Scott Davis Scott Davis - City Magazine

COMMUNITY CLUSTER COMMUNITY CLUSTER
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AID, INC. AIDS THE COMMUNITY
“Adam” is a 46-year-old man with the problems
of a lifetime. His wife died about a year ago, leaving
him to care for their severely autistic daughter.
Adding insult to injury, Adam was laid off from
his job and, behind in rent, faced eviction. Adam’s
church and another charity were able to match
$1,000 from AID, Inc., giving Adam some breathing
room and time to grieve.
“Trista,” a single mother working full time, had
to put college on hold because her mother was in a
The late Fr. Charles Backes started AID, Inc.
30 years ago to provide emergency and
temporary assistance to the working poor.
10 | THECITYMAG.COM | APRIL 2013
Photos by Kristin Byram
terrible car crash. Spending so many hours with
her mom put Trista behind in paying day care
costs. Then she totaled her vehicle. AID, Inc. is
helping her get back on her feet.
Through no fault of their own, many families
in Morton and Burleigh counties struggle.
AID, Inc., a local non-profit established in 1983,
provides funds for past-due rent and utilities;
provides food to families; helps with transportation
related to employment or health care; and
assists with day care expenses, car insurance,
class fees, employment-related clothing, and
some prescriptions.
The late Father Charles Backes, a priest at
Mandan’s St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, founded
AID, Inc., with the mission of “providing emergency,
temporary assistance to the working poor.”
Beginning with an operating budget of $20,000,
AID, Inc. has continued to grow to meet community
needs. The organization employs nine individuals
and relies on a large group of volunteers
and community groups.
AID, Inc.’s funding comes from the United
Way, community churches, federal and foundational
grants, and business and individual donations.
Client service providers determine need,
either financial and/or non-financial, through an
interview process. Sales revenue generated from
Brighten’s Thrift Shop, 314 W. Main, Mandan, is
used for operational expenses and supports the
programs of AID, Inc.’s Self-Help
Center.
AID, Inc.’s, food pantry is
stocked with contributions from
the general public and supporting
organizations, and also
from community food drives.
Additional foods and non-foods
are purchased in bulk from the
Great Plains Food Bank. In the
last six months of 2012, over
10,000 pounds of foods and
1,500 pounds of non-foods were
distributed.
To set up an appointment
with AID Inc.’s Self-Help Center,
call 701-663-1274. The website is
www.aidincbrightens.com.
Tom Regan, a former editor of City
Magazine, has been a media professional
for over 40 years.
Schedule
Your
Tammy Lee, Dawn Jahner and Patti Regan organize and
manage AID, Inc.
senior
portraits
today!
www.platinumphotographynd.com • (701) 323-7818