2023 News Archive
December 2023
The Assignment: Ending Ageism
12/21/23 - Adam Suomala
This week, on The Assignment with Audie Cornish, hear how Audie works to bring answers to my voicemail by engaging the expertise of Gerontologist Tracey Gendron about the impact of ageism - including some examples of internalized ageism set against the example of the 2024 presidential election.
Next up, take some time to explore the resources we've assembled around Ending Ageism and some amazing education coming soon to help Minnesota rise to the occasion of Reframing Aging.
Dare to Disagree
12/13/23 - Adam Suomala
Most people instinctively avoid conflict, but as Margaret Heffernan shows us in her classic TED Talk, good disagreement is central to progress. She illustrates (sometimes counterintuitively) how the best partnerships aren’t echo chambers, and how great teams, relationships and organizations allow people to deeply disagree. Margaret challenges us as leaders to understand that "openness isn't the end, it's the beginning."

"No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted."
Aesop
2023 Summit Draws Record Crowd
12/6/23 - Adam Suomala
Over 250 leaders from diverse, multidisciplinary backgrounds joined our Delegates for a day of dialogue. From panels, table conversations, and open forums, conversations ranged from the experience of aging in various communities, responsibilities for good community engagement practices, policy priorities in the 2024 Legislative Session and work on a 10-year blueprint as well as efforts ahead to reframe aging.
Special thanks to our partners at the Age-Friendly MN Council and Platinum Sponsors at the MN Board on Aging. This day would not have been possible without Gold Sponsors: M4A, AARP MN, and Allina Health or Silver Sponsors: MN Elder Justice Center, Lutheran Social Service of MN, LeadingAge MN, Care Providers of MN, and Catholic Charities Twin Cities.
November 2023
Nida Yamin Joins MN Leadership Council on Aging
11/20/23 - Adam Suomala
We are pleased to welcome Nida Yamin as our new Diverse Elders Associate, thanks to funding provided by the Robert L. Kane Endowed Chair in Long-Term Care and Aging.
As a passionate and dedicated healthcare professional, she is helping to integrate the work of the Minnesota Diverse Elders Coalition and elevate the understanding of older adults from diverse communities amongst the Leadership Council, partners and state policymakers.
Yamin
has a Bachelors in Physiotherapy from Jamia Hamdard, an MA in Sustainable Development Practice from the TERI School of Advanced Studies, and is completing her Master of Business Administration (MBA) in 2024 from the Carlson School at the University of Minnesota.
2023 Summit Approaches!
11/1/23 - Adam Suomala
The stakes have never been higher for leaders across Minnesota’s aging sector to work together. Before this year draws to a close, we will again host a who’s who convening of statewide leaders. Be part of dynamic conversations spanning the experiences of older adults from diverse communities and the shared policy work ahead in the 2024 Legislative Session. Learn how you can inform a new 10-year multi-sector plan for an age-friendly Minnesota, the Legislative Task Force on Aging, and a bold initiative to reframe aging.
Don’t wait – register now to secure your seat at this important event and mark your calendar for Wednesday, December 6, 2023, from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Eagan Community Center. Four (4) CEUs will be available for licensed professionals. We need your voice at the table, so sign up now to join us at the Summit!
October 2023
Free Lawmaker Training For Minnesota Lawmakers
10/13/23 - Adam Suomala
The Minnesota Leadership Council on Aging Policy Committee is offering a free training for Minnesota State Representatives and State Senators on Monday, October 30, from 9:00 - 12:00 in St. Paul.
Over the course of the morning, lawmakers will have an opportunity to meet several of the policy resources our member bring to the State Capitol during the session and explore questions like:
- What does aging look like across Minnesota?
- What are constituents likely to contact you about related to aging?
- What are the differences between various services and settings?
- What programs and policies impact how care and services are paid for in our state?
3 Practices for a Life of Wisdom
10/10/23 - Adam Suomala
Sometimes, you just need a lift, a moment of perspective, or a tender and joyful invitation to the callings of being alive in this time and the good that is all around. Even as we have a world to remake, she brings a moment of reflection to seeing the generative story of our time, the possibility of wholeness, and how our questions can guide us.
Today, a new TED Talk posted from a fellow Minnesotan - journalist and podcast host Krista Tippett. With a career spent interviewing some of the world's most brilliant people, the conversations offered her wisdom on the art of living and what it means to be human right now. Listen as she offers three practices to help you make sense of the world around you and bring your fullest, most joyful self to it.
