Our Mission
Care and Share of Crookston, Inc. is a regional shelter that was stablished in 1986.
Serves 8 northwestern counties, including: Polk, Marshall, Kittson, Norman, Mahnomen, Pennington, Red Lake and Roseau.​ The shelter provides services of hospitality, support, and hope to those that are least fortunate. ​
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Essential needs in a warm, welcoming and safe environment
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Strength-based supportive services that offer hope and empowerment for growth
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Assistance in finding housing and building community connections
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Opportunities to develop physical and emotional wellness
Our Vision
Our Team of Staff
Executive Director
Carolina Alfonso
Case Manager II
Kayla Waslaski
Administrative Assistant
Candace Sam
Food Shelf Manager
Keith DeRemer
Security Manager
Heather Tronnes
Board of Directors
Board Members
Tom Anderson - Board Chair
Carolina Alfonso - Executive Director
Kari Brault - Vice Chair
Angel Korynta - Treasurer
Mike Anderson - Secretary
Allen Dragseth - Director
​Anna Corona - Director
​Kyle Hunt - Director
Leah Winjum - Director​
Stephen Larson - Director
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History
Sister Justina Violette was the founder of Care & Share and she was a woman well known for having a compassionate character, deeply caring and giving heart. During her lifetime, she demonstrated acts of kindness for less fortunate people in our Crookston community and surrounding areas. She aided the people in need with heating and electricity bills, car repair costs, groceries, clothing. And most importantly her priceless friendship, understanding and support.
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Sister Justina started serving those in need through the back door of the bishop’s residence while working as a cook there. Then in 1985, after almost 20 years of ministry with the poor, Father Krebs offered her what used to be the former Catholic Elementary School that was built in 1932. Located in downtown Crookston to what is now known as Care and Share of Crookston, Inc.
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Care and Share opened its doors October of 1986. Sister Justina could then welcome the people she served through her own front door's! However, she was very mindful of some people who needed help but also wanted to be discrete; in order to honor their confidentiality, she extended her hours to accommodate them. She wanted to reach as many people as she could.
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Sister Justina spent her lifetime genuinely making a difference in countless people's hearts and lives. After devoting herself passionately to her mission, she passed away on September 12, 2001. Her legacy lives on at Care & Share, the establishment continues to operate as a homeless shelter for individuals and families. Which also consistently offers lunch and dinner in our Soup Kitchen, and still has a Donation Room.
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Our mission at the Care and Share of Crookston, Inc. has become increasingly focused on helping people find housing, encouraging strength, and building community connections that will assist in meeting their needs as they face any challenges to their newfound stability, thereby breaking the cycle of homelessness.