Red River Stories

Goal Realized!!

2009-03-06T13:55:00.000-08:00

Today is a good day for a lady we support in Wahpeton. She opened a letter from the district Judge, reinstating her right to vote. What a great accomplishment!!! This lady expressed the desire to have her voting rights reinstated when it was discovered the day before the Presidential Election in November that her guardianship order took that right away. She was very disappointed as she had spent many hours watching the national convention and debates, having a clear view of who she wanted to lead our country. Her team listened to her wishes and a number of them wrote letters of support to the judge. He agreed and now she has the right to make her voice heard in upcoming elections!!!

Trip to Minneapolis

2008-10-02T07:48:00.000-07:00

The weekend of September 20th, a few people RRHSF supports and staff traveled to Minneapolis to go to the Mall of America and a Vikings football game. They enjoyed a trip to a sporting goods store, going out to eat and swimming in the hotel pool. The weekend ended on a positive note with the Vikings winning the game against the Panthers.

The Council on Quality and Leadership

2007-11-15T07:21:00.000-08:00

The Council on Quality and Leadership, an independent accreditation organization, completed an in-depth survey of Red River Human Services Foundation to determine how well we deliver services the week of October 22nd. It is very exciting to announce that the agency was awarded the highest possible accreditation, which is 4 years. This level of accreditation is extremely difficult to achieve and few organizations do.

This high achievement was accomplished thanks to our strong values and our dedication and commitment to the people we support. Congratulations to everyone for a job well done!!!

Vikings Fans Make the Trip to the Metrodome

2007-11-09T11:34:00.000-08:00

We have had several people attend a Minnesota Vikings game this year. Earlier in the season one young man from Wahpeton spent the weekend in the twin cities; visiting the Mega Mall, spending time outside of the dome with the tailgaters and cheering on his favorite quarterback, Brett Favre as he brought his team to victory against the Minnesota Vikings. It was quite a site to see him cheering on the Packers with his Packers Jersey and his support staff cheering on the Vikings in his Vikings Jersey. They had a great time with the rivalry!

Then, on 11/4, four men (who live in Fargo) and 2 support staff attended the Vikings-Chargers game. They experienced a history making game by watching Adrian Peterson break the league rushing record with an astounding 296 yards! They also enjoyed a weekend of visiting the Mega Mall, swimming at the hotel pool and playing board games. Then enjoyed taking the lite rail downtown to the Metrodome for the game on Sunday.

3rd Quarter Volunteer Hours

2007-10-11T07:23:00.000-07:00

People Served
Churches - 4 hrs
Feeding Fish - 2 hrs
Red Hats - 6 hrs
Humane Society - 2.5 hrs
Activity Center - 6 hrs
Behavior Mgmt - 1.5 hrs
Human Rights - 4 hrs
Jaycee's - 4 hrs
Labor Day Telethon - 4 hrs
Food Pantry - 10 hrs
Race Track - 23 hrs
United Blood Bank - 2 hrs
Total - 69 hrs

Employees of RRHSF
Eagles Auxiliary - 9.75 hrs
Rotary - 47.5 hrs
Crisis Centers - 222.5 hrs
Churches - 107 hrs
Lions - 2 hrs
Chamber of Commerce - 2 hrs
Humane Society - 41.25 hrs
Mayor's Committee - 2 hrs
Special Olympics - 57.5 hrs
1st Responders/Fire Dept. - 30 hrs
Schools - 42.5 hrs
3 Rivers Gymnastics - 6 hrs
Public Library - 1.5 hrs
Local Pageant - 4 hrs
Patriot Guard - 4 hrs
American Legion - 72 hrs
F-M Music Assoc. - 5 hrs
Twist of Fate - 85 hrs
Jaycee's - 1 hr
VFW - 6 hrs
Habitat for Humanity - 3 hrs
Twin Town Leadership - 8 hrs
Optimist - 12 hrs
Family Rediness Group - 1 hr
Total - 772.5 hrs

Great job to all who volunteer!!!

Daily News Delivery Person

2007-10-10T09:02:00.000-07:00

A gentleman recieving supports at New Horizons in Wahpeton has a goal to become competitively employed. He recently met that goal when he was hired to deliver the Daily News, Wahpeton's local newspaper. His route is getting him out into the community and giving him the opportunity to meet several new people as he delivers to many downtown businesses.

