The Bridge is a non-profit organization
​dedicated to the health and well-being of the community.
We provide a temporary food source for families and individuals in an environment of respect, caring and optimism.

Values

Accountability
Ensure consistent, reliable treatment to earn and maintain the trust of everyone we work with and serve.
Integrity
Uphold moral and ethical standards, working honestly and openly.
Community
Build a strong presence in our community, maintain a relevant and heeded voice.
Positivity
Greet clients with optimism, encouragement, and compassion.
Respect
The Golden Rule. Always. 

Board of Directors

​FRED LEHMKUHL (CHAIR)

HANS LARSON (VICE-CHAIR)

MARK MURDOCK (TREASURER)
Mark Murdock is a retired hardware store owner and has been married to his wife Pat for thirty nine years. Mark and Pat have two sons and four grandchildren. Mark is a graduate of Owatonna High School and Southwest State College in Marshall Minnesota where he received a degree in history and political science in 1974. Mark and Pat have lived on Round Lake south of Perham since 1996 when they purchased the Coast to Coast store which is now Ace Hardware and their son Nick and his wife Katie now own. Their other son Adam, lives in Watertown SD. Mark enjoys fishing, hunting, and most important, spending time with his wife and grandchildren. Mark also spent two terms as a State Representative for this district from 2009 to 2013, so please do not hold that against him!!

LIZ SWANSON (SECRETARY)
Liz Swanson lives in Perham with her husband Craig of 25 years and their 2 children. She has been working as a Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) since 1991 and mentors new SLPs in the schools. Liz currently serves on the Advisory Council of the Boys and Girls Club of the Perham Area, is VP of Calvary Lutheran Church, and the chairperson of Calvary’s Social Ministry Committee. She organizes the Perham Back pack Food program and TWIGs (Together Winning in God’s Service).
DEBBIE BLICKENSTAFF

TINA RASMUSSEN

PASTOR RAY SHERWOOD

DORVIN WENDT
Dorvin had a career working in several grain elevators and fertilizer plants in Perham and Warren, MN. Dorvin along with his wife, Deloris (Lori), had one son, Jayme, who sadly passed away of a rare disease within the first year. In 1987 they adopted a nine year old girl from Korea naming her Amanda Jung Ae who now resides in Minneapolis. Dorvin was raised and attended school in Corliss Township. Dorvin is a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran church where he volunteers including maintenance of the cemetery. He is currently in charge of maintenance, lawn care and snow removal at their 18 unit apartment complex in Perham.  

EHREN ZIMMERMAN
Principal, Perham High School.

CINDY OLSON
Cindy Olson grew up in Adams, North Dakota and came to Perham after she graduated from Moorhead State University. She was a speech pathologist for 40 years working in the Perham, New York Mills, Deer Creek and Henning districts and also working with the birth to 3 year program for Freshwater Special Ed District in Wadena. She is active at Calvary Lutheran Church and is presently active in Calvary's Community Outreach Ministry , helping families find furniture and household items. Cindy and her husband Mark live in rural Ottertail. They have 2 children and 6 grandchildren.

JASON SMITH
Jason Smith has been the principal of St. Henry's Area School since 2008 and a teacher there since 2000. He is married to Lisa Smith and has three children, Andrew(10), Morgan(7), and Isaac(5). Jason was born and raised in Perham and continues to live in the community. Jason and his family are active members of St. Henry's Parish in Perham. He attended MSUM for his degree in Elementary Education and continued his studies at SMSU, receiving a master's degree in Education. The Smiths enjoy sporting events and many family activities.