Local and global missions supported by Olivet.
Churches United for the Homeless
Churches United for the Homeless was established in 1987 by a group of local churches. Now Churches United is supported by over 66 member congregations, including Olivet Lutheran Church. They seek to serve the homeless population by providing safe shelter, stable housing, and nutritional food, to allow for a path towards healing. Churches United encompasses services provided by Bright Sky Apartments, Dorothy Day Food Pantry (Moorhead and West Fargo), Dorothy Day House, and Micah’s Mission. Olivet supports Churches United with financial donations and engages in volunteer outreach opportunities. If you would like to learn more, please reach out to Bev at bgravdahl@olivet.org. You will be connected with opportunities and ways you can serve this important ministry in our community.
Olivet Food Pantry
Olivet Lutheran Church opened a food pantry the fall of 2017 and has been serving the Fargo-Moorhead community ever since. This ministry is guided with oversight from Pastor Bill Boelter, along with volunteers who provide service and the distribution of food each month. The food items stocked in the pantry are all donated by community members and local food distributors. As a partner of the Great Plains Food Bank, we are able to stretch monetary donations further by purchasing food from the Food Bank at a subsidized cost. On average, Olivet’s food pantry serves 200 individuals each month, which is equivalent to 2,000 pounds of food! If you would like to learn more about this ministry or volunteer to serve, please contact Roger Larson at roger@gygtechnologies.com or simply call the church office.
Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity
Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity (LAHFH) is part of a global, nonprofit housing organization operated on Christian principles that seeks to put God’s love into action by building homes, communities and hope. They partner with local businesses, churches and volunteers to help build homes with qualifying families. Volunteers provide most of the labor, and individual and corporate donors provide money and materials to build Habitat houses. Volunteer opportunities range from construction expertise to serving meals and snacks. If you have questions about how you can be a part of an upcoming build, please reach out to Bev at bgravdahl@olivet.org.
Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Red River Valley
Since 1982, Ronald McDonald House of the Red River has been keeping families close to their critically ill children receiving medical care in the Fargo area. They provide much more than a bed to sleep in by meeting the unique needs of each family; with love and support from giving volunteers, caring staff, and guest families who understand what they are going through. Home-cooked meals, play areas, laundry facilities, computers, and much more are also provided so families can concentrate on what is most important. Their home is truly a “home away from home” for families who must travel to receive the critical care that their children need. Whether you are looking for a one-time or recurring volunteer experience, we have many options for you to share your time and skills with families. Contact Bev for more information at bgravdahl@olivet.org.
Golden Drive Homeless kids
Golden Drive Homeless Kids is a 100% non-profit organization. Their mission is to raise awareness of the homelessness crisis that the children in our community are experiencing. To support Golden Drive’s efforts, Olivet partners with this organization throughout the year by participating in collection drives and helping raise awareness of needs in our community. The items donated at various events are delivered to area homeless shelters, YouthWorks and schools. Sue Baron, Golden Drive’s founder, states “I started this with one simple coloring crayon. One day I just picked up a crayon put it in my apron and the thought was to save crayons and buy some coloring books and drop them off at a shelter and it was then that I knew it’s not that people don’t care it’s that people don’t know.”
HERO
HERO (Healthcare Equipment Recycling Organization) is a nonprofit organization that has been serving our community for just over 25 years. HERO collects and redistributes donated healthcare equipment and supplies to serve those in need at an affordable cost. Their outreach benefits people both locally and globally. The services that HERO provides also helps the environment with the promotion of recycling through redistribution of items. Olivet’s partnership with HERO allows those in need of medical supplies or equipment, access to a variety of items which may be needed either long-term or short-term. If you are in need of an item, please contact Bev Gravdahl, who will assist in navigating you through the process and provide a referral if necessary. Volunteers are also welcome at HERO – Bev can also connect you if you are interested in becoming a part of their volunteer team.
New LIfe Center
The New Life Center is a Christian multi-faceted emergency and crisis service center, serving men 18 years and older. This is one of the many ministries in our community which Olivet supports throughout the year. Some of the services they are able to offer include emergency shelter, meals, case management, medical respite and the Genesis program. This program is an in-house relapse prevention program where participants learn to develop new coping tools, health relationships, personal accountability, spiritual growth and community. Real change happens at the New Life Center. Your support can help men move from homelessness and hurting to whole and healthy.