Wal-Mart has come to Wahpeton!!

2007-08-29T11:57:00.000-07:00

Wal-Mart has come to Wahpeton - and created new jobs for people. 4 people we support are currently working at Wal-Mart. They were hired at a wage well above minimum wage. Everyone is enjoying the new job and getting to know their co-workers.

Wilkin County Fair

2007-08-29T11:44:00.000-07:00

A lady who lives at 109 4th Ave S. in Wahpeton entered many items in the Wilkin County Fair again this year. She entered several items and received several ribbons.

Hula Muffins - Blue Ribbon
Double Chocolate Chip Espresso Cookies - Blue Ribbon
Crocheted Doilies - Blue Ribbon
Pine Cone Christmas Decoration - Red Ribbon

She also spent time with a staff member in the Home Environment Building, where she enjoyed chatting with a lot of people and showing her items and ribbons.

She competes against quite a few other exhibitors, so she did VERY well!! She has been exhibiting items for many years.

Congratulations on your sucess!!!

Volunteer Hours for the 2nd Quarter of 2007

2007-08-29T11:33:00.000-07:00

People Served
Ambassadors Gulf Tournament (Hats and Jeans Fundraiser) - 24 hrs
Area churches - 3.75 hrs
MeritCare - feeding fish - 2.25 hrs
Flood Clean up in Aberdeen, SD - 50 hrs
Red Hats - 10hrs
Total - 90 hrs

Employees of RRHSF
Eagles Auxiliary - 11.5 hrs
Rotary - 32.5 hrs
Flood Clean up in Aberdeen, SD - 40 hrs
Red River Crisis Center - 212 hrs
Area churches - 18.5 hrs
Lions - 4.5 hrs
Chamber of Commerce - 2 hrs
Community Vacation Bible School - 16.5 hrs
Ducks Unlimited - 22 hrs
Richland/Wilkin Humane Society - 26 hrs
Mayor's Committee - 1 hr
Ambassadors - 6 hrs
Hats and Jeans Fundraiser - 6 hrs
Girl Scouts - 1.5 hrs
Boy Scouts - 21 hrs
Special Olympics - 3 hrs
Great Bend 1st Responders/Fire Dept - 32 hrs
Total - 456 hrs

Combined total of 546 hrs

Increase of 121 hours from the 1st quarter!!! Way to go Volunteers!!!

Swimming, Hiking and a BBQ

2007-08-29T11:31:00.000-07:00

People supported in the ISLA/SLA programs and staff went to Buffalo State Park on July 18th for the day. They went swimming, hiking, played games and grilled out for lunch. It was a nice day to be outside and everyone had a lot of fun. It was a GREAT trip!

Big Winner

2007-06-21T07:48:00.000-07:00

A gentleman receiving ISLA supports in Fargo received the Best of the Best Award at the annual NDACF (North Dakota Association of Community Facilities) conference in May. He was nominated by his vocational provider. Of the award winners, there was a drawing for airplane tickets to attend the National APSE Conference in Kansas City. This gentleman was the winner!! He will be flying to Kansas City on July 15th for the conference and returning on the 18th. He is very excited about the trip.

Congratulations and have a great time!!

Fundraising Opportunity

2007-06-21T07:44:00.000-07:00

Hornbacher's Grocery Store in Fargo, ND, awared RRHSF the honor of manning the brat stand at their north location the weekend of May 11th and 12th. We provided the volunteers to run the stand....both staff and individuals supported volunteered their time! RRHSF recieved a portion of the profits to help support our Hats and Jeans Fund that assists individuals with needed items they can not afford otherwise.

New Job Going Well

2007-06-21T07:35:00.001-07:00

A young lady receiving ISLA supports in Wahpeton recently obtained a new job at Godfather's Pizza. She is doing a great job without any job coaching support. She was complimented by the Regional Manager and Branch Manager during an extremely busy lunch hour. They told her how impressed they were with her work and ability to keep up with the rush.

Way to go!!

