New executive director named at Brentmoor
Kim Mathwich has joined Brentmoor Assisted Living as the executive director, according to a news release. Mathwich, a native of Wishek, is a licensed social worker and earned her bachelor of science degree from the University of Mary. Previously, she was employed as the director of the inpatient rehabilitation unit for Trinity Health and has over 25 years of experience in health care.
Jill Hambek
N.D. Dental Association elects officers
The North Dakota Dental Association House of Delegates selected members to serve as its officers for 2012-13 at its annual session, according to a news release.
Members selected to serve as officers include Allison Fallgatter of Steele, president; Murray Greer of Minot, president-elect; Paul Tronsgard of Fargo, vice-president; Omar Chahal of Grand Forks, secretary; Dennis Sommers of Minot, treasurer; and Lonnie Neuberger of Dickinson, past president.
The officers will hold their positions for one year. Trustees include Christy Peterson of Bismarck, whose term expires in 2013, and Brad Anderson of Fargo, whose term expires in 2015.
Jill Hambek
Adoption boosts families, builds strong futures
BISMARCK November is Adoption Awareness Month in North Dakota. This month the N.D. Department of Human Services and partner agencies will honor individuals who have strengthened their families through adoptions and will recognize advocates and other professionals whose work supports adoptions.
"All children deserve a family that can provide unconditional love and security to help them succeed," said Maggie Anderson, the department's interim executive director. "We need to celebrate families built through adoptions and to raise awareness about children who are waiting for their 'forever families.'"
One event that is the cornerstone of adoption awareness month is the opening of the 2012 North Dakota Heart Gallery, which features portraits of children in foster care who are seeking adoption. The public attended a gala and portrait unveiling on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2012, at the Fargo Air Museum.
Families and individuals interested in exploring adoption can contact one of the following licensed child placing agencies in North Dakota: Adults Adopting Special Kids, All About U Adoptions, Catholic Charities ND, Lutheran Social Services of ND, The Village Family Service Center, Christian Family Life Services, God's Children Adoption Agency Inc., LDS Family Services, and PATH ND. These agencies provide services including family recruitment, preparation and assessment, placement, and post-placement support. Agency contact information is online at (www.nd.gov).
The Department of Human Services is the lead agency that oversees adoptions and licensing of all private adoption agencies in the state. Individuals interested in adoption and foster care information should contact the department's Children and Family Services Division at 328-2316, toll free at 1-800-245-3736, ND Relay TTY at 1-800-366-6888, email dhscfs@nd.gov or go to the website.
Jill Hambek