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Monday 8am - 4:30pm Tuesday 8am - 4:30pm Wednesday 8am - 4:30pm Thursday 8am - 4:30pm Friday 8am - 4:30pm

Freedom Resource Center for Independent Living, Inc.

Home
United States
Fargo, ND
Freedom Resource Center for Independent Living, Inc.

Providing services that increase independence for people with disabilities.

To access our services:
-No income requirement
-No medical verification
-No complicated applications
-Services are FREE

06/18/2026

Lastly, our 2026 Larry Chial Leadership Award recipient goes to, Sadie Jo Downs of PAM Rehabilitation Hospital.

As a social worker and discharge planner, Sadie coordinates complex hospital discharges and works closely with patients, families, therapy teams, and community partners to help individuals with significant medical and functional needs transition safely back into the community.

Sadie was recognized for her exceptional leadership, advocacy, and commitment to independent living. Her nomination highlighted her role in navigating a particularly complex transition involving significant medical needs, communication barriers, equipment coordination, and collaboration across multiple systems of care. Through every step of the process, Sadie remained focused on ensuring the individual could successfully return to community living with the supports needed to thrive.

Her persistence, attention to detail, and ability to bring people together helped overcome numerous barriers while keeping the individual and their family at the center of every decision. From coordinating interpreters and therapy services to advocating for critical benefits and equipment, Sadie demonstrated the kind of leadership that creates meaningful outcomes for individuals with disabilities.

Her nomination shared that Sadie's work not only changed the outcome for one individual and family but also served as a powerful example of what is possible when professionals lead with knowledge, compassion, collaboration, and a commitment to independent living.

We are honored to recognize Sadie for her outstanding leadership and dedication to helping individuals with disabilities live independently and successfully within their communities.

Please join us in congratulating Sadie on receiving the 2026 Larry Chial Leadership Award! 🎉
And that is a wrap on our 2026 awards. Thank you for celebrating with us!

06/16/2026

Our next highlight is the 2026 Nate Aalgaard Accessibility Award recipient, Amber Backen of Sooper Stop in Jamestown.

Amber was recognized for her commitment to creating a convenience store that goes beyond standard ADA requirements and prioritizes true accessibility for all individuals. Through thoughtful planning and intentional design choices, Sooper Stop was created to be a welcoming, functional, and accessible space for people with a wide range of needs.

Several accessibility features were incorporated throughout the store, including wider aisles for easier mobility, smoother concrete flooring for safer navigation, lower soap dispensers and shallow sink basins, wheelchair-accessible checkout counters, heated sidewalks, and an extra-wide ramp for easier entrance into the store. These design choices reflect a strong commitment to accessibility beyond the minimum standards.

Her nomination shared that these efforts have made a meaningful difference for individuals with disabilities in the community by creating a space that is safe, inviting, and easier to navigate independently.

We are honored to recognize Amber for her dedication to accessibility, inclusion, and creating a more welcoming community for everyone.

Please join us in congratulating Amber on receiving the 2026 Nate Aalgaard Accessibility Award! 🎉

06/12/2026

👋 Meet Our New Board Member!

We're excited to welcome Brad Renslow to the Freedom Resource Center Board of Directors! 💙

After learning more about Freedom Resource Center and our mission, Brad felt he could contribute and help make a positive difference. When asked to join the board, he said yes right away.

Brad brings a wealth of experience through his service on other boards, volunteer work, fundraising efforts, and involvement with a variety of community organizations. His dedication to helping others and giving back to the community makes him a valuable addition to our board.

As a board member, Brad is looking forward to learning more about the organization's greatest needs and working alongside fellow board members and staff to help make decisions that support independence for people with disabilities.

👉 This is an excerpt from our June Newsletter. The link to read the full feature is in the comments.

Want to receive future newsletters by email or mail? Sign up by emailing [email protected].

06/11/2026

Our next highlight is the 2026 Employer of the Year recipient, Hope Learning Center.

Hope Learning Center was recognized for its commitment to creating meaningful employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities and fostering an inclusive workplace where employees are supported, valued, and encouraged to succeed.

Through individualized training, workplace accommodations, and a focus on employee strengths, the team at Hope Learning Center has helped individuals gain valuable skills, build confidence, and grow in their independence. Their approach recognizes the unique talents of each employee and provides opportunities for learning, growth, and meaningful participation in the workplace.

The nominations highlighted the dedication of staff members who have worked closely with employees and support teams to ensure clear communication, successful onboarding, and ongoing support. Their flexibility, problem-solving, and willingness to adapt have created an environment where employees with disabilities can thrive and pursue their career goals.

Hope Learning Center's commitment to inclusive employment demonstrates the positive impact that supportive employers can have on individuals, families, and our community.

We are honored to recognize Hope Learning Center for their dedication to providing opportunities, empowering employees, and creating a workplace where everyone has the chance to succeed.

Please join us in congratulating Hope Learning Center on receiving the 2026 Employer of the Year Award! 🎉

06/09/2026

Our next highlight is the 2026 Youth Advocate of the Year recipient, Emilie Lang.

