Grygla LYO kids serve the homeless

The Grace/Our Savior’s Lutheran Church LYO group visited the Northland Rescue Mission in Grand Forks last Sunday, April 15th. This trip was for 6-12 graders who, in addition to volunteering their time and services, learned about what brings people to the mission and how social workers help to get them out on their own again.

The Northland Rescue Mission can accommodate about 160 men and women. Unfortunately, they are not set up for children and/or families. Currently, there are just over 50 beds occupied at the shelter. Since October, Northland staff and social workers have helped 100 people get out on their own again.

The Grace/OS group brought in a monetary donation of $220, along with a bag of quilts. Every donation helps as it takes approximately $3,000/day to run the shelter. (When asked what donations they could use the most, hygiene products and air mattresses were listed.) 

After spending the morning learning about and touring the mission, LYO students helped serve the noon meal and also worked at the store on site. Residents are able to come in daily with a list of wants/needs, approved by their social worker, and get items at no cost to them. The LYO students assisted them inside the store and also helped unpack and put away new donation items.

The group was educated greatly about life at the shelter and it was a very eye-opening experience. The Northland Rescue Mission not only operates as a safe shelter, but operates with an end-goal in place. Each man or woman checking into the shelter for the first time is set up with a 90-day plan. During that 90 days, they work closely with a social worker and Northland staff to come up with a list of goals and a plan of action. While at the shelter, each resident is in charge of a certain list of chores, has the option to attend bible study/group sessions and has access to three meals a day. There are curfews and rules set in place, as the shelter strives to encourage independent living once again. 

It was a great learning experience for the LYO group, who were all very courteous and respectful at the mission.