Lending a Helping Hand

2007-05-22T09:02:00.000-07:00

On Monday, 5/21/07, ten volunteers (5 staff and 5 individuals) from the Wahpeton program traveled to Aberdeen, SD, to help clean up after a recent storm dumped 9 inches of rain on a city that does not have a history of flooding. They had prepared the previous Friday by getting Tetanus shots and picking up supplies donated free or at cost from Farm City Supply in Breckenridge, MN (boots, gloves, etc). They checked in at the Methodist Church coordinating the volunteer effort and were provided with face masks, large bottles of water, gloves, and maps (even hazmat suits were available....one of the individuals chose to wear one throughout the morning).

They were assigned to help a homeowner whose fully finished basement had flooded. The musty smell was strong, but they dug right in. They ripped out walls, sheetrock, shelves, almost all of the woodwork and some fixtures that could not be salvaged. It was hard work, but with the 10 of them, it went very well. The basement windows were removed, which helped with air circulation. It also gave them a way to pass the debris out, rather than going up the stairs and through the porch. Everyone was busy for hours and worked very hard. There was a big pile of debris on the boulevard when they were done. Only the studs of the dividing walls remained when they were finished.

They took a lunch break at the Salvation Army center. They provided a free meal to all the volunteers. People noticed their RRHSF t-shirts, and asked where they were from. People were astounded to hear that they had made the 2.5 hour trip to help out and thanked them for doing so. After lunch, they returned to the house and finished clearing out the basement.

Before leaving Aberdeen for Wahpeton, they enjoyed a Dairy Queen treat with the homeowner. They felt good about being able to help someone and knew their work was appreciated.

Everyone is a bit sore today, but are so happy with the job they did to help this homeowner.

Speakers at Rotary Club

2007-05-22T08:46:00.000-07:00

At a recent Wahpeton Rotary meeting, two individuals we support, spoke about their experiences with Special Olympics - how they enjoyed learning the different sports (bocce ball, soccer, track, etc.), going to competitions, meeting new and old friends they made at various tournaments. They displayed medals they have won. The gentleman proudly wore his hat with the many pins he had traded with other athletes at state and international competitions.

The Director and the coach for the area Special Olympics chapter spoke about how they enjoyed coaching the athletes in the different sports and seeing the camaraderie the athletes enjoyed at the tournaments.

After the athletes spoke, they were presented with Wahpeton Rotary pens and received a standing ovation! The Wahpeton Director noted how fun it was to hear them speak (after expressing how nervous they were) and inspiring to see them receive a standing ovation.

Step by Step

2007-05-22T08:44:00.000-07:00

A Day Support Trainer from Wahpeton, Tracy Kuntz, participated in the Fargo Marathon on May 19, 2007. She completed the half marathon of 13.1 miles in 2.5 hours. Tracy had been training for this run since March.

Congratulations Tracy!!!

First Quarter Volunteer Hours

2007-04-16T13:16:00.000-07:00

The following hours have been spent volunteering the first 3 months of 2007!!

People Served

Hats and Jeans Fund Raiser - 4.5 hrs
MeritCare Clinic - feeding the fish - 2 hrs
Red River Crisis Center - 9 hrs
Richland/Wilkin Human Society - 3.5 hrs
Red Hats - 6 hrs
Behavior Management Committee - 3 hrs
Human Rights Committee - 4.5 hrs

Total of 32.5 hours

Employee's of RRHSF

Area Schools - 5 hrs Lions - 5.5 hrs
Three Rivers Gymnastics - 6 hrs
Outreach Africa - 8 hrs
Area Churches - 26.5 hrs
Red River Crisis Center - 160 hrs
Ducks Unlimited - 7.5 hrs
Boy Scouts - 4.5 hrs
Rotary - 36 hrs
Girl Scouts - 1 hr
Eagles Auxiliary - 20.5 hrs
Special Olympics - 4 hrs
Leach Public Library - 3 hrs
Richland/Wilkin Human Society - 17.5 hrs
St Catherine's Living Center - 1.5 hrs
Great Bend 1st Responders & Fire Dept - 63.5 hrs
Chamber of Commerce - 12 hrs
Mayor's Committee - 4.5 hrs
Community Project/Home Remodel - 6 hrs

Total of 425 hours

Great job!!! Thanks to all who volunteer their time to give back to the community!

Fun Had by All

2007-04-11T14:57:00.000-07:00

On March 9th and 10th, ten people we support and two staff from the ISLA/SLA programs traveled to Seven Clans Water Park and Casino in Thief River Falls, MN.

