ABOUT EVERGREEN

OUR MISSION

Evergreen Youth & Family Services is a community-based organization committed to strengthening youth, preserving families and building relationships with an emphasis on those living in Northern Minnesota.

OUR VALUES

Evergreen believes that communities are strongest when every individual is treated with dignity and respect and has support to achieve his/her full human potential. Evergreen chooses to remain client-centered with an emphasis on being responsive to each individual and families' needs while maintaining a high level of professionalism, compassion and empathy. We operate from a position of hope, faith and support. Our services and perspective are often grassroots in nature and it is because of our strong relationships and resources that Evergreen Youth & Family Services remains a catalyst in the region for proactive services, education and advocacy.

WHO WE ARE

Evergreen Youth & Family Services is a private, non-profit youth and family service provider.

In the past 40 years, Evergreen has developed a safety net of services to strengthen youth, preserve families, and help support successful transitions to adulthood.

Every year, 2500 children, youth, and young families come to us for emergency food and shelter, crisis intervention, mental health, and the skills and tools necessary to live a safe and healthy life.

Youth and families of all backgrounds and walks of life are welcome. Approximately 60% of the youth we serve each year are Native American or mixed race, 30% are Caucasian, and 10% are African-American, Asian, Hispanic, or mixed race.

OUR MANAGEMENT TEAM

Ebony Warren

Executive Director

As Executive Director, I work in partnership with the Evergreen Board to ensure the agency is meeting its mission and operating effectively and efficiently, while overseeing and monitoring annual agency budgets, and guiding the agency in increasing funding from various entities and individuals. I oversee all agency programs to ensure quality delivery of services and compliance. I lead the Management Team in strategic planning, and maintain an agency culture where collaboration, teamwork, and excellence are valued. I also serve as the public face for the agency.

I enjoy spending time with my family, traveling, cooking, taking food pictures, and listening to music.

Julia Montebello

Operations & Finance Director

My position oversees the staff in the business/accounting office and agency's financial and IT operations. I work closely with the ED and other management staff on grant proposals, annual budgeting, and other fundraising activities to help keep the doors open and the lights on so we can continue to serve the at-risk youth in our community.

I enjoy music and theater, animals (horses and dogs especially), renovation projects, gardening, attending hockey games in the winter with my husband, Rob, and boating in the summer.

Courtney Gifford

Human Resources Director

My position enhances the organization's human resources by planning, implementing, and evaluating employee relations and human resource policies, programs, and practices. I assist with agency operations by serving as the primary contact for the agency's safety issues, and providing facilities.

I enjoy reading in my free time and love watching hockey (my boys and the Beavers are my favorite).

Elena Guerra

EYS Program Director

I joined Evergreen in August of 2022 as a Housing Case Manager. I am now a Program Director and oversee the Street Outreach Program, Housing Program, and the Drop-In Center. I look forward to working with my team to create positive change for the youth in our area.

I enjoy spending time with my family and our 5 cats, reading, and watching football.

Jennifer Aakre

Shelter Program Director

As the Shelter Program Director, I oversee the day to day functioning of our Youth Crisis Shelter, doing what is needed to make sure our staff can provide youth with a safe, respectful place to stay.

When I'm not at work I enjoy trail running, reading, felting, and spending time with my family and pets.

Gabriella Feldt

EYS Program Director

As Supportive Services Program Director, I oversee the Independent Living Skills Program, Youth Leadership Council, Crime Victim Services, Safe Harbor Services, and Mental Health Program. I have more than 10 years of nonprofit and government agency experience in the areas of advocacy, leadership, and project management. I lead the direct staff to provide our programs and services to our community and improve the quality of life for our youth; one client at a time.

I enjoy spending time with my family, and we deeply enjoy outdoor activities together- swimming, hiking, fishing, biking, and camping. I also love to cook and grow food in my garden.

OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Jennifer Pirkl
Chair, Integrated Health Therapist, Sanford Health

Sarah Ek

Vice Chair, Account Manager Evolve Creative

Mary SheQuen Smith

Secretary/Treasurer, Community Representative

Dave Moffett

Past Chair, Financial Advisor, Northwestern Mutual Life Financial Network

Renee Axtman

RN, VP of Nursing & Clinical Services, Sanford Health

Jessica Santala

English Faculty, Leech Lake Tribal College

Nadine Bill

Director of Assessment and Institutional Effectiveness, Red Lake Nation College

Nicholas Whichello

Detective, Bemidji Police Department

Dr. Shad Swanson

Chiropractor, Lakeview Health & Wellness

Alea Stoll

School Social Worker, ISD31

Elizabeth Schultz

Behavioral Health Counselor, Sanford Health

Kyle McMartin

Middle School Principal, ISD31

Valerie Field

Litigation Director, Anishinabe Legal Services

OUR STRATEGIC PLAN

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OUR BY-LAWS

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Please visit http://www.ag.state.mn.us/Charity/Default.asp to access the Minnesota Attorney General's Charities Division.

Click on "Search Charities." Evergreen's FEIN is: 41-1297737.

NEW BOARD MEMBER APPLICATION

2023 ANNUAL REPORT

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