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You
may contact any of the people listed below who will respond to you
directly or refer you to the appropriate person. All have voice mail so
you may
phone 24 hours a day. Our aim is to help people with special needs find
the assistance they need. If the service you desire is unavailable from
us,
we may be able to refer you to others who can provide it.
JEFF
PEDERSON
PRESIDENT/CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
FARGO,
GRAFTON, PARK RIVER, CAVALIER
(701) 235-8217 FAX (701) 235-7538
E-mail
me
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I
have been President and CEO of Friendship, Inc. since 1993. I graduated
with honors from Valley City State University with a Bachelor of
Science degree in Business Administration. Prior to joining Friendship,
Inc. I was employed at the State Developmental
Center in Grafton as Director of Administration.
My
main focus as President/CEO of Friendship is to provide the highest
quality services to the people we support. Friendship, Inc. recently
received a four-year accreditation from The Council on Quality and
Leadership in Supports for People with Disabilities. A four-year
accreditation carries with it the acknowledgment of accreditation
with distinction in the area of quality service to people
with developmental disabilities. My emphasis on participatory managers
and servant leadership has transitioned the organization into living
out its Core Values of Reverence, Integrity, Compassion and Excellence.
I
currently serve on the North Dakota Association of Community Facilities’
Board of Directors, North Dakota’s Long Term Cares Assisted
Living Committee, and numerous other local Boards and Committees.
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DON BRUNETTE
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
FARGO,
GRAFTON, PARK RIVER, CAVALIER
(701) 235-8217 FAX (701) 235-7538
E-mail
me
I
have been employed at Friendship, Inc. since 1987. I am currently the
Chief Operating Officer
overseeing the licensing, accreditation and all programmatic operations
in Fargo, Grafton and Park
River. I began my career job coaching part time and providing direct service
in one of the Fargo
group homes. I was then the Director of Supported Employment for eight
years. I have devoted the
majority of my career at Friendship, Inc. developing community-based employment
opportunities for
people with disabilities.
Throughout
my career I have pursued volunteer opportunities to serve on boards and
committees which
have provided valuable educational and networking opportunities on local,
regional and national levels.
I have served as past Chair of the Fargo Mayor’s Committee on the
Employment Of People With
Disabilities, President of the North Dakota Association For Persons In
Supported Employment, and
most recently as Delegate for the National Association For Persons In
Supported Employment for the
states of Minnesota, Colorado, New Mexico and North Dakota.
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DAVE KEELER
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
FARGO,
GRAFTON, PARK RIVER, CAVALIER
(701) 235-8217 FAX (701) 235-7538
E-mail
me
As Chief Financial
Officer of Friendship, Inc., I am responsible for oversight of financial
functions.
I hold a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of
South Dakota and I am a Certified Public
Accountant. Prior to joining Friendship, Inc. in 1987, I worked for the
Provider Audit Unit of the North
Dakota Department of Human Services.
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JUDY CREWS
DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES
CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY OFFICER
FARGO, GRAFTON, PARK RIVER, CAVALIER
(701) 235-8217 FAX (701) 235-7538
E-mail
me
I am the
Director of Human Resources for Friendship, Inc. I have been with the
company since
1984. Prior to joining Friendship, I was employed by the telephone company
for 13 years. I attended
Fergus Falls Community College and Billings Business College in Billings,
MT. My first job with Friendship
was as a part-time typist. I have held a number of positions within the
company.
My hobbies
include reading, scrapbooking, being at the lake (or the ocean), and just
relaxing. I have a
wonderful family, great co-workers and lots of neat friends. I am blessed!!
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HELAINE ARNOLD
MISSION LEADER
COORDINATOR OF PASTORAL SERVICES
(701) 235-8217 FAX (701) 235-7538
E-mail
me
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Helaine Arnold came to Friendship,
Inc. in July of 1986 becoming the Coordinator of Spiritual Services.
Over the course of her years at Friendship, Inc., Helaine has provided
a Bible Study for people with intellectual developmental disabilities,
advocated for greater physical and attitudinal accessibility in
our churces and facilitated the inclusion of people with developmental
disabilities in the congregation of their choice. Helaine assists
staff in understanding how the spiritual dimension of our lives
affects all of us, including people with intellectual developmental
disabilities. In the course of her ministry at Friendship, a spirituality
assessment has been developed for the people we serve and is used
at each IPP. Helaine also offers classes to assist staff and the
people we serve to grow in the understanding of death and the grief
process. Helaine also assists staff in ministering to each person
served when they encounter grief through the loss of a loved one
or friend. Helaine meets every new person hired at Friendship, Inc.
introducing them to Friendship, Inc.'s history, mission, corporate
culture and core values.
