FargoNLC

It's That Time of the Year

2011-12-07T07:23:00.001-08:00

Thanksgiving at the New Life Center was a great success. We had great food, largely donated by organizations and people from the area, great volunteers, who selflessly gave up part of their holiday to help others, and, we thankfully filled the bellies of many homeless and needy people on a day where no stomach shall go without busting. Here are some photos of the Thanksgiving preparations that we are genuinely thankful for.

Now, we have are looking forward to Christmas season. It seems that every day there is something new popping up to be taken care of and it really is our busiest time of year. We had a very special women's auxiliary this past Friday, an all-staff Christmas party last nite, a constant stream of volunteers for wrapping gifts, and, we are ultimately reflecting on the past year and how truly blessed the New Life Center is.

Case in point, here is a photo of my office nearly filled to its brim with donations from churches and individuals

and the unpacking of it in the chapel

The bunks are full, lines are long for dinner, it is getting colder with each passing day, yet, thankfully, with your help, we are able to continue to provide.

It is with your prayers and financial support that makes you a part of the New Life Center. This means you are able to reach out your right hand of fellowship to those who find their home in the streets of our community. This Christmas, and throughout the year, you have ministered to the needs of the whole person; material, physical and spiritual. Your hands reach out with hope and understanding to those who need the most basics of life.

Of course, nothing would be possible without our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It is only through Him that we succeed in our ministry and it is for Him that we truly celebrate Christmas.

And we shall continue keep Him and You close to our hearts during this time of the year.

Thank you

-Peace

Toppers Car Club Gives Back

2011-09-20T10:20:00.000-07:00

If you happened to be driving through West Fargo this past Thursday, chances are you were in for quite the spectacle. All up and down the main drag of Cheyenne Street were cars, trucks, and people of every vintage and model you could imagine. Flashy Corvettes and Mustangs as new as this years model to rusty, still grinding away vehicles Henry Ford probably had a hand in. And, of course, people ranging from those in a stroller to old men sporting John Deere caps barely resting upon their heads.

All of this "motor-city mayhem" was done in part with the Toppers Car Club and their 53rd Annual Car Show. Toppers, founded in 1953, was created to bring like-minded individuals together to celebrate their passion and love for all types of cars. As a non-profit organization, Toppers has also been a long-time supporter of charities within the Red River Valley. This year, the Toppers organization was kind enough to give the New Life Center a generous gift of $2,500.

We would like to genuinely thank the Toppers Car Club and everyone who participated in the wonderful event. Be sure to keep your eye out for their next car show, it's a great time for everyone in the family!

Peace.

Back to Living

2011-08-02T08:47:00.000-07:00

A few months ago, we told you a story about "Tom". It was a story of redemption and of new beginnings. We've recently had a chance to catch up with Tom and he agreed to share some of his experiences after leaving the New Life Center.

Since moving into his first apartment, Tom has found the new found freedom to be anything but easy-going and his anxiousness before leaving our shelter was well-founded. Mental health issues and addictions are still as relevant today as they were when he had a more structured environment at the New Life Center. In fact, last month, those struggles had Tom fearing that losing his housing was nearly imminent.

Yet, Tom has a circle of close friends and medical professionals who care enough about him to hold him accountable. He has also made the wise decision of separating himself from past influences and acquaintances, most of whom do not have access to his new number or address. With these decisions and caring individuals, Tom has realized that in order to strive he needs to work on everything, make positive choices and embrace a lasting change. All the while taking opportunities to stop by and volunteer here at the New Life Center, usually helping with different tasks in our soup-kitchen.

Tom's struggles are not unique. It is important to remember that just because someone moves on from a shelter into their own housing, the struggles continue and at times are even tougher. However, Tom does feel that the struggle is worth it because he “…wants to get back to living, not just surviving.”

Peace.

Navy Week 2011

2011-07-20T07:29:00.000-07:00

During the week of August 8th - 14th, the United States Navy and their proud heritage will be visiting the Fargo/Moorhead community for "Navy Week". Fargo Navy Week celebration, gives area residents an opportunity to meet some of the Navy’s Sailors and learn about the Navy’s critical mission and its broad-ranging capabilities. Not to mention, the ever-popular Fargo Airsho.

The U.S. Navy conducts approximately 20 Navy Weeks each year, reaching out to communities across the country to show Americans the investment they have made in their Navy. During a Navy Week celebration, the Navy concentrates a variety of outreach events in a metropolitan area for a week, sharing the Navy story with as many people as possible

During this celebration, three sailors have committed to serving the New Life Center on August 8th. We look forward to their participation and are thankful for all that they do, here during the Navy Week and every other week, faithfully serving their country.

Peace.

Philanthropy and Youth

2011-06-09T10:04:00.001-07:00

This past month, the New Life Center was blessed to receive two very generous donations on behalf of "Philanthropy and Youth", a program of the Barry Foundation. This program, consisting of nearly 300 students from 16 different high schools, distributed 93 grants totaling $80,000 to non-profits around our community. The goal of the PaY organization is for young people to learn about local non-profit organizations and how they can have impact as philanthropists.

The donations, made by the Oak Grove High School and Shanley High School PaY Committees, equaling $2,000, will be allocated toward our Over-Capacity Shelter, Meals Program, Clinic, and for additional mattresses and bed frames.

The New Life Center thanks all of those involved with the Philanthropy and Youth program, the Barry Foundation, and the continued support of the Fargo/Moorhead community, all of whom allow us the opportunity to help those who are less fortunate.

God Bless.

