NDAD Awards $20,000 in Gibbens Memorial Grants

NDAD awarded a total of $20,000 across four organizations in North Dakota through the Gibbens Memorial Grant. This grant is awarded bi-annually to an organization to be used for a health, welfare, social service or educational purpose for at-risk populations. 

The grant honors NDAD co-founders, Faye and Ron Gibbens and their vision to always help individuals in need. Inspired by their son, Mike, who was born with cerebral palsy, North Dakota natives Faye and Ron built NDAD from a small Grand Forks parental support group to a statewide charitable nonprofit helping children and adults with a variety of disabilities and health challenges. 

“Our founders were passionate about ensuring those with unique health challenges have the opportunity for more satisfying and productive lives. These recipients support the Gibbens’ vision and are doing great work to contribute to the communities,” states DeAnn Burckhard, NDAD Marketing Director.

East Grand Forks Central Middle School
Access to a nurturing and supportive learning environment is imperative for the development of all children. Central Middle School plans to use their grant funds to purchase furniture items specifically designed for students with developmental delays.  These include adaptive seating, adjustable desks and tables, sensory integration tools and safety equipment.

“Access to this equipment enhances our students’ learning experiences, fosters independence and promotes inclusivity. Our goal is to create a classroom environment that caters to the diverse needs of our students and fosters a sense of belonging and acceptance within the school community,” noted Danika Pearson, special education teacher with Central Middle School.

Red River Valley Community Action
Red River Valley Community Action was awarded a grant to support the operations of Ernie’s Place Transitional Living Program in Grand Forks. Ernie’s Place serves homeless youth ages 18 – 24 with prior involvement in the foster care system. This program offers individualized transition plans to ensure successful transition into independent living for each youth participant. “This program is the only of its kind within a 75-mile radius of Grand Forks. Our goal is to decrease the amount of youth in shelters, institutions and those who apply for emergency services,” stated Safari Berry of Red River Valley Community Action.

Spread Your Sunshine
Spread Your Sunshine is a nonprofit organization that supports underserved children and families in Fargo-Moorhead. Working closely with Churches United for the Homeless and Friends of the Children Fargo-Moorhead, the organization plans to use the grant award to support families to experience activities throughout the community. These may include Thunder Road, Red River Zoo, Children’s Museum, Red Hawks games, and more.
“We want to be sure that every child and every family shares in fun experiences and has happy memories,” tells Spread Your Sunshine’s Addie Loerzel.

Women’s Care Center
The Women’s Care Center in Fargo offers a childcare room for clients to allow their children to play under adult supervision while clients take part in one of their many robust educational programs. Support from the Gibbens Memorial Grant will be used to replace and update equipment and larger toy sets in the Fargo location. It will also support and fully equip the childcare room in the second Women’s Care Center that is planned for Moorhead, Minnesota. 

“By providing reliable, safe and entertaining childcare options, our new moms and dads are able to take part in the educational opportunities we offer to help set them up for success as a parent now and in the future,” shared Lisa Eggert, Development Director of the Women’s Care Center.

Check out our Grant Opportunities for more on past recipients and future grants.