The idea of Northwoods Interfaith was introduced to the area after three separate surveys identified a gap in services to the elderly and people with special needs. The Bemidji Area Council of Nonprofits was asked to become the lead agency on this new program's development and in 1997, a meeting of area congregations, interested residents, and human service agencies was held to research community
response to the project. The group then assigned a steering committee to carry out the necessary work, and in July of 1998, a full time Executive Director was hired. Since then, the program has grown to include more staff and has provided more than 10,000 hours of direct service each year. Funding for Northwoods Caregivers provided by:
Minnesota Board on Aging
Bremer Foundation
United Way of the Bemidji Area
MN DHS Live well at Home Grant
MCT
Radiothon to End Child Abuse
Northwest Minnesota Foundation
Dancing Sky Area Agency on Aging
Member Congregations
Bemidji
Calvary Lutheran
People's Church
United Methodist
First Presbyterian
St. Philips Catholic
First Lutheran
New Salem Lutheran
Evangelical Covenant
St. Bartholomew's
Aardahl Lutheran
Faith Lutheran & First Presbyterian of Blackduck
Zion Lutheran & Evangelical Free - Kelliher, Northome, Mizpah & Waskish
Our Saviors Lutheran
Bethlehem Lutheran
Hope Lutheran
Bethesda Lutheran in Laporte
Malvik Lutheran
Trinity Lutheran
