About Us

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Collage of Village locations

The mission of The Village Family Service Center is to enhance the lives of those we serve. We strive to meet community needs and enhance overall well-being with innovative services and integrated care models. We do this while modeling four core values: integrity, excellence, service, and communication.

Since 1891, The Village Family Service Center has helped area children and families improve their lives. The Village was founded as the North Dakota Children's Home Society, a home for orphaned children, and for decades provided a sanctuary for those who often had no other place to go. But times changed, and it wasn't only kids who needed our help. Today, The Village reaches out to more than 70,000 people every year, and we are constantly adapting our services to meet the needs of modern life.

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Village Map

The Village is a place for all individuals and families regardless of their size, color, or creed. Gifts from generous donors ensure our services are accessible to those in need. Learn how you can make a gift.

As the definition of family evolves, so do we. And no matter how you define family, at The Village, you will never go it alone. 

The mission of The Village Family Service Center is to enhance lives, and we understand that embracing diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility enhances us as individuals and as an organization. Our core values emphasize providing compassionate service, holding each other accountable, and fostering a diverse environment for open, honest, and respectful communication. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and to provide behavioral health and community services to people of all genders, ethnicities, cultures, sexual orientations, and spiritual practices.

The Village is accredited by the Council on Accreditation (COA), is licensed by the North Dakota Department of Human Services, is a Charities Review Council Meets Standards® organization, and is a member of the Employee Assistance Professionals Association, Inc., Alliance for Children and Families, and Big Brothers Big Sisters America

The Village has offices throughout North Dakota and Minnesota, and serves people nationwide through The Village Employee Assistance Program. Thanks to United Way and donor support, The Village services are available at a reduced fee for eligible participants.  

The following Village locations are approved sites through the National Health Service Corps (NHSC): Alexandria, Moorhead, and St. Cloud, MN. In these office locations, no one will be denied access to services due to inability to pay. There are discounts available based on family size and income. For more information about our financial assistance program, please contact us or click to open our policy and application:


Our Clientele

The Village Family Service Center provides services to people of all genders, ethnicities, cultures, spiritual practices, and sexual orientations. We work with all committed couples regardless of sexual orientation or legal marriage status.

Customer Satisfaction and Outcomes

Read clients comments about the services they received from The Village.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about The Village Family Service Center.

Forms and FinancialsAnchor

Annual Reports


Form 990s

 

 

 


Quality Assurance / Clients Rights


Leadership Team

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Kelly Olson, President and CEO
Kelly Olson
President and CEO
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Chad Dejong headshot
Chad DeJong
CFO
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Amie Lahren, Executive Assistant and Board Relations
Amie Lahren
Executive Assistant
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Erin Bonn
Erin Bonn
Human Resources Manager
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Joni Medenwald, Minnesota Division Director
Joni Medenwald
Division Director
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Luke Klefstad
Luke Klefstad
Division Director

Village Board of Directors

  • Louise Dardis, Chairperson
    Retired
  • Dr. Cory Steiner, Vice Chairperson
    Northern Cass School District
  • Paul Zenker, Treasurer/Secretary
    Edward Jones Financial Advisor
  • Chris Champ
    Retired
  • Rich Duysen
    Retired
    Liaison to Clay County Collaborative
    Liaison to Ottertail County Collaborative-Community at Large
  • Kristi Hall-Jiran
    Altru Health System
  • Denise Kolpack
    The City of Fargo
  • Brandy Pyle
    ND State Representative
  • Lorrie Thoemke
    YMCA of Cass and Clay Counties
    Liaison to BBBS Advisory Committee

The Children's Village Family Service Foundation

The Children's Village Family Service Foundation is a sister corporation to The Village Family Service Center, with a common Board of Directors. The foundation manages a trust fund that helps support The Village Family Service Center. Many people leave gifts through the foundation, which allows their legacy to live on through the families and children served by The Village. Learn more about making a legacy gift to The Village.