Vital North Foundation

Vital North Foundation Vital North champions solutions to improve equitable health outcomes and community wellbeing in Cook County, MN. Please consider making a health care directive!

We accomplish this by advancing knowledge on local issues, building coalitions, funding innovators, and incubating needed programs. The North Shore Health Care Foundation is an independent non-profit organization benefitting health care in Cook County Minnesota.We support local organizations including: •Sawtooth Mountain Clinic
•Cook County North Shore Hospital
•Care Partners of Cook County
•Cook

County Higher Education
•Local volunteer fire departments
•First responders and EMT's
•All local schools
•Oral Health Task Force



H I S T O R Y

The North Shore Health Care Foundation was established in 1993 by a group of committed residents dedicated to improving the health and wellness of the Cook County community. The original 6 member board assumed a leadership role in supporting projects that have had a significant impact on the health of our community. The commitment to provide leadership in sustaining and improving the health of individuals and communities continues today as a core value. The foundation is a private, not-for-profit, grant making organization which serves as a liaison between the individuals, businesses, and organizations involved in health care and our family of generous donors. It has traditionally engaged in its’ own fundraising activities as well as soliciting donations to continue to build an endowment fund. That fund is managed by the Minnesota Community Foundation. V I S I O N
To be a recognized community leader in supporting healthcare initiatives and programs through grants, project support, and education. V A L U E S T A T E M E N T
The North Shore Health Care Foundation will conduct their activities with integrity, excellence, partnership and responsible stewardship.



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Grants are awarded quarterly to qualified health care providers for medical equipment, educatiuon and training. The Health Care Golf Scramble at Superior National in Lutsen is the last Sunday in September each year, and the proceeds are dedicated to grants. The June BBQ supports the endowment fund which is managed by the Minnesota Philanthropy Partners. An educational conference or expo is offered free to the community each year. We also provide Health Care Directive forms, and a newsletter, "The North Shore Health Care News." Since 2007 an active program to develop enhanced end of life care has been a focus of the foundation, which resulted in the creation of Care Partners. The Oral Health Task Force was created to provide dental care to children of Cook County and the Grand Portage Reservation. Local donors have provided funds for cancer patients to receive stipends for travel expenses. By becoming a member or making a gift or a bequest, you can help all of this work continue. For more information, click here. You will find applications for grants and event registration forms on the page that relates to them. Grant applications are due: Feb 10th, May 10th, August 10th and November 10th, 2015.

Help us build a vital northern community TODAY by donating for Give to the Max! Vital North builds critical programs and...
11/20/2025

Help us build a vital northern community TODAY by donating for Give to the Max! Vital North builds critical programs and invests in solutions to build health, safety, and wellbeing in Cook County. For 32 years we have collaborated with local partners to build what our community needs for everyone to have the opportunity to thrive. Your donation today makes our work possible. Thank you! Donate at

The Mission of Vital North Foundation is to proactively identify opportunities and champion solutions to improve equitable health outcomes and community wellbeing in Cook County, Minnesota. We accomplish this by advancing knowledge on local issues, building coalitions, fu...

Vital North is delighted to announce that Care Partners of Cook County will receive the 2025 Caring Connections Award in...
09/22/2025

Vital North is delighted to announce that Care Partners of Cook County will receive the 2025 Caring Connections Award in the amount of $5,000! This Community Impact Award is given out annually to programs and organizations that provide medical transportation for community members receiving cancer or other medical treatment, and programs supporting those living with dementia and their caregivers. Care Partners has provided support on the journey of aging and end-of-life to Cook County community members for more than 10 years. Learn more at vitalnorth.org/news/ or carepartnersofcookcounty.org/

We are hiring for a new position! Restorative Justice Case Coordinator, Cook County MN Restorative Justice, a program of...
09/21/2025

We are hiring for a new position! Restorative Justice Case Coordinator, Cook County MN Restorative Justice, a program of Vital North Foundation https://vitalnorth.org/

Cook County MN Restorative Justice is a community-based dialogue program under Vital North Foundation that fosters accountability, healing, and community safety. We work with people of all ages and accept case referrals from the Cook County Sheriff's Office, Cook County Attorney’s Office, the District Judge, Probation, and ISD 166. Trained community volunteers facilitate a process that allows the people directly involved and most impacted by a crime or harmful event to safely discuss what happened, how they were impacted, what they need for things to be made right, and what needs to change so that further harm does not occur. The participants typically reach a Reparation Agreement, and program staff follow up to ensure the agreement is carried out. Research has shown that Restorative Justice programs often lead to higher rates of victim satisfaction and lower rates of offender recidivism. We are seeking a Case Coordinator to oversee the successful facilitation of case referrals in Cook County. This part-time position includes direct service, volunteer coordination, and administrative work, flexible hours, and the option for hybrid remote and in-person work.

