Note from the Executive Director

Summer always goes by so fast! I have personally enjoyed seeing all of the kids, young adults, and families when they visit the office. One of our core values, Support, has been on the forefront of my mind all summer. For NDAC, support means that we work alongside others to create a cultivating environment that celebrates individuality. Support was something that wasn't really available to my family when we first started the center. My brother Tyler was diagnosed in 2004 and there were no autism services in the area for a 22-month-old. It was a huge struggle for our family. Trying to navigate what services he needed, where those services were, making time for the services, all while working your full-time job to keep your health benefits. The support just wasn't there.

This was the start of my career path. My mom and I wanted to create a place that could support others going through similar experiences. Over the last 14 years, we have done just that. Seeing all the different people come in for Enrichment Center activities and creating opportunities for social interaction. I have seen friendships form and confidence grow in participants. Our Behavior and In-Home programs continue to help and support families in a variety of ways. I am proud of the work NDAC does. Bringing the community together and supporting all individuals is truly empowering! NDAC will continue to support the community and create AuSome opportunities for all.

For the full story on how NDAC was created, visit our website!

- Darcy Kasprowicz

Proceeds from the event will benefit our community programs: safeTY jacket, the Enrichment Center, and Sensory & Inclusive Community Partners. These programs were created to help families feel welcome, safe, and included in the Fargo-Moorhead-West Fargo community. Your generosity allows us to offer these programs at no cost to families. Thank you!

The Mission Development (MD) department is responsible for building and maintaining strong and impactful relationships with donors and other community partners. They execute multiple large fundraising and awareness events throughout the year that bring in funds to help provide the best care to those we serve. On a daily basis, the MD team is spreading the word about our mission to empower & enrich the lives of all individuals. The team shares stories of those that are working directly with our clients to help promote the amazing work that NDAC provides to our community.

Meet the Mission Development Team!

Tom Kopp - Director of Mission Development

My name is Tom Kopp and I have been with NDAC since September 2022. I've been in the nonprofit world for the last 16+ years helping our youth in the community be there best selves. I am happy to be a part of an organization that truly believes in the work they do and offers so much to the community. We here at NDAC are always supporting our clients, their families, each other, and our donors. The integrity of which we carry is greater than any other place I've worked and I'm happy to be a part of this strong mission of empowering and enriching the lives of all individuals. 

Kayla Farahmand - Mission Development Administrator

Kayla oversees our safeTY jacket program, Enrichment Center Coordinator, and heads up the training and certifications for our Sensory and Inclusive Community Partners (SI Community Partners). She also meets with organizations to share about NDAC's mission and create relationships with them.

Emily Carpenter - Event Coordinator

Emily is everything events. She is our go-to person for planning and organizing our events throughout the year. Emily collaborates with different committees to make sure events are the best they can be for bringing in funds, but also making sure they are on-brand and reflective of what NDAC represents.

Kendall Brekken - Marketing and Communications

Kendall takes care of all of our social media communication, agency website design, and other agency design aspects. Kendall is a strong member of the Mission Development team willing to help out where she is needed.

Claire Mohr - Enrichment Center & Volunteer Coordinator

Claire plans, prepares, and leads the daily activities held in our Enrichment Center. She also leads the volunteers that help us at our various events throughout the year. 

Mission Development Department Updates

Within this past year, there has been a shake up of all aspects to our Mission Development team. With some members moving on to pursue their own personal aspirations, the team has gained a Director of Mission Development in Tom, and then adding the position of Mission Development Administrator in Kayla. These new roles allow our event coordinator, Emily, the opportunity to focus on solely the events that need to be had and not so much on the outreach to the community...which Emily misses very much but also is happy to get some things off her plate. The MD team continues to grow its community partners and strive to provide great events that promote NDAC and its mission throughout the year.

How has the Mission Development department made a positive impact in the FMWF community?

This year was the highest grossing AuSome Evening Gala that NDAC had hosted in its 14 year history. This was the first year our entire board of directors showed up to the big event, showing our board is very much dedicated to and supportive of our mission and values. Our team has also added a few smaller but impactful events, growing our awareness to the community, while also building a stronger and more confident team.

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