment.
Apply on-line at www.chifriendship.com
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FM AreA FoundAtion
I chose to be a part of the F5 Project for a new beginning. I cannot say that I am not still scared sometimes because I am. But I am so grateful that I now have a roof over my head, food to eat and a future. F5 helped me with housing, finding a job and how to truly look forward. With the support of F5, I have been able to maintain these things, and I feel as though I am finally finding myself. Maybe I am not lost anymore.” F5 sees Aron for the dedicated, kind and productive member of society he is. We help to make sure Aron has the tools and skills to avoid returning to the cycle of violence and addiction. Our purpose is to help people like Aron find new doors, which open them to a world of possibilities. “I am 32 years old. I have a car, a house and a steady job,” Aron said. Instead of seeing people like Aron as criminals who belong behind bars, we see them for the human beings they are and help them get behind their dreams. You may have heard about F5 Project in the local media, social media posts or directly from its founder, Adam Martin. Martin is a five-time felon turned entre-
preneur who is working to change the lives of prisoners while in confinement and prepare them to break the cycle of crime and foster the reuniting of families. F5 Project believes what happens in one’s past does not need to determine one’s future. With ongoing communication, safe and affordable housing, employment, healthy socialization and transportation, F5 helps transition citizens from confinement to a new life. Currently, F5 Project serves former offenders of Cass County, North Dakota.
“I am 32 years old. I have a car, a house and a steady job.”
FM Area Foundation - The Season of Caring 2019 Page 9
Fighting to End
Story Submitted By:
Childhood Hunger LoShay sat outside of her fifth-grade classroom at Willow Park Elementary School in West Fargo talking about her family. Her eyes light up when telling stories about her twin 3-year-old sisters and how she looks after them. Her relationship with her 12-year-old brother is more of a rivalry. With six members in the household, there is few dull moments and a lot of energy. After spending time talking about the dynamics inside of her active family, LoShay paused for a moment to reflect when she was asked if there is always enough food in their home to feed the large family. Her demeanor quickly changed. LoShay is a part of the Great Plains Food
appropriate ♦Forming Forming age age appropriate Forming ageeach appropriate experiences each day experiences day forfor experiences day for ALL those typcally ALLchildren; children;each those typically ALL children; typcally developing andthose those with developing and those with special developing and those with special needs. needs. special needs. ♦ Providing safe and secure locations Proving the positive outcomes Proving and support services for at riskin the positive outcomes for youth and adults living youth to make informed choices. for youth and adults living in permanent housing. permanent housing.
Creating positive, inclusive ♦Proving how permanent housing Creating positive, inclusive community positively effectsopportunities outcomes for for community opportunities for adults disabilities. youth andwith adults. adults positive, with disabilities. ♦Creating inclusive Providing safe and secure community forservices Providing safe and secure locationsopportunities and support adults locations and support services for atwith riskdisabilities. youth to make for at riskpositive youthmental to make informed choices. ♦ Supporting health informed choices. through within our community Valley Hope Counseling Services.
701.232.3301 fraserltd.org 701.232.3301 fraserltd.org Celebrating 125 years of service Celebrating 125 years of service 1251893-2013 years strong 1893-2013 Page 10 FM Area Foundation - The Season of Caring 2019
Eventide Foundation creates a full spectrum of programs and activities so that every resident can continue to live their lives to the fullest! Eventide Foundation is a non-profit charitable organization created to support the Eventide mission of empowering older adults to thrive.
