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 six years of funding, the Program has grown to assist over 500 new Americans with the contribution of 400 mentors in the Fargo-Moorhead communities. Using regional, local, and national grants, three goals have been identified:

The goal of the original grant has been to maximize the valuable resources of the older population by having them play active roles as teachers and mentors. With the shortage of Certified Nursing Assistants, the initial grant was specifically targeted to help new Americans learn a about becoming CNAs and provide the opportunity to fulfill the certification requirements.

Our 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. Some of these are drivers’ training, citizenship, acquiring a GED, and many more.

In 2006, the Giving + Learning Program met our second main goal by expanding to Pelican Rapids, Minnesota. A Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota Foundation grant funded this first replication of our program.

Pelican Rapids has a very diverse minority population among its entire population of 2370. In Pelican Rapids, the mission is to assist new Americans to adjust to a new culture. Our Program Coordinator, Julie Morgan, provides caring mentors to teach new Americans the English language-all the while displaying integrity and compassion. The program has grown from 3 mentors to over 40 mentors helping hte same number of new Americans. Blue Cross Blue Shield of MN Foundation renewed the grant for one more year in 2007. We trust that this worthwhile program will be able to continue for as long as needed.