The idea of Northwoods Interfaith was introduced to the area after three separate surveys identified a gap in services to the elderly and people with special needs. The Bemidji Area Council of Nonprofits was asked to become the lead agency on this new program’s development and in 1997, a meeting of area congregations, interested residents, and human service agencies was held to research community response to the project. The group then assigned a steering committee to carry out the necessary work, and in July of 1998, a full time Executive Director was hired. Since then, the program has grown to include more staff and has provided more than 10,000 hours of direct service each year.