Prior to coming to Friendship,
Inc., Helaine was in elementary education for almost twenty years
being both a teacher and a principal in parochial schools throughout
North Dakota and for three years in Minnesota.
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DORI
LESLIE
DIRECTOR OF VOCATIONAL SERVICES & QUALITY ASSURANCE
FARGO and GRAFTON
(701) 235-8217 FAX (701) 235-7538
E-mail
me
I
have been employed at Friendship, Inc. since 1997. I am currently the
Director of Vocational Services,
overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Fargo and Grafton vocational
programs. I started my
employment with Friendship, Inc. in the role of Program Supervisor for
vocational services. Within two
years, I was promoted to Program Manager of one of Friendship's group
homes, 2424. I was there for
almost four years and am now the Director of Vocational Services. I
graduated with an Associate of Arts
degree from North Dakota State College of Science and with a Bachelor
of Arts degree in Physical
Education with an emphasis of special education from Bemidji State University.
I also obtained my
coaching license and completed the first three courses in becoming an
American Sign Language
interpreter. I started in the field of developmental disabilities in
1991 working first for Red River
Human Services in Wahpeton and then for Rem-North Star in Bemidji.
The focus our vocational program is to help
people with disabilities find employment in the community.
We strive to individualize jobs for every person and help them overcome
the barriers that we face
every day. Some of the businesses that people in our program currently
work for are the Red Lobster,
Hardees, Olive Garden, Riverview Place, Dollar Sense, Subway, Nativity
Church, First United Bank and
Minn-Kota Recycling. While people are working on getting a job in the
community, we also work on
in-house contracts for other businesses. We make greeting cards, personalized
note pads, and do sorting,
stapling, collating of papers from other agencies and curb side recycling
in the Grafton area.
If you wish to hear more about our vocational
services or want to place an order, click
here.
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RENAE HOWE
ADMINISTRATOR/QMRP
FARGO
(701) 235-8217 FAX (701) 235-7538
E-mail
me
I have enjoyed
my service with Friendship, Inc. since 1985. I have held various positions
within the
residential programs prior to my current position as Administrator/QMRP.
I graduated from North
Dakota State University in 1984 with a BS degree in Home Economics Education.
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RENDINA JOHNSON
ADMINISTRATOR/QMRP
FARGO
(701) 235-8217 FAX (701) 235-7538
E-mail
me
Hi,
my name is Rendina Johnson and I am the Administrator/QMRP for Heritage
Commons and Commons on 45th. I have been working for Friendship Inc. since
January 2005, I began as a Supervisor at 1635 (ICF/MR). In 2006 I was
promoted to Manager of Commons on 45th which is a minimally supported
living arrangement. I attended Moorhead State University where my focus
was Criminal Justice/Sociology.
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MARISA
GABEL
ADMINISTRATOR/QMRP
FARGO
(701) 235-8217 FAX (701) 235-7538
E-mail
me
I
began my employment with Friendship, Inc. in 2000 while still a student,
interning at Southeast Human Service Center. I worked as a substitute
and full-time staff in one of Friendship, Inc.'s group homes. I completed
an Associate of Science Degree in Mental Health Care from North Dakota
State College of Science while working at a group home in Breckenridge,
MN. I completed my Bachelor of Social Work Degree from Minnesota State
University, Moorhead in 2002, became licensed in North Dakota, and was
fortunate to find an immediate opening here at Friendship, Inc. for an
Internal Case Manager. I accepted the position and in the summer of 2008,
my position was changed to an Administrator/QMRP for our MSLA site at
Windwood. I now enjoy overseeing a vibrant and unique site we have at
Friendship, Inc.
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JON OPGRAND
ADMINISTRATOR/QMRP
FARGO
(701) 235-8217 FAX (701)
235-7538
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I first started working for Friendship,
Inc. in 1995. Prior to Friendship I graduated from Jamestown College
with a BA in psychology and worked at the Anne Carlsen Center for
Children. I truly enjoy my work here at Friendship, Inc. through
its Corporate Culture and positive working environment.
When not at work I enjoy camping, hiking, snow shoeing, cross-country
skiing, spending time with my wife and son and working on old cars.
