2024 was a year of transition. Despite significant staff changes and internal challenges, we remained focused on our mission—and we delivered.
We served a record 780 people with disabilities, each trusting us to support their independent living goals. 99 individuals moved out of nursing homes or institutions into homes of their own, while 40 others avoided institutional placement altogether, keeping their independence and dignity intact.
We supported dozens of people facing addiction and behavioral health challenges, helping them find housing, employment, and stability.We also reached hundreds of students in local schools, equipping them with the skills to thrive. Once again, youth in our programs graduated at higher rates than their non-disabled peers.
Through all the change, one thing stayed constant: the unwavering support from those we serve. They reminded us that the true spirit of Independence, Inc. lives in their strength, courage, and resilience.We are incredibly grateful for that trust.
We also thank our funding partners. Independent living is not only life-changing, it’s cost-effective. The services we provide save North Dakota taxpayers millions each year and help build healthier, more vibrant communities.
Independent living is a wise investment in our future—and it’s one that continues to pay off.
Independence, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit committed to empowering individuals with disabilities, seniors, and people with behavioral health disorders to live independently.
We are a non-residential, community-based, consumer-controlled agency that provides a variety of enrichment services designed to help North Dakotans with disabilities escape dependency, emerge from poverty, maximize self-sufficiency, and actively participate in community life.
OUR TEAM OUR TEAM
Scott Burlingame, Executive Director
Jamie Hardt, Program Director
Amber Johnson, Finance Director
Katie Schestler, Assistant Program Director
Tonya Parker, Director of Community Relations
Nicole Beech, Independent Living Advocate
Lenni Traversie, Peer Support Specialist
Tia Goforth, Independent Living Specialist
Kayla Bauer, Independent Living Advocate
Monique Gutierrez, Independent Living Advocate
Taylor Zimmerman, Information Specialist
Sierra Scherr, Youth Transition Specialist
Chris Ellis, Independent Living Advocate
Alexis Waslawski, Independent Living Advocate
Allisen Hall, Independent Living Specialist
Kirstine Baker, Independent Living Advocate
John Sallee, President
Lacey Krueger, Vice-Chair
Kyle Erickson, Board Member
Ashley Beall, Member-at-Large
Rianne Kuhn, Secretary/Treasurer
Krista Opstedal, Board Member
Tonia Vitko, Board Member
EVENTS MAKE AN IMPACT EVENTS MAKE AN IMPACT
COFFEE WITH A COP COFFEE WITH A COP
SCHOOL DISABILITY AWARENESS
SCHOOL DISABILITY AWARENESS
LEXILOU POTTING CLASS LEXILOU POTTING CLASS
At Independence, Inc., we are dedicated to fostering inclusion, awareness, and empowerment through a variety of impactful events. From handson learning experiences like our Potting Plants Class with Lexilou to community-building opportunities such as Coffee with a Cop, we strive to create meaningful connections. We continued our commitment to Disability Awareness in schools, helping young students develop empathy and understanding. These events reflect our mission—to uplift, educate, and create a more inclusive community for all.
EMPOWER YOUTH PROGRAM EMPOWER YOUTH PROGRAM
This year, Independence Inc. partnered with ASTEP (After School Teen Empowerment Program) to launch the Minot Youth Empower Group—an inclusive social group designed to support teens with disabilities in building confidence, independence, and meaningful connections. Our events focus on creating welcoming environments where youth of all abilities can engage, learn, and grow together. A highlight of the year was our Dip & Board Game Night, which brought together teens with and without disabilities for a fun evening of games, snacks, and shared laughter. Through this partnership, we’re proud to offer a safe space that fosters social development, promotes inclusivity, and empowers the next generation.
This year, Independence Inc. partnered with (After School Teen Empowerment Program) to launch the Minot Youth Group—an inclusive social group designed to support building independence, and connections. on creating welcoming where youth of all abilities can engage, and grow together. A of the was our & Board Game which brought together with and without disabilities a evening of and shared
Through this we’re to offer a safe space that social development, promotes inclusivity, and empowers the next generation.
2024 ADVOCATES OF THE YEAR! 2024 ADVOCATES OF THE YEAR!
Elizabeth Romanick is a passionate advocate for disability rights, using her voice at the ND legislature, national conferences, and local leadership programs. Her Impact: Her Impact:
Testified for disability rights & speaks nationally
Two-time Miss Amazing winner
Elizabeth Romanick
Elizabeth Romanick
Youth Advocate of the Year
Youth Advocate of the Year
Leading a youth leadership group in Minot
Works as an Ability Expert at NDCPD
Sergeant Jared Foley has transformed law enforcement’s role in supporting individuals with disabilities. His Impact: His Impact:
Trains Minot PD officers in disability awareness
Jared Foley
Jared Foley
Key member of the Crisis Intervention Team
Advocate of the Year
Advocate of the Year
Partnered with Independence, Inc. to improve community safety
Presented to the ND Statewide Independent Living Council
ROD ROD
In 2023, Rod Short faced mobility challenges in his home. Climbing the stairs was painful and exhausting, making the second floor nearly inaccessible.
With help from Independence, Inc., an accessible stair lift was installed, giving Rod the freedom to stay in his home.
“It’s a big deal - otherwise, I was going to have to move.” Now he enjoys his upstairs space daily and encourages others to seek help when needed.
MARIA MARIA
Before coming to Independence, Inc., Maria felt overwhelmed and stressed. She left an unsafe situation and was struggling to find a home for her family.
With the help of Independence, Inc., she applied for the Open Doors program and received housing and essential items through the Transition and Diversion Services Pilot Project.
Now, Maria describes her life as hopeful, peaceful, and heavenly. She encourages others to “make the call” and seek help.
Our organization offers core services to eleven North Dakota counties including Bottineau, Burke, Divide, McKenzie, McHenry, Mountrail, Pierce, Renville, Rolette, Ward, and Williams.
SERVICES SERVICES
CORE SERVICES CORE SERVICES
NURSING HOME + COMMUNITY TRANSITION
INDEPENDENT LIVING SKILLS TRAINING
WHO WHO WE WE SERVE SERVE
INDIVIDUAL + SYSTEMS ADVOCACY
INFORMATION + REFERRAL PEER MENTORING
YOUTH TRANSITION
TRANSFORMATION SERVICES TRANSFORMATION SERVICES
TRANSPORTATION TRAINING
EMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE
HOUSING HELP
EDUCATION SUPPORT
FINANCIAL LITERACY
PROGRAMS PROGRAMS
Consumers By County
With our main office in Minot, it is no surprise that many of the people we serve are from Ward County. However, our staff regularly travel throughout our entire service area and offer virtual services, allowing us to reach individuals in every county we serve.
IN SERVICE AREA 780 577 IN WARD COUNTY
Throughout 2024, Independence, Inc. served 9,295 - through one-onone support for independent living goals and by connection individuals to community programs and resources.
Consumers By Age
At Independence, Inc., we serve people of all ages. Over the past year, the majority of those we served were adults between ages 25 to 59, followed closely by individuals over age 60.
Consumers By Disability
Independence, Inc. serves individuals with all types of disabilities, and this year we’ve seen an increase in service requests from people with physical disabilities.
Throughout 2024, Independence, Inc. served 6,814 people through a variety of servicesfrom helping individuals achieve their independent living goals to providing information on local programs and resources.
