When we spoke with Jason Carlson, CEO of Tri Valley Opportunity Council, it became clear that the Tri-Valley Opportunity Council was yet another Crookston organization created out of a desire to meet a local need, and has grown over the past 60 years.
This simple but powerful idea was born in 1965: to confront poverty at its roots.
“We were organized under the Johnson administration War on Poverty,” Carlson said. This idea became the Tri-Valley Opportunity Council, Inc. (TVOC), an organization determined to provide more than quick fixes. Their mission started with a small grant focusing on West Marshall, West Polk, and Norman County outreach.
“Things started with well-intended people going and trying to do good in the world,” said Carlson. Now, Tri-Valley Opportunity Council covers 73 counties, from Grafton to Rochester.
Building Foundations That Last
Decade by decade, the work of TVOC blossomed, touching every corner of the region. They created programs like Head Start, giving children a chance to grow, learn, and thrive while supporting families with education and care. They tackled housing insecurity with assistance programs, and their Weatherization Program ensured homes stayed safe and warm through Minnesota’s winters.
Food insecurity, once an everyday reality for many, was addressed through partnerships and resources like the Northwestern Minnesota Food Bank, making sure no family had to choose between paying bills and putting dinner on the table. Programs for seniors—like the Foster Grandparent Program—give older residents opportunities to mentor young lives, creating connections that benefit generations. TVOC offers a bus service, and a volunteer-supported ride program to help people to and from appointments or employment—a popular service in our community.
Some initiatives grew so impactful that they branched off into independent organizations, while others remain integral to TVOC’s work. Through it all, the organization has stayed true to its founding mission, not just alleviating poverty but helping individuals and communities rise above it.
A Hand for Every Stage of Life
TVOC knows that no two families face the same challenges. That’s why its programs are designed to support every stage of life, addressing the interconnected hurdles that come with limited income.
Affordable childcare is a lifeline for many working parents, and TVOC helps ensure options are available to those who need them. Energy assistance programs, another well used resource, alleviate the stress of heating costs.
For those seeking economic independence, TVOC offers job training and career development services. These programs help individuals build skills and find meaningful employment, breaking the cycle of poverty one opportunity at a time.
Reaching Rural and Agricultural Communities
The challenges of rural life are unique; geographic isolation, seasonal jobs, and limited resources can weigh heavily on families. TVOC steps into this gap, extending its support to low-income households throughout northwest Minnesota, including agricultural workers and their families.
Through programs like Head Start and Early Head Start, TVOC ensures that children, no matter their background, receive the nutrition, education, and care they need to thrive. Meanwhile, housing programs and energy assistance offer stability to families navigating the ups and downs of rural life.
This wide-reaching support strengthens not just individual families but entire communities, creating the ripple effect of resilience, growth and independence.
Supporting Seniors, Building Connections
TVOC doesn’t just focus on families and children—it also champions the senior generation who have shaped their communities. Programs like the Foster Grandparent Program and the Retired Senior Volunteer Program allow seniors to remain active, share their wisdom, and stay connected to their communities.
These initiatives are about more than volunteering—they’re about purpose. Seniors often describe finding new meaning in their roles, whether mentoring young children or helping with local projects. The result is a community that feels more interconnected, more whole.
Collaboration as a Cornerstone
What makes TVOC’s success enduring is its commitment to partnership. By working with local governments, nonprofits, businesses, and volunteers, the organization extends its reach and deepens its impact.
Many of TVOC’s initiatives have grown into independent entities, a testament to their success and sustainability. Others remain deeply woven into TVOC’s mission, continuing to evolve alongside the community’s needs.
A Vision for Generations to Come
Nearly 60 years after its inception, TVOC has proven that the fight against poverty is not about quick wins but steady, meaningful progress. From housing and energy assistance to education and senior engagement, the organization continues to adapt and expand, finding innovative ways to meet the challenges of the moment.
What started as a modest effort has become a lifeline for northwest Minnesota. Through collaboration, creativity, and a belief in the potential of every individual, TVOC transforms lives and strengthens communities.
Today, the Tri-Valley Opportunity Council is more than an organization—it’s a promise. A promise that no matter the obstacle, there will always be someone ready to help, someone ready to listen, and someone ready to believe in a better tomorrow.
