St. Germaine leads Central Prairie Human Service Zone

The Central Prairie Human Service Zone (CPHS), which provides social services to Eddy, Wells and Foster counties, has a new director.

Julie St. Germaine, a native of Rolla, N.D., began her position as director back in April, and she's been hard at work ever since.

St. Germaine took the time to sit down with the Transcript last week so she could introduce herself to residents of New Rockford and the surrounding community.

St. Germaine married her high school sweetheart 30 years ago, and together they've had three children, the oldest of which has made them grandparents of five girls.

Before taking her new position, St. Germaine said she and her husband lived in Williston, N.D., where he worked in the oil fields and where she worked at Mayville State University as a recruiter and advisor.

"I've also been an administrator of assisted living and manager of a retirement home, so I have some experience with the aging services division," added St. Germaine. "I have also been an alternate of a housing director for housing, and grants officer for housing."

Since taking over as director in May, she has enjoyed helping the community and doing the sort of work she's always loved doing.

"I've always been interested in human services/social services type work," said St. Germaine. "So when this position came open I was pretty excited to apply for it and I'm really glad to be here."

With a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a minor in healthcare management, as well as a degree in early childhood development, St. Germaine is well credentialed for the position she holds.

As director, St. Germaine oversees the programs that CPHS has - such as economic assistance, child protective services, foster care and in-home services for families in need.

"The purpose of social services is basically to make sure we're helping citizens live their lives to their fullest," said St. Germaine, "whether they need assistance with getting health care, or maybe they need some assistance with purchasing food for their families.

"Social services is basically the first stop to help people make sure they're getting all of their needs met," she concluded.

St. Germaine currently lives in Harvey, and spends most of her time at the Wells County office in Fessenden, where she manages CPHS for all three counties in the zone.

She said she enjoys the small town atmosphere in the area, as well as the kind people that remind her of growing up in small town North Dakota.

"I'm happy to be here and I'm enjoying it so far," she said. "Everyone is really nice and it's nice to be back to a small hometown feel. Williston was nice but it's a different type of atmosphere. In smaller towns people know each other and kind of help each other out, and I love that."

The social services office for Eddy County is located at 22 South 9th Street in New Rockford. Those wanting to learn about the programs CPHS provides can visit or call (701) 947-5314. Their hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. -12 p.m., and 12:30-4:30 p.m.