Amy Hollar leads through service, a shining example of how giving of yourself leads to greater community change. With a legacy of lifting others up, Amy has impacted countless lives through her work at the University of Mary, 31:8 Project, Soul 57, and many more organizations.

In the classroom, Amy has an uncanny ability to see the potential in her students before they see it in themselves. “I always tell them I believe in them before they believe in themselves,” she says. By getting to know her students on a personal level, she can inspire real confidence in them and their abilities. Through her role as internship coordinator, she connects students to real world opportunities, helping shape their future and make a difference. “It’s meant a lot to me to have the opportunity to work with students and help them find their potential and make a positive difference in the community,” she shares.

Outside of work, Amy selflessly gives of her time to several organizations. She currently serves as the secretary for the Legacy High School Girl’s Basketball Booser Club. She also sacrifices her time to assist with Junior Achievement, a nonprofit that helps educate K-12 students in finances, the work force, and entrepreneurship. She is also trained as a level one guide in the Catachesis of the Good Shepherd Method, helping form little souls in the faith at Corpus Christi.

Amy has also been foundational to the establishment and growth of two vital nonprofits in the Bismarck-Mandan community, 31:8 Project and Soul 57. Amy first heard about the 31:8 Project from a fellow professor at the University of Mary. After inviting Stacy Schaffer, founder of 31:8 Project, to speak in her classroom, Amy immediately felt the call to support the mission. She applied to be a board member shortly after and has been serving on the board since, supporting the nonprofit’s mission, helping spread awareness, and creating ways for the nonprofit to grow. “I’ll never not have a role in 31:8,” she says. “It becomes a part of who you are.”

Amy’s involvement in Soul 57, a nonprofit devoted to helping children navigate grief, came from a personal relationship with the organization’s founder, Jenny Maattala. Jenny’s sister Casey was one of Amy’s best friends who she met in college. Once Casey passed from cancer, Amy reconnected with Jenny. Their friendship led to many coffees, where Jenny shared her vision for a nonprofit that offers free grief support to children. Amy immediately offered her help and advice and currently sits on the board of directors as the communication chair.

Through it all, Amy keeps her focus on others, allowing herself to be challenged, and humbly serving where she feels called. “My favorite part of serving is getting to meet people I would never get to meet,” she says. “It just opens your eyes to a world that’s much bigger than what we see and experience every day.”

Want More? www.soul57.org, www.318project.org and www.umary.edu

Ashely Wolf has a heart for service that manifests itself in countless volunteer hours spent at organizations vital ti the Bismarck-Mandan community. She works quietly behind the scenes to humbly serve and create a better future for everyone. Since 2015, Ashley has been a dedicated supporter of tracy’s Sanctuary House, a non-profit that offers a comfortable, safe, and affordable place for families to stay while a loved one undergoes a medical crisis. inspired by their mission, Ashley helps secure sponsorships and attends fundraiser events, ensuring affected families have one less thing to worry about.

Another non-profit Ashely pouts herself into is the 31:8 Project, an organization that responds to human trafficking through education, awareness, and survivor support. “You don’t realize how close to home it is,” Ashley says. She works to raise awareness for the group, secures sponsorships, and faithfully participates in fundraisers, helping protect some of the most vulnerable in our society

Ashley also supports Heaven’s Helpers, devoting her time to the 701 Closet, Soup Cafe, and Repurpose Store. “Their mission is so true to what we need here,” she explains. She organizes clothing drives, donates her own personal items, and volunteers her time sorting and organizing donated goods.

One of the organizations more personal to Ashley is HIPP Kid’s Therapy. When her daughter started occupational and speech therapy, she discovered hippotherapy as another option. Having grown up around her grandfather’s horses, she immediately understand the power horse lead therapy could have. She not only enrolled her daughter, but also began volunteering for them, helping other families encounter life changing treatment. She also volunteers her time every year at the Remarkable Kids Rodeo, an event intended to help children with disabilities access rodeo events up close and personal. Now open to all kids, the event is in the morning of family night at Mandan Rodeo Days where Ashley continues to help kids ride and connect with horses.