eventide.org
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Bank BackPack Program, which is a program designed to combat childhood hunger by providing a backpack full of meals, snacks, juice and milk to kids on the weekends. The backpack serves as a supplement to help keep them fed over the weekend before they return to school each Monday and again have access to school breakfasts and lunches. After being asked if her family would have enough food if the backpack wasn’t available, LoShay paused before glancing out the window. “It depends,” she said with a shrug of the shoulders. In 2018 alone, the Great Plains Food Bank distributed nearly 120,000 backpacks throughout the state of North Dakota and Clay County, Minnesota. This is in addition to work being done by the Great Plains Food Bank to provide 15 million pounds of food to more than 97,000 hungry individuals each year through a network of partner food pantries, shelters and soup kitchens and a number of different programs. It is a surprising fact to many that one in nine individuals across the state of North Dakota is food insecure and that 37 percent of those served each year are children. LoShay is quick to state that she likes the variety of food in the backpack each week. She makes it a point
to share its contents with her family members and indicates there is something each one of them enjoys. Unfortunately, LoShay’s story is all too common. The fight to end childhood hunger is at the forefront for the Great Plains Food Bank. In addition to the BackPack Program, the Great Plains Food Bank operates a Youth Summer Meals Program and School Pantry Program to help kids in need. The Youth Summer Meals Program provides a free lunch during the summer months at locations throughout North Dakota when the school lunch program is not available. The School Pantry Program is now placing food pantries directly inside of schools, giving students and their families battling food insecurity even more access to what they need. Each of the childhood hunger programs are among the fastest growing programs at the Great Plains Food Bank and the ability to operate each program is only possible through incredible donations supporting these efforts. LoShay was asked if she had anything to say to those supporting the BackPack Program. “I would say thanks for taking the time out to pack the bags for us to eat every day,” she said. “I really like it and thank you.”
Call for an appointment today! 701.271.3344 Walk-ins are welcome
Clinics are conveniently located in Moorhead, Fargo, South Fargo, West Fargo, and Valley City.
For specific clinic locations, hours and services please visit our website: www.famhealthcare.org FM Area Foundation - The Season of Caring 2019 Page 11
In Sickness and In Health
Story Submitted By:
Just weeks before young sweethearts, Ben and Caitlin, were to celebrate a June wedding, Ben began experiencing health issues that led to a whirlwind of doctors’ visits, medical tests, and ultimately the sobering diagnosis that Ben had multiple sclerosis. Wedding plans halted and immediate treatments for Ben began. An extensive rehabilitation program was set in place and after 63 days between the hospital and therapy, Ben was able to return home with Caitlin. The couple quickly discovered they needed home care equipment, but medical expenses, continued healthcare costs, and inadequate insurance coverage created challenges for the young couple. HERO to the rescue! With the help of HERO resources, Ben and Caitlin were able to find a Hoyer lift and a standing
I am expert at caring for you, not just your disease. – Tom, chaplain
November is National Hospice and Palliative Care Month, and we’d like to extend our gratitude for welcoming Hospice of the Red River Valley into your homes. For children battling a critical illness, a wish is more than a dream. It can be a turning point that can give them the emotional and physical strength to keep going. .........................................................................................................................................
WISHES NEED YOU
northdakota.wish.org
Page 12 FM Area Foundation - The Season of Caring 2019
During a tender time of life, you deserve the care of experts. Please consider giving a gift to support our important mission.
www.hrrv.org | (800) 237-4629
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frame for Ben at a fraction of the regular costs. The accessibility and affordability of these items helped Ben focus on his recovery. Ben’s condition began to improve, and wedding plans resumed amidst infusion treatments, doctors’ appointments, and therapy sessions. By August, the happy couple was finally able to celebrate their wedding day with family and friends. Ben continued his recovery at home with the help of Caitlin by his side. “Having the Standing Frame and Hoyer Lift helped Ben’s recovery at home,” Caitlin said. What seemed impossible was possible. By November, Ben had regained enough strength to take independent steps for the first time in five months. “We were so grateful HERO was there for us when we needed them!” Caitlin said. HERO is happy to provide equipment and supplies to have helped Ben on his journey of recovery.
“We were so grateful HERO was there for us when we needed them!”