Responsibilities
Case Coordination:
Receive, track, and report on case referrals from Law Enforcement, Cook County Attorney’s office, District Court, Probation, and ISD 166.
Coordinate and support volunteer facilitators to facilitate cases using Victim-Offender Conferencing and Circle process, including logistics, communication, documentation, and support as needed.
Document case progress in case management database, including intake paperwork, communications, and final outcomes.
Case follow-up: track Reparation Agreement completion, provide referrals to additional supports in the community, gather participant feedback, and provide progress updates to referring agencies and impacted parties
Co-facilitate cases with volunteers using Victim-Offender Conferencing and Circle processes occasionally, as needed.
Volunteer Coordination:
Coordinate onboarding of new volunteers, including facilitating background checks and offering orientation and support as needed.
Plan, coordinate, and facilitate monthly volunteer meetings.
Track and document volunteer hours and mileage.
Reporting:
Track and document any program expenses.
Collect program evaluation data with guidance from the Program Manager.
Present monthly case reports to the Restorative Justice Advisory Committee.
Provide case data and progress updates for quarterly grant reports.
Training & Professional Development:
Assist with logistics and participate in 1-2 annual program trainings.
Participate in monthly Northeast Minnesota Regional Restorative Practices meetings and other training opportunities as they arise.

Minimum Qualifications
Understanding and acceptance of Restorative Justice principles and practices.
Experience working with youth, families, communities, and/or justice-impacted individuals.
Strong skills in organization, record-keeping, and written and verbal communication.
Proficiency with data reporting, microsoft office, zoom, and google suite.
Ability to maintain confidentiality, patience, respect, and nonjudgment in sensitive and challenging circumstances.
Ability to effectively connect with people from diverse backgrounds and balance differing needs and perspectives.
Associate’s degree or higher in a people-oriented field or at least 1 year relevant experience working with people from diverse backgrounds.
Year-round residency in Cook or Lake County.

Preferred Qualifications
Training, experience, and passion for Restorative Justice, Circle facilitation, and/or conflict mediation.
Familiarity with Cook County communities including Grand Portage.
Experience supervising and supporting volunteers.
Experience with government-funded programs.
Hours and Compensation:

20 hours per week, $28-30 per hour depending on experience and qualifications.

To apply, please send a cover letter and resume to [email protected]. Please reach out with any questions. Deadline to apply: Sunday, October 5.

Welcome !Boozhoo For 30+ years as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, Vital North (Formerly The North Shore Health Care Foundation) has responded to critical health issues, worked to close gaps, awarded more than $1.6 million in grants, and created initiatives designed for underserved segments of ou...

We are changing our name! For 30+ years, the North Shore Health Care Foundation has worked to improve equitable health o...
09/17/2025

We are changing our name! For 30+ years, the North Shore Health Care Foundation has worked to improve equitable health outcomes and community wellbeing in Cook County, MN by supporting and building innovative programs and solutions. We are building a vital northern community in which everyone has the opportunity to thrive! Our new name, Vital North Foundation, is better aligned with our mission and values and reduces confusion with other local organizations. Follow our journey, and help us build a healthier Cook County, MN at www.vitalnorth.org.

Foundation Director Stepping Down for Personal HealthOctober 29, 2024 – The Board of the North Shore Health Care Foundat...
10/29/2024

Foundation Director Stepping Down for Personal Health

October 29, 2024 – The Board of the North Shore Health Care Foundation (NSHCF) regrettably announces the resignation of Executive Director Valerie Eliasen, effective Nov 1, 2024, due to personal health reasons. Mrs. Eliasen suffers from a complicated combination of degenerative spinal and joint conditions, including neuroinflammatory Adhesive Arachnoiditis in the lining of the spinal cord. Ms. Eliasen has been the Executive Director since June of 2019.

“I am extremely proud of the work that we have accomplished for the community over the last five and a half years,” said Valerie Eliasen, outgoing Executive Director. “Unfortunately, with recent progression in my conditions, it is time to prioritize my health and family.”

Eliasen has been instrumental in shepherding such important NSHCF actions for the North Shore community as the Oral Health Task Force, the Healthcare Workforce Solutions Project, the COVID-19 Medical Response Fund, and the implementation of the Foundation’s first strategic plan. Current critical projects under her leadership include the Restorative Justice & Truancy Solutions Initiative and the newly adopted Early Childhood Services project. Eliasen was instrumental in the Foundation’s rebranding and new modern website and newsletter, fundraising events such as the Taste of the Trail Picnic Adventure in June and Golf for the Good NSHCF Weekend at Superior National in the fall, and countless community programs made possible through our grants.

“We thank her for effective leadership and the incredible energy she has given to the North Shore Health Care Foundation,” said Anna Cariad-Barrett, NSHCF Vice President. “During Covid, her guidance and focus were critical to filling gaps and identifying community needs.”

Her numerous contributions, strong level of community engagement and positive focus for all on the North Shore will be recognized at a special event to be announced at a future date.

A transition plan is being instituted to ensure the important work of the Foundation, and its mission and vision for our North Shore community continues going forward with “business as usual. Foundation support of incubated programs and community grants outreach will continue during this transition.

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Contact(s): Anna Cariad-Barrett, Vice President – North Shore Health Care Foundation, [email protected]

Deborah Van Valkenburgh, Member Board of Directors, [email protected]

Address

21 W 2nd Street, Suite E
Grand Marais, MN
55604

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

+12183879076

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