News

Jim Tarbell had a passion for the community.  As a long-standing community member, Jim could be often found serving with his trademark smile and positivity at Bethany Lutheran Church or one of the many boards and organizations he served on throughout the years. At the Foundation, we were honored to benefit from Jim’s expertise and passion for the community. Jim served as a Foundation Board member from 2012-2015, becoming Board Chair in 2015.  Around the same time, he became Board Chair, Jim was diagnosed with what would become terminal bladder cancer.  His family writes of his cancer diagnosis: “…he had

Imagine going to school in pain with a toothache or not being able to see your schoolwork because of poor vision.  Unfortunately, this is a reality that some local students face.  Thankfully, these are challenges the Full-Service Community Schools team at ISD 317 are seeking to meet and overcome.  Through their work and a $5,000 grant from the Foundation, uninsured and underinsured students have access to medical, vision and dental care regardless of their ability to pay.  Deanna Hron, Full-Service Community Schools Director shares “Thanks to the generosity of the Forward Health Foundation, uninsured students in Deer River schools can access

Forward Health Foundation was proud to present a $2,500 donation to the Mikinaak Park project in Ball Club. The park project began as the youth started talking over three years ago about a new, safe place to play. The project evolved into a fully accessible playground, basketball court and “chill space”. Their enthusiasm inspired adults in Ball Club and across the area to get involved. Together, they raised over $200,000 to bring their vision to life.