Donate

Do you know someone who works with people/kids with disabilities who could use $250?! 💲

The Arc of Cass County Annual Award nominations are open! This is a chance to nominate amazing DSPs, professionals, self-advocates, teachers, and employers for a chance to WIN $250!

We want to recognize amazing people in our community and we need your help. Please visit www.arccassnd.org/news-updates/ to view award descriptions and to make your nominations.

Questions? Please contact Arielle at arcadmin@arccassnd.org ... See MoreSee Less

Host Homes Needed! 💙

What is the Nexus Family Healing Host Homes?
Host Homes is North Dakota’s first program of its kind, connecting youth and young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to state-certified Host Home providers. Youth live in the provider’s home and become part of a supportive family environment, sharing everyday experiences like family meals, activities, community outings, and appointments. Through these daily connections, youth receive encouragement, guidance, and support while building independence and life skills. At its heart, the program is about the power of a single “yes” and the difference a caring individual or family can make in a young person’s life.

How is it different from other residential services or typical foster services?
Like residential services and traditional foster care, Host Homes provides support services for youth and their families. The main difference is where the youth lives. In residential services, youth live in a larger program setting with other residents. In Host Homes, youth live with a caring individual or family in a home setting. Host Homes are also different from foster care because parents or guardians maintain custody of their child, while in foster care, custody is usually held by the state. The overall goal is to provide a stable, supportive home while helping youth stay connected to their family, school, and community.

Who can become a Host Home provider?
Anyone with a caring heart and a safe, stable home can become a Host Home provider. Providers must be at least 21 years old, pass background checks, complete the licensing process, provide references, maintain liability insurance, and complete annual training. Most importantly, they must be willing to open their home and provide support to a young person with a disability who needs it. Nexus Family Healing guides providers through every step of the process and offers ongoing support along the way.

What do Host Home providers find most rewarding about the experience?
Many Host Home providers say the most rewarding part is seeing the impact they can have on a young person’s life. By providing a safe home, encouragement, and everyday support, providers help youth build confidence, gain independence, and reach personal goals. Along the way, many providers form meaningful relationships that become just as rewarding for them as they are for the youth they support.

In your experience with this program so far, what do you wish more people knew about?
We want people to know that it’s okay to have questions or feel unsure about becoming a Host Home provider. You don’t need to have all the answers to make a difference. Simply learning more about the program or sharing the opportunity with someone you know can help. Right now, there is a critical need for Host Home providers across North Dakota, and youth are waiting for safe, supportive homes. One person, one family, and one simple “yes” can give a young person the stability, connection, and sense of belonging they deserve.

Contact them! Visit NexusFamilyHealing.org to schedule an on-demand virtual information session, call 701-280-9545, text 701-850-9335, or email NPH-HostHomes@nexusfamilyhealing.org to learn whether becoming a Host Home provider is the right fit for you. ... See MoreSee Less

Make a plan to view this workshop with us tomorrow at 12:00! ... See MoreSee Less