Third Street Clinic seeks to improve the health and well-being of underserved residents by partnering with the greater Grand Forks community as a resource for timely access to healthcare, medicine and other vital services.During his residency in Grand Forks, North Dakota, Dr. Timothy Hockenberry noticed patients struggling to make ends meet. He realized that many residents of our community were without insurance, turning basic ailments into life-altering events. With his time and talent, and the support of other volunteers, TSC was born in 1989.The clinic began as a weekly free clinic in the office of Valley Family Planning in downtown Grand Forks. Patients were able to see a volunteer physician at no cost — no questions asked. Popularity for the program rose, and the mission of the clinic became evident: everyone in the community deserved access to healthcare services in a safe and caring environment.In an effort to better serve the people of Grand Forks, TSC began working with United Health Services, now Altru Health System, to expand access to all physicians. Today, there are more than 60 physicians, plus nurses and support staff, that see TSC clients in one of their three Grand Forks facilities. Additionally, Valley Community Health Center opened in June of 2014, providing our clients an affordable option for primary care. In 2015, most TSC cients received their primary care there.As a non-profit organization, TSC has provided services to more than 5,000 residents of the Red River Valley since 1989. Thanks to the vision of Dr. Hockenberry, and the efforts of hundreds of volunteers, TSC remains a staple in healthcare services for our region. By keeping the cost of healthcare affordable for all members of our community, we’re helping to make it a better place to live for everyone.
Frequently AskedQuestions
Have you ever had a question and didn’t know where to find the answer? If so, you’ve come to the right place.This section is a compilation of answers to the questions most commonly asked by our constituents. Just start by following one of the links below. If you can’t find the question you wanted to ask, don’t hesitate to contact us.
What does your organization do?
Our organization raises awareness and helps people affected by our cause through extensive programs and services. For a list of specific programs and services we provide, visit our What We Do section.
How can I get involved?
We’re always on the lookout for individuals like you wanting to get involved. Visit our How To Help section to find out ways to donate or volunteer.
If I were to donate funds, how is my money used?
We have a responsibility to our community and our donors and work hard to ensure long-term sustainability of the organization. We make our IRS Form 990 available for review, as required by law. Visit our Financials page to learn more.
If I were to donate funds, how is my money used?
We have a responsibility to our community and our donors and work hard to ensure long-term sustainability of the organization. We make our IRS Form 990 available for review, as required by law. Visit our Financials page to learn more.
Financials
We have a responsibility to our community and our donors and work hard to ensure long-term sustainability of the organization.We make our IRS Form 990 available for review, as required by law. If you would like to make a donation, click the button below
Third Street Clinic and its mission are guided by a dedicated Board of Directors made up of medical doctors, dentists, pharmacists, nurses, social workers, lawyers and representatives from business, public health and social services. The insight they bring from being actively engaged in their fields helps steer the strategies we use to meet the changing healthcare gaps.
Nate Espinoza, BSSW
Freedom Church
Nate is the Compassion Coordinator at Freedom Church, where he administers the church’s benevolence services for people in the Grand Forks community who may have unmet basic needs. Nate studied Social Work at UND, receiving a BSSW (as of 8/3/18, hopefully). Nate has a heart to reach and serve hurting people and see their lives transformed through developing a personal relationship with Jesus.
Susan Shirek
Northlands Rescue Mission
Susan is originally from Warren, Minnesota, and she and her husband have lived in the Grand Forks area all of their adults lives. Shirek is retired from the Grand Forks Police Department and is currently the Executive Director of the Northlands Rescue Mission in Grand Forks, North Dakota. She is a past vice president and past president of the board of directors.
David Thompson, Attorney at Law, PC
Board Member
David Thompson is a passionate and dedicated attorney with his private practice located in downtown Grand Forks. He joined TSC’s Board of Directors in 2010 and has served as volunteer legal counsel for the organization during the same period of time. A New Jersey native, Thompson has lived and practiced law in Grand Forks since 1981. He currently lives and supports the downtown community of Grand Forks with his wife, Lynne.
Tim Carlson, RPh
Thrifty White Pharmacy
Kayla Hochstetler, MSW, LCSW
Valley Community Health Centers
Kayla is the Social Services Care Coordinator at Valley Community Health Centers. She got her BSSW and MSW at UND and joined the TSC Board of Directors in February of 2017. Kayla provides Social Work insight into the operations of Third Street Clinic.
Colleen Brown, Secretary
Retired Pharmacy Tech
Colleen Brown is a retired pharmacy technician. Brown worked for 16 years in the pharmacy connected with the Grand Forks Family Medicine Residency Center (now affiliated with Altru Health Systems). She has seen firsthand the positive impact TSC has had on this community and is very excited to expand this impact through increasing effective use of medical services and the new social enterprise, Inspire Pharmacy.
Judy Swisher, Pharmacy Director
Inspire Pharmacy Owner
There are many words that describe Judy Swisher, and apathetic is not one of them. She has been active with TSC since we were founded in 1989. Her original capacity was serving the organization as a volunteer pharmacist on Tuesday evenings. Over time, however, Swisher became more involved in the formal operations of TSC. She joined the Board of Directors in 2006 and was selected to serve as Secretary in 2010. Although Swisher remains active in several organizations, she is officially retired and lives in Grand Forks with her husband, Wayne.
Lyn Boese, President
Polk County Public Health
Lynette (Lyn) Boese is a public health nurse for Polk County Social Services in Crookston, Minnesota. She joined TSC in early 2012 and has an interest in expanding our partnerships throughout our community. Lyn enjoys visiting national parks and spending time at their cabin with friends. Along with her service to TSC, she is also a volunteer with the Riverside Christian School and Faith Evangelical Free Church.
Carenlee Barkdull, PhD
Chair UND Social Work Department
Carenlee Barkdull volunteered her time and talents for TSC beginning in 2010. She is active in the Grand Forks community, where she and her husband, Dr. Bret Weber, have lived since 1997. Barkdull is a former president of TSC Board and current member of the Executive Committee.
