NLC Annual Report_FY2024 by New Life Center

A N N U A L REPORT

FISCAL YEAR

To serve people who are on the journey from homeless and hurting to whole and healthy by meeting basic needs and transforming lives through the love of Christ

Our Mission

For 117 years, New Life Center has offered help, hope, and the love of Jesus through meals, shelter, clothing, and more Fargo was just 36 years old when a small group of dedicated Christians came together to form a non-denominational rescue mission. Founded as the Glad Tidings Mission on February 1, 1907, by Rev. O.E. McCracken, the Mission’s purpose was to minister to individuals' and families' spiritual and physical needs. Since then, the Mission has transformed, alongside the many thousands of lives served by its ministry What began as an organization focused on religious services and neighborhood outreach has grown into a Christcentered, multi-faceted emergency and crisis services center that continues to meet the evolving needs of our community. As we look back on our legacy, we’re reminded that our work is as vital as ever, and with the support of our community, we continue to open doors for those seeking a new life

Letter from Rob Swiers

As we reflect on the accomplishments of fiscal year 2024, I am filled with immense gratitude for the continued generosity and unwavering commitment of our community partners, who enable the life-changing work we do at New Life C r has been one of transformation, resilience, and renewed hope as we strive to meet t g g f the homeless men who walk through our doors

Our mission has always been to provide more than just shelter; we are a refuge, a place where men can rebuild their lives, break free from cycles of addiction and homelessness, and restore their dignity. In fiscal year 2024, we made significant strides in expanding our programs and services, ensuring we could offer not only immediate help but also long-term support Through our programs, we helped 751 men find shelter, healing, and new beginnings.

We faced challenges, including the ever-growing demand for emergency services. Still, we remain committed to our vision: to see those who look to New Life Center for help move from a life of merely surviving to truly thriving The community’s support has been the backbone of our ability to respond to these needs with grace, compassion, and effectiveness. With partnerships from businesses, faith communities, and volunteers, we ’ ve built a network of care that empowers people to achieve sobriety, employment, housing, and spiritual growth.

As we enter fiscal year 2025, I look forward with optimism. We will continue enhancing services, strengthening relationships with partners, and advocating for every person's dignity and worth

Thank you for believing in our mission and for being the driving force behind so many transformed lives. Your generosity inspires us daily as we work to bring hope and healing to those in need. We are grateful for your prayers and support, which empower us to continue this vital work. Together, we are making a meaningful impact in our community, reflecting God's love and compassion in every life we reach

Executive Director

Board of Directors

As we celebrate the achievements of the past year, we take a moment to recognize and introduce our esteemed Board of Directors These strong leaders of faith bring a wealth of experience, expertise, and unwavering commitment to our mission. Their guidance and passion have been instrumental in helping us navigate the challenges and opportunities of serving our community, ensuring that we continue to transform lives and offer hope to those in need

Jason Loney Robert Remark Aimee Schwartzwalter Rob Swiers

President Vice President Treasurer Secretary

Pr. Jonas Bundy Andy Doeden

Member At Large Member At Large

Jeff Olsen Kelly Parrett

Member At Large Member At Large

FY24 Mission Impact

We witness God's work in action every day as we rescue individuals from hunger, homelessness, and financial hardships. The unwavering support of individuals, businesses, churches, and community partners makes all this possible

132 men sheltered nightly on average

120,403 meals served to men, women & children

924 individuals served by our voucher program

95 men moved into housing

FY24 Volunteer Impact

The unwavering dedication of our volunteers embodies the hands and feet of Jesus as we work together to fulfill our mission. Through their acts of service, they reflect Christ’s love, bringing hope and transformation to those in need

452 volunteers served our ministry

15,651

hours served by volunteers

$498K estimated total value to the Mission*

new volunteers joined the team

Harbor Program A Safe Refuge

The Harbor Program remained a vital lifeline in fiscal year 2024, providing shelter, support, and resources for men facing homelessness. Through compassion and comprehensive care, it addresses immediate needs, while paving the way for lasting transformation In fiscal year 2023, we expanded our bed capacity by 24, bringing the total to 114, which was regularly filled this year This increased demand added pressure on our programs and operations teams, but through case management and essential services, individuals were empowered to pursue stability and self-sufficiency. The program profoundly impacted the community, restoring hope and dignity to those in need, including men like Mark, whose story is shared below

687

men found shelter, refuge, & critical support

By providing access to meals, case management, and supportive services, we walked alongside each man, caring for them in their time of need

Mark’s Journey to Stability

Growing up with an alcoholic father, drinkin of life for Mark. This reckless lifestyle eventu where he faced the consequences of his choi thought he was free, but the reality of findin challenging, and the chains of addiction held found himself homeless and living on the str Dumpster diving often became his only hope against the overwhelming challenges of life

