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Congratulations to A Place For Hope! On April 14, 2025, the Moorhead City Council and Mayor Shelly Carlson presented them with the MoorHeart award.

A Place for Hope: Recovery and Wellness Center is an example of compassion in action here in Moorhead. Each month, their food pantry supports hundreds of individuals and families—not just with groceries, but with kindness and care. From the warm welcome at the door to the thoughtful seasonal bag holders, every detail is about making people feel seen and supported. Their team goes above and beyond to uplift the community, one person at a time.

Patricia Pemble wrote in the nomination: A Place for Hope: Recovery and Wellness Center serves the citizens of Moorhead who have a history of mental illness.

As a Supportive Housing Services employee in our community, I visit A Place for Hope with the individuals I support several times each month. Their food pantry has truly been a lifeline for so many, providing essential resources and a welcoming space when it's needed most.

The environment is warm and friendly and set up like a store, down to the handmade bag holders for specific seasons made by Carol. The food pantry is run by volunteers and it’s amazing to see all the regulars there day after day. Grace makes registration seem like a breeze when scheduling appointments.

The positive attitudes and willingness to help by each person is so very appreciated. Everyone takes time with each person going through the pantry to make sure people have what they need to feed their family. They offer up ways to cook foods they have on hand, share recipes, or things they can substitute in recipes in case they don’t have the needed items on hand. They have special birthday cake kits for adults and children, and even a little birthday gift for a child.

On more than one occasion, I’ve called at the last minute requesting a pre-packed box, and they always respond with a can-do attitude, ready to help within the hour. I know many other caseworkers in our community feel just as supported and grateful for everything this team does.

We are filled with gratitude for the incredible work A Place for Hope does to support and uplift our community. Darrell and team, your compassion and dedication are a powerful reminder of how kindness can truly make a difference. Thank you for helping make Moorhead a stronger, more caring place for everyone. Congratulations on receiving the MoorHeart Award!

The MoorHeart award is commemorated with a piece of art commissioned from local artist, Dennis Krull especially for this purpose.

As you learn of others in our community doing great things, large and small, please consider submitting a nomination. Information on nominating others for MoorHeart consideration is found at moorheadmn.gov.