Part of what fuels Ashley’s drive is passing along a love of service to her daughter. “I involve my daughter in a lot of it, and it’s good to know I’m passing that on,” she says. Her example is already inspiring action in her daughter who donated the proceeds of her lemonade stand to the Heaven’s Helpers Soup Cafe, a beautiful testament to how small acts of kindness can inspire generational generosity.

“Service has always been core to who I am. The quote I live by is, ‘We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.’ so that’s what I try to do daily.” These words from Dana Henry encompass the unyielding passion she has for service. From serving on multiple boards, to volunteering for different non-profits, to advocacy and awareness, Dana givers of her time freely to serve everyone around her.

Brave the Shave, a statewide nonprofit dedicated to supporting children and their families through their battle with cancer, holds a special place in Dana’s heart. Dana discovered the organization three years ago when volunteering at their YMCA Big Event.”I got to see their mission in action,” she recalls. “The families with the kids were on stage sharing their stories of resilience in the battle they have traversed.” Dana serves as a board member for the organization and raise awareness at different philanthropic events and through various media channels.

Dana’s heart for service doesn’t stop there. she serves as the secretary and treasurer for the North Dakota United public employee local 4660 boar, advocating for public workers. She also sits on the board for the Bismarck-Mandan Young Professionals Network as an event specialist focusing on community service Every year the young professionals partner with a nonprofit and organize fundraisers for their cause. This year, they raised a little over $2,500 for the North Dakota Asian American Art & Cultural Initiative. Another cause Dana pours her tireless energy into is the 31:8 Project, a nonprofit devoted to fighting the reality of modern human trafficking. When Dana moved to North Dakota in 2020, she attended a few 31:8 Project events and was inspired to serve on their event planning committee, helping organize fundraisers like the Harvest Moon Soiree and Spare Trafficking Bowling Fundraiser.

No matter where in the world she finds herself, Dana finds time to serve others. “every time I travel, I try to do a volunteer service project wherever it is I’m going,” she explains. From serving hot meals in New Orleans to raising awareness about human trafficking in Las Vegas during the Super Bowl, Dana’s passion extends beyond state boundaries.

Inspiring others to serve is integral to Dana’s mission. Her service initiative titled GIVE (Get Involved in Volunteer Efforts) models how anyone can serve, even in small ways. She urges everyone to consider how they can serve the people of their community: “Whether I am taking off my makeup from a gala or wiping off mascara off my face from crying, I know I am doing what I can to make a difference.”

Want More? bravetheshave.net

Denise Fettig Loftesnes serves the community of Bismarck-Mandan with a humble disposition and genuine passion for service. By responding with compassion to the needs of those around her, Denise has made our community a kinder place for the vulnerable and marginalized.

Denise pours herself firstly into her work at the Dream Center of Bismarck, where she serves as the Development Director. A hands on leader, Denise advances the Center’s mission, connects to other organizations and resources, as well as serves the people who come through every day for a hot meals, free groceries, and connection to additional resources. Denise advocates tirelessly to raise awareness for the Dream Center as a resource for those in need in our community. Her Work at the Dream Center goes beyond providing nutritional nourishment. Leading by example, every person who comes for a meal is greeted with a smile and conversation. “I’ve had our guests tell us, I feel like I’m human when I come in here,” she says. A real meal provides dignity, giving people hope that they can break free of their cycle of poverty. “Everyone is needed in this world,” she emphasizes.

Another Cause Denise devotes herself to is supporting individuals with Alzheimer’s Disease and dementia as well as their caregivers. Fighting degenerative mental illness is deeply personal to Denise who moved back to North Dakota to take of her parents when they were diagnosed with dementia. Even after her parents passed away from the disease, Denise couldn’t stop advocating. She started Bismarck Memory Cafe in February of 2022 as a resource support group for both individuals and families navigating the challenge of memory loss. The group meets once a month, and Denise hopes it helps caregivers not just survive, but thrive. “It’s hard work and it never stops, so I wanted to give them resources to stay strong,” she explains.

Advocacy doesn’t end there for Denise, however. She volunteers as a community educator with the Alzheimer’s Association, advocates in D.C. with the Alzheimer’s Impact Movement, and is now serving on the Bismarck Human Relations committee for the City of Bismarck. In her free time, she also volunteers at Furry Friends Rockin’ Rescue. “My favorite part is getting the opportunity to tell people how special they are,” she says. “We need you, every single person.”

