OUR FOUNDATIONAL ELEMENTS

Vision Statement - What we want to see in the world

We envision renewing and restoring hope to those individuals and families in need. 
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Mission STATEMENT - What is our work

​Our mission is to demonstrate love and compassion by connecting furniture/household items with individuals and families in their time of crisis and challenge.
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PURPOSE STATEMENT - why we do OUR WORK

Our purpose is to fill a void in the community by helping transform a residence into a home.
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OUR core values - The rock of values we built upon

We are unwavering in our values as we work together to build this organization.  These values are the foundation and they manifest in all development and impacts of the Furniture Mission of the Red River Valley.
Grace
Respect
Compassion
Integrity
Humility
​Generosity

​OUR GUIDING PRINCIPLES - Our guide as we connect, work, build, and evolve furniture Mission of the Red River Valley

We take our values one step further and establish guiding principles for all of our work.  We ensure that every action of Furniture Mission of the Red River Valley is filled with love and hope.
Faith-led
Responsive
Transparency
Kindness
​Connecting
Perseverance

staff

jordan mccormick, executive director

Jordan comes to the Furniture Mission of the Red River Valley as the first full time staff member, and first Executive Director. His passion for service and background in operations management and marketing make him a great fit for the organization. He graduated from the University of Minnesota, Crookston with a B.S. in Organizational Communications, and from the University of Jamestown with a M.A. in Leadership. He also is a Certified Professional by the Society for Human Resources Management. Originally from Oakland, CA, Jordan has lived in Fargo since 2008 where he and his wife Katie enjoy spending time with their 3 young boys.  ​
“From the moment I learned about Furniture Mission of the Red River Valley, I knew it was something special. I am thrilled to be a part of such a passionate group of people, and grateful for the opportunity to serve a community I love so much.” 

BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OUR TEAM LEADING the concept to ACTION

Our Board of Directors came together​ with a shared idea of making an impact through kindness for those in need. Conversations grew relationships and relationships fueled ideas.  Soon, Furniture Mission of the Red River Valley was born.  With heartfelt compassion, this group volunteers their time, talents, and abilities to taking this organization from idea to reality.  They are always looking to connect with people in the community with ideas and passions in helping people.  Our mission is about making a residence a home, but it is also about hope and humanity.  We all can connect with that.

evert Van Engelenhoven, President

Evert was born and raised in Luverne, MN and graduated from Luverne High School in 1959, He is married to his wife Judy and has been married for 52 years. They have two sons and one daughter and five grandchildren. They have lived in West Fargo since 1977. 

Evert is a retired insurance agent and was in the insurance industry for 52 years. Evert was a partner/owner and past president of Hektner-Lybeck-Erickson Insurance Agency in Fargo, ND. He was active in the Professional Insurance Agents Association of North Dakota and is a past president. 

Evert is an active member of Faith – Journey Lutheran Church in West Fargo and has served on various boards and is a past president. He has been a volunteer for the American Red Cross for a couple years and is a caseworker throughout ND, SD and western MN. He is also a member of the Gateway Lions Club in Fargo. His interests include golf and yard work, and he is a retired runner and proud to have finished the Minneapolis Marathon 8 times
"I joined Furniture Mission because God has blessed me in so many ways I feel a strong desire to help people less fortunate than myself."

Darrell Costain, VICE PRESIDENT

Darrell Costain grew up the middle child of a farm family and his work ethic was shaped early in life. He graduated from Milnor ND Public School and attended NDSCS and later the University of North Dakota where he received a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing.

Darrell spent 38 years in the foodservice industry, the last 16 years with US Foods in Grand Forks as the VP of Merchandising and Marketing.

​He has been married for 46 years and he and his wife, Arlene, have two grown children and five grandchildren. They enjoy international travel and golfing and are very active in their church. He is very involved with his Lions club as another way to give back to others both locally and internationally.
"I joined Furniture Mission of the Red River Valley because I felt a need to give back. By the grace of God many have been given tools that can help so many others less fortunate."

Le Anne DRESSEL, Secretary

LeAnne retired after 17 years as Parish Administrator at Faith✟Journey Lutheran Church in West Fargo, providing general oversight for the day-to-day operations of the church, including management of finances, property, and personnel. Previously, she held positions in personal banking/consumer lending and as a consumer credit counselor.
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LeAnne remains active in retirement volunteering at Faith✟Journey and in the community. She has served as a committee member/treasurer for the West Fargo Area Community Program, a group organized to provide senior services and activities in West Fargo. She also served on the Board of Directors for Valley Senior Services, an organization providing services for area seniors to help maintain their independence.