Women's Auxiliary Fashion Show

2011-06-07T10:47:00.001-07:00

This May's Women's Auxiliary event featured the 2nd annual Women's clothing fashion show. Wearing only clothing purchasable in the New Life Center's thrift store, volunteers showed off their snazzy clothing and the amazing prices. The prices of the full outfits (shirts, jackets, pants, dresses, shoes, etc) ranged from a meager six dollars to some fifteen dollars and change. Finally, Stacy Danielson, after a quick wardrobe change, debuted a donated vintage, Finnish fox fur coat, that according to ebay, would fetch over $500 in its current condition. The event truly emphasized what is available to everyone at fractions of the cost found in the mall or even your everyday big-box store. Here are some more pictures of the event:

The Winter Is Past

2011-03-24T08:10:00.000-07:00

See! The winter is past;
the rains are over and gone.
Flowers appear on the earth;
the season of singing has come,
the cooing of doves
is heard in our land.
The fig tree forms its early fruit;
the blossoming vines spread their fragrance.
Arise, come, my darling;
my beautiful one, come with me.
~Song of Solomon 2:11-13

Spring is here. And while it may not look it outside, with the coming of spring comes the reality of renewal and a long, brighter day. Spring gives us a chance to look back at the coldness of winter and forward to the warmth of an inviting summer. The season of singing has come. And with it the opportunity for replenishment and a new beginning.

This spring also marks a new beginning and adventure for one of the men who has been staying here at the New Life Center (for anonymity’s sake, we’ll call him “Tom”). On April 1st, Tom will be moving in to his first apartment. A momentous occasion for your “average” eighteen year-old, Tom will be experiencing the thrill of his own place for the first time at the age of 47. This past week, I had the privilege to meet and talk with Tom about his journey and his new home.

“April Fool’s day,” is the answer I got from a laughing Tom when asked about when he would be moving into his new place. He is clearly excited about the move, but has mentioned more than once the anxiety that comes with it. As well as the responsibility.

In through the doors of the New Life Center come people of all backgrounds. There are men who have recently been evicted due to the loss of a job, some come directly from jail or a psychiatric unit, and many have stayed due to their chronic homelessness. Just the other night we had a trucker who was traveling across the country stay the night.

Out through the doors go many stories, as well. Some stay only the night and leave the next morning, on the road like the trucker previously mentioned. Others stay while completing a recovery program or until they have found a job. In extreme cases, some will spend decades, unable to care for themselves or deal with the hostility of the world, eventually dying while in our care. But, for the most part, the stories of many who have stayed here do not get told to anyone and their reasons for leaving are as mysterious as to why they landed at the shelter in the first place. And it’s that reason that getting to know Tom and his story is a blessing and something we at the New Life Center would like to share with you.

“I’m looking forward to coming back here about once a month or so to give back.” Tom has been staying at the New Life Center on and off for over a year, but has experienced homelessness for much longer. “I got married in a drunken stupor…we were together for five years, living in a place owned by her father, so I’ve never had to deal with credit checks or a lease.” After Tom and his wife split, he began moving around the country, homeless and pushed from town to town. “From 1982 to now, I’ve either been locked up or homeless.” After spending many years down south, he returned to Grand Forks to take care of some legal problems. For years, a warrant, an unsuccessful marriage and a debilitating addiction to alcohol had kept him away from his family. “I hadn’t seen my oldest sister in 17 years.” But after a conversation with a female friend from a recovery group who had solved an outstanding legal issue with little problem, Tom decided to return to North Dakota and give himself up. Due to his earlier attempts to put the charges behind him and mix-ups by two different state departments, Tom was free to go.

After solving the issues with the court, Tom’s sister decided to move him down to Fargo. “Getting back with the old friends (in Grand Forks) wasn’t a good idea.” Once in Fargo and away from unwanted influences, Tom got sober and began a road toward recovery. Yet, putting alcohol behind him wasn’t the total answer he was looking for. “After I cleaned up, I got depressed. Even suicidal.”

Thankfully, rather than seeking the answers to his depression in a bottle, Tom reached out to the opportunities available to him in this community. “They got me into Prairie (Prairie St. Johns, a local facility that deals with mental illness and chemical dependence),” where he stayed for two weeks, diagnosed with manic depression and mild schizophrenia. He is now on a mix of prescription medications that he says have helped immensely, as well as a part of a stabilization treatment group that meets daily. While Tom admits that he has used alcohol since getting help, he also understands that with his treatment and medication, abusing alcohol as he once did is no longer an option.

In addition to the help Tom received at Prairie, Southeast Human Service Center has been imperative in his advancement; helping get him into Prairie, setting up his group meetings and beginning a financial program that will allow Tom to have all of his bills paid on time, while setting aside money for savings. Not to mention arranging for Tom to be moving into his new place. It is organizations like these, and others that help transform lives each and every day. While the New Life Center prides itself on being able to put a roof over a head and food in a stomach, we could not imagine reaching our ultimate goal of serving the individual without the help of the many community organizations in Fargo and Moorhead.

“If I hadn’t found you all, I’d probably be dead.” Tom did find us and Tom’s excited. He has already moved some furniture and household items into his new place and has already been offered help by employees and clients of the New Life Center in his big move. He plans on continuing his group treatment and has put checks in place to resist unwanted influences and temptation. We’re all looking forward to Tom returning to give a hand with his friends in the kitchen or just stopping by to give an update. “See! The Winter is past.”

Peace.

Holidays & the New Year

2011-01-10T10:51:00.000-08:00

Cold enough for ya?

It's a new year and it is freezing. Our doors are open and our bunks are full. We just wanted to take some time and look back at the past holiday season and what is happening in the months to come.

Thanksgiving was a busy time 'round these parts and we had some excellent help from the community to help serve up both some food and good will.

Fun was definitely had and we appreciate all of the helping hands who took time from football and family to help out those who are less fortunate. It truly is a wonderful feeling knowing that during times of celebration and togetherness we never lack of participation or helpfulness.

As with any other place during early winter, one holiday surely made its way into another. But for us, the most important. Despite all of the stressors and end-of-the-year hullabaloo, Christmas time is really one of the more joyous times of year around this place...winter is settled, presents and well-wishes from all over town are arriving daily, and the holiday spirit overall is kicked up a notch throughout the Center. We'd like to share some photos we took over the last month of the year.

Here's a photo of just a fraction of glove donations that will end up in wrapped gifts for everyone who is currently staying at the New Life Center.

This is a snapshot of a couple women who volunteered their time to help wrap gifts. We had quite the crew there helping with wrapping, and we definitely need it.

