The Great River Faith in Action organization, based in Becker, has had an outstanding variety of services to those in need of help over the past 14 years. Founded by Denice Freih, the organization has grown to serve thousands of families in several area counties.

 

The services are family-support type. An elderly person needing their house painted - or the leaves raked. Perhaps a new entry for a wheelchair that can keep them in their home.

 

Furnishings for persons who need to equip a home.

 

Or a ride to a medical or shopping trip.

 

Pretty basic stuff - but important stuff.

 

Years ago, such duties were left to close friends or family members. But as our seniors population grows and becomes more infirmed, and family members can’t do those duties, it has been left to people like the folks at GRFIA to pick up the slack.

 

That they have in hundreds of wonderful ways over the years.

 

 Three of their best-known and successful programs have been Furniture for Families, Adopt-a-Grandparent and the Bridging Project.

 

But GRFIA has fallen on hard times in recent years. Large amounts of funding previously secured have melted away.

 

And the organization is regrouping, tightening its sight lines for services and relying more on local volunteers.

 

“Pruning is sometimes necessary to get the tree healthy,” said new Executive Director Consuelo Silbernagel this week in a story by Staff Writer Bill Morgan in this week’s Citizen-Tribune.

 

The “pruning” Consuelo was talking about was paring out services that can’t be afforded - so the organization can survive.

 

We feel there is no organization around which has had the wonderful and large effect on its community than GRFIA.

 

And they need your help.

 

If your family or group is looking for a very good community help project, please give Consuelo and her staff a call at 763-263-4277.

 

Perhaps it could be for only an hour or two a week. Perhaps a little labor could be involved. Perhaps sitting with an elderly one in need of companionship.

 

And the Adopt-a-Grandparent program is fabulous.

 

See Staff Writer Bill Morgan’s in this week’s Citizen-Tribune. 

 

Perhaps you will catch the fever to help. 

 

Thanks, in advance.