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A M E S S A G E F R O M O U R
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
We are facing challenges unlike those of the past The needs of those experiencing homelessness continue to evolve, while essential community resources face ongoing cuts and uncertainty. The question looms: “Where will individuals turn when help is taken away?” Though our capacity is limited, demand continues to rise These realities call for bold, strategic action to ensure no man is left without support, care, and hope.
As I reflect on the year, I’m reminded that every story of change at New Life Center begins with faith someone believing transformation is possible That belief continues to take root, even as the landscape of homelessness grows more complex.
Despite these challenges, the year was marked by powerful steps toward change. In fiscal year 2025, 792 men a 6% increase from the previous year arrived weary and broken. Through our programs, many began taking steps toward stability, healing, and renewed purpose To serve more effectively, we expanded our team and implemented Paycom, a new system that strengthens recruitment, onboarding, and team management. Thanks to the steadfast support of our volunteers, partners, and donors, New Life Center remained a place where men found rest, recovery, and the opportunity to rebuild their lives with dignity
One truth continues to guide us: every person has value and purpose This conviction sustains our work and shapes our vision for the future to meet the changing needs of our community while safeguarding the resources that make our work possible. With the Lord’s guidance and your support, we will continue walking alongside those in crisis, sharing the love of Jesus through conversations and acts of service.
Thank you for being part of this mission. Your generosity, prayers, and partnership are a beautiful reminder that through Christ, no life is beyond redemption
Rob Swiers Executive Director
O U R F A I T H - F I L L E D BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Guided by faith and a shared passion for service, our Board of Directors leads with wisdom and integrity. Their steadfast commitment ensures New Life Center remains a place of hope, dignity, and transformation for men facing homelessness and addiction.
Member At Large Member At Large Member At Large
Kelly Parrett Member At Large
Jason Loney
Robert Remark Aimee Schwartzwalter
Rob Swiers
Pr. Jonas Bundy
Andy Doeden
Michelle Albrecht President Vice President Treasurer Secretary
Jeff Olsen
Member At Large
I S S I O N
I M PAC T
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V O L U N T E E R C O M M U N I T Y
God’s hand is at work each day through shelter, meals, and care. This impact is only possible through the steadfast support of donors, volunteers, churches, businesses, and community partners who share Christ’s love with those in need *Based
144 men sheltered nightly on average
159,370 meals served to men, women & children
656 volunteers served our ministry
20,932 hours served by volunteers
1,424 individuals served by voucher program
69 men transitioned into housing
$728K estimated total value to the Mission*
87 new volunteers joined the team
H A R B O R PROGRAM
nights of emergency shelter provided men found refuge through Harbor
The Harbor Program stands as a safe haven where men find rest, stability, and direction More than a place to sleep, it offers the structure, care, and encouragement needed to begin again. With an emergency bed capacity of 114, the program operated near full capacity most nights this fiscal year underscoring the growing need and the trust men place in New Life Center as a place of hope
As homelessness evolves, so do the challenges faced by those who come through our doors. Many men arrive carrying deep emotional wounds, chronic health conditions, and barriers that make longterm stability difficult to achieve The Harbor Program provides more than a bed for the night it offers a safe place where men can begin to heal physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Through case management, essential services, and compassionate care, men are empowered to rebuild their lives with dignity and purpose.
Daniel’s story embodies this mission. Shattered by divorce, he turned to drugs in search of comfort and spent a decade trapped in addiction and homelessness Through a divine encounter, Daniel surrendered his life to Christ and began a journey of transformation. After years of rebuilding, an injury left him unable to work, leading him to seek help at New Life Center once again Surrounded by the care and stability of the Harbor Program and encouraged daily through morning devotions Daniel continued to grow in his faith. In time, his perseverance and strength led him back to stability. He secured work in construction and, in September 2024, transitioned successfully into housing
Stories like Daniel’s remind us why the Harbor Program exists to be a place of refuge after life’s storms, where men are met with compassion, equipped with resources, and renewed by God’s grace. Even as homelessness changes and demand grows, our mission remains unwavering: to provide a safe harbor where every man can find hope and begin again.
“I was grateful to heal in a place where lives are changed Daniel Former Harbor Guest . ”
D I N I N G SERVICES
437
159,370
meals served to men, women & children meals served on average per day
Hunger in our community reached new heights this year but thanks to the generosity of many, our Dining Services team met the challenge. In fiscal year 2025, they prepared a record 159,370 meals a 32% increase from last year averaging about 437 meals each day to ensure men, women, and children received nourishing food when they needed it most Our community made this possible Local partners, donors, and dedicated volunteers like Karen helped us serve more people than ever.
