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.

Essential needs in a warm, welcoming and safe environment
Strength-based supportive services that offer hope and empowerment for growth
Assistance in finding housing and building community connections
Opportunities to develop physical and emotional wellness

Our Vision

Our Team of Staff

Executive Director

Carolina Alfonso & Jane Freeman

Case Managers

Kayla Waslaski

Leah Crocker

Board of Directors

Board Members

Tom Anderson-Board Chair

Andrew Larson-Vice Chair

Kari Brault-Treasurer

Deb Peterson-Secretary

Allen Dragseth- Director

Faye Overgaard-Director

Mary Wiskurbuss- Director

Sanisha Stribling- Director

Kamille Meyer- Director

Rick Keller- Fiscal Officer

Gary Menard- Fiscal Officer

History

Sister Justina Violette was the founder of Care & Share and she was a woman well known for having a compassionate character, a deep caring and giving heart. During her lifetime, she demonstrated acts of kindness for the least fortunate people of 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.

Sister Justina started serving those in need through the back door of the bishop’s resident 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, build in 1932. Still here located in downtown Crookston to what is now known as Care and Share of Crookston, Inc.

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.

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 operating as a homeless shelter for individuals and families. Consistently offers lunch and dinner in our Soup Kitchen, and still has a Donation Room.

Our mission of Care and Share of Crookston has become increasingly focused on helping people find housing, encouraging strength, and building community connections that will assist in meeting their needs as they faced any challenges to their newfound stability, thereby breaking the cycle of homelessness.