Mission Promotes Hawpetoss to Kitchen Manager
Former army culinary specialist Darren Hawpetoss, once homeless himself, now runs the kitchen at Northlands Rescue Mission in Grand Forks.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Military Jobs
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Northlands Rescue Mission promoted Darren Hawpetoss to kitchen manager in August 2026, after nearly three years working with the organization. Hawpetoss now oversees the kitchen, clients, donations and some employees.
Why it matters
Hawpetoss began volunteering with the Mission out of necessity after leaving the army and experiencing about two years of homelessness. His promotion comes as the Mission prepares its annual Thanksgiving Community Meals Program for families in the Grand Forks area.
Hawpetoss has worked with the Mission for nearly three years and was homeless for about two years after leaving the army. The Thanksgiving program's meal count and total number of families served were not reported.
The players
Northlands Rescue Mission
A Grand Forks shelter and charitable organization that provides meals and housing assistance to people experiencing homelessness.
Darren Hawpetoss
A former army culinary specialist who worked his way from homelessness to become kitchen manager at Northlands Rescue Mission.
The details
Hawpetoss, a former army culinary specialist of Native American descent from Duluth, Minnesota, now manages the Mission kitchen, its clients, donations and some staff. The Mission's Thanksgiving Community Meals Program opened reservations on November 2, with volunteers delivering meals to families in Grand Forks and East Grand Forks.
Timeline
About four or five years ago: Hawpetoss moved to Grand Forks while homeless.
August 2026: Hawpetoss was promoted to kitchen manager.
November 2, 2026: Thanksgiving meal reservations opened.
Thanksgiving 2026: Volunteers deliver meals from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Military Jobs Pathways
Hawpetoss's path from army culinary specialist to kitchen manager reflects the civilian food-service roles that veterans often move into after service. His story illustrates how such transitions can be complicated by homelessness, as he was without housing for about two years after leaving the army.
Residents seeking Thanksgiving meals can reserve through the Mission, and those wanting to donate can bring pasta, fresh fruit and proteins such as beans and frozen meat to the front door. Large donations can be arranged by calling 701-772-6600, Ext. 1007.
The takeaway
Hawpetoss's rise from homelessness to kitchen management shows how veterans and people in crisis can find stable work through community organizations that offer both employment and service. Supporting such programs with donations of staple foods helps sustain the meals they provide.
Further reading
For more on veterans finding civilian work, see Military Jobs in the Grand Forks section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Grand Forks Herald.
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