"Helping Children Learn" Program Receives Special Visit From K-9 Unit

The CHARISM Helping Children Learn Program strives to connect our youth with the broader Fargo community.  One way that we do this is by bringing in guest speakers to present their occupation or role to the children participating in Helping Children Learn.  In the months of February and March we have brought in the K9 unit of the Fargo Police Department to expose the children to the police system and give them some time with a real police dog.

Officer George Vinson and his K9 partner Earl brought a great deal of excitement to our after school program.  The refugee children that are involved were silenced when a police officer and dog came through the door.  The children sat spell bound while Officer Vinson shared his daily routine for him and his four legged partner.  Vinson assured the children that his main duty was to find missing things such as illegal drugs and missing people, not to attack.  He explained to the children that Earl has become one of his family and that he even sleeps at his house every night.  After the many questions about Earl and their work, Vinson demonstrated some of Earl’s special tricks, including fetching, shaking hands, and finding his toy in hidden places. The children especially liked Earl speaking on command.

Rasmussen College Donates Six Computers to CHARISM

     CHARISM's South Site recently received the generous donation of six gently used computers from the academic institution, Rasmussen College.  The contribution included coordinating hard-drives, flat-screen monitors, mice, and keyboards.  

     Many of the computers being used by CHARISM staff range anywhere from 6-12 years old.  Receiving equipment that exists in the realm of 2-3 years old is not only exciting, but also excellent timing for the organization.  "My poor computer has been slowing down significantly.  It's actually started to cut into my work time," says Executive Director, Julie Gunkelman.  "The in-kind donation by Rasmussen came at a great time - especially since we try to funnel as much money as possible into programming supplies and costs versus administrative." 

CHARISM Awarded $235,000 Bush Grant

     CHARISM Neighborhood Resource Centers is pleased to announce that it is the recipient of a $235,000 grant from the Bush Foundation.  The grant will be distributed over the next three years and will be used to fund CHARISM’s youth enrichment programs including Helping Children Learn, Giving Youth a Voice, the Boys & Girls Activity Groups, and CHARISM Summer Camp. 

     The Bush Foundation serves it communities as an independent grantmaker with a special focus on the needs of Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota. In 2005, the Foundation provided grants and fellowships of $33,602,942 to 168 organizations and 48 individuals. Since 1953, the Foundation has provided more than $710 million in grants and fellowships to strengthen the work of nonprofit organizations and the development of individuals. 

     Raise Money for CHARISM Just By Recycling Your Ink and Laser Cartridges!

     Now you can raise money for CHARISM and do your part in keeping our earth "green" just by recycling your old ink cartridges!  Simply bring in your used cartridges to the CHARISM South site at 3350 35th Avenue, and Rapid Refill will issue a check to CHARISM for the collected inkjet and laser cartridges. 

     Do you work for an office that might be interested in collecting cartridges for CHARISM?  Contact Sarah Dixon, Marketing & Fund Development Manager at either 701-241-8552 or sdixon@charism.org for details.

*Inkjet and Laser cartridges only.  Large and small sizes accepted.

Volunteer Opportunities

CHARISM McCormick Park 622 23rd Street South, Fargo, ND 701-241-9385