A publication of Freedom Resource Center for Independent Living, Inc.
SUMMER 2026
A Fresh Start After a Rare Diagnosis What began as a small bruise on Sara’s leg during Labor Day weekend of 2024 quickly turned into a life-changing medical crisis. “At first, I was worried about a blood clot,” Sara recalled. “But it just kept getting worse.” Within weeks, Sara found herself hospitalized with severe pain, wounds that would not heal, kidney failure requiring dialysis, and eventually a diagnosis so rare that many people, including some healthcare professionals, had never encountered before: calciphylaxis.
Calciphylaxis is a rare and serious condition most commonly associated with end-stage kidney disease and dialysis. In Sara’s case, doctors explained that her condition was especially unusual because of her age and how rapidly it progressed.
“I was ready to take my life back.” SARA H.
“It normally doesn’t happen in people my age,” Sara said. “It’s pretty rare for my circumstances.”
After spending months in medical facilities, Sara was eventually referred to the Money Follows the Person (MFP) program and Freedom Resource Center. The program helps individuals transition from institutional settings back into the community with the appropriate supports needed to live independently.
Over the following months, Sara endured an extraordinary medical journey that included multiple hospitalizations, surgeries, wound care treatments, dialysis, oxygen support, and rehabilitation Working with stays in Fargo, Transition Grand Forks, Coordinator Irina and the Twin and Housing Cities. At one Facilitator Jill, Sara point, doctors was able to secure SARA H. discussed an accessible palliative care apartment close options due to to her medical the severity of her condition. providers and dialysis appointments.
“In my mind, I thought, ‘I’m not going out like this.’”
But Sara was determined to keep fighting. “In my mind, I thought, ‘I’m not going out like this,’” she said. As doctors continued searching for ways to help her heal, Sara became one of only a small number of patients to receive an innovative wound treatment using grafts made from North Atlantic cod skin. The specialized treatment, designed to help support healing in complex calciphylaxis wounds, involved carefully preparing and dressing the wounds with fish skin grafts. The treatment proved successful and became a major turning point in Sara’s recovery journey.
Through MFP, she also received assistance with furniture, household setup, and transition supports to help her start over safely and comfortably after such a long hospitalization. “You guys are awesome,” Sara shared during her interview. “You got me this great apartment, and it’s so close to everything. The new furniture and having a fresh start after being in a facility for so long, I was ready to take my life back a little bit.”
Today, Sara continues to manage dialysis and ongoing medical treatment while rebuilding her independence at home. Adaptive equipment in her apartment, including shower seating and bathroom supports, has helped her safely navigate daily life while continuing to heal. Sara hopes more people learn about programs like MFP, especially individuals who may feel stuck in long-term care settings without realizing community transition services exist. “I think people just don’t know about it,” she said. “There were other people in the facility who had never heard of programs like this.” While Sara’s recovery journey is ongoing, her determination, humor, and perseverance continue to shine through. Her story is a powerful reminder of the importance of community-based supports and of the resilience people can show even in the face of overwhelming medical challenges.
Who We Are & What We Do At Freedom Resource Center, everything starts with a simple rule: Nothing about us without us. We are a disability rights organization built on a straightforward idea. Everyone—regardless of age or background—deserves to live on their own terms. We do not drop in with a canned plan. We meet you right where you are. If you need to learn local transit, find accessible housing, or talk with someone who understands
your diagnosis, we are here. Over half of our staff and board live with disabilities. That real experience guides every conversation, training session, and resource. Our support is completely free. No fees, no complicated runaround.