Want More? www.dreamcenterbismarck.org, www.bismarckmemorycafe.com, and www.alz.org/mnnd

Duey Johnson has devoted his life to turning the hardest parts of his life into opportunities for good. After his wife Donna was diagnosed with cancer 18 years ago, the softball team Duey was on banded together to raise money for her treatment through a charity tournament called the Rug Rat Benefit Softball Tournament. After discussing it, Duey and Donna decided they could do it without the money raised and donated it to the Bismarck Cancer Center Foundation(BCCF). A couple years later, Duey took over the Rug Rat Benefit, running it for 12 years and raising around $80,000-$90,000 for the Bismarck Cancer Center (BCC). As the tournament came to an end, Duey brainstormed other ways to continue raising money for the BCC. He started a new event, the Rug Rat Chili Cook Off, raising $60,000-$70,000 in the five years since it started. In 2013, Duey was approached about joining the advisory board for the BCCF. While initially opposed to the idea, he agreed to sit in on a meeting. “I fell in love with the foundation at the first meeting,” he says, shortly after, he was appointed to be on the board. He has served on the board since then, currently as their vice president. “the beauty of our foundation is that 97 cents of every dollar that we raise goes directly to patient care,” he shares.

Duey understands the financial toll of cancer treatments all too well, walking with both his wife Donna and his son Michael through their cancer treatments. “I never thought I would ever volunteer as much as I did,” he shares. “I always say, if there’s anything that becomes a job, I’m going to quit it. This is not a job. It’s a passion. I know firsthand what these patients and their caregivers are going through.” Duey pours countless hours into BCC helping at their events and fundraisers year round, from Spook Out Cancer to Apple Ja, to the BCCF Golf Tournament, as a friendly face, an impassioned advocate, and a generous spirit. Despite the suffering Duey has experienced in his life, he remains positive about its meaning. “I know that God, everyday, whatever we do, he’s got a reason behind it,” he says. Being able to share this conviction and lighten people’s loads fuels Duey’s passion. “The beauty of serving is in the joy of the people,” he says. That’s where the reward is.”

Want More? www.bismarckcancercenter.com/foundation-andgiving

Dakota Children’s Advocacy Center (DCAC) is a child focused approach to evidence based trauma treatment for children and families exposed to trauma like sexual and physical abuse, domestic and community violence, human trafficking, and neglect. A multidisciplinary team works together to minimize trauma to the child and help them heal through mental health services.

Eneida Vilella-Loraas is the Director of Mental Health Services at DCAC and a bilingual therapist. Her day to day is composed of most people’s worst days, helping bring kids and their families hope, light and healing. As director, she oversees the mental health staff, but also serves her own clients, specifically Spanish speaking children and Native American children. Originally from Puerto Rico, when she moved to Bismarck at the age of seven, she was the only Spanish speaking student. “As I’ve become an adult and found psychology and trauma therapy as my niche, I wanted to be that light of hope for those kiddos that don’t speak English as their native language,” she explains. she has also culturally adapted evidence based behavioral therapy for Native American children such as Honoring Children, Mending the Circle, and adaptation of Trauma- Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Advocacy for Spanish speaking children is a deep passion for Eneida. Most treatment resources created for children and their families are written in English, with translations into Spanish as an afterthought, creating additional barriers to treatment. “I’ve spent a lot of time advocating for that,” she explains. “I spoke nationally a couple years ago on that language justice piece, specifically to leaders in the child advocacy world. Bilingual therapists are burnt out. Translating is an extra step that they have to do in their day to day… it takes a toll, so it’s something that I’ve made it my mission to talk about.”

Outreach to marginalized groups is also important to Eneida. She runs a Spanish speaking therapy group at Mandan High Schoo; and Mandan Middle School, and those groups are at their limit. “Kiddos are being seen, and they’re being heard, and their face lights up when they see someone that looks like them and speaks their language,” Describes Eneida.

Eneida also fights to bring telehealth service to the region, to help overcome distance and transportation barriers. She was a key figure in launching North Dakota’s Telehealth Outreach Program for Traumatized Youth in 2019, and she continues to advocate for telehealth on a national level, speaking at conferences and helping train new professionals. Telehealth provides the same service kids would receive in person, with the same effectiveness, making it a vital tool for rural communities like North Dakota.