Everyone had a blast on the waterslides and spent the evening in the casino playing the slot machines. No big money won but some of them came out ahead in winnings. It was a good time for all!!

Actors among us

2007-04-11T14:44:00.000-07:00

At lenten services on March 1st, two people supported by RRHSF in Fargo greeted our CEO and stated that they were very excited about being actors in the evening's Lenten Drama. They told him about all the fun they were having and about the new friends they were making.

During the drama, they did a wonderful job of acting and said their lines right on cue. There were 300-400 people in attendence at the service. Our CEO stated he was very proud of the involvement these two people had in the service as well as the meaningful relationships they were making with people in the community.

A special Thank You to Bonnie Snyder, a direct support staff at Svee in Fargo, for making this acting opportunity a reality for them! Good Work Bonnie!!

Humane Society Coming to Wahpeton

2007-02-13T14:31:00.000-08:00

Wahpeton is getting a Humane Society. A staff working at one of the group homes is on the steering committee for this project and has asked a lady she works with to be part of the committee too. She will be responsible to attend meetings, assist with fundraising and banquets. She is very excited to participate in this project as she loves animals.

Extreme Makeover - Wahpeton Style!

2007-02-13T14:24:00.000-08:00

Wahpeton will be expanding by 4 in the near future! A local family is expecting quadruplets this May. The community has decided to pitch in and assist with a makeover of their home to help accomodate their growing family. Many people and merchants in the community have volunteered their services or goods to this project. RRHSF staff and individuals decided to pitch in by supplying baked goods and treats for all the volunteers. A staff and a person recieving supports went to the home of the family on 2/9/07 to deliver the goodies. They both got to meet the mother-to-be and wished her luck in the coming months. The mom thanked them both for brining the goodies over for the workers .

What a great way to be part of our community and give to others in need!!!

Volunteer Hours Adding Up!!

2007-02-13T14:14:00.000-08:00

We have had many staff and individuals volunteering their time in their communities. Here is a breakdown of the number of hours and activities people have been involved in the past two years.

2005
Hanging posters for Three Rivers Crisis Center - 5 hours
Feeding the fish at MeritCare Clinic - 36 hours
Bell Ringing for the Salvation Army - 36 hours
Red Hats - 2 hours

2006
Bell Ringing for Salvation Army - 14 hours
Feeding fish at MeritCare Clinic - 14 hours
American Cancer Society Fundraising - 29 hours
Hats & Jeans Fundraising - 27 hours
Chamber of Commerce Volunteer Project - 16 hours
Red Hats - 26 hours

We have some very active staff that volunteer also. Check out these hours:

832 hours to Three Rivers Crisis Center in 2006. This is just one person giving all of this time!! Way to go!!

14 hours to the American Cancer Society.

Thanks to all the individuals and staff that gave so freely of their time to help others in need!!

Honesty is the best policy

2007-01-24T11:19:00.000-08:00

Today a woman in our work program was sorting through papers from a local business. While doing so, she found a sealed envelop. She opened the envelope and discovered $61.00. She reported her find to her staff and will be returning the money to the business. Way to Go!!!

Community Employment

2007-01-24T11:16:00.000-08:00

The Wahpeton ISLA program is working with a gentleman that is newly employeed in the community. The Pizza Ranch has hired this young man to bus tables and do dishes. He is loving the experience and continues to impress his supervisors with his dependability, work skills and work ethics!

Right on Target

2007-01-24T11:14:00.000-08:00

The Fargo ISLA program has a staff person that is training for the Olympics in Archery. She is sharing her love for the sport and her skills with the people she works with. One lucky lady has been able to go to the archery club and learn all about shooting a bow on target. She has enjoyed the experience and looks forward to spending more time at the archery range.

Is that bells I hear???

2006-12-18T12:54:00.000-08:00

Several people from Fargo and Wahpeton have spent time volunteering their time this Christmas season. They have been seen and heard around both towns with bells in hand. That's right, they have given of their time to the Salvation Army Bell Ringing Campaign. Thanks for taking the time to give back to the Communities!!

Go Vikings!!!

