Newsletter - Category View

NDVS/SB Houseparent

NDVS/SB is somewhat of a second home to Dietrich Schlichtmann. He attended short-term programs at the School throughout his K-12 education and, with his friendly and outgoing personality, got to know the entire staff, from the houseparents to maintenance. So, when he was finally old enough to become a houseparent, he jumped at the chance. For the last few years, he has found himself back at one of his favorite places in Grand Forks during STP weeks, only this time he’s got a lot more responsibility. Luckily, he knows what really makes a difference when he’s working as a houseparent: the connections he makes with the students and adult clients, just like the ones he made with staff when he was a student that had a lasting impact on him. Another plus? Dietrich is good at math, which makes him a huge asset in the evenings during student weeks. “He will sit with students and work step-by-step so they can understand the concept,” NDVS/SB Houseparent Supervisor Erin Storhoff explains. Find out more about Dietrich by reading on.

Click Here for Full Article

NDVS/SB Houseparent

When you ask students or adults who attend short-term programs at NDVS/SB about their “favorite” staff member, you will often hear a houseparent’s name (much to the chagrin of our instructors!). Houseparents, part-time employees who work evenings and overnights during STP weeks at NDVS/SB, are often college students or young adults who form deep connections to the students and clients. They ensure that those students and clients are “safe and occupied in the evenings,” explains Erin Storhoff, who serves as the supervisor for the houseparents. “They help students complete homework, go on outings, and do other activities in-house, like play board games or in the gym.” They also make dinner and eat with the students and clients, which allows them time to talk and get to know each other. Because their time together is often unstructured, houseparents must be creative and responsible, as well as friendly and helpful. Because they only work during STP weeks, “houseparents don’t work many hours,” Erin explains, but they get a “rewarding experience.” Having experience working with individuals who are low vision or blind is not required, but houseparents must have the desire to learn about visual impairment, Erin says.

Over the next few weeks, we will be featuring some of our current houseparents on our Facebook page and on our website. First up is Cylee Walton. “Cylee is very outgoing, always cheerful, and very creative,” says Erin. She also has a visual impairment herself, which means “she is able to relate to our students and adults,” Erin explains. “She is always willing to jump in to help in any way that is needed.” Find out more about Cylee by reading on.

Click Here for Full Article

The 2025 North Dakota Legislative Session is in full swing. Every odd-numbered year, starting in January, the North Dakota Legislature meets for a maximum of 80 days to pass new legislation and approve the state’s budget for the next biennium, which begins July 1.

Legislative activities are followed closely by state agencies, including North Dakota Vision Services/School for the Blind, as agencies’ budgets for the next two years are set by appropriations bills. Each agency plays an active role in the budget bill process, with the leader of each agency often making multiple trips to Bismarck, either virtually or in-person, over the course of the 80-day session to propose and defend their agency’s budget request. But preparations for the legislative session begin months before the legislature convenes in January.

Click Here for Full Article

NDVS/SB Financial Assistant

Capable. Kind. Flexible. People who end up working at ND Vision Services/School for the Blind seem to always possess these traits. Our newest hire, Tallena Thom, is no different. Tallena is the Financial Assistant at NDVS/SB, but her duties go beyond accounting. Her title, she says, “doesn’t justify everything I’ll be doing. I’m excited to learn different roles and wear many hats like everyone else.” Her supervisor, Business Manager Paula Solheim, has full confidence in Tallena’s abilities. “She is very adaptable. She is not afraid to take something on to help make sure everything will run smoothly,” Paula says. Paula and Tallena have worked together before, which made them both even more certain this job would be a perfect fit. “Tallena is always willing to help with whatever anyone needs,” Paula says. “If she doesn’t know something, she will certainly find out and make it happen. I am so glad she is here with us!” Read on to learn more about Tallena.

Click Here for Full Article

NDVS/SB Maintenance Supervisor

Arik Solheim wasn’t expecting to change jobs this winter. And he certainly wasn’t expecting to end up working alongside his wife, Paula Solheim, Business Manager at NDVS/SB. “When you’re happy at your current job, you’re never really looking for a new job,” he said. But when Paula told him that the Maintenance Supervisor position would be opening at NDVS/SB, he knew he better jump at the chance. “I knew some of the people there and the dynamic of the team, and that really appealed to me. I applied, and here I am,” he said. In just a few short weeks, Arik has made himself right at home at NDVS/SB and has kept up its reputation for its well-cared for grounds. “I oversee our maintenance and housekeeping, which means making sure we keep up this building’s great appearance inside and out,” he explains. With Arik’s experience in facility management and his hobby as a DIY-er, the building is sure to shine. Find out more about Arik by reading on.

Click Here for Full Article