Here's our chaplain helping hand out gifts to some guys who have been staying with us. As you can see, the tables are full and we were also happy to have our new Assistant Director and his family there to help hand them out too. They were glad to be a part of a new tradition.

It was a truly blessed holiday season at the New Life Center and, as with everything that happens here, it would have been an impossibility without the graciousness of our wonderful donors, volunteers, prayers, and, of course, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Thank you for giving us another year of service to man and we only ask for the strength to continue striving toward the ideal bestowed to us by Christ.

Peace.

The Eve of Winter

2010-10-27T08:16:00.000-07:00

It was bound to happen. Inevitable. The murky grey skies have again graced the Fargo/Moorhead community and with overnight snow, it seems as winter is nearly upon us. While we North Dakotans and Minnesotans are known for our hearty, steadfast, unwavering exteriors, even the meanest of the toughest mid-westerners receive a strong knot in their stomach this time of the year. And, Hey!, we nearly made it to November without a flake of snow, so that's encouraging...right? Right?

But, let's not toss away all hope of sun and cool, fall nights. First, we want to take a quick look back at some of the great things that happened at the New Life Center before winter storm warnings were all the rage.

Before it was a seemingly daily occurrence of rain, this September we had great opportunities of getting outside and grillin' up some tasty steaks. Providing the meat and helping out with cooking and serving, we welcomed gentlemen from First Lutheran Church. The Lyngstad's(l-r Robert, John Robert, John) Brad Keller
Brad and Larry Wild

In addition to grillin' outside, we had some volunteers help us with some outside renovations. Near our main entrance, things were starting to look a bit out of place. Thankfully, people from around the community, including Valley City's Men's Golf Team, took time out to help us dig up and plant a more appealing entry.

Finally, to cap off the summer, our organization was presented with a check for $2,000 dollars by State Bank and Trust's Pay It Forward program. This program gives employees the opportunity to choose a local charity and the bank will match their donation completely. This program has continued to make a difference at the New Life Center for the past few years and we appreciate everyone involved who continue to make a difference in the community. (l-r Eric Fischer, Dan Danielson, Joyce Rude)

Well, that about wraps up the various happenings of the latter summer here at the New Life Center. Glancing out the window, it seems as if this weather isn't going anywhere. As you are well aware, the winter hits those we help each day the hardest, and local predictors say this winter will be no different.

With capacity numbers nearly every evening here, we cannot stress enough our appreciation for those who volunteer their time, those that donate once, twice or more each year, and the continued support through prayer, unmeasurable only in an earthly sense, but proven each and every day our mission stays open. Thank you all for remembering the New Life Center and those who accept our support.

Peace.

Offerings from the Volunteer State

2010-10-12T11:34:00.000-07:00

During the past week and earlier this August, separate groups of individuals from a Baptist ministry in Tennessee came to the New Life Center to help in any way possible. The Sojourn Volunteer Groups of 2010 from the aptly nicknamed "Volunteer State" of Tennessee lived up to their state's moniker and to the call of the Holy Word to "do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again." Surely, their "reward shall be great."

The group comes from a Baptist church in Tennessee that has ties to the startup church Sojourn, located here in Fargo. Jeremy Robinson, a pastor at Sojourn, contacted us for the second consecutive summer to partner with the New Life Center by sending volunteer groups and they plan on doing it again next summer.

The first group consisted of 12 people made up of three families as well as two
college students. One of the dads said he has been looking for a mission
opportunity that he could do with his kids; this fit the bill perfectly.

After a tour of the facilities and a gathering of information regarding our rescue mission, the volunteers undertook the daunting task of categorizing, sorting, and
displaying all the books in the thrift store. They also gave the exterior of the thrift store a facelift by adding a fresh coat of paint. The second group of volunteers from Tennessee had the daunting task of un-cluttering and sorting donations in our warehouse. ((Picture this scene x15))

After busy days of hard and helpful work, the families wanted to end their time here at the mission by eating in the dining hall. We were more than happy to feed them and are looking forward to seeing our southern brethren again next summer.

For more information on the Sojourn Church here in Fargo, check out their website at http://www.sojournfargo.org/index.html.

Peace.

United Health Chiropractic is Giving Back

2010-08-17T09:12:00.000-07:00

As we noted in our Summer newsletter (which I surely hope is what drove some of you to this blog. Stay awhile, take a look around, and, please, come back), Dr. Ryan Schroeder of United Health Chiropractic is giving away his time and expertise to those staying at the New Life Center.

Dr. Schroeder contacted the New Life Center earlier this summer, inquiring as to whether or not his talents could be utilized at our mission. With an enthusiastic yes and thank you, we formed a connection with Ryan and set forth to scheduling chiropractic sessions for residents and volunteers at the New Life Center.

Ryan isn't new to the mission field, in fact, he only recently returned from a missions trip to Honduras. Ryan, along with his wife, Jamie, just spent a year in Honduras delivering outreach to impoverished Hondurans with chiropractic and nursing care, all the while spreading the Gospel of Jesus. Dr. Schroeder and his wife plan on continuing their international missions with shorter trips to Honduras in the future.

Locally, we decided with the good doctor, to set up a schedule of weekly visits every Tuesday. Having started on August first, Ryan and his Office Manager, Ruby, have already put together a good amount of work...along with many repeat customers! Posted in the basement, near our check-in office, hangs a sign letting all know how and who to contact to be put on the schedule for the following Tuesday. Ryan and Ruby arrive a bit after 9:00a.m. and spend almost the entire morning (the last scheduled session spot today was 11:30a.m.) helping those in physical need.

We are humbled that Dr. Schroeder and United Health Chiropractic chose the New Life Center to be the new aim of Ryan's chiropractic mission, as physical disability and pain can be an inescapable, daily stressor. We are truly blessed with the number of volunteers that come through our doors on a weekly basis, but this unique way of helping those in the community in need is a true inspiration, both in dedication and inventiveness.