LeAnne grew up in Mayville, ND and attended Mayville State University. She and her husband, Keith, have lived in the West Fargo area since 1970 and have two daughters, two granddaughters, and a great-grandson.
"I joined Furniture Mission in the spring of 2019 after a conversation with Evert. Evert's vision was to begin a local ministry helping people who, because of events beyond their control, needed gently used furniture. A few days before that conversation, I had helped friends who were forced to move after a fire destroyed their home. I knew immediately that I wanted to be involved with this ministry that could bless so many in the area.”

​​Paul lybeck, treasurer


Paul and his wife Mona live in south Fargo and have three children and eight grandkids. He is an owner/agent at Hektner-Lybeck-Erickson Insurance Agency where he has worked for the past 47 years. He was born in Fargo in 1953 and then raised in Moorhead, MN graduating from Moorhead High School and Concordia College. Paul and Mona are members of Atonement Lutheran Church in Fargo.

Paul’s lifetime hobby was fast pitch softball in which he participated for over 40 years and also was on many local, state and national committees for the sport.  In addition, he has served as the executive director for several state, regional, national and international tournaments hosted by the Fargo-Moorhead Softball Association. Currently, Paul is a member of the North Dakota Softball Hall-of-Fame. Upon retirement from softball, he and his wife purchased a lake home on West Silent near Vergas, MN where they spend their leisure time.
"After 30 years in business together, Evert asked me to serve on an exploratory committee regarding bringing the Furniture Mission to our community.  One year later, I believe in this project with all my heart.  I see the Furniture Mission as the missing link that will locally change lives and bring hope to thousands of devastated individuals and disadvantaged families."

​​scott hildre, board member

Scott grew up in McVille, ND where his family owned the general store. He went to Mayville State College, University of North Dakota, Moorhead State University and Michigan State University. He worked in the field of special education at the Grafton State School and Harbor School in Moorhead, MN. 

Scott later took a job at Herbst Dept. Store at West Acres Mall and then with Richman Brother Clothing also at West Acres Mall. While with Richman Brothers he took that store to the number one store in growth out of 300 stores in the nation. He then became the assistant manager in charge of marketing for the West Acres Mall. Scott taught Sales and Marketing at Moorhead Technical Collage for two years. Scott then sold commercial real estate for the last 20 years. 

Scott is an active member of the Gateway Lions Club. He sits on the board of directors for a non-profit called Center, Inc. He is a member of Atonement Lutheran Church. Scott is married to his wife Miriam and has three children, six grandchildren and two great grandchildren. He retired in 2019 and enjoys time with friends and family. He is a coin collector and a wood carver
"I joined the furniture mission because of a trip I took to South 
Dakota and was exposed to the real need that many people had for gently used furniture. I had never thought about the hundreds of families that had lost everything,and we're trying to make a home for them selves, or the homeless families that were looking for a new beginning. I needed to try to help if I could. Furniture Mission is a way that I can do that."

​Keven kercher, BOARD MEMBER

​Keven currently works as an Attorney at the law firm of Ohnstad Twichell, P.C. , in West Fargo, North Dakota. Previously, he served as a military engineer and then as a military lawyer in the Army for over a 20-year career, retiring at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. 
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Keven grew up in West Fargo and attended West Fargo High School. After high school, he attended and graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York. Keven’s church as a youth was Faith + Journey Lutheran Church in West Fargo, ND, which is a few blocks from his childhood home. 

