NDAD is proud to support Northlands Rescue Mission in Grand Forks with a $5,000 Gibbens Memorial Grant to help improve accessibility and strengthen support services for individuals experiencing homelessness while living with disabilities and chronic health conditions. 

Creating a More Accessible and Supportive Environment 

Northlands Rescue Mission provides emergency shelter, meals, and supportive services to individuals facing housing instability throughout northeastern North Dakota. As the organization continues to serve individuals with a wide range of health challenges, accessibility needs within the shelter have increased. 

Grant funding will support improvements such as accessible bathroom equipment, mobility supports, secure medication storage, health monitoring tools, and technology upgrades that help staff better assist residents with disabilities and chronic medical conditions. 

“Every person deserves a safe environment where they can focus on their health, stability, and future goals,” said Elaina Wickman, Executive Director of Northlands Rescue Mission. “This funding will help us better meet the needs of residents who require additional accommodations and support while staying at our facility.” 

Supporting Independence and Dignity 

The project is designed to enhance safety, accessibility, and independence for shelter residents while allowing accommodations to be tailored to individual needs. 

“Removing barriers can make a meaningful difference in someone's ability to move forward,” said DeAnn Burckhard, NDAD Marketing Director. “By supporting accessibility improvements at Northlands Rescue Mission, we're helping create an environment where individuals facing health challenges can feel supported, maintain dignity, and focus on building a more stable future.” 

Continuing a Legacy of Impact 

NDAD's Gibbens Memorial Grant supports projects that enhance health, well-being, and quality of life for individuals in at-risk populations. Established in 2015 in honor of NDAD founders Faye and Ron Gibbens, the grant carries forward their legacy of creating meaningful opportunities and improving lives across North Dakota.