For more information about United Health Chiropractic and Dr. Ryan Schroeder's practice, visit http://www.unitedhealthchiro.com. The physical office is located at:

3212 14th Ave S
Ste 2
Fargo, ND
701-232-6226

Thank you for reading and God Bless

Saying Goodbye

2010-06-22T12:57:00.000-07:00

It has been a busy past few months here at the New Life Center. With new faces, canceling and rescheduling events, and the general going-ons of a bustling rescue mission, we tend to rely highly on our great staff.

None more than Claire (Danielson)Coffey, who we sadly had to say goodbye to just this past week.

Claire has been an integral part to the New Life Center for over a decade. She began working here as a high school student, picking up shifts in the Thrift Store. These casual shifts slowly turned into a full-time position (accompanied by a unique partnership with her best friend, Erin Hall, as her defacto consigliere in the thrift "game"). After her time in the store, Claire, moved to an office and was promoted to Thrift Store manager and administrative assistant.

From that point on, Claire was an indispensable asset to the NLC, whose responsibilities ranged from the innocuous stuffing of envelopes for mass mailings, to the down-right terrifying responsibility of planning, organizing, purchasing and supervising an entire holiday event, just to turn around and do it all again, on top of year-ending reporting in the final months of the past, many years. It's truly a miracle she could even find time to perform for our ladies auxiliary at a moments notice.

Claire is now working in Cheyenne, Wyoming, along side her husband, Tim, and their cavalcade of pets. We wish them both well and expect nothing but great things to come from their futures.

It won't be any easy task to replace someone like Claire. It is surely not the worries of who will pick up extra jugs of Pine-Sol, how much change is left in the store's register, or whether or not the tax receipts were successfully documented and sent, that will be irreplaceable (Trust Me, the tasks have been allocated).

Claire will be impossible to replace, because she is what makes a place like this work. Selfless, loving, passionate, and an endearing concern for all of God's humanity, Claire decidedly put others before herself and made others around her better for it. We miss and love her and will forever be indebted to her time spent making the mission what it is today.

An Inspiring Story

2010-06-17T09:30:00.000-07:00

This past week, the Fargo Forum ran an article about Tyler Workman, a former homeless man who recently turned his life around. Tyler had been staying at the New Life Center, where he heard about the local event, Project Homeless Connect. From there... well, here is the article, which you can find online at http://www.inforum.com/event/article/id/281609/group/News/

Tyler Workman could really use the free haircut.

His tousled Mohawk didn’t do him any favors. And, he found, there’s something about plopping in a hairdresser chair after you’ve been lugging a suitcase full of possessions, the specter of addiction and a deep sense of failure.

Workman, 23, got the haircut at a 2008 Fargo event linking homeless people with services they need. He also got an idea.

He mulled it over for a while. At times, he thought about giving up on it. But on Friday, Workman graduated from Fargo’s Moler Barber College after a 10-month apprenticeship. In May, Workman returned to the Project Homeless Connect event at the Fargodome to dispense free haircuts – and an unlikely success story.

“I never thought I could be anything,” he says. “Nobody does when you live in a homeless shelter.”

In fall 2008, Workman rode a bike to Project Connect from the New Life Center’s homeless shelter in Fargo. He went reluctantly.

“I am already surrounded by homeless people, people who have no hope,” he told his case worker. “Why do I want to go and hang out with more homeless people?”

But there was hope. Workman landed in Fargo months earlier after a year of crisscrossing the country that left him with no sense of direction. After a brief stint in a psychiatric ward, he was finally taking meds for a mental illness that made it impossible to hold down a job. He was clean.

As soon as he showed up at the event, he started spotting people with uncannily well-groomed hair.

Free haircuts by Moler and MJ Capelli Family Hair Salons have been a staple of Homeless Connect, says Laurie Baker, executive director of the Fargo-Moorhead Coalition for Homeless Persons. The coalition puts on the event, which offers medical and dental services, job tips and legal help.

Organizers occasionally hear stories about participants who got a cut and a new coat at the event – and a job a few days later.

Workman loved the fresh haircut. But what really made an impression was the hairdresser’s upbeat manner and the care she took to trace the zigzag design he asked for along his neck.

“There’s something about getting a haircut,” he says. “It changes your day when somebody pays attention to you.”

This would be a fun job, he thought.

Eventually, Workman moved into a one-bedroom apartment and got a job at a gas station. He bought his first car. But the hairdresser idea lingered in the back of his mind. He experimented with cutting patterns in his own hair.

He signed up for the Barber College 10 months ago, after he happened to drive by it. His brother lent him the $100 application fee.

The first few weeks, he was sure he’d never get the hang of cutting hair. Mary Cannon, the owner, kept telling him, “It’s not hard. It’s a challenge. Put on your happy face for customers.”

These days, he comes in early to have a bowl of cereal and meditate for 20 minutes in the quiet shop on Eighth Street just off Main Avenue. He has a

gift for striking up a conversation with anyone who plops down in his chair. He looks at peace as white hairs tumble down his black plastic poncho to the floor.

“It’s like a Zen thing,” he says. “It calms my mind. It centers me, just knowing I am doing something, that I am being productive.”

Later this summer, Workman is headed to his hometown of Minot, N.D., where he lined up a job.

In May, he gave a dozen haircuts at Homeless Connect. Again, he was reluctant to go: A haircut seemed such a measly offering to people he knew could use a lot of help. But then, a 40-something man with longish hair sat on his chair. Workman suggested parting the hair on the side instead of the middle and cleaned up his neck.

“In 10 months here, I haven’t had such a great reaction to a haircut,” he recalls. “It was a totally new look for him.”

by Mila Koumpilova

The "Love Kitchen" Comes to Town

2010-06-17T08:42:00.000-07:00

A slice of pizza and smile can go a long way. This past Wednesday, the Little Caesars Love Kitchen pulled up to the New Life Center and provided both.

The Love Kitchen is a pizza kitchen on wheels. Traveling the continental United States and Canada, their goal is to provide food and assistance to the homeless, the needy, and to those in disaster areas. The local franchises provide all the ingredients and when the truck arrives, they prepare and cook them in the back of the truck. Talk about a streamlined operation! They can either serve the pizza out of the truck through the walk up window which you can see here or box it up and let the shelter serve it which is what we did.

