If you want to learn more about life after foster care for children in adoption centers, here is a guide with lots of information! Keep reading to learn more.
Every act of kindness has a ripple effect—one that stretches far beyond a single moment. This Giving Hearts Day, Catholic Charities North Dakota invites you to celebrate with us as we step back through the decades and honor the timeless power of generosity. Our theme, “Giving Back Through Time – Kindness Never Goes Out of Style,” reminds us that compassion has always been at the heart of our work and always will be. A Tradition of Serving North Dakotans for Over 100 Years For more than a century, CCND has been walking alongside individuals and families during their most vulnerable moments—supporting older adults, individuals with intellectual disabilities, pregnant women, children in foster care, and so many others. Your generosity each year ensures these services not only continue but grow. Why Giving Hearts Day Matters Giving Hearts Day is CCND’s second largest fundraising opportunity of the year and a moment when our entire community comes together to lift up neighbors across North Dakota. Gifts made on this day help fund critical programs—especially those with little outside funding—allowing us to reach people who may be hearing about our mission for the first time. This year, Dental Flossophy in Bismarck has pledged match dollars, meaning every Giving Hearts Day contribution goes even further to support vulnerable North Dakotans.
Information about adopting children in foster care at Catholic Charities North Dakota.
A Heartfelt Conversation on Prairie Public’s Main Street
Spotlight on Relationships Built Through Service
Pregnancy, Parenting, and Adoption Services
Guardianship Division for Adults With Intellectual Disabilities
Adults Adopting Special Kids and ND Post Adopt Network
There are a few important things you should understand about adoption centers. Keep reading or contact us today to learn more.
When I hear the word “Christmas” my first thoughts are of family, togetherness, laughter, peace and joy. Sadly, for a number of the people that we serve in our Guardianship Division/Intellectual Disabilities, their first thoughts may be fear, chaos, loneliness, grief or anxiety. A year ago, over the holidays, the police were called to a homeless shelter because a young woman with intellectual disabilities, Kalani, was dropped off by a couple from out of state. They left her in front of the building and drove off. Kalani only knew their first names, saying that they were new friends she made in a different state. Eventually, it was determined that Kalani had no place to return to so she was connected with a Developmental Disabilities (DD) Program Manager at the Human Service Center. The DD Program Manager made an emergency referral to our guardianship program as Kalani was not able to give informed consent for services or medical treatment and no family members could be located. We immediately accepted the referral, pending the emergency guardianship court hearing. The court ruled that a guardianship was necessary because Kalani lacked the capacity to fully understand her situation which caused her to be vulnerable and at risk of harm. Once appointed by the court, our guardianship worker immediately met with Kalani at the homeless shelter. Kalani was very distressed. She was afraid because she did not know what was going to happen to her. She had no money, no clothes, no winter coat and she knew no one in North Dakota. Our guardianship worker worked closely with the DD Program Manager to access a safe residential setting and, within days, she moved into a small group home which specializes in serving people with intellectual disabilities. Kalani was penniless – between the guardianship worker, group home staff and the DD Program Manager, they were able to obtain new clothes, a winter jacket, basic needs like shampoo, toothpaste, etc. When Kalani moved in, she was very withdrawn, quiet and anxious. She cried often. Day by day, she started to settle in. Everyone also made sure that she received gifts for Christmas! Kalani began receiving counseling to help address the trauma that she experienced. Fast forward one year – Kalani is thriving! She loves where she lives and she has several close friends. She has a part-time job that she enjoys going to three times a week. With her team’s assistance, she was able to begin receiving social security benefits and North Dakota Medicaid to help pay for her services and medical needs. Life for Kalani went from being fear-based to one of predictability, safety, happiness and peace. Our guardianship workers have the same goal for all individuals they serve – to help each person live a fulfilling life full of joy and peace. Written By: Donna Byzewski Director of GDID