To meet the growing demand, our kitchen operations underwent exciting updates. A new professional-grade oven enhanced efficiency, safety, and reliability, allowing our team to prepare larger quantities of meals faster and more consistently. These improvements allow staff to focus on what matters most: preparing meals that nourish body, mind, and spirit while showing compassion to every person who walks through our doors.
“The guests bless me every day and treat me with Karen New Life Center Volunteer kindness . ”
Efficiency also extended to meal delivery for our Genesis Recovery Program. Twice each day, a staff member and a program guest transported hot meals from the shelter to the Genesis House, streamlining service and maintaining food safety
Empowerment comes full circle when the men we serve become part of our mission. This year, two Genesis Recovery Program graduates, Michael and Casey, joined our Dining Services team for a short time bringing dedication, skill, and empathy to their work as they continued their journey of growth and renewal
By combining improved kitchen efficiency, community generosity, and team growth, Dining Services continues to feed bodies and hearts offering hope, stability, and opportunity to those we serve.
M I S S I O N OPERATIONS
men participated in work therapy chores
14,600 loads of clothing & bedding laundered
Behind every act of care is a team working tirelessly to make our campus safe, functional, and welcoming. From maintenance upgrades to work therapy opportunities, Operations ensures every space at New Life Center reflects dignity and excellence. Each improvement, big or small, supports men as they rebuild their confidence and move toward stability
Our emergency shelter received several key upgrades this year. Security was enhanced with new fencing in the south courtyard and bullet-resistant glass at the front entrance, while accessibility improved with updated automatic door openers, including for the Passport Program for Veterans The Harbor Program bathroom gained a new tiled handicap-accessible shower, and a new stairwell drainage system resolved chronic water issues. At the Genesis House, new vinyl wood flooring was installed in all bedrooms, and two additional bunk beds expanded capacity while maintaining the structured, supportive environment that helps men succeed in recovery Our fleet also grew by four vehicles, improving guest transportation and supporting meal service operations.
Dignity is central to our mission, and something as simple as clean laundry helps make that possible. Brady, a former shelter guest who spent 1,375 nights nearly four years at New Life Center, joined the Operations team in Laundry Services during his stay and continued after securing housing In October 2024, he celebrated 10 years of service. H Brady approaches his work with understanding, that bring comfort and a renewed sense of respect
With dedicated team members like Brady and ongoing investments in our facilities, New Life Center provides a safe, supportive place where men can rebuild their lives and look toward a brighter future
“I’ve been in their shoes. Clean clothes can remind a guy he has worth . ”
Brady Laundry Services
41
men supported in recovery
Change begins when men believe recovery is possible through hope in Jesus. The Genesis Recovery Program makes that transformation real through structure, accountability, and faith. Classes, mentoring, and daily routines help men build sobriety, stability, and direction for the future.
men connected to employment
To meet demand, the program expanded from 16 to 19 beds, allowing more men to participate in the structured phases of recovery while also providing additional space for continued engagement in aftercare support.
In fiscal year 2025, we introduced a GED requirement to help participants strengthen their foundation for independence through education. One man completed his GED this year a significant milestone on his journey toward steady work and long-term success. By prioritizing education, we’re equipping men with the skills to pursue steady employment and lasting success
Outside the classroom, men strengthened their faith and built community through outings, volunteering, and meaningful work that restored confidence and direction. Several attended a Native American Discipleship Training in Keystone, South Dakota, where one man was baptized and another rededicated his life to Christ powerful reminders that the Genesis Recovery Program is more than a path to sobriety; it’s where brokenness meets grace and new life begins in Christ.
CELEBRATING TRANSFORMATION
We celebrated four men who graduated this year each courageously choosing to live out their faith and embrace the new life Christ has given them. Their journeys reflect months of discipline, growth, and grace a powerful reminder of what’s possible when hope takes root. Since the program began in 2019, eighteen men have graduated.
H O P E
“God has answered all my prayers . ”
Mo Genesis Recovery Graduate
These milestones remind us that recovery isn’t a straight path and that every step, even the hard ones, matters because God isn’t finished yet. That truth captures the heart of the program, where men discover grace in the struggle and hope that endures.
4
men completed all five phases of the program
M E D I C A L
RESPITE
1,807
visits provided by nursing staff men cared for in medical respite
Healing continues long after hospital discharge for men who enter the Medical Respite Program In partnership with Sanford Health, this seven-bed program provides a safe and restorative space to recover. Here, faith and medical care work hand in hand, ensuring each man receives the attention, stability, and encouragement needed to regain strength and move forward
Guests receive medical oversight, nutritious meals, and individualized care that promote physical recovery and emotional stability. Onsite nursing staff walk alongside each man, keeping follow-up appointments on track, managing medications, and providing support so every guest can focus fully on healing During fiscal year 2025, 19 men were cared for in the program For many, this time became a bridge to restored health, stability, and independence.