E-mail
me
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KARLA
ZIMMERMAN
ADMINISTRATOR/QMRP
FARGO and GRAFTON
(701) 235-8217 FAX (701) 235-7538
E-mail
me
I started
employment with Friendship, Inc. in 1999 as a Program Coordinator working
with
people with developmental disabilities in their homes. I then became
an Internal Case Manager
utilizing my Bachelor of Social Work degree and my license in Social
Work. I provide Internal Case
Management support to the people we serve. Starting April 2003 I became
the HIPAA Privacy
Official for Villa Nazareth.
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CARRIE BALSTER
DIRECTOR OF FAMILY and COMMUNITY LIVING
FARGO
(701) 235-8217 FAX (701) 235-7538
E-mail
me
I am responsible
for the operation of the Individualized Supported Living Arrangement (ISLA)
and
Family Support Services (FSS).
I have held this position with Friendship since 1989. I have an extensive
background in the field of education, holding a double major in both Special
Education and Elementary
Education. Prior to my employment at Friendship, Inc. I taught three years
in a Special Education and
Gifted classroom. I am a strong advocate for people with disabilities
and believe in empowering people
to live their life to the fullest.
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MONA STICHA
DIRECTOR OF FAMILY and COMMUNITY LIVING
GRAFTON
(701) 352-0060 FAX (701) 352-0371
E-mail
me
I grew up on a small grain/cattle farm
in eastern North Dakota. Upon graduating from high school,
I attended Aaker’s Business College in Grand Forks, ND. I worked
for a local insurance company for
2 years. My husband and I then co-owned and operated a business for 6
years. In June of 1986 I
began employment with Friendship Inc. as a part time employee working
direct care. I worked in
various positions within our organization and became the Director of Family
and Community Living on
December 26, 1999, which includes FSS, ISLA, & MSLA. In my leisure
time I enjoy gardening,
camping, horseback riding, hunting and spending time with my family.
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BRENDA
MAJERUS
DIRECTOR OF SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT
FARGO, GRAFTON and CAVALIER
(701) 235-8217 FAX (701) 235-7538
E-mail
me
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I have been
employed at Friendship, Inc. since 2000. I started as an Employment
Specialist and currently am the Director of Supported Employment
in Fargo and Grafton.
I started
my career in 1986 at Clay County Diversified Services in Moorhead,
MN as a Program Aide and also worked as a Job Coach. Later,
I became a Job Developer for Connections in Moorhead, MN. I
have lived my entire life in the Fargo-Moorhead area and have
been in the human service filed for over 21 years. I am a strong
advocate for people with disabilities. In 1998, I received the
MNDACA Distinguished Service Award. I am also a member of the
Fargo Mayor's Committee on the Employment of People with Disabilities.
In 2003, I was nominated as an honoree for YWCA Woman of the
Year and received the APSE Best of the Best Outstanding Professional
of the Year Award in May 2007.
The focus
of our Supported Employment Program at Friendship, Inc. is to
assist people with disabilities to gain successful employment
in community-based jobs of their choice. We currently work with
over forty businesses in the Fargo, Cavalier, and Grafton area
that give back to their communities by hiring people with disabilities.
We have individuals that own and operate thier own business.
We provide the tools necessary to make employment successful
for the people we serve and the employers who employ them.
If you wish to hear more about our
Supported Employment/Extended Services click
here.
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STEPHANIE
SINNER
DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
FARGO, GRAFTON, PARK RIVER, CAVALIER
(701) 235-8217 FAX (701) 235-7538
E-mail
me
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I graduated from Minnesota
State University of Moorhead with a Bachelor of Science degree
in Health Services Administration. I have been working with individuals
with developmental disabilities since 2002 in various settings.
As the Development Director I create awareness of Friendship Inc.'s
needs through coordinating fundraising events and campaigns, completing
grant applications, and participating in community activities.
Friendship Inc. has a number of great opportunities to support
our mission of providing creative and innovative supports to people
we serve, which are not reimbursable from state and federal funds.
Donations made to Friendship, Inc. provide the individuals we
serve with entrepreneurial opportunities, rent subsidies, accessible
supports, adaptive equipment, i.e. hearing aids, braces, etc.
and much more!
My hobbies include, volleyball,
kayaking, skiing and also enjoying the company of great family
and friends. I believe Friendship's mission and core values
are key to making our organization unique and I am proud to
be a part of it.
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If you wish to learn more about our
Friends of Friendship program click here.