In a half hours time, they over 60 pizzas baked and ready to go! When the boxes were carried downstairs, you could see the smiles and the looks of amazement at all the pizza.

Thanks Little Caesars, you made our day.

((Here's a link to the InForum article on the Love Kitchen))

2010-05-27T11:54:00.000-07:00

This past Friday, the New Life Center Women's Auxiliary met for the last time before the summer break. We're happy to note, that just before this well-deserved time off, the Women's Auxiliary, with help from other women from around the community, successfully put together a great and God worshiping event featuring Ellie Lofaro. Ellie, who had previously been scheduled to talk at the Annual Prayer Breakfast, generously rescheduled and put on an excellent, inspiring show for a great number of women at Bethel Evangelical Free Church. We hope that many of you had the chance to attend.

The Auxiliary meeting this week went without a hitch, and also featured quite a show! A group of Auxiliary members decided to wow those in attendance by having an impromptu fashion show.

The idea behind the fashion show was to feature outfits exclusively purchased from the New Life Center's Thrift Store.

Purchased and presented by Auxiliary members and New Life Center staff, those in attendance were thrilled to hear that the prices of these outfits ranged from $4.00 to just $16.00.

As you can see, we feature many more opportunities to create your own, low-priced wardrobe. Definitely come and check out what we have to offer at the Thrift Store for summer savings!

A Generous "Fan"

2010-05-07T07:58:00.000-07:00

Social networking on the Internet is truly a great thing. From Twitter to Facebook, it not only provides an excellent way to connect to those who you may not have previously a chance, but it's also a fun way to burn down that final hour on a Friday.

While we are still exploring the many possibilities of social networking, State Bank & Trust of Fargo has a very established network of "fans" on their Facebook site. And to keep those fans coming back, State Bank has set up a great game for all of their loyal visitors.

Inside their "homemade" cash machine, a lucky Facebook fan of SB&T gets a chance to "grab some cash" as it blows around inside of the machine (check out the video here). A truly novel idea to keep their fans coming back and their customers happy.

Recently, a lucky fan, Shawn Rode, got his chance in the cash machine and came out the winner of $305. Selflessly, Shawn decided to donate his winnings to the New Life Center and being a bank which promotes "paying it forward", State Bank & Trust generously matched his donation.

We cannot help but be extremely grateful to both Shawn and State Bank, and all of you who give their time and money to help us continue on our mission of helping those less fortunate. We are all great "fans" of you.

Peace.

Welcoming Robert Swiers to the New Life Center

2010-05-06T12:08:00.000-07:00

We would like to welcome (and inform all our readers) Robert Swiers to the New Life Center. Rob joins us as the new Assistant Director and we are happy to have him and his refreshing outlook regarding the New Life Center's ministry.

Rob joined us on April 5th, after working for our community at Hospice of the Red River Valley. Already making a difference, Rob has proven to be an enthusiastic and important addition to our staff. We are looking forward to learning more from him, as he gains a greater insight into our mission.

______________________________________________________

We would also like to thank everybody who attended the Ellie Lofaro event this morning at Bethel Evangelical Free Church. Early reports are already regaling her humor and inspiring message. We would like to also thank the Women's Auxiliary and everyone else who had a hand in bringing her to our community.

Peace.

Ellie Lofaro Event

2010-04-14T10:57:00.000-07:00

Ellie Lofaro is scheduled to speak in Fargo on Thursday, May 6 at 9:30 a.m. at Bethel Evangelical Free Church. Nationally recognized speaker and Bible teacher, Ellie Lofaro, had been scheduled to speak at the New Life Center Prayer Breakfast for the past two years. Due to flooding issues, both of these events were canceled. Ellie has followed our situation with deep concern for the physical, spiritual and emotional needs that have resulted from two years of battling floods in our area and she graciously offered to come to Fargo on an alternate date. Her message is titled "Crossing Your River of Impossibility". Advance tickets are $5 and can be purchased at Melbergs, The Rainbow Shop, and Family Christian Store. Seating is general admission and is limited to 350 people. Coffee and muffins will be served. This event is sponsored by the New Life Center Auxiliary in co-operation with area churches. Ellie will also participate in the National Day of Prayer gathering at the Holiday Inn, beginning at 6:30 p.m. that evening.

For more information, please visit our website.

Peace.

Dan Danielson, 2009 Impact Speaker of the Year

2010-03-25T13:35:00.000-07:00

This past week, the United Way of Cass-Clay awarded the New Life Center's Dan Danielson with the prestigious award of Impact Speaker of the Year. The annual United Way meeting was held on Tuesday, March 23rd, complete with a lunch, entertainment and a report to the community. Dan was excited and humbled by his award and we are all proud to have a man of his esteem leading us in our charge against homelessness in our community.

Dan is an avid speaker in the community, lending his stories to churches and businesses across the Valley. Partnered closely with the United Way, his message reaches many who are both unaware of what exactly we do at the New Life Center and how homelessness and poverty effects our community.

We would like to echo the United Way's sentiments and congratulate Dan on his well-deserved award and thank him again for all that he does.

God Bless.

Spring Is (Nearly) Here, Let's Get Grillin'

2010-03-19T12:16:00.000-07:00

It's that time again. Flood waters and sunshine. Today, we'd like to focus on the latter. And meat.

It's rare 'round these parts to even think about weathering a mid-March day for more time than it takes to walk to and from the car or house, but whenever an opportunity presents itself, one does well to take advantage. Thanks to a generous, local food broker, we were able to get out early and put our event grill to good use.

Thanks to our premiere Grill Captain Jeff, people from around the community were offered up multiple cuts of seasoned beef and chicken, accompanied by various types of salad and drinks. It truly was a feast of great proportions (and portions)!

We feel very blessed to be able to provide such a magnitude of varying delicacies to whoever comes through our doors. And we could not do it without the help of local businesses, events like Fill the Dome, and your continued support through donations of money, food and time. We thank God daily for allowing us to continue our work and thank you for creating such a gracious community.