The Heart of Freedom A Letter From the Executive Director Twenty years ago, I walked through the doors of Freedom Resource Center as a new employee. If you had told me then that I’d one day be Executive Director, I never would have believed you. I remember telling Nate Aalgaard that I just couldn’t picture myself in that role. Looking back now, I’m grateful for the path that brought me here. While I never imagined leading this organization, I can’t imagine being anywhere else. Today, it’s an honor to serve as Executive Director of Freedom Resource Center. Freedom is so much more than a workplace; it’s a community built on the belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to live as independently as possible, and I’m proud to be part of that every day. The road hasn’t always been easy. Six years ago, I stepped into this role during a time of significant transition for Freedom, and not long after, we found ourselves navigating the challenges of a global pandemic. Through it all, our staff, Board of Directors, and supporters never lost sight of what matters most, providing services that increase independence for people with disabilities. Those experiences challenged us, strengthened us, and reminded us why this work is so important. Today, I’m excited about where Freedom Resource Center is headed. As you can see, The Independent has a fresh new look, and we’ve also launched a redesigned website. This refresh is about more than a new logo or updated colors. It reflects who we are today while honoring the
values that have always guided us. Working with Tellwell has given us the opportunity to create a more welcoming, accessible, and engaging experience while keeping people with disabilities at the center of everything we do. While our look may have changed, our mission and our commitment to the people we serve remain exactly the same. You’ll see me here from time to time, sharing updates, celebrating milestones, and giving you a behind-thescenes look at what’s happening at Freedom. Whether you’re someone we serve, a family member, a partner, a donor, or simply someone who believes in our mission, thank you for being part of the Freedom community. We look forward to continuing this journey together.
Angie Bosch Executive Director
THE MISSION
To provide services that increase independence for people with disabilities. LIVED EXPERIENCE
At least 51% of our team and board have a disability. We know the road because we walk it every day.
WHO WE SERVE
West Central Minnesota and Southeast North Dakota.
COST
Free for all ages and all disabilities.
UPCOMING EVENTS
FYI
Reasonable accommodations for all Freedom events can be requested up to two weeks prior to the events.
SAVE THE DATE All Freedom Resource Center offices will be closed Monday, September 7 in observance of Labor Day. Freedom Resource Fair Tuesday, September 29
Events are free to attend unless a cost is noted
FARGO
VALLEY CITY
To register for Fargo events, call Katelyn or Sarah at 701.478.0459. Fargo events will be held at 2701 9th Avenue South, Fargo.
To register for Valley City events, call Ashley at 701.252.4693. Valley City events held at The Vault 223 Central Avenue, Valley City.
FREEDOM IN ACTION
YOUNG ADULT GATHERING (Ages 16-25)
Jewelry Making Tuesday, September 8 • 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM RSVP by Tuesday, September 1
YOUNG ADULT GATHERING (Ages 16 – 25) Budgeting Game Tuesday, September 15 • 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM RSVP by Thursday, September 10
Tuesday, September 1 • 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM RSVP by Friday, August 28 Tuesday, October 6 • 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM RSVP by Friday, October 2 Tuesday, November 3 • 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM RSVP by Thursday, October 29 Tuesday, December 1 • 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM RSVP by Wednesday, November 25
FERGUS FALLS To register for Fergus Falls events, call Joyce or Leigh at 218-998-1799. Fergus Falls events will be held at 125 West Lincoln #1, Fergus Falls.
WAHPETON
FREEDOM IN ACTION
To register for Wahpeton events, call Raegan at 701-672-1648. Wahpeton events will be held at 315 11th Street North, Wahpeton.
Sculpture Walk
Open House
Join us for a walk and learn about the sculptures around Fergus Falls. Refreshments to follow at the Freedom office.
Thursday, September 17 • 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM
Wednesday, September 9 • 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM RSVP by Wednesday, September 2
Community Resources and Emergency Planning with local presenters Wednesday, October 14 • 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM RSVP by Wednesday, October 7
DISCLAIMER In an attempt to reduce the cost of mailings, please send your email address to freedom@freedomrc.org. If you would like to be removed from our mailing list please call 1-800-450-0459. Freedom Resource Center and/or its Board of Directors do not necessarily endorse or support any of the views expressed within the personal testimonies contained in this newsletter, unless approval is specifically mentioned. Freedom Resource Center receives about 44 percent of its funding from the Federal Government. Approximate cost of this publication is $.21 per piece, of which 44percent or $.09 is Federal funds; and 56 percent or $.12 is non-Federal funds. Alternate formats available upon request.
