Freedom Resource Center for Independent Living, Inc.

03/26/2026

There’s still time to share your voice! The Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC) is gathering input for the next State Plan for Independent Living (SPIL), and your feedback is an important part of shaping what comes next.

This statewide Needs Assessment helps identify the real challenges and priorities impacting people with disabilities across North Dakota. The information collected will guide the 2027–2029 plan and help ensure services reflect the needs of individuals, families, and communities.

There are two surveys available:
📝 Consumer Survey:
https://www.forms.nd.gov/260485490918871

📝 Family, Friends, or Provider Survey:
https://www.forms.nd.gov/260485475486874

Every response makes a difference, your input helps create stronger, more responsive Independent Living services across the state.

📅 Please complete the survey by Monday, March 30, 2026.

Thank you for helping shape the future of Independent Living!

📣 North Dakota Needs Your Input!

The Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC) is beginning work on the next State Plan for Independent Living (SPIL), and community input is an important part of the process. As part of this work, a statewide Needs Assessment is being conducted to better understand the issues impacting people with disabilities across North Dakota.

The information collected will help ensure the 2027–2029 State Plan for Independent Living reflects the real needs of individuals, families, and communities.

There are two surveys available to help gather this information:

📝 Consumer Survey:
https://www.forms.nd.gov/260485490918871

📝 Family, Friends, or Provider Survey:
https://www.forms.nd.gov/260485475486874

Broad participation helps create a stronger and more responsive plan for Independent Living services in North Dakota.

📅 Please complete the survey by Monday, March 30, 2026.

Thank you for helping shape the future of Independent Living!

03/24/2026

📰 Our March Newsletter is here!

Inside you’ll find:

🎉 2026 Appreciation Luncheon Information
📚 Extended School Year (ESY) vs. Summer School
💼 Beyond the Job Title featuring Sarah Weisser
💙 Giving Hearts Day Thank You

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?

03/23/2026

At Freedom Resource Center, our staff bring more than job titles, they bring lived experience, perspective, and heart.

In our January "Beyond the Job Title" article, Gibb Sheets shares what his role at Freedom looks like, what a typical week involves, and how his own experience living with anxiety helps shape the way he supports others. Gibb reflects on how disability does not have to be a negative, but instead can be a source of understanding, empathy, and strength in the workplace.

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

Want to receive future newsletters by email or mail? Sign up by emailing freedom@freedomrc.org.

03/20/2026

🌟 Meet Our Staff 🌟

Please join us in welcoming Calvin Samek to Freedom Resource Center as our new Independent Living Advocate in our Lisbon, ND office!

Calvin grew up in Wahpeton, ND and brings a strong sense of community, service, and connection to his work. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work from Minnesota State University Moorhead and has experience in peer support, advocacy, and systems navigation through roles with Community Options, the ND Brain Injury Network, and the Southeast Human Service Center.

Calvin is deeply committed to mutual support and community engagement, with a long history of volunteering throughout the region. He is passionate about creating spaces where people feel heard, respected, and supported as they work toward independence.

Outside of work, Calvin enjoys flying kites, biking, board games, festivals, stand-up comedy, and meaningful conversations. Above all, he values time with friends and family and practices gratitude whenever he can.

We’re so excited to have Calvin on the Freedom team. Drop a warm welcome in the comments! 💙💚✨

03/18/2026

💙 Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) 💙

Do you notice changes in your mood or energy as the seasons shift? While many people experience the “winter blues,” some face more significant changes that affect how they feel, think, and function. This is known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

In our January Newsletter, we shared an overview of SAD, including common signs and symptoms, the difference between winter and summer patterns, and why it’s important to talk with a health care provider about personalized treatment options.

You’re not alone, and support is available.

👉 The link to the full issue is in the comments.

Want to receive future newsletters by email or mail? Email freedom@freedomrc.org
to sign up.

03/17/2026

Thank you to everyone who took the time to submit nominations for our 2026 Appreciation Luncheon Awards.