Peace.

Red River Rising, Shelter Overflowing

2010-03-16T12:53:00.000-07:00

It's that time of the year again. Snow melting, weather warming and community-wide apprehension of what the Red River will do this time.

It's also the time of the year that our community comes out in droves to help their neighbors and their homes. It is an amazing sight to see people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities show their pride and sense of community in extremely stressful and trying times.

We, at the New Life Center, are also struggling this flooding season. While our complex is relatively safe from the Red's crest, we have found our shelter overflowing from the inside.

We are currently offering shelter to over 100 men a night and having to come up with new places and cots for people to sleep. New sleeping areas mean new staff, and the question of when will our walls become too thin. Priding ourselves on turning no-one away, this spring has our minds wheeling for new and innovative ideas.

Between prayer and sandbagging, you too can help us in our time of need. The Fargo City officials have promised cash for local non-profits for people's time sandbagging. Also, we have a strong promise from a group fighting hunger in America.

The Feinstein Foundation and their motto to "Help End Hunger in America" is willing to MATCH donations till April 30th. No donation is too little and each is greatly appreciated.

More information about the current going-ons here at the New Life Center can be found in our Spring 2010 Newsletter located at our website or right here. There is also a donation form in the Newsletter.

Thank you and God Bless.

Christmastime at the New Life Center

2009-12-11T12:14:00.001-08:00

Today, the Women's Auxiliary paid us a visit, bringing with them gifts of all kinds collected from their representative churches. Shirts, gloves, hats and all sorts of other clothing were generously donated from all over the Valley. Oh, and can't forget the Cookies!

During the Auxiliary meeting, the women and New Life Center staff were granted a special treat from the Oak Grove High School Christmas Carolers. The spirit of Christmas is certainly in full gear.

Next week, the New Life Center staff will be celebrating Christmas together. The party will feature Pizza and Chinese, a long-standing tradition. Most importantly, games and fellowship will keep everyone entertained.

Well, stay tuned for a post next week, as we continue during the holiday season.

Christmas in the Red

2009-12-04T11:30:00.000-08:00

Next week, December 10-12, Bethel Evangelical Free Church will be presenting an original Christmas Musical entitled "Christmas in the Red." The play is a story of "two families who cope with crisis in very different ways with very different results. While maintaining a fun, festive, holiday atmosphere, it shares the story of Christmas with realism, candor and creativity!"

Bethel has generously decided to give 3 dollars of every ticket sold to the New Life Center. We are grateful for them thinking of us during the holidays and are looking forward to the musical!

To pick up tickets, stop by any of these places: Hornbachers, Family Christian, Melbergs, The Rainbow Shop, Bethel Church or www.christmasinthered.org Tickets are $8 a piece.

Bethel Church is located at 2702 30th Ave S Fargo, ND 701-232-4476

Community Comes Out Big

2009-10-06T13:26:00.001-07:00

It's been a great week here at the New Life Center. And, no, we're obviously not talking about the early fall weather. This weekend the Red River Valley community stepped up and made a difference. A Big Difference.

With no regard to the cool weather or the football season, people of all ages came together outside of local churches, donning nothing more than the clothes on their back and cardboard boxes to keep away the wind, to make a statement. The statement that there are people living in poverty and that they are here to remind everyone of that fact.

Arriving by bus after participating in a night long Homeless and Hungry event and fasting for thirty hours, over forty community members came to the New Life Center to lend multiple hands. These gracious folk did everything from washing storm windows, cleaning up the dining hall, sorting quilts and delivering donations gathered from the previous night's event.

Here's a couple nice pictures of these generous people.

And it wasn't just these folk showing up big time. We also received a well-needed monetary donation from a very important program created by State Bank and Trust, "Pay It Forward". This program, introduced by Michael Solberg, President of State Bank, gives employees the ability each year to award a very generous sum of money to their non-profit of choice. This year, multiple people came together to donate a total of $3,000.00 to the New Life Center.

Here is a photo of the check presentation to Dan Danielson, New Life Center CEO:

(l to r: Eric Braun, Eva Walslaski, Eric Fischer, Dan Danielson, Joyce Rude, Matt Stenehjem, Judy Lee)

Our sincere thanks to everyone who participated in the Homeless and Hungry event and the charitable employees of State Bank and Trust, Fargo.

Quick Heads-Up

2009-09-10T11:27:00.001-07:00

Hey all,
tonite, our director, Dan, will be featured on John Strand's weekly show on 1100AM The Flag. Recorded last week and with some technical difficulties, the show is supposed to be replayed tonite at 8p.m. So, tune in at 1100AM or check out the streaming site at http://www.am1100.tv/ .

Peace.

Give a Little, Feed a Lot

2009-09-08T12:04:00.000-07:00

Throughout the nation, September is known as Hunger Action Month. The goal of this movement is "to promote community engagement and to bring awareness to the solvable problem of domestic hunger in our communities". As a part of the Cass Clay Hunger Coalition, the New Life Center is urging all readers and volunteers to get involved this month with any of the variety of events taking place around our community.

New Life Center Statistics

Here are some basic stats from the past year here at the NLC, with previous year numbers.

From January 1st 2009 - August 31st 2009

-Lodgings = 20,514/Averaging 85 Nightly (as of Aug. '08 Avg. 76 per night)

-Meals = 65,319/Averaging 272 Meals Prepared Daily (as of Aug. '08 Avg. 216 meals daily)

We are currently providing shelter to between 90-95 individuals each night and preparing between 275-300 meals per day.

National & Local Statistics

On site meals served at Soup Kitchens have gone up 11% since 2008
Food Pantries report an increase of 10.3% since 2008
Each month an average of 6,370 people in our community seek and recieve assistance from charitable feeding programs
Last year a total of 69,591 food baskets were distributed by community Food Pantries
In 2008, homeless shelters and soup kitchens in our community served 296,208 hot meals

What You Can Do

First off, check out the Hunger Action Month Website to get ideas about hosting a food or fund drive, volunteering, donating money or advocating for hunger relief.

