The Giving + Learning Program, originally funded by Catholic Health Initiatives (CHI) in 2001, and administered at Riverview Place, continues today having experienced remarkable growth and community support. Throughout the 6 years of funding, the program has grown to assist over 400 new Americans with the contribution of 400 mentors in the Fargo, North Dakota and Moorhead, Minnesota communities. Using regional, local, and national grants three goals have been identified.

The original grant proposal targeted two audiences; older adults and new Americans needing to learn the basic English language skills to succeed in the healthcare industry. The goal of the grant has been to maximize the valuable resource of the older population by having them play active roles in this project as teachers and mentors. With the shortage of Certified Nursing Assistants, this grant was specifically targeted to help new Americans develop an interest in the CNA (certified nursing assistant) program, as well as an opportunity to fulfill the certification requirements.

The expanded focus now includes Americans of all ages mentoring new Americans to succeed in many areas. The flexibility of the original CHI grants and several local and regional grants has opened Giving + Learning to respond to new needs and new projects, such as drivers training and citizenship.