The ND Cares Coalition stands as a dedicated network comprising over 45 military and civilian professionals committed to supporting North Dakota Service Members, Veterans, Families, and Survivors (SMVFS). Adopting a comprehensive definition of “Veteran,” the coalition strives to include all individuals currently serving or who have served, representing the “total force.”
ND Cares operates as a facilitator, not a direct service provider. Its core mission is to enhance the understanding of the needs and available services for SMVFS. The primary objective of ND Cares is to dismantle obstacles and bridge gaps within existing service frameworks, ensuring that service members, veterans, their families, and survivors receive the necessary care and assistance. For in-depth information about ND Cares and its initiatives, please visit www.NDCares.org.
ND Cares Community Program: Building Welcoming Environments
The ND Cares Community Program acts as a vital extension of the overarching ND Cares mission. It aims to cultivate and reinforce an easily accessible and integrated support system for SMVFS throughout North Dakota. This program is structured around four key pillars:
- Creating Supportive Communities: Fostering a welcoming and supportive atmosphere across all North Dakota communities for Service Members, Veterans, Families, and Survivors. This involves community-level initiatives and awareness campaigns to ensure SMVFS feel valued and supported in their local environments.
- Enhancing Awareness of Support: Increasing public knowledge regarding local and state-level support systems available to SMVFS. This includes promoting resources, services, and programs designed to assist military-connected individuals and their families in North Dakota.
- Statewide Community Inclusion: Ensuring participation from every community within the state, regardless of size. This emphasizes a commitment to extending support networks to even the most rural and remote areas of North Dakota, ensuring no SMVFS is left behind.
- Local Engagement and Education: Establishing community-based events focused on educating the public and honoring the contributions of SMVFS. These events serve to raise awareness, foster community spirit, and provide platforms for recognizing the sacrifices of service members and veterans.
To connect with a Fargo ND Cares representative and learn more about community program initiatives, please reach out via email or by phone at 701.241.1388.
ND Cares Business Initiative: Recognizing and Empowering Businesses
The ND Cares Business Initiative is designed to provide business leaders with a platform to demonstrate their ongoing commitment to Service Members, Veterans, Families, and Survivors (SMVFS). This initiative recognizes the critical role businesses play in supporting the military community and aims to strengthen this support through education and recognition.
Furthermore, the ND Cares Business program offers businesses valuable resources, including military culture training and mental health first aid training for their employees. This training empowers businesses to better understand and support the unique needs of SMVFS employees and customers, creating more inclusive and supportive workplaces and business environments.
This business initiative is a crucial component of ND Cares’ broader mission to develop a robust and seamless network of support for Service Members, Veterans, Families, and Survivors. By engaging the business community, ND Cares expands its reach and impact, creating a more supportive ecosystem for SMVFS across North Dakota.
Image: Grant Larson, Fargo Cass Public Health Director of Environmental Health, presenting Discovery Benefits with a certificate recognizing them as an ND Cares Business.
