It’s an unfortunate reality that, in the Fargo area, too many families face a daily struggle just to survive. They’ve done everything they can — worked long hours, cut expenses, gone without — but still come up short. The weight of choosing between food and rent, between heat and diapers, becomes unbearable.
That’s where SENDCAA can step in to help.
When a family reaches a breaking point, the Southeastern North Dakota Community Action Agency (SENDCAA) steps in. Not with a one-size-fits-all solution, but with a tailored plan for each unique household. Whether it’s early childhood education, emergency housing, self-sufficiency coaching, or home safety repairs. They walk alongside each community member as they chart a new course.
Community Non-Profit: Southeastern North Dakota Community Action Agency (SENDCAA)
Southeastern North Dakota Community Action Agency (SENDCAA) provides a range of services and activities designed to alleviate poverty and give people living on a low-income the opportunity to improve their standard of living and achieve self-sufficiency. SENDCAA has been the local resource for poverty alleviating programs for over 60 years.
One Mom’s Story: Meet Toya
Toya’s story of resilience and hard work is inspiring. She moved to the Fargo area in 2019, but ended up staying at an emergency shelter, searching for safety and stability. She started working with SENDCAA for help getting into an apartment. Toya moved into her own apartment in 2020, found a job, and became pregnant. She then enrolled in SENDCAA’s Family Empowerment Program.
When Toya found out she was pregnant, she was scared and confused. She didn’t feel happy like she thought she would feel, and never “got that glow” that she had heard new moms get. Toya struggled emotionally and mentally for the first 5 months postpartum, and later found out she was going through postpartum depression. She also became a single parent at this time, adding to her stress.
Even More Challenges
Things started to get even harder for Toya. She lost her job because she had to leave every time her baby was sick or daycare was closed. She didn’t believe she could get another job that would meet her needs.
But, her Family Empowerment Coach, Shelby, didn’t let her give up. Toya said, “[Shelby] reassured me that I was a good mom every time I talk to her, and she was right. She made me believe in myself.”
Toya was thankful she had someone to help keep her going. “Shelby made me feel like I wasn’t alone. She helped me find solutions to my problems. She helped me feel confident in doing it on my own.”
Toya wants other moms to know that, “If you’re just feeling lost and you need someone to help get you through the hard times, SENDCAA can help. If you need help achieving your goals, SENDCAA can help.”
Today Toya is still in her same apartment. She has a full-time job, and childcare close enough to walk to. She has built a community of support around her, so she is no longer a single parent without a community.
Who can get help from SENDCAA?
SENDCAA serves Region 5 of North Dakota, which includes six counties: Steele, Traill, Cass, Ransom, Sargent, and Richland. To see a map of their service areas, click here. Anyone can apply for help, but services may vary depending on your needs and income.
SENDCAA Programs
In addition to self-sufficiency programs and housing assistance, SENDCAA provides a number of programs and services to support community members in need.
Here is a list of all the services they currently provide:
Not sure where to start if you are looking for services? Click here for their “I Need Help” page.
For more information on SENDCAA services, please visit sendcaa.org or call (701) 232-2452.
We are so thankful to have SENDCAA in our community to serve families in their time of need! If you are able to donate to support their mission, you can find more information on their donation page.
Article written and provided by SENDCAA.