Eneida is a tireless champion for the children of our community, making a difference in countless lives when it matters the most. “It’s hard work,” she says. “Seven years in, and you think back a lot, but this is definitely where my heart lies. I’m in it for the kids. Work is work, and it’s hard sometimes, but sitting down with a kiddo and seeing really great change in them and watching them get their light back, that is good enough for me.”

Want More? www.dakotaacac.org

Passionate and driven, Janet Bassingthwaite is making a huge difference in the minds of the littlest learners among us. Her passion for early childhood education has driven her to expand the options available to children and their families, leading discussions and heading programs that have created real change in the community.

After teaching at the University of Mary in the early childhood program for ten years, Janet felt a call to return to work with children again. She was hired as the first early learning coordinator for the Mandan Public Schools and tasked with helping prepare the community’s youngest for school. “I realized the community was asking for more experiences and opportunities and an understanding of what school readiness means,” she says.

From there, Janet started SPARK (Simple Play Based Activities and Resources for Kids) at the Morton Mandan Public Library. These bi-weekly events included reading a story and 40 minutes of play time spent bringing the story to life through different learning stations and open ended play. The response from the community was overwhelming. At the same time, the Mandan Public Schools district noticed a significant increase in school readiness and early kindergarten scores and wanted Janet to be able to continue expanding her mission. Through conversations, Janet brought the idea of a playlab foward where she could continue sessions like SPARK, opening up the opportunity to even more families. Timing worked out with the building of Mandan’s new high school, and a building opened up. after renovations, Mandan Little Learners PlayLab is free to participate in and designed for children aged 0-5, but open to kids up to the age of 8. “The idea is for families and their littles to come in and engage together and explore, to unplug and connect with each other,” Janet explains. “We have a little bit of structure, and it’s balanced with open-ended free play, and it’s meant to build skills through play.” Modern parents are inundated with information and technology claiming to be the best way to help kids grow developmentally, and Janet is passionate about helping parents return to the basics. “I wanted to help families and caregivers understand the importance of play in skill building,” she explains. At the PlayLab, there are no toys or tools with batteries, and screens and phones are highly discouraged. “There isn’t anything in our space that you couldn’t find at the dollar store or outside,” Janet Explains.

As of right now, Janet is the only staff for the PlayLab, so she is on site for all the sessions, and loves being able to help children and their parents. “It’s a joy to do what I do,” she says. “It’s amazing that the community has embraced it, and they let me do what I am doing.”

Want More? sites.googles.com/msd1.org/mandanndkids/home

For over 20 years , Michelle Erickson has devoted her time and energy caring for the safety, stability, and well-being of victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. Through different roles at the Abused Adult Resource Center (AARC), Michelle has made a positive impact in the lives of thousands of survivors, treating them with compassion and dignity, and helping them rebuild their lives. Now the Executive Director for the past seven years, Michelle leadership has only furthered the impact of this vital organization.

After graduating with a criminal justice degree, Michelle started volunteering at the AARC before being hired as an advocate, helping survivors find safe and affordable housing. she became involved with the homeless coalition, advocating for systemic and sustainable solutions. “I’ve always been passionate about the housing piece,” she says. “Everyone deserves a place to go home.” Housing is directly tied t sexual assault prevention as the homeless are consistently exposed to risk without a safe place to sleep.

Now in her role as Executive Director, Michelle continues to advocate for homelessness, while also supporting her team who deal with trauma every day. “I love my staff,” she says. “I have some really great staff who are so invested in their jobs. I couldn’t do my job without them, We’re all just trying to do the best we can for people and trying to keep them safe.” The staff at the AARC provide crisis intervention, safety planning, emergency shelter, helping attain permanent housing, court assistance, and whatever else the victim may need for emotional support and beyond. Their thrift store, Seeds of Hope, helps support their mission. All proceeds go back into their organization, and the store provides a resource where clients can be fitted with clothing, furnishing, and even work to gain retail experience as they adjust to working with the public again.

To further assist those in need, even beyond the AARC, Michelle sits on the board of the North Dakota Association of Nonprofit Organizations, which helps bring nonprofit leaders together, provide educational opportunities, and open collaboration between groups to create stronger community resources.