1609 19th Avenue North, Fargo, ND
701.293.8043
fargoairmuseum.org 501(c)3
Fun and Free Camps Kids Play Area Amazing Birthday Party Packages Available Event Center To House Your Private Event 501200 People Exhibits Range from Wright Brothers’ Flyer to the Global Hawk UAV Membership Only Events, Privileges & Discounts Check Out Our Website For Summer Activities FM Area Foundation - The Season of Caring 2019 Page 13
CCRI Uses Technology to
Enrich Lives Crystal first came to CCRI in the midst of a difficult journey struggling with both mental and physical illness. She was hospitalized multiple times a year due to her mental health and was scared to live without her 24-hour staff—yet she craved independence. Everything changed when a CCRI team member suggested Crystal try living on her own with CCRI’s Independent By Design program, which uses technology to provide remote care. Tools, such as sensors on doors and cabinets, allow staff to ensure Crystal is safe. A pendant acts as a direct line of contact that can call CCRI staff with the push of a button. CCRI is one of only three organizations in Minnesota that utilizes technology in this way. The Independent by Design (IBD) program is one of our newest services. It allows us to use technology to
Story Submitted By:
fulfill one of our core tenets— provide personalized, customized care to those we support. IBD incorporates technology to ensure efficient, quality, and extremely customizable care. Utilizing sensors to monitor environmental conditions, such as motion or temperature, the IBD program provides an alternative option to traditional adult foster care. The technology can be set up to meet the risks each person faces with a combination of live alerts and reports, using only sensors and no cameras. Technology eliminates the need for a 1:1 caregiver at each location and allows CCRI to extend the reach of care provided. The magnitude of the triumphs made possible through the IBD program is exemplified by stories like Crystal. Two and a half years after she moved into IBD, Crys-
“A����� ���� c���ec�e� �� ���� �����”
- Pranoti Raut
The North Dakota Community Foundation supports 66 local community foundations all across the state, from Bowman to Bottineau, Williston to Wahpeton, and everything in between. These foundations improve the quality of life for their residents with grants to the school, parks, senior center, local clinic, and other service providers.
Support your hometown and give back where it all began.
Building brighter futures in North Dakota since 1976.
www.NDCF.net Page 14 FM Area Foundation - The Season of Caring 2019
Fargo-Moorhead,
Story Submitted By:
This is YOUR Kicks Band What? There’s such a thing as a nonprofit big band? Yes, there is. The Kicks Band is a 17-piece adult big band with a mission to educate, perform, promote, and preserve America’s authentic art form—jazz. The Kicks Band didn’t start out in 1975 thinking it would become a nonprofit
Fall II Session: November 4- January 18 Classes for boys & girls Babies • Toddlers • Preschool • School Age • Ninja • Special Needs Register at tntkidsfitness.org
Unlocking potential through movement
2800 Main Ave. Fargo • 701-365-8868 Page 16 FM Area Foundation - The Season of Caring 2019
Mark Welter has been a teacher all his life. “Public media has been my partner because it’s carrying on what I see is my mission, which is to educate people. Part of my motivation is to pay back some of this.” Mark included his public broadcasting station in his will. Consider joining the community of people who want public media to span generations. Visit prairiepublic.org/plannedgiving
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organization. Fargo North High band director, Ed Christianson, wanted to give area jazz musicians more opportunities to play together. A reading band devoted solely to playing great big band literature began meeting monthly. It provided opportunities for musicians to improvise jazz and enjoy socializing with and through music. James Condell and Dewey Possehl, both fantastic musicians and close friends of Ed, shared duties of scheduling musicians, providing treats and choosing music. Soon the group had enjoyed decades of getting together ‘just for kicks’ (hence their original name - the Kicks Band) and playing in a few park concerts and wedding dances. In 2010, Ed asked his daughter Amy and son-in-law, Tim Johnson, to take over the management of the Kicks Band. They organized rehearsals, picked music, and scheduled musicians. Recognizing the jazz arts needed to be promoted and preserved, the FM Kicks Band began to plan
CONTINUED ON PAGE 18
Shelter | Community Meals | Free Clothing & Household Items | Recovery Services
Real Change Happens Here We help people who are homeless and hurting discover value and find hope.