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JENNIFER
JENKINS
ADMINISTRATOR/QMRP
GRAFTON, PARK RIVER, CAVALIER
(701) 352-0060 FAX (701)
352-0371
E-mail
me
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| Hi! I am Jennifer Jenkins
and I started with Friendship in September of 2007. I am glad
to be a part of such a wonderful team of people. I am the QMRP/Administrator
for 412 in Grafton and I support a caseload of people living in
their family homes. I graduated in 1996 from the University of
North Dakota with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology.
I have worked in the human service field for 19 years . . . time
really goes by!! I have had the opportunity to work in many areas:
supporting people with intellectual disabilities, supporting people
with a serious mental illness, chemical addictions as well as
eating disorders and gambling addictions. My most recent position
was working for Homeland Security-FEMA assisting applicants with
various housing needs.
I very much enjoy working
with people, and being encouraged by the progress that is made
each day! There is truly no greater field to work in than human
service.
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JENNY
JOHNSON
JOB DEVELOPER
GRAFTON, PARK RIVER, CAVALIER
(701) 352-0060 FAX (701)
352-0371
E-mail
me
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After graduating from high
school, I attended college at North Dakota State University
in Fargo. I was married in 1989 and that same year I started
working with people with disabilities. My employment with Friendship
started on May 30, 1990 as a direct care staff. My husband and
I had our first daughter in December of 1991 and twin daughters
in December of 1994. During my employment at Friendship, I have
worked in several positions and now I am a Job Developer in
the Grafton, Park River area.
As a Job Developer, my main
focus is to help people find community based employment. Developing
links into the community has a significant impact on quality
of life. Through social networking, natural extensions, customized
employment and focusing on people's talents and dreams, I can
help them obtain meaningful employment; thus, improving the
quality of their lives. We currently have about 40 community
based jobs where the people we serve are directly hired, 9 self
employed people and several who volunteer for a variety of community
based activities. With the right supports, people can be successful
in obtaining their goals and dreams.
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STACEY
HERMAN
ADMINISTRATOR
GRAFTON
(701) 352-0060 FAX (701)
352-0371
E-mail
me
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Hi! My name is Stacey Herman.
I am the Administrator of the Family and Community Living Program
in Grafton, ND. I have been with Friendship since August of 1998,
when I began working as a Coordinator in FCL. My current position
as the Administrator of FCL is to support the people served in
the QMRP role. We work together as a team to support people to
live successfully in their own homes and apartments. The FCL department
serves people in ISLA (Independent Supported Living Arrangement),
MSLA (Minimally Supported Living Arrangement), and FSS (Family
Support Services).
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I am originally from Watertown,
SD, where I was born and raised. After graduating from high school,
I attended college at the University of North Dakota in Grand
Forks. Go Fighting Sioux! I graduated with a Bachelor of Science
degree in Psychology. My first position in the Developmental Disability
field was in May of 1992, when I worked as a direct care staff
in ISLA for REM, ND in Grand Forks. Throughout the years, I became
a Qualified Trainer with Minot State University for the North
Dakota module curriculum. I was the Staff Trainer for Development
Homes, Inc. for several years in Grand Forks before I moved to
Grafton. Friendship is now where I call home, and I very much
enjoy the people I work with and support every day.
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Throughout my education and
experience, my greatest teacher has been my son. I was blessed
in September of 2006 with a bright-eyed baby boy named, Joey.
Life has been an exciting journey ever since! We recently purchased
a home in Grafton, where he is definitely the boss!
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I am very
lucky to have an awesome family, great friends, and a wonderful
career. Friendship is a great place to work, as you see the
difference you are making in someone's life every day and you
feel the difference they are making in yours!
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DAVE
STELTON
QUALITY ASSURANCE ASSISTANT/QMRP
FARGO
(701) 235-8217 FAX (701) 235-7538
E-mail
me
I
began my career at Friendship in 1995 as a direct care staff.
Over the next few years I continued as a Supervisor and Manager
of an ICF/MR. In 2004 I had the wonderful experience of being
involved in the closing of a large group home and the development
of an MSLA program that allowed people supported to live more
independently in their own apartments. I continued as the Manager
of that department until 2008. Over the years I've had several
opportunities to work in various departments within Friendship
providing support as needed. In July of 2008 the position of
Quality Assurance Assistant/QMRP was created and I began my
current role. This has given me the opportunity to apply the
things I've learned over the years to the various departments
throughout the facility as we continue to assist people with
disabilities in realizing their dreams and goals.
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Friendship,
Inc's Organizational Chart
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