Emilie is a sophomore at the University of Jamestown studying accounting and works at the Anne Carlson Center as an event photographer, capturing important moments and experiences for students and families. 📸

As a wheelchair user, Emilie has become a strong advocate for accessibility and inclusion both on her college campus and within the community. Since attending the University of Jamestown, she has advocated for additional accessible doors across campus, helping improve access not only for herself, but for others as well. 💙

Through her work and advocacy, Emilie helps bring greater awareness to the importance of accessibility and inclusion. Her photography at the Anne Carlson Center highlights the joys, challenges, and successes of students, helping others better understand and appreciate the experiences of individuals with disabilities.

Her nomination shared that Emilie approaches advocacy with positivity, determination, and kindness while continuing to push for meaningful change and greater accessibility in everyday spaces.

We are honored to recognize Emilie for her dedication to advocacy, accessibility, and creating a more inclusive community for all.

Please join us in congratulating Emilie on receiving the 2026 Youth Advocate of the Year Award! 🎉

06/05/2026

📰 Our June Newsletter is here!

Inside you’ll find:

⭐ Finding a Way Forward featuring Robert Hulst
💙 2026 Appreciation Luncheon Thank-You
🏆 2026 Award Recipients
👋 Meet Our New Board Member

And a special piece remembering our former Executive Director, Nate Aalgaard.

Check it out now and stay connected with what’s happening at Freedom Resource Center. The newsletter link is in the comments!

What is something you look forward to in our newsletters or would like to see more of? Comment below.

06/04/2026

Our next highlight is the 2026 Advocate of the Year recipient, Giselle Ishimwe of A Place to Call Home.

Giselle is a Qualified Service Provider (QSP), a licensed RN, and the CEO of A Place to Call Home. Through her work, she provides housing and support for individuals with disabilities who require high levels of care and supervision.

Giselle has built a reputation for welcoming individuals who often face the greatest barriers to placement, including those with complex behavioral needs, limited income, or long histories of institutionalization. Rather than turning these individuals away, she works tirelessly to create safe, stable, and supportive environments where they can thrive.

Her nomination highlighted the many ways she goes above and beyond for the people she serves. From helping individuals successfully transition into community living to advocating for their personal needs and dignity, Giselle consistently demonstrates compassion, patience, and dedication. She has even used her own time and resources to ensure individuals have opportunities for connection, independence, and meaningful participation in their communities.

Through her advocacy and commitment to person-centered support, Giselle has helped individuals experience stability, belonging, and the opportunity to truly have a place to call home.

We are honored to recognize Giselle for her outstanding advocacy and unwavering dedication to improving the lives of people with disabilities.

Please join us in congratulating Giselle on receiving the 2026 Advocate of the Year Award! 🎉

06/02/2026

🏆 2026 Award Winner Highlights 🏆

We are excited to highlight our 2026 Appreciation Luncheon award winners, recognizing individuals and organizations who have made a significant impact in the lives of people with disabilities. ✨

Our first highlight is the 2026 Distinguished Service Award recipient, Ryan Thorson from Lighthouse Recovery Services.

Ryan has worked at Lighthouse for 7 years and has served in multiple roles, including Peer Support and Care Coordinator, working closely with individuals navigating addiction, mental health, and physical health challenges. He is consistently present and ready to support anyone who enters their community and needs extra assistance.

Through his work, Ryan has helped individuals obtain their driver’s licenses, secure housing, and achieve and maintain recovery. He also plays a key role in connecting individuals to community services that promote independence and stability.

His nomination shared that Ryan’s work has created a ripple effect throughout the community, helping reduce homelessness and joblessness while strengthening connection, belonging, and overall quality of life.

We are honored to recognize Ryan for his outstanding commitment to improving the lives of individuals with disabilities and for his dedication to building a stronger, more supportive community. 💙

Please join us in congratulating Ryan on receiving the 2026 Distinguished Service Award! 🎉

05/26/2026

🏆 Introducing the Nate Aalgaard Accessibility Award 🏆

At our 2026 Appreciation Luncheon, we were honored to share something especially meaningful with our community-- the renaming of the Accessibility Award to the Nate Aalgaard Accessibility Award. ✨

This award honors the legacy of Nate Aalgaard, who served as Executive Director of Freedom Resource Center for 26 years. After surviving a life-altering car accident in 1977, Nate experienced firsthand the barriers that people with disabilities face and dedicated his life to breaking those barriers down. His work centered on accessibility, dignity, and systems change so that others would not face the same challenges he did.

Nate’s leadership and advocacy reached far beyond our organization, including his attendance at the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990, one of his proudest moments. He believed deeply in the value of every person, often saying, “I do not consider my disability a tragedy, nor do I consider my life one bit less full and meaningful.” 💙

During the luncheon, we also unveiled memorial plaques honoring Nate’s legacy. Each of our offices will display a plaque as a lasting reminder of his impact and the foundation he built. A special plaque was also presented to his mother as a tribute to Nate’s life, leadership, and the lasting difference he made at Freedom Resource Center and beyond. 🤍

Nate’s presence continues to be felt in the work we do every day in how we welcome people, how we advocate, and how we continue striving toward a more accessible world.

We are proud to honor his legacy through this award and to ensure his impact continues to guide our mission forward. 🌟

Address

2701 9th Avenue S, Ste H
Fargo, ND
58103

Opening Hours

Monday	8am - 4:30pm
Tuesday	8am - 4:30pm
Wednesday	8am - 4:30pm
Thursday	8am - 4:30pm
Friday	8am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+18004500459

Website

http://www.freedomrc.org/

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