39,803

nights of emergency shelter provided

Every night offered a chance for men in crisis to find rest, regain their strength, and begin the journey of rebuilding their lives

Desperate for stability, Mark sought help from New Life Center, which guided him in rebuilding his life. He found a job at Fraser, Ltd., where he supports struggling young adults, using his experiences to help others. Mark's journey illustrates the transformative impact of compassion and community support, emphasizing the Harbor Program's crucial role in emergency care

Dining Services

Meals of Promise

New Life Center served 120,403 meals to men, women, and children in need this year, reflecting a significant increase from an average of 253 meals per day in fiscal year 2023 to 328 meals in fiscal year 2024. A key achievement was forging a partnership with the Downtown Engagement Center and Gladys Ray Shelter In December 2023, we began delivering 150 pre-packaged heatand-serve meals on weekdays. These meals provide individuals and families access to nutritious, home-cooked options while upholding their dignity

Additionally, we created more opportunities for the men in our Genesis Recovery Program to engage in meal preparation and service within the shelter. This hands-on experience allowed participants to acquire valuable cooking skills while fostering teamwork and responsibility, nurturing their personal growth. By engaging in meal planning, preparation, and service, these men were empowered to contribute to the community and experience the joy of giving back.

meals served on average

This growing demand highlights our commitment to serving our neighbors in need

Genesis guests helped prepare and serve meals at the shelter

Our enhanced partnership with Growing Together Community Gardens was instrumental in bolstering our dining services this year, particularly in addressing staffing shortages through the increased number of dedicated volunteers they provided. This partnership also supplied an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables, improving the nutritional quality of the meals served

Growing Together is a community-focused organization dedicated to combating food insecurity and promoting sustainable practices through community gardens and educational programs. This alignment with our mission allows us to work hand-in-hand to address the critical issue of hunger, ensuring that those we serve have access to healthy and nutritious options.

Growing Together expanded our capacity to meet growing needs

Passport Program

A Passport of Services

In October 2023, New Life Center was awarded a contract from the Department of Veterans Affairs to enhance our support for homeless U S Military Veterans through the Passport Program This partnership strengthens our collaboration with the Fargo VA, enabling us to provide essential care for those who served our country. The program offers onsite transitional care for Veterans for up to two years, providing a “passport” of services that includes access to case management, housing assistance, and healthcare Located at our main shelter, a 12-bed unit offers Veterans a safe and sober environment as they work to overcome barriers to stability. With individualized plans, the program aims to help participants transition into stable housing within a targeted timeframe of six months.

In fiscal year 2024, the Passport Program, launched on October 1, 2023, achieved 21 exits to housing, showcasing its effectiveness in helping Veterans overcome homelessness and transition to stable living. New Life Center is dedicated to fostering self-sufficiency and stability for our nation’s Veterans.

A Passport Program Grand Opening was held on January 25, 2024. Thomas Solhjem, retired United States Army major general and former Chief of Chaplains for the U.S. Army, delivered a special message to program guests, partners, and supporters.

Veterans received stability & care

21 Veterans moved into housing

Medical Respite

A Sanctuary of Care

In partnership with Sanford Health, the Medical Respite Program provides a compassionate space with six beds where men can recover while receiving comprehensive non-acute care tailored to their medical needs

Despite ongoing nurse staffing challenges, the program cared for 16 men this year, delivering vital medical care, personalized case management, and referral support to meet their unique needs Beyond addressing immediate health concerns, the men were connected to ongoing medical care, housing assistance, and additional community resources, ensuring they had the support necessary for long-term stability This program remained essential to our mission, emphasizing New Life Center’s commitment to restoring dignity and enhancing the well-being of all men.

John’s Journey of Healing

In the fall of 2023, John was excited to begin a new role as executive chef at a lavish ski resort. However, while stopping for coffee before his shift, he slipped on a curb to dodge an approaching car, resulting in a shattered hip and pelvis. Tragically, John never had the chance to clock in His dreams of creating culinary masterpieces and designing exquisite menus were abruptly cut short. Without a job, a home, and a sense of hope, John faced a daunting future.

men cared for in a healing environment

By bridging the gap between hospital care and long-term stability, the program enabled men to focus on their healing without the added stress of homelessness

Through our Medical Respite Program, John received the love and care of Jesus when he needed it most. “New Life Center was the only shelter that welcomed me with open arms, fully understanding my medical needs,” John expressed

New Life Center provided the care I needed to heal & move forward.

