NDAD awarded a total of $39,400 across seven 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.
 
South Valley and Rural Cass Special Education Units | ABLE Participation
The special education units of South Valley and Rural Cass use an adaptive physical education curriculum that promotes inclusive practices within school settings for all students to be able to participate and be successful in physical education. In addition to learning healthy habits and improving physical fitness, the model develops relationships between students with disabilities and students without disabilities across district boundaries. Specifically, the Gibbens Memorial Grant will support 25 teams of co-ability students from these school districts to compete in the ABLE Game competition.  The ABLE Games are the region’s first all-inclusive functional fitness competition, celebrating all abilities, from the highly skilled athlete to individuals with special needs. “Our goal is for students to develop relationships within and across district boundaries, participate in adaptive recreational opportunities to learn and adopt healthy living habits,” shares Andrea Johnson, Co-Director of Special Education. “This project is so beneficial and meaningful for our students.”
 
Enrichment Operation | Horse Therapy for Students
Enrichment Operation is an experiential education non-profit based in Moorhead, Minnesota.  They provide mentorship opportunities within the Moorhead Area Public Schools.  Through the Gibbens Memorial Grant, they will be able to continue the relationship between students and Mighty Oaks Equine Learning Center. The goal is to build trust, improve self-esteem, mindfulness and communication while reducing anxiety and depression. “Equine therapy is a proven and effective way to support our collective pursuit of a healthier and happier tomorrow,” shares Peter Ferguson, Director of Enrichment Operation.

Hagen Elementary School | Inclusive Playground
Hagen Elementary PTO was awarded the Gibbens Memorial Grant to support a Play-4-All inclusive playground structure. The system will include 15 different pieces of playground equipment and holds a capacity of 75 students. It’s also designed to be wheelchair accessible with a rubber surface under the playground structure. “When kids are active, they are building critical development skills. Playgrounds provide opportunities to collaborate, develop decision-making skills, generate creativity, increase strength, agility, motor skills and more. The benefits of the new playground system will be endless,” shares Melissa Straight Hagen, PTO Treasurer. In addition to the 500 students at Hagen Elementary School, this enhancement will support the entire community of Williston, ND.
 
UND School of Medicine and Health Sciences | Dance Like No One is Watching
Dance Like No One is Watching is a faculty-mentored, student-led project at the UND School of Medicine and Health Sciences in collaboration with the North Dakota School for the Blind and the UND Swing Club. Their goal is to enhance mobility and inclusion through dance for visually impaired North Dakotans. The project seeks to address health disparities for visually impaired individuals in rural areas and provide valuable learning experiences for graduate and health science students. “We are excited to directly help the visually impaired community by providing them an engaging and rewarding opportunity for exercise and social engagement through dance. Even more, the project will provide hands-on learning opportunities for the next generation of medical professionals and kinesiologists working with visually impaired clients and patients,” states Jessica Barczi Zorn, PT, DPT.
 
Jeremiah Program | Support for Early Learning Programming and Enrichment
The Jeremiah Program of Fargo-Moorhead serves mothers in pursuit of a college degree while also promoting the growth and development of their young children – significantly improving the likelihood of multigenerational social and economic mobility. Programming focuses on five key pillars that combine empowerment and leadership, college access, safe and affordable housing with supportive community building and early childhood education. “The Jeremiah Program empowers families facing significant challenges by providing holistic support. With access to essential services like on-site childcare, housing, and mental health resources, the Jeremiah Program ensures that mothers can focus on their education and careers, contributing to healthier and more stable futures for themselves and their children,” explains Andrea Williams of the Jeremiah Program.
 
North Dakota Autism Center | safeTY jacket
The safeTY jacket program is a partnership with North Dakota Autism Center, Cass and Clay County Sheriff’s Offices’, Fargo, West Fargo, Moorhead Police Departments, FM Ambulance and Red River Regional Dispatch Center to provide emergency information about individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities to first responders. It is designed to help first responders during encounters with individuals with neurological disorders. The program promotes communication and gives first responders critical information about the individual and their needs during an emergency. “Our goal is to increase awareness of the safeTY jacket and help fully train first responders to better help those with developmental disabilities,” shares Tom Kopp, Director of Mission Development.
 
Anne Carlsen Center | Community Based Services
The Anne Carlsen Center is a nonprofit dedicated to enhancing the lives of individuals with disabilities and their families. It provides a range of services and programs designed to promote independence, inclusion, and quality of life for people of all ages with developmental disabilities. With the grant, they will facilitate outings and activities that encourage social interaction and community participation among adults with disabilities. “Our project aims to promote inclusivity and empower individuals with disabilities by enhancing their quality of life through increased community engagement. It is vital for promoting inclusivity, enhancing mental well-being and enriching the lives of individuals with disabilities in the community,” states Tori Peterson, Grant Writer.
 
ABOUT NDAD
NDAD, North Dakota Association for the Disabled, is a nonprofit, charitable organization founded in 1975 by concerned citizens for the purpose of assisting people with disabilities in the state of North Dakota. With locations in Bismarck, Dickinson, Fargo, Grand Forks, Minot and Williston, NDAD offers direct financial assistance, healthcare equipment loan, adaptive recreation, and information, referral and advocacy for those who may not be eligible for services from other agencies. With over $2.8 million provided in client services, NDAD’s mission is to enhance the quality of lives of individuals facing health challenges. For more information, visit ndad.org