Eloise Ogden/MDN Ray Sharkey, right, a resident of The Wellington in Minot, accepts a ND Cares coin from Tech. Sgt. Keith Hess on Feb. 11. Hess is a recruiter with the North Dakota Air National Guard’s 219th Security Forces Squadron.

ND Cares Coalition’s purpose is to resolve barriers or gaps in services to make sure those serving and those who have served, their families, and survivors receive the care and assistance they need.

One of ND Cares’ goals is partnering with many businesses in North Dakota.

On Feb. 11, The Wellington assisted living facility in Minot officially became a partner with the ND Cares Coalition.

Dawn Anderson, The Wellington executive director, signed the statement of support that day establishing the facility “as a link in the statewide network dedicated to educating residents about potential needs and challenges faced by those who have served and to honor current and former military members,” according to ND Cares information.

“We want everyone to know that North Dakota is a welcoming place for our military, whether you served in a war, during peacetime, or are currently serving. To do that, ND Cares relies on the participation of our communities and their commitment to military outreach,” said Maj. Gen. Alan Dohrmann, North Dakota adjutant general, in a prepared statement. “We look forward to partnering with The Wellington to continue to strengthen an accessible network of support for our service members, veterans, families and survivors.”

Other ND Cares’ partners in Minot include High Country Coca-Cola and Kalix.

When businesses become ND Cares partners, it means they have an interest in supporting local veterans and families, and offer support through their business, said Kelli Weiand, Minot, an outreach specialist with the North Dakota Military Outreach Program. For example, she said a breakfast for veterans is held monthly at The Wellington along with other programs.

The N.D. Outreach Program is under ND Cares.

These businesses “celebrate what the veteran community is and to be there and offer support,” Weiand said.

There is no cost for a business to become a ND Cares partner.

For more information about ND Cares contact Joe Faller, Bismarck, at ndcares@nd.gov or 333-2015.