Around the Valley, you can check out any of the following opportunities.

BBQ @ the New Life Center: September 16, 2009 - Brad Keller and Larry Wild and the First Lutheran Helpers head out again to the New Life Center, bringing beef and all the fixins'. 5:00 pm.

Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs: September 18, 2009 - The Cass Clay Hunger Coalition is partnering with Marcus Theatres around this Sony film. Head to the Century Theatre on 9/18 to help it rain meatballs in Fargo/Moorhead.

Friends of the Poor Walk: September 26, 2009 - St. Vincent de Paul is hosting its 2nd annual walk, benefiting the poor in the local community. Come walk a mile in another's shoes.

Dorothy Day Soup Supper: September 29, 2009 - Join a Soup Supper Fundraiser for Dorothy Day Hospitality House & Food Pantry. St. Joseph's Catholic Church 202 10th St S, Moorhead; 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm.

Homeless and Hungry 2009: October 3-4, 2009 - Homeless and Hungry combines a 30 hour famine and a campout in cardboard boxes to raise awareness, funds and donations for the FM Shelters. First Lutheran Church 619 Broadway, Fargo.

Fill the Dome: November 23, 2009 - Once again, local students are participating in the communities largest food drive, attempting to fill the Fargodome with food donations for local food pantries. This years goals are 75 tons of food and $75,000.

As always, you can contact us here or by emailing Claire. Thank you for your time and help in this exciting month exploring the Hunger issue that is close to all of us.

Peace.

Summertime Grillin' the Perfect Pork

2009-08-11T11:51:00.000-07:00

Rain ain't got nothing on Aric Saign's industrial sized smoker!

This past Saturday, Aric and several other active community members from as far off as Sabin, came down to the mission to offer up their time and culinary predilections. I don't care if you're vegan, pescetarian or just someone who doesn't like pork, you can't deny that this setup looks tasty!

Aric Saign and his construction company, Saign Construction, was doing a bit of concrete work for the mission this past July. After visiting with Dan for a while and learning more about our organization, he offered up that he and his wife, Markell Briden, also run a catering business (Casey Jo's Catering) and would like to contribute a BBQ.

Generously donated, this pork wasn't all to be offered up as dinner to our shelter residents and people from all over the community. Garnished with chips, slaw, pies, puddings, assorted crackers and whatever else was in arm-grasp of Mike, our weekend cook, this dinner was, unquestionably, the best deal in town on Saturday evening.

And it wasn't just the folk from Casey Jo's getting in the mix. Volunteers, big and small, set out to give a hand making up this gigantic feast.
Good Stuff!

Overall, the BBQ, despite a bit of rain (easily warded off with a quick move to the warehouse), was a complete success. All reports of the tastiness of the pork are exemplary. And smiles abound!

We'd like to thank Aric and his wife and all of the other volunteers that came out Saturday to provide a unique delicacy for all who showed up. As before, if you would like to make a similar donation or something entirely different, please contact Claire Coffey at claire.coffey@fargonlc.org or call her at (701)235-4453.

-Peace

(All Photos Provided By Mike Pedigo)

Caution: Wet Paint

2009-08-06T13:13:00.000-07:00

This blogger is no Mike Pedigo and I believe the back of my shirt can dismiss any contrary beliefs of that. Yet, today I got the chance to don the title of "lead photo blogger" and archive some of our local youth getting out and helping their community.

Four young individuals from Bethel Evangelical Free Church visited us today to lend their time and painting talents. We sent Jacob, Joey, Michael and Taryn to the south entrance in order to spruce up the place a bit. This section of the building is a main thoroughfare for men entering the shelter from the backyard, the lower commons area and used as an exit after an evening's rest.

The volunteers, ranging from age 15 to 19 (Taryn, the eldest, is the small group leader), are all a part of Bethel's "Student Impact" program which encourages young people to get out into their community and help in many various ways.

The New Life Center is blessed by the number of volunteers we receive weekly. This summer we've had good folk scheduled to come and lend a hand at least three times a week and, during the fall, nigh a day goes by that we don't see a fresh face from the community offering up some sort of service or just out looking for some way to help.

On behalf of our entire staff, I'd like to personally thank Jacob, Joey, Michael and Taryn for their excellent work, taking the time out to help those in need and for the inspiration one can only garner through the response of the youth. And, to all other volunteers, prior or soon-to-be, thank you for your continued support. We would not be here, if not for you.

-Peace

For Volunteering Information Please Contact
Claire Coffey : 701-235-4453 or claire.coffey@fargonlc.org

Prized Pictures by Mike Pedigo

2009-07-30T12:30:00.000-07:00

Mike Pedigo has always been interested in photography. And it's no wonder that a few of his photographs took home blue ribbons this year at the Red River Valley Fair.

This isn't the first time Mike's photo's have been up for competition. In fact, Mike entered, won, and worked for the Nebraska State Fair for many years before hanging his hat here at the New Life Center. After two years as an Evening Supervisor at the New Life Center, Mike decided to get back in the swing of things and enter some of his local photography at one of the biggest competitions in the state. And not one photo went unrecognized.

Mike's photography hasn't only taken him to local fairgrounds, but also into our United States Military. Mike told me that he enlisted specifically in the Army for their photography program and swiftly moved into the position of a Public Affairs NCO. After serving for many years, Mike has rekindled his excitement for finding the perfect shot and the "wilds" of Fargo have made for a great place to do just that.

When I asked Mike what his dream camera would be, he told me that it would be a 4x5 View Camera with a 600mm lens. What blew my mind about this was that the 4x5 meant that the negatives where actually four inches by five, something I had neither heard about nor ever seen. Sounds like just the machine that would give his current, up-to-date tech heavy Nikon D60 a run for its money. Mike also shoots with a Canon SD750 when portability and ease of access is imperative.

We at the New Life Center are very proud of Mike's achievements, but even moreso of his hard and dedicated work here at the mission. It's rare to find a man with such heartwarming sincerity and a keen eye, but Mike reminded me that of where all his special talents lay. "Only through Christ could I do all these things".

