About
Youthworks
What we believeabout youth
Youth are experts in their own lives.
Youth deserve safety, belonging, and opportunity.
Youth are not problems to be solved. They are assets to be developed.
Our Mission
Our Vision
What guides the work
Our Story
Youthworks began in 1979 as Mountain-Plains Youth Services Coalition in South Dakota. In 1986, the organization relocated to Bismarck, North Dakota and began providing direct support to young people. Youthworks opened in Fargo in 1991 and has continued to grow its reach across North Dakota and into Minnesota.
Today, youth and families can turn to Youthworks for support with immediate safety, housing stability, family concerns, school and court involvement, and experiences of trafficking or harm, as well as opportunities for cultural connection, community involvement, and youth leadership.
Our Objectives
After forty years of showing up for young people, Youthworks continues to adapt as youth and community needs change.
Strengthening Developmental Relationships
Expanding Prevention and Early Intervention
Deepening Partnerships
Elevating Youth Voices
Maintaining Flexibility
Executive Director
Mark Heinert
With 30 years of experience at Youthworks, Mark has had the opportunity to work directly with young people and families in nearly every program the organization offers. From frontline social work to organizational leadership, these experiences have shaped his belief in the power of relationships, youth voice, and helping young people recognize their strengths. As Executive Director, Mark draws on this experience to guide the organization, support staff, and build partnerships that advance Youthworks’ mission.
mheinert@youthworksnd.com
Youthworks
Organizational Leadership
Anita Bohner
anita@youthworksnd.com
Tom Cook
tcook@youthworksnd.com
Nikki Bushaw
nbushaw@youthworksnd.com
Kim Ekart
kekart@youthworksnd.com
Emily Yanish
eyanish@youthworksnd.com
Thomas Hill
thill@youthworksnd.com
Angie Harper
aharper@youthworksnd.com
Sara Eastman
seastman@youthworksnd.com
Aleshia Lucy
alucy@youthworksnd.com
Nancy Boyle
Program Manager, Fargo
nboyle@youthworksnd.com
Alicia Brown
abrown@youthworksnd.com
Matthew Benson Tuff
Program Manager, Moorhead
mtuff@youthworksnd.com
Youthworks Team
Our Team
COMING SOON
Board of Directors
Mike Eggl
Erin Oban
Carlee McLeod
Renae Aarfor
Bryan Harris
Melody Staebner
Sashay Schettler
Melissa Bliss
Dan Ulmer
Questions or comments for our board?
YALB