Elder Network

“ I was about to give up.  I made the phone call that changed our lives.”

-- Elder Network former client and Elder Network volunteer

This year is our 36th year of service! Thank you to all who have supported us in the past, and thank you to you who are reading this and considering a gift to support our work, ensuring those 55 and better and their caregivers have the opportunity to thrive and lead rewarding lives!

We have helped older adults through grief and loss, helped them with little things like dishes, laundry, or a ride to the doctor.  

When they were feeling alone, forgotten or left behind, we were there with a warm smile and a good chat. 

Because of your time, talents, and financial support, we have been there for families who needed a break or someone to talk to about caring for their care receiver. 

We continue to be called upon to provide assistance to those isolated in their homes and/or those who are now working from home and caring for a family member. Our volunteers and staff continue to visit and serve clients in their homes, as well as through virtual offerings. This empowers us to reach those facing obstacles to service.

Please help us reach our goal of $30,000 so we can continue serving older adults and their caregivers!

 As a locally-grown, community-based non-profit, we focus on providing a range of programs that help older adults maintain their wellbeing and independence, and provide caregivers with support to enrich and extend their caregiving journey.  We serve over 2,400 older adult and caregiver participants per year, with over 26,500 hours in Dodge, Olmsted, Winona & Wabasha Counties.  

Elder Network believes strongly in supporting the needs of older adults/caregivers who are financially burdened-offering payment plans & scholarships. Most services are offered on a sliding-fee scale-with lower costs for lower-income individuals-and some services on a voluntary contribution basis. We are always working with businesses and community agencies to extend our reach to those who are most in need.

We continue to serve clients from all backgrounds and are continuously working to ensure that rural residents, individuals with disabilities, veterans, immigrants, refugees, BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and other essential members of our community are represented. We thank our community of supporters and volunteers for making our work possible.

We couldn't do it without the help of people like you.

You can help. You can be the friendly face at a neighbor's door. You can be the ride to the doctor's office. You can be the one who does the dishes or makes a lunch. You can be the listening ear or the one who gives a friend a break for a few hours.  

Your gift to Elder Network can support our mission to help older adults and caregivers by:

* Providing resources and helping with forms through our Senior Advocates. 

* Helping decrease loneliness and isolation of older adults through weekly visits from Friendly Visitors. They enjoy walks, conversation, shared hobbies, and other activities.

* Ensuring those facing depression and/or epilepsy have PEARLs coaches, who help them develop and work towards goals that increase social outings, physical activities, and scheduled enjoyable activities-decreasing their symptoms of depression.

* Supporting caregivers with Caregiver Respite, weekly for 2-3 hours, so they can take a break or accomplish tasks while their care receivers get consistent care.

*  Assisting older adults to remain living independent, with in-home, non-medical Companion Services-such as light housework, home-cooked meals, filing, home organization, and errand assistance.

*  Furthering the health and well-being of older adults by ensuring they receive Transportation to medical appointments, as well as non-medical locations that serve essential needs, such as grocery shopping, getting a hair cut, visiting legal services, etc.

*  Encouraging those caring for another by offering them Caregiver Support in the form of support groups, one-on-one coaching, family meetings, and services that help them to manage stress and enjoy caregiving.

*  Empowering older adults and caregivers with Education through evidenced-based workshops that advocate for older adults and build a network of support for those caring for another.

*  Supplying older adults with iPads, hotspots, and trained volunteers/staff who offer weekly Technology Assistance through direction and education on how to access applications on the iPads to enable them to complete tasks of daily living.

* Providing homebound older adults with dementia, a safe place to socialize with new friends in a community location, while their caregiver gets a break-through Group Respite.

Will you join us in creating rewarding and thriving lives for older adults and their caregivers by donating today?