Humble about her own role, Michelle emphasizes the strength of the people she works with everyday. “The People I’ve sat with have so much strength and courage and bravery,” she says. “When they’re able to get out and realize their own self-worth and their own strength, it’s an inspiration to everybody… We hear people say you saved our lives all the time, and I always say you saved your own. We just gave you the tools.”

Want More? www.abusedadultresourcecenter.com and www.ndano.org

Sage Walz embodies the spirit of community involvement with an open and willing disposition to the opportunities presented before him. Through his work at CHI St. Alexius Health and his many personal passions, Sage’s influence is felt throughout the Bismarck-Mandan community. As a Clinical Psychiatry Nurse Manager at CHI St. Alexius, Sage has devoted his day to day to caring for adults and adolescents experiencing psychiatric, behavioral or social problems. His passion for this patients inspired him to lead a revitalization initiative for the adult inpatient unit. When he first took over management, the adult had six kids and zero adults. Now, the unit typically houses 15 inpatients, a mjority of whom are adults. Sage’s push for revitalization is not over as he continues to advocate for the expansion of a 30 bed adolescent inpatient unit, which would open up additional adult beds and address the continually growing need in the community.

Being able to meet people at their most vulnerable with compassion and sincerity is what fuels Sage’s devotion to psychiatric nursing. “What I love about psychiatry is it’s a special kind of nursing where you get to go and say, I’m here for you, life is tough, and we will get through this,” he explains. Caring by creating genuine connections and having hard conversations with patience and love defines Sage’s medial career.

Outside of the hospital, Sage shares his musical talent at various local churches leading several worship services. “Leading worship is my passion,” he explains. “I’m a singer, I play guitar, and I love doing it.” He has also been invited to lead worship in churches around the country, including New Mexico, Arizona, and South Dakota.

Various other organizations through BIsmarck-Mandan enjoy the support of Sage’s enthusiasm, including the Three Crowns Swedish Association, a group devoted to preserving and sharing their Swedish heritage through outreach and events, and the Eckroth Marching Band, an informal adults marching band, in which Sage plays the bass drum.

By leading with sincerity, Sage has made a lasting impact on the Bismarck-Mandan community, giving of his time joyfully. “If you’re willing to say yes to things, give it a shot, don’t be afraid, you get to do a lot of fun things,” he says.

Want More? www.soul57.org, www.318project.org and www.umary.edu

Steven Featherston served six years in the US Air Force as a fire protection specialist from 2005 to 2011, ending his service with the rank of staff sergeant. However, his service didn’t end when he took off his uniform. Instead, he continues to serve his local community by drawing on his unique experiences and talents.

Through Sanford Health’s hospice program and partnership with the We Honor Veterans Program and Missouri River Quilts of Valor, Steven honors his fellow veterans by assisting with the veteran pinning ceremonies. “I just stumbled into it because I was looking to help out with the hospital, and they said, ‘we have this veteran program, you’re a vet, would you like to try it?’ Steven recalls. “And I was like, sure, why not… It’s just a good opportunity to give back to them.” Steven’s involvement ensures veterans at the end of their life receive that special recognition and gratitude they deserve for their service to our country.

To Steven, volunteering is not an option, but rather the right way to be a community member. “I’m closely tied to the local community, so I can see spots where I can help out,” He explains. during COVID, when he was working at St. Alexius hospital, he saw the stress and pressure hospitals were under first-hand. To Address this need, Steve helped automate St. Alexius’ in hospital CPR training, then started an independent American Heart Association CPR and First Aid training site called Last Minute Training in 2022. These classes help certify pre hospital users, like firefighters, rural residents, and preschool staff. Steven has taken the model used at his company and helped others start other training facilities as well to meet the constant demand. To date, his company has trained over 3,000 students.

Steve’s impressive efforts serve his community are never ending, but he feels deeply that it’s just him doing a small part “We call it service, but honestly, it’s just being active in the community,’ he says. “I don’t consider it anything special… I like seeing the ripple effects of altruism because the beauty of that is you get to see everything is conected.”

Want More? homemlastminutetraining.net and www.wehonorveterans.org