After retiring from the service, Keven and his family returned to the West Fargo area, and Keven reconnected with the church. He presently serves on the Church Council. Keven enjoys exploring the outdoors and spending time with his wife Sara and his two daughters Megan and Brianna.
"When I learned about Furniture Mission of the Red River Valley and who they serve I knew I wanted to help. It's a group of people that are passionate about making a difference in our community. We offer hope and a hand up and it feels good to be part of that!"
​ PAN SHAO, BOARD MEMBER
Pan is a CPA (Certified Public Accountant) and Tax Manager at Brady, Martz & Associates, P.C.  Born and raised in China, "Pan" came to the United States in 2001 and moved to Fargo in 2007.. She is passionate about providing proactive and impactful solutions to local businesses and helping them grow and succeed. Pan enjoys getting to know this community and giving back whenever there is a chance. She is currently involved with the United Way Emerging Leaders, serves as a Tax Consultant for a local non-profit called United Chinese Americans Fargo-Moorhead (UCAFM) and is a long-time volunteer with Junior Achievement. Pan has a Masters in Accounting from NDSU. Pan and her husband and two children live in North Fargo.  In her free time, Pan loves spending time with her family, gardening, traveling, reading, cooking or simply watching TV or playing family games.
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"When I first heard about Furniture Mission of the Red River Valley, I immediately felt connected with its concept. Anyone could have an unfortunate moment in their lives. Furniture Mission of the Red River Valley provides so much love to people who are in crisis and helps give them a "home."  I am honored to be part of a team of people who bring hope to people facing life challenges."
​​HANNAH YOUNG, BOARD MEMBER
Hannah Young joined the Churches United team in 2018 as the Volunteer and Donations Coordinator. Following the footsteps of her family, Hannah wanted to be in the world of human services and non-profits. Both the missions of Churches United and Furniture Mission of the Red River Valley aligned with her desire to uplift the community. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking and camping with her husband and spending time with nieces and nephews.
"I joined Furniture Mission of the Red River Valley because of the impact they have made on the community. I often had the chance to be their with Churches United clients as they made the transition into housing and there was nothing better than knowing they had a bed to sleep on, a couch to relax and a table to gather at with their family and friends."

advisor

lynn speral

Lynn Speral and her husband, Mark, are long-time residents of Fargo. They have two grown children and five grandchildren, all of whom reside in Fargo.

Lynn recently retired as the CEO of the American Red Cross Dakotas Region, serving North Dakota, South Dakota, and NW Minnesota. In this role, she led a team of 20 staff members and over 500 volunteers. Prior to her role at the Red Cross, Lynn was the Director of Development at the Rape and Abuse Crisis Center. During her tenure at this organization, she led fundraising, marketing and communication efforts, and supervised the non-clinical staff of the Center.

Preceding that position, Lynn was the Director of Marketing at DMS Health Group in Fargo and she came into that role after working 20 years in the healthcare industry in radiology. Lynn’s non-professional interests include camping, sewing, reading, and spending time with her family.
"My professional career has included nonprofit work with clients moving forward from a personal crisis. Household items such as furniture, lamps, and wall hangings help make a dwelling a home. In addition, community members are often looking for ways to donate gently used items and this makes it a win-win for those in need and those able to give."

COMMITTEE OF SUPPORT

Furniture Mission of the Red River Valley also has committees that support our mission and efforts by giving of the resources of time and talent and volunteerism.  They help the Board of Directors advance the mission and they help in areas of their strengths. 
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Paul Fleming, committee member   

Paul recently retired after working over 30 years in the financial services industry, most recently serving as a Wealth Advisor with Bell Bank in Fargo. A native of Albert Lea, MN, he attended Mankato State University and graduated with a B.S. degree majoring in Finance and Management with a minor if Economics. 

Paul worked for Kraft Foods as a Sales Representative/Account Manager for eight years and has been in financial services for 28 years. Paul is an active member of Calvary United Methodist Church, Fargo Gateway Lions and has served on various local boards. In his free time Paul enjoys being outdoors, motorcycle touring, golf and is a hockey fan. Paul and his wife Karen live in Fargo and they have two sons
"When I learned about Furniture Mission of the Red River Valley and who they serve I knew I wanted to help. I enjoy being around people that are passionate about making a difference in our community. At Furniture Mission we offer hope and a hand up and it feels good to be part of that!"

​​Duane Zwinger, COMMITTEE MEMBER

Duane Zwinger was born and raised in Sykeston, ND, the oldest of six children.  His early days were spent on the family farm.  He graduated from Sykeston Public School in 1959.  He got his Bachelor of Science Degree from Valley City State College in 1964 and his Master of Science Degree in Education from Northern State University in Aberdeen, SD.  He is married to Mary Ann for a total of 53 years and they had 3 daughters and have 4 grandchildren.  

Duane was in education his whole career.  He was a classroom teacher & coach, principal and superintendent.  His last “real” job was superintendent of Gackle-Streeter Public School, a position he held for 13 years.  He is an active member of the Sts. Anne & Joachim Catholic Church in Fargo.  He is also very active members of the Sts. Anne & Joachim Knights of Columbus Council 11930 and the Gateway Lions Club of Fargo.  His special interests are sports, the outdoors and playing cards.
“After hearing Evert give his message to our Lions Club and seeing the passion that he has for the Furniture Mission of the RRV, I wanted to be a part of this program as well.  To help give to those that are less fortunate.  I wanted to be on the ground-floor start of this program and to help and watch it flourish.” 

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