President/CEO Update
Our organization was completely volunteer-driven in its first ten years. Starting in 1914, the Bethesda Societies of Grand Forks, along with pastors and members of local Lutheran churches, created the organizational structure for the Grand Forks Home of the Aged in 1917. Their volunteer efforts continued for seven years as they raised money to build the first nursing home in Grand Forks, which opened in 1924.
In the past, churches were the major engines for social services and volunteer work. With government funding of social programs for vulnerable groups, volunteering has evolved, with people seeking flexible, personalized opportunities to make an impact.