fargonlc.org FM Area Foundation - The Season of Caring 2019 Page 17
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17 high-quality big band performances and artist residencies for area high school students. In the years following, we continued our artist residency programs, yearly jazz history performances for 2,500 area fifth-graders, summer park concerts, and seasonal concert performances. Teaching about jazz became as important to us as our concert performances. So the question became, “Should we do it?” With a resounding yes, the Kicks Band became a nonprofit in March 2018. “It’s been fantastic opening up funding opportunities and legitimizing ourselves in the eyes of our supporters,” said Tim Johnson. “There are responsibilities—and paperwork—involved with being
g n i n e h t g Sindtirviednuals and families What We Offer:
MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING IN-HOME FAMILY THERAPY TREATMENT FOR DRUG AND ALCOHOL AADDICTION FINANCIAL GUIDANCE & DEBT MANAGGEMENT ADOPTION SERVICES & PREGNANCY COUUNSELING MENTORING FOR AT-RISK YOUTTH
and more!
Offices in 15 communities acrooss North Dakota and Minnesotaa 1.800.627.8220 20 • www.TheVillageFamily.org Page 18 FM Area Foundation - The Season of Caring 2019
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a nonprofit, such as board meetings, fundraising, annual filings. But for the Kicks Band, becoming a nonprofit was one way we could ensure our community could gain awareness that jazz music is interesting, entertaining and available right here in Fargo-Moorhead.� Our 2019-20 season again includes artist residencies and concert performances, including a Febru-
ary winter concert at FMCT, an April All-City high school jazz festival with Moorhead, Fargo North, Fargo South, Fargo Davies, and West Fargo Sheyenne High School Jazz Bands, and a Spring concert in May. Check out fmkicksband.com for performance specifics and like us on Facebook to keep in touch. Fargo-Moorhead, this is YOUR Kicks Band. See you at the show!
Our goal for each person we serve is directed by values which include daily interaction with other community members, making informed choices, taking risks, and planning for the future. Today, Access’ clients continue to enjoy living independently in their own homes where they receive support from trained staff that assist them with daily living skills. Access of the Red River Valley is looking for caring dedicated people to join our team. Fill out an application in our office Located in the US Bank building (5th floor) in downtown Moorhead, just across the street from the Moorhead Center Mall. or apply online at www.accessrrv.org 403 Center Ave. Suite 512 Moorhead, MN, 56560 EEO/AA FM Area Foundation - The Season of Caring 2019 Page 19
Believing
Story Submitted By:
in a Better Future Think of four women in your life. Statistics tell us at least one woman out of this group will experience domestic violence in her lifetime. Though you cherish and hold this woman close in your thoughts and even day-to-day life, many forms of domestic violence are hidden. A shocking 99% of victims report experiencing financial abuse, which makes leaving their dangerous situation seemingly impossible. With no money of her own, how will she afford food, rent, or diapers without the help of her partner’s income? How can she pursue work when she can’t afford childcare? For these and countless other reasons, many victims of domestic violence feel their only option is to remain in abusive situations. Unfortunately, this is reality for hundreds of women in our community. This was reality for Farah. Farah came to YWCA Cass Clay Emergency Shelter with her two young children, escaping her husband. Farah’s husband had convinced her family and friends she was incapable of holding a job, driving a car, let alone managing finances. They were married young and he was charismatic and attentive. Over time jealousy, control and intimidation took hold. His once humorous personality became critical and demeaning. When hosting company, he would subtly belittle her. “Sweetheart, you know they won’t hire you. You’ve never held a real job and you’re way too high strung. Can anyone at this table imagine Farah getting through an interview without fidgeting? I can’t. She’s fine here, at home with the kids.” But, Farah longed for more. She mustered what little strength she remembered of her former self and left him. However, she was now homeless, jobless, and had no supports to lean on.
