Monday, December 21, 2009

Grand Forks Bremer Employees Tour the Northlands Rescue Mission

Homelessness is an issue in every community across America, and Grand Forks, N.D. has seen an increase in homelessness over the past few years. There are many misperceptions about homelessness. I wanted to start with our Bremer employees to give them a better understanding of the issues involved and see the true faces of the homeless, along with the programs in place to help them.

In order to create a better understanding of the Northlands Rescue Mission and its programs, we asked our employees to participate on a tour of the Mission. Eighty-five percent of our employees took the opportunity, and were moved by what they learned relating to individuals and families experiencing homelessness here. In addition to more information, the visit gives our staff an opportunity to advocate for programs that empower the most vulnerable among us.

Northlands Rescue Mission is a place where hope begins. It is not a place of last resort. Northlands Rescue Mission takes the hand-up rather than the hand-out approach. We chose this nonprofit for this year's Bremer Annual Spirit of Giving.

Posted by Kelly Bye-Greenlees
NRS, Grand Forks, ND

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