That's a remark deserved of its own blue ribbon.

They're at it again!

2009-06-18T09:05:00.000-07:00

Larry Wild and Brad Keller have a way of drawing a crowd. Each summer, fall and even winter, they have been grilling up a storm for the evening meal at the New Life Center for a couple of years now. Whether it's burgers and brats or pork chops, Brad is hot at it, tending the grill starting around 4:00 p.m. Larry's usually to be found in the kitchen cooking up his famous baked beans and cole slaw. Others who volunteer from their church, First Lutheran in Fargo, bring other goodies to fill out the menu. The folks who call the New Life Center "home", as well as others from the community, seem to know when it's time to BBQ. People start lining up for dinner around four o'clock which is served at 5:00 p.m. There's no worry however, because there is always enough to go around, and most of the time, seconds are in order. No one goes away hungry and everyone has a good time. We're so grateful to these two men, who genuinely answer the question, "who is my brother's keeper?" Remember when Jesus answered his disciples question, "when did we see you hungry and feed you?" and Jesus said, "When you did it unto the least of these, you did it unto me" (Matthew 25:45). This verse exemplifies the character of Brad and Larry. Thanks again and God bless you both.

Memorial Service for Gary

2009-06-16T11:52:00.000-07:00

This past weekend, Ruby, Dan, and the rest of Gary's local family attended a memorial service and celebration at Shoreham Chapel, near Detroit Lakes. Gary was the pastor of the lakes church for 45 years, where he did everything from hosting bible studies to marrying people of his congregation.

The service got off to a great start with Kathie Brekke and the Apostles praising His name with horns and jazzy gospel tunes. After a welcoming and a few words, there was time spent by various members of the congregation moving to the front of the chapel and remembering Gary's life and times at Shorem and everywhere else. Finally, after a few breaks for more great music and an offering, Dan gave a heart-warming recollection of his father's life, his good works in this world, and the everlasting influence Gary's life had on the people he helped through his work here at the mission and to those who he taught each weekend during the summer at Shoreham Chapel.

Gary has been missed sorely since he passed this past October, but this memorial service acted as a great reminder of his life and his legacy. And, most importantly, that he is awaiting us at God's side to welcome us home when the good Lord deems it time.

God Bless You.

Is Summer really here?

2009-06-11T12:02:00.000-07:00

The weather people say it's going to be in the 80's starting on Sunday. We can tell that summer is here by the increased number of homeless people coming into the community looking for work. Seasonal employment opportunities are usually in abundance whether they are agri-based or construction. It seems that as soon as the frost is gone, road construction begins. Many of our residents have found work which is often the ingredient to finding housing. It's too soon to tell what effect the depressed economy will have on the availability of these jobs, but we hope history will repeat itself and offer jobs to those who want and need work. Our shelter numbers have been high lately, often exceeding 85 a night. We're grateful that there's still "room at the inn" and plenty to eat. Something to consider; if you have a home, lake or business project where you need someone to help, give the New Life Center a call and we'll try and connect you with someone who has the skills you need. Thanks.

New Life Center and Homelessness Article in Forum Today

2009-06-09T12:27:00.001-07:00

Good afternoon.

Our organization was mentioned today in the Fargo Forum. Dan gave an insightful quote on today's economic and social landscape. He stated that, ""It isn’t just the homeless people in the shelter that are receiving meals, but needy people in the community as well,” said Dan Danielson, executive director of the New Life Center."

The article also mentions that "the New Life Center in Fargo has seen a 15 percent increase in the number of meals served compared to this time last year."

Wow! 15%

Folk are known to say around Fargo, that the economic downturn of the past year hasn't really been seen in this community. I think that number and our nightly, near capacity beds, paint a different picture.

The article also features another local shelter, Churches United. Give their site a visit!

Keep us in your prayers and we'll keep you in ours.

Peace.

It's Good to be Home

2009-06-04T13:21:00.000-07:00

Well, we had quite a trip. Every year, the Association of Gospel Rescue Missions has a conference in a major city, last year Dallas and this year it was Denver. We sent three ambassadors to check out the beautiful city and commiserate with other Rescue Mission missionaries about the state of homelessness across the nation.

The conference involves seminars varying across a wide range of topics, from how the new administration will help us with our mission to emerging legal issues involving homeless shelters today. On top of the informative seminars, the conference features times for dining and fellowship, extraordinary speakers such as Shane Claiborne and musical acts into the night. With so much going on, it was a true chore deciding which portions of the conference would help us best with further evolving our ministry.

In addition to our time spent at the conference, we had a chance to check out the city of Denver itself. It was definitely a busy time in the city, the Nuggets were hosting the Lakers just down the way, friends had recently moved to the area, and, of course, there was shopping and all the touristy sight-seeing to do. It didn't take long to forget the long drive south and set off around town.

The trip went faster then expected and good times were had. But, truth be told, we're glad to be back in our beloved community. We learned a lot, made some friends and spent quality time amongst God's great patrons, all with a passion and commitment to helping those less fortunate. With summer now in full force, we hope to infuse our exciting experience as soon as possible into the lives of friends, family and those we serve. Check back soon for personal reflections on our trip and current happenings here at the New Life Center.

God Bless.

Blog Introduction

2009-06-04T12:52:00.000-07:00

Hello All!

Here's our first post for our new blog. This blog will serve as a addendum to our website to update our community with various going-ons here at the New Life Center. Once we have completed the overhaul at our main website, this blog will allow us to let everyone know how our summer has been, Bar-B-Ques had, and all sorts of random acts of charity and help we have received from the Fargo-Moorhead community, and beyond.

Of course, we'll all want you to check out our main site at http://fargonlc.org to learn more about our organization and how to get involved. But, of course, if you see something here that moves you personally, through humor or passion, feel free to leave a comment about it! We look forward to expanding our presence online and we believed this little blog would be a great next step.

As always, thank you for reading and your consideration. Check back soon for a piece about our organization's trip to Denver, Colorado for an Association of Gospel Rescue Missions Conference.

Peace.