Community of Care
“Caring for older adults by partnering with rural communities” Serving rural Cass County
Care Coordination • Referrals, information, assistance for yourself, your parent or a friend
Medicare Part D Drug Plan Enrollment Volunteer Program • Including transportation to medical appointments
Faith Community Nurse Program www.communityofcarend.com
Arthur (in the mall) 701/967-8502
Casselton (in BankNorth) 701/347-0032
Page 20 FM Area Foundation - The Season of Caring 2019
At YWCA, Farah was met by a team who believed in her. YWCA empowers women to believe a better future is possible. YWCA advocates listen and support each woman’s individual goals. With every daily success –a health appointment kept, a job application sent, a housing application completed - she gains confidence and momentum. YWCA’s Sanford Registered Nurse helped connect Farah and her children with a primary care provider and resources to manage her anxiety. Through her YWCA Advocate she was reminded of the skills she had been developing as a stay-at-home mom rather than pitied for being out of the workforce for years. Working with YWCA’s Education and Employment program, Farah obtained her driver’s license, completed online skills training, and worked with volunteer professionals in our community to gain confidence in her financial management, poise, and interviewing skills. After attending a featured employer informational session hosted at the shelter, Farah felt something unfamiliar: confidence. The employer touched on the skills and qualities needed to be a successful employee with this company and, for the first time in a long while, Farah found herself believing she could fulfill and even exceed, those expectations. Soon, with some encouragement from the YWCA Education and Employment Coordinator (EEC) she applied for the job and secured an interview. She and the EEC selected an interview outfit that was comfortable and classy. Come interview day, with her children playing at YWCA shelter childcare and her transportation managed by the EEC, Farah could focus on herself. When she returned from the interview, she was delighted to share she had not only secured the job, but also negotiated a higher starting wage. With YWCA’s assistance for security deposit and first month’s rent, Farah and her children
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moved into a home she could financially sustain. Farah left YWCA shelter with a newfound awareness of herself, her capabilities, and her strengths. In 1991 YWCA Cass Clay established the Job Plus Program, which is now known as the Education and Employment Program (E&E). This program was, and continues to be, a crucial component to women breaking the cycles of poverty and violence by providing education readiness and employment training to help women gain confidence and build lasting economic security through career growth. The E&E program provides education readiness training, skills building
classes, employment training, and job coaching to help women who have experienced financial abuse. The program also provides everything from access to an on-site computer lab for resume preparation and employment searches to professional clothes for interviews and meetings with potential employers. Thanks to the support of the FM Area Foundation’s Women’s Fund, YWCA will extend E&E services beyond the emergency shelter to women in the greater Fargo-Moorhead community. YWCA will host a, first-ever, Education and Employment Job Fair for under-represented women in our community. This women’s only fair will provide a new opportunity for women in unique living situations or with sensitive backgrounds to meet with employers in an environment where they feel safe and understood; creating connections between employers and female employees. Breaking down barriers, paving a way for women to move from uncertainly to financial freedom. Providing programs like Education & Employment and hosting women’s centered job fairs are ways in which YWCA Cass Clay is carrying out its mission helping women like Farah become empowered and recover from the damaging effects of poverty and violence.
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retirement living At Bethany Retirement Living, quality of life matters.
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“Improving lives and creating communities by developing developingand andsustaining sustaining communities by by developing communities and sustaining housing for for those those most most in in need.” need.” housing housing for those most in need.”
