History of the Northwoods Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers:
Early in the spring of 1997, the concept of an Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers Program was introduced after three separate surveys identified a gap in services to the elderly and people with special needs. Bemidji Area Council of Nonprofits was asked to become the lead agency on this new program's development. On May 28, 1997, a meeting of area congregations, interested residents, and human service agencies was held to research community response to the project. The result of the meeting was to establish an interest in and willingness to commit to the program. The group assigned a steering committee to carry out the necessary work. In July of 1998, a full time program coordinator was hired. Office hours are primarily in Bemidji and by appointment at the Blackduck Family Resource Center.

Mission Statement:
Northwoods Interfaith is a human services, nonprofit organization committed to serving the needs of seniors and families within the greater Bemidji area.

Northwoods Interfaith is an independent 501 c(3) non-profit organization

Funding by:
- Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, a Department of Human Services Caregiver Support   and Respite Grant
- United Way of Bemidji Area
- Northwest Minnesota Foundation
- Beltrami County Child Abuse Prevention Council
- Mardag Foundation
- Beltrami Area Service Collaborative
- Faith in Action
- private donations and memorials
- local member congregations