We are grateful for your help in recognizing the incredible individuals, organizations, and businesses who make a difference in the lives of people with disabilities in our communities.

🍽️ Award recipients will be honored at our 2026 Appreciation Luncheon
📍 Thursday, May 7, 2026 at The Avalon Event Center

🎟️ Tickets will be going on sale soon, so stay tuned!

Thank you again for helping us celebrate the people who make our communities stronger.

03/16/2026

📣 Jamestown Community — Stop by and say hello!

Our Jamestown Independent Living Advocate, Ashley, is at Together We Stand: Jamestown, ND Disability Awareness Day today with a table at the Gladstone Hotel in Jamestown!

If you’re in the area, be sure to stop by, visit with Ashley, and learn more about the services and supports Freedom Resource Center offers.

🍽️ Lunch is available for $10.

03/16/2026

🚨 Last Chance to Nominate! 🚨

Today is the final day to submit nominations for our 2026 Appreciation Luncheon Awards!

This is your opportunity to make sure those deserving advocates, volunteers, employers, and leaders are recognized.

📝 Nomination Deadline: Today, March 16, 2026
🍽️ Awards will be presented at our 2026 Appreciation Luncheon
📍 Thursday, May 7, 2026 at The Avalon Event Center
🎟️ Tickets on sale soon!

Nominate by going to the “Nominate Someone” button on our website or the link in the comments.

⚠️ Please note: If you previously submitted a nomination, we encourage you to reach out to confirm it was received. We recently experienced a website glitch that may have prevented some submissions from going through, and we want to make sure every nomination is counted.

03/13/2026

Nomination Deadline for our Appreciation Luncheon Awards is March 16th. Just a few more days!

🌟 Larry Chial Leadership Award 🌟

Larry Chial was a member of the Freedom Board of Directors from 2004 to 2011 and served as Board President for three of those years. Throughout his career, Larry was always concerned about the welfare of others. He was determined that his Multiple Sclerosis would not prohibit him from doing good work for the community. Larry was a passionate leader in accessibility issues, as well as the overall advancement of independent living.

Candidates may be an individual, an organization, or a group of individuals or organizations who hold a position of leadership in our communities. The purpose of this award is to bestow the honor of the Larry Chial Leadership Award onto an individual who, like Larry Chial, demonstrates outstanding leadership, political support, pioneer work, financial and charitable contributions, research, educational and organizational support, or professional support. This nominee will have made significant contributions to the advancement of Independent Living such as leadership in disability rights, awareness of disability issues, and work that is over and above that called for in their employment.

📝 Nominate by Monday, March 16, 2026
🍽️ Awards will be presented at our 2026 Appreciation Luncheon
📍 Thursday, May 7, 2026 at The Avalon Event Center
🎟️ Tickets on sale soon!

Know someone who deserves this recognition?

Nominate them today using the “Nominate Someone” button on our website or the link in the comments.

⚠️ Please note: If you have already submitted a nomination, we ask that you reach out to us to confirm it was received. We recently experienced a website glitch that may have prevented some submissions from going through, and we want to be sure every nomination is counted.

03/12/2026

📣 North Dakota Needs Your Input!

The Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC) is beginning work on the next State Plan for Independent Living (SPIL), and community input is an important part of the process. As part of this work, a statewide Needs Assessment is being conducted to better understand the issues impacting people with disabilities across North Dakota.

The information collected will help ensure the 2027–2029 State Plan for Independent Living reflects the real needs of individuals, families, and communities.

There are two surveys available to help gather this information:

📝 Consumer Survey:
https://www.forms.nd.gov/260485490918871

📝 Family, Friends, or Provider Survey:
https://www.forms.nd.gov/260485475486874

Broad participation helps create a stronger and more responsive plan for Independent Living services in North Dakota.

📅 Please complete the survey by Monday, March 30, 2026.

Thank you for helping shape the future of Independent Living!