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Ph: Ph: 701-551-0480 701-551-0480
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FM Area Foundation - The Season of Caring 2019 Page 21
A Place to Call
HOME
Story Submitted By: Imagine you are a young mother with three children under age 5. You fled a violent relationship with only your children and the clothes on your back to a women’s shelter in Fargo. After months of living at the shelter, you are so excited to secure permanent housing for your family. But then you realize you have absolutely nothing to move into the new space. No beds for your children to get a good night’s sleep. No couch to sit on and enjoy family time. No dining room table to eat meals. Now what? Where will you get the furniture? How will you get the furniture? When will you be able to afford furniture? What will you buy first when you can afford to buy something? This client was Deanna. She faced this exact situation this spring, before she was referred to Down Home by her caseworker at the YWCA. Down Home was able to completely furnish and decorate Deanna’s new space within hours. This was made possible by donations of furniture and décor from the community, volunteers to coordinate the items, new mattresses and pillows from grants and donations, and a corporate sponsorship and volunteers from Border States Electric. Together, the community helped transform Deanna’s empty 3-bedroom, 2-bath townhome into a comfortable home for her and her children as they move into the next chapter of their lives. Founded in November 2017, Down Home’s mission is to completely furnish and decorate homes for families transitioning from homelessness into permanent housing. Down Home turns an empty space into a
GET A HIGHER LEVEL OF FINANCIAL GUIDANCE Paul Holtan, CAP® As one of a select number of financial professionals who has earned the CAP® Financial Consultant (Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy®), a 2605 42nd St S designation granted by the American Suite 200 College, Bryn Mawr, PA, I can provide Fargo, ND 58104 you with in-depth financial guidance to 701-478-7134 help you reach your goals. paul.holtan@thrivent.com Let’s talk soon. Thrivent Financial representatives are licensed insurance agents/producers of Thrivent Financial, the marketing name for Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, Appleton, WI. They are also registered representatives of Thrivent Investment Management Inc., 625 Fourth Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55415. For additional important information, visit Thrivent.com/disclosures. Appleton, Wisconsin • Minneapolis, Minnesota Thrivent.com • 800-847-4836 Page 22 FM Area Foundation - The Season of Caring 2019
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home to embrace, feel secure, and empower families to succeed and ultimately break the cycle of homelessness. To date, Down Home has served 45 families impacting 140 lives in our community! Down Home works with local agencies in Cass and Clay Counties to select families who qualify for Down Home’s services. Criteria to qualify include families with limited resources; no furnishings for their new home; family oriented and hardworking; and willing to create a Pay it Forward plan. Once a family is selected, Down Home works closely with the referral agency and the family in preparation and anticipation of the move in date. A team from Down Home then meets with the family, explains the process, reviews their space, and makes a plan for the move in. Volunteers coordinate all the items needed for the family taking into account their favorite colors, themes or interests to personalize the space so it really feels like a home. When the move-in date arrives, a team of volunteers load a UHaul, drive to the client’s location and unload the items into the new space. In under four hours, the Down Home team successfully moves and sets up all items in the home. Down Home provides furniture and décor for a family’s living room, dining room, master bedroom, children’s bedrooms, and bathrooms. Down Home also includes games, books,
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FM AreA FoundAtion
and a basket of food to encourage family time together. The final piece of the process is the reveal to the family when it is complete. It is so rewarding to provide a family, who is coming with nothing more than their clothes, with a place they can instantly call home. By furnishing a client’s home, DH provides a life changing experience. Not only does our program relieve the financial burden for families transitioning out of homeless shelters, but having a warm, stable home decreases the chance that they will return to a shelter. To end the cycle of generational poverty, children and their parents both need to be housing stable. In 2018, 94 percent of the people served by Down Home remained in stable housing for 12 months. Families are so grateful for Down Home’s work. Clients have said: “When Down Home came and put a smile on my children’s faces, it meant everything to me. I promised them their rooms would be beautiful, and that was a promise I got to keep.” –Lacey and Mario “Thank you for making our house a home and giving us the opportunity to be stress-free from the financial hardship (of furnishing and decorating a home). We can pay more attention to our children’s schooling and other needs.” –Edward and Denise Wilson Thanks to the support of our community, Down Home is empowering lives one home at a time.
EmergencyFoodPantry.com 1101 4th Ave. N, Fargo 701-237-9337
The pantry provides hungry families and individuals with wholesome food to tide them over during times of need.
001783943r1
For more than 45 years, the Emergency Food Pantry has helped feed the citizens of Cass and Clay counties. Adopt-A-Pet is a nonprofit, volunteer-run humane organization dedicated to placing homeless and/or unwanted animals in permanent, loving homes. Information: 701-232-5681
Please visit our website at www.adoptapetfm.org
Like us on Facebook! www.facebook.com/Adoptapetfm
FM Area Foundation - The Season of Caring 2019 Page 23
Home Care & Hospice Bethany • Even��e • Knute Nelson
Ethos Home Care & Hospice provides individualized care in your home, including: wound care, medication management, disease management, IV therapy, physical, occupational and speech therapy, smart-home technology, home-making services, end-of-life comfort ...
and more!
701.356.3803 | www.ethoscare.org