JAMESTOWN To register for Jamestown events, call Ashley at 701.252.4693. Jamestown events will be held at 300 2nd Avenue NE, Suite 207, Jamestown.
FREEDOM IN ACTION Spooky Decorations Tuesday, October 20 • 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM RSVP By Friday, October 16
Gratitude Jars Tuesday, November 17 • 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM RSVP by Friday, November 13
Holiday Cards Tuesday, December 15 • 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM RSVP by Friday, December 11
YOUNG ADULT GATHERING (Ages 16-25) Tuesday, September 1 • 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM RSVP by Friday, August 28 Tuesday, October 6 • 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM RSVP by Friday, October 2 Tuesday, November 3 • 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM RSVP by Thursday, October 29 Tuesday, December 1 • 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM RSVP by Wednesday, November 25
Employee Spotlight Are you a person with a disability? Having been with Freedom for 20 years, I have seemed to have found many opportunities to pick up a disability or two along the way. I say that tongue-in-cheek, as humor helps in my recovery. I am thankful that I had Freedom to support me, just like they (we) support our consumers. If so, how does your disability empower you at work? I hope I have empathy for the person sitting with me in my office. I try to understand what they are experiencing and know that their experience is unique to them, but bringing my lived experience helps me to help them, too.
JOYCE
Independent Living Advocate
What is your role at Freedom Resource Center? I am an Independent Living Advocate, IL Advocate for short What does a typical week look like for you? There is no such thing as a typical week. I can work with young adults on their Driver’s Permit training, advocate with a consumer at a school or work site or collaborate with Vocational Rehabilitation to help a consumer get back to work. It is very hard to explain; our services are person-centered, so they vary widely. But we must not forget meetings with community groups; there is a lot of collaboration and networking, which I enjoy.
What would you like people to know about Freedom Resource Center? I first found Freedom while looking for services for my teenage daughter, who is now in her 30s. I respected the services she received and the way they put us in the driver’s seat. This was her life, not theirs. All the final decisions were ours; they gave us choices and then advocated alongside us when needed. This is how Freedom works; we’re not the people who make the decisions for the consumer, they are. We, as advocates, give options and possibilities. I would not stay with an organization whose mission I did not believe in. Having colleagues who “get it” and really want to see change in the disability world empowers me to keep working. Someday I’ll pass the baton, but not quite yet.
NOMINATE ALL YEAR ROUND!
Know a Champion? Do you know someone or a group in the community that is making an impact for people living with a disability who deserve to be recognized for their efforts? Our annual Appreciation Luncheon event is dedicated to recognizing outstanding volunteers, champions of disability rights, and employers who actively support people with disabilities. It’s about honoring those who are making a greater impact in our community for people with disabilities.
Our next annual luncheon will be held on Thursday, May 6, 2027.
Go to www.freedomrc.org and click on “Luncheon Nominations” to submit your 2027 nomination.
See It Differently What You Might Be Missing in Accessible Restroom Design Do you see it? In reviewing current restroom signage, there’s sufficient contrast between figures, text and background, making the current sign easy to identify by many visitors from a distance when the door is closed or partially open.
What’s missing? The sign needs raised letters with Braille characters located below the letters for patrons who are blind or have low vision. Restrooms are required to have both visual characters with adequate contrast, and tactile indicators. Pictograms are not specifically required for restrooms, unless it’s the International Symbol of Accessibility needed to identify an accessible restroom. Still, pictograms can be useful when paired with required characters for individuals who are better able to perceive common images versus individual letters. Signs are required to be on the adjacent wall on the latch side of the door instead of placed directly on the door (with few exceptions).
What other accessibility feature is needed? The current doorknob requires the user to grab and twist it. A lever handle that can be moved with one hand, or even one or more fingers, provides greater access to individuals with variable hand dexterity.
For more information on accessible signage, visit the U.S. Access Board website used as a reference for this segment: www.access-board.gov.
2701 9th Ave. S, Suite H Fargo, ND 58103