“They made me feel cared for and Safe John . ”
Former Medical Respite Guest
One of those men was John, whose journey reflects both hardship and hope. After surviving a near-fatal fentanyl overdose and spending more than two weeks in a coma, he had nowhere to go when released from the hospital Determined to maintain his sobriety, John came to New Life Center seeking safety and a chance to rebuild.
Through the care of medical staff and our team, John regained strength, stabilized his health, and rediscovered faith. Regular check-ins, medication support, and simple acts of kindness helped him heal physically and spiritually. “Being in a faithbased environment helped me remember that God still has a purpose for me, ” he shared.
For every man served through Medical Respite, the impact reaches far beyond recovery. Each stay represents an opportunity for dignity, healing, and hope a reminder that compassion and faith can open the door to transformation.
P A S S P O R T PROGRAM
Veterans moved into housing Veterans served through Passport
For many Veterans, the battle doesn’t end when the uniform comes off. The transition to civilian life can be filled with unseen wounds trauma, isolation, and loss of purpose that too often lead to homelessness. The Passport Program created in partnership with the Fargo VA offers a place for Veterans to rest, recover, and rebuild This 12-bed program provides more than shelter it offers accountability, community, and the support needed to regain strength and stability.
During fiscal year 2025, 52 Veterans found safety and support through the program as they worked toward independence. One of them was Shawntae a father, soldier, and survivor whose story reflects both the weight of the past and the promise of redemption.
Growing up without the love and guidance every child deserves, he longed for belonging As a young husband and father, he joined the Army seeking direction, but the pressures of military life and family responsibilities became overwhelming. Feeling lost, he turned to alcohol to numb the pain. “I was hiding from my pain,” he confessed. 52
Years of addiction and instability followed, leading to the loss of his family, his home, and his sense of self Yet even in the depths of despair, God wasn’t finished with his story. When a social worker referred him to the program, Shawntae found the structure, compassion, and accountability he needed to begin again For five months, he attended AA meetings, joined peer support groups, and reconnected with his faith Surrounded by people who believed in him, he started to rebuild both his confidence and his life. Shawntae regained stability and moved into housing near his children
Shawntae’s story reminds us that with faith, determination, and the right support, even the hardest battles can lead to new beginnings
“Everything I hoped for I found Shawntae Former Passport Guest here . ”
$64K
individuals served by voucher program in goods provided to individuals & families
With locations in North and South Fargo, New Life Center Thrift Stores are engines of hope fueling programs that provide shelter, recovery, and renewal. However, their reach extends far beyond financial support Each store bridges generosity, sustainability, and opportunity, where every donation and purchase helps transform lives.
HRIVE
Throughout fiscal year 2025, 1,424 individuals received essential clothing and household goods through a voucher program in partnership with The Salvation Army. These vouchers ensure that men, women, and families facing hardship can access what they need to live with comfort and dignity.
To increase reach and improve efficiency, we added a box truck for donation pick-ups and revitalized our job training program for men in the Genesis Recovery Program. Through hands-on work in the stores, guests gain confidence, strengthen work habits, and see how their efforts support the Mission
Our commitment to stewardship guides everything we do. Through ongoing recycling efforts, 699,060 pounds of clothing and accessories were diverted from landfills, giving new purpose to gently used items and demonstrating faithful creation care in action.
Through it all, our stores reflect God’s redemptive work turning generosity into opportunity and giving new life to both people and things once left behind.
Donations turn into affordable goods and beneficial programs Giving clothes and lives a second chance
699,060 pounds of clothing & accessories recycled
127,134 total transactions processed
CELEBRATING COMMUNITY
A year shining with gold and gratitude!
We’re thrilled to celebrate another year of recognition voted Best Thrift Store in the Red River Valley for the second year in a row, earned Gold from CommunityVotes Fargo 2024, and named third place in Locals
Love Us Fargo-Moorhead for Used/Resale
Merchandise
“I’m living proof this place makes a difference . ”
Scott Google Review From Former Guest
Beyond shopping and donating, our stores offered a place to serve, volunteer, and belong Every hour volunteered and every act of service helped fuel programs that bring hope and renewal to those in need.
12,093
total hours volunteered in thrift stores
P R I V A T E D O N A T I O N S
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