A Path to Sobriety

The Genesis Recovery Program offers a safe an structured environment for men to focus on th recovery journey. This program is 12-18 month length and aims to provide long-term transfo g relapse triggers and developing solid recovery plans through a phased approach, participants benefit from counseling, mentoring, and biblical teachings. In fiscal year 2024, the program served as a beacon of hope for 36 unique individuals.

The completion of the aftercare space on the second floor of the Genesis house was a significant addition, providing a vital stepping stone for men who transitioned back into the community while maintaining their connection to the program's supportive environment. This expansion increased our capacity from 12 to 16 guests

Our strengthened partnership with Sandy's Donuts became a vital component of the Genesis Recovery Program this year. By offering employment opportunities to men in phase 3 of the program, Sandy's played an essential role in helping these individuals regain their footing and break the cycle of addiction. This collaboration highlights the power of community support and emphasizes how local businesses can profoundly influence individuals working to rebuild their lives.

Aftercare remodel completed in October 2023

Sandy’s Donuts partnership created jobs for participants

36 men supported in recovery

Celebrating Recovery

This year, six men completed the Genesis Recovery Program, bringing the total number of graduates to 15 since its inception in 2019. These milestones are a testament to the program's impact and the difficulty of overcoming addiction.

These six men embody the hope and possibility found in Jesus, inspiring others to seek help and strive for a better future free from the chains of addiction

men successfully completed the program

In April 2024, a special ceremony celebrated three of these graduates. Family, friends, and staff gathered to honor their achievements and reflect on the significant progress they've made. The event was a powerful reminder of the role community plays in recovery. It was an inspiring moment filled with hope as the men embraced their new futures, equipped with the support and foundation to maintain sobriety and pursue purpose-driven lives.

The program continues to transcend challenges, transforming lives through Christ's love, restoring dignity, and revitalizing dreams We take immense pride in the men we serve and remain committed to supporting them every step of the way on their journey toward lasting recovery and fulfillment.

On April 6, 2024, a special ceremony was held at Hope Lutheran Church to recognize three graduates of the Genesis Recovery Program

Facilities

Creating Safe Spaces

FY24 Key Improvements:

Enhanced accessibility for Veterans in the Passport Program space

Repaired water damage in the chapel due to a burst pipe

Installed a secured fenced area for safe bike storage

Repaired concrete at the shelter and Genesis property for safety

Added fencing around the Genesis house for security

In our commitment to ensuring the safety and functionality of our facilities for guests and team members, we undertook several capital improvement projects throughout the year. Recognizing the importance of practical experience for shelter guests, we refined our work therapy program to provide more effective support Participants engaged in essential tasks such as cleaning, dishwashing, building maintenance, snow removal, landscaping, and lawn care. These accountability-based activities empower individuals like Kelvin, a former Harbor Program guest, to acquire valuable skills while fostering a sense of responsibility and community engagement grounded in faith. As they develop these skills, the men gain the confidence to pursue new employment opportunities, ultimately paving the way for a brighter future

Kelvin's Path to Redemption

Kelvin, a former head custodian for fourteen years, fa challenges that led to his resignation, spiraling him in isolation, and financial instability. With a suspended and missed bills, he found himself homeless.

At the shelter, Kelvin felt welcomed and immediately put his custodial skills to work. He regained his sense of purpose and faith through daily devotions and support from staff and fellow guests With encouragement, he navigated job applications and interviews, ultimately securing stable employment as a custodian and an apartment. At New Life Center, Kelvin found shelter, renewed hope, and a true sense of belonging.

Hope with Every Purch

The New Life Center Thrift Store was an essential resource for both our community and organization throughout the year In partnership with The Salvation Army, our North Fargo location provided $34,423 worth of essential items to individuals and families in need through a no-cost voucher program. This program serves as a lifeline for many, offering critical support and reflecting our commitment to helping those in our community who are facing hardship.

to have

Since opening our South Fargo location in 2022, our thrift store operations have expanded significantly, now representing nearly half of the Mission's budgeted operating revenue and consistently exceeding expectations. This year, our stores recycled over 740,000 pounds of goods, supporting our mission while promoting environmental sustainability by reducing waste. Our stores continue to offer affordable, high-quality items to the community, making a positive impact for those in need

740,240 pounds recycled & repurposed

This reflects our commitment to environmental responsibility and promoting sustainability

The stores provided valuable platforms for the men in our Genesis Recovery Program throughout the year. Through our job skills training program, guests develop transferable skills such as customer service, inventory management, and teamwork This hands-on experience builds practical knowledge and enhances confidence as they work within a retail environment Additionally, the stores promote a sense of community and accountability, reinforcing the program’s principles and supporting personal growth.