2006-12-18T12:50:00.000-08:00

4 gentlemen and staff made the trip to the cities to cheer on the Vikings on 10/7/06 - 10/8/06. They enjoyed a night away in a hotel with swimming and pizza ordered in. And the best bonus of all.....The Vikings even WON!!! They are all looking forward to another trip next season.

United Way Day of Caring

2006-10-13T13:10:00.000-07:00

Five staff from Red River Human Services Foundation volunteered for the United Way Day of Caring. There were 1500 volunteers from the community that visited 430 seniors in Cass and Clay Counties. 50 companies allowed their employees to participate. The volunteers assisted the seniors with projects they may find difficult to complete themselves, such as raking leaves, painting projects, washing windows, cleaning around the house, etc.

This was a great community project that staff were able to participate in. Way to support the United Way and the Seniors of Cass and Clay counties!!

Meals-on-Wheels Fundraiser

2006-10-02T13:15:00.000-07:00

A gentleman who lives in an apartment setting in Fargo, ND, participated in a walk to benefit Meals-on-Wheels. He and staff helped raise $60! They had a great time participating in the walk and enjoyed the beautiful weather this weekend!

What a great way to help benefit the community!! Way to go!!

Pick up, Pick up, Everybody Pick up

2006-09-27T12:41:00.000-07:00

A group of people from the Fargo ISLA program did ditch pick up along I-94 on 9/25/06 for their adopt-a-highway project. This is a difficult project for those that don't like furry little creatures. Rumor has it that one volunteer had rubber bands and black clips around the bottom of her pants to prevent any stow-aways up her pant leg. I am sure that was quite a sight to see!

Everyone went out for burgers at Mom's Kitchen once they had all the liter picked up.

Thanks for keeping our highways clean of liter!!

Special Olympics News

2006-09-27T12:38:00.000-07:00

A consumer in an apartment setting in Wahpeton, ND has been nominated for the Male Athlete of the Year Award! The winner will be announced at the Awards Banquet on October 7, 2006. He is very excited.

Best of Luck!!!

U.S. Citizenship

2006-09-26T05:57:00.000-07:00

A consumer in an apartment setting in Fargo, ND, has some exciting news! This coming Friday, 9/30/06, he will have his naturalization hearing/ceremony and gain his US citizenship!! He moved to the United States from Vietnam.

He is planning a trip to visit Vietnam in the next year.

Congratualtions to our newest US Citizen!!!

Best Possible Health

2006-09-26T05:51:00.000-07:00

There is a young man who moved into a supported setting at 348 14th St N, Wahpeton, ND, recently. He was taken to his long time primary physician this past month. The doctor told staff that this young man has never looked better with his overall health. This is a great testament to how well staff are taking care of this young man.

Great job to the staff at 348 and Day Activity!!

Bountiful Harvest

2006-09-25T12:00:00.000-07:00

A consumer that lives in an apartment setting in Fargo, ND, planted and tended a garden all summer. He ended up with a bountiful harvest of cucumbers, tomatoes and onions. He has been trying out new recipes for the cucumbers! He had a great time working in the garden all summer and is enjoying the "fruits of his labor".

Compliments from Parents

2006-09-25T11:55:00.000-07:00

The staff at Svee Home in Fargo, ND, recently had a great compliment from a father about the services his son receives there. The father stated that he was so excited that his son was living at Svee Home and stated that the son is doing things in the community that he would never try before. The father stated he is so pleased with the activities that his son is participating in thanks to the staff at the Svee Home.

Great job!!

Ribbon Cutting - Sept. 19, 2006

2006-09-25T11:19:00.000-07:00

The ribbon cutting on the new building was a great success! Many consumers, staff members, guardians, and family members were able to attend. We also had visits from both mayors of the Twin Towns, the Area Chamber of Commerce, The Twin Town Ambassadors, The Daily News, Developmental Disability Case Manager and many of our board members.

Tours of each apartment were given and refreshements were served. We heard many comments about how nice everything was and how many people wished they were moving in.

I must say that our construction company was wonderful to work with and the staff involved in the project really worked hard to get this all to come together.

The first consumer moves in on October 5th with subsequent moves to happen on 10/9, 10/13, and 10/23. Everyone is really excited about the move and having their own space. I will update as the moves happen.

Red River Stories

2006-09-08T10:05:00.000-07:00

This is where we will post stories about the people and happenings of Red River Human Services.