If you like the video and are new to OnBeing, consdider starting here >
Delegate Profile: David Blomquist
10/6/23 - Adam Suomala
Minnesota Leadership Council on Aging is pleased to welcome Dave Blomquist as the incoming Delegate for the Minnesota Network of Hospice and Palliative Care.
Blomquist is stepping into the Executive Director role for the Association in an interim capacity as MNHPC conducts a search for their next leader. This comes following the departure of our outgoing MN Leadership Council on Aging Chair, Jessica Hausauer takes her leadership to a national level, having accepting the post of Executive Director for the National Coalition for Hospice & Palliative Care.
Dave can be reached at dblomquist@mnhpc.org
Age-Friendly MN 2023 Tribal Engagement Series
10/5/23 - Adam Suomala
All are welcome to join a Tribal Engagement Session on Oct. 31 to learn from others and share your community's priorities and planning for elders across the state. This virtual session will include an age-friendly presentation followed by a guided discussion about the concerns, needs and goals of Tribal Nations for aging in their communities.
On November 8, Tribal community members and providers working directly with Tribal Nations are invited to attend the in-person Tribal Roundtable to have an inclusive discussion about state and Tribal policies, programs, and supports for Elders to explore what is working, what needs work, and how to develop an age-friendly Minnesota that includes Tribal Elders and respects each Nation's unique culture.
Age-Friendly Conference Videos Now Available
10/2/23 - Adam Suomala
Over three dynamic days, more than 850 people came together for this unique opportunity to advance a Minnesota for all ages. From virtual sessions covering trends and innovations to networking with allies in seven regions across Minnesota, the collective wisdom of a state is helping to build momentum for age-friendly efforts, including a Multi-sector Blueprint on Aging.
Recordings of the three keynote sessions and seven breakout sessions are now available.
September 2023
Minnesota Ranks #1 in the Country
9/28/23 - Adam Suomala
AARP's new Long-Term Services and Supports Scorecard finds that Minnesota outperforms all other states in the country, particularly due to strong support for family caregivers, and options.
The Scorecard is funded by the AARP Foundation, with support from The SCAN Foundation, The Commonwealth Fund, and The John A. Hartford Foundation and has been updated since 2011.
Last Chance to Register for Combating Ageism Program
9/21/23 - Adam Suomala
In partnership with our member Vital Aging Network, this two-hour online workshop is back by demand and designed to elevate awareness of the stereotypes, prejudice and discrimination directed toward people on the basis of age.
Using interactive experiences, facilitators Sally Brown and Donna Comer will prepare attendees to effectively identify institutional, interpersonal and self-directed ageism as well as how to take action in the global movement to combat ageism.
This program is value-priced with two CEUs at $75/person or $500/group. Scholarships are available if resources are a barrier.
Celebrating the Life of Roxana Linares Arrieta
9/16/23 - Adam Suomala
Many of you experienced the genuine warmth of our former Delegate, were challenged by her as Chair of our DEI Committee, were impressed by her as a Board member, were inspired by her as a Champion of the MN Diverse Elders Coalition, or learned from how she capably served her organization, Centro Tyrone Guzman for 20 years.
Roxana died Saturday, August 26, 2023 in Peru.
Centro Tyrone Guzman invites you to join a celebration of her legacy on Saturday, September 23, from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Register NOW to be part of the Age-Friendly MN 2023 Conference and Regional Exchange
9/15/23 - Adam Suomala
Register now to join hundreds of Minnesotans interested in helping to advance an age-friendly state. This free, live, three-day event allows you to customize your learning to fit your schedule. Register to attend just one of the virtual keynote presentations, seven concurrent breakout discussions, or two afternoons with the national AARP Livable Communities exploring economic development. This unique opportunity also allows a chance to gather in-person in seven locations to inform how a state plan could address the regional solutions needed to help us achieve an Age-Friendly Minnesota.
Essential Palliative: A Compassionate Approach to Serious Illness Care
9/15/23 - Adam Suomala
Our members at the Minnesota Network of Hospice & Palliative Care are pleased to announce this special session for health care professionals serving people with serious illness. This two-track Summit on November 17, 2023 runs from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
This inter-professional conference is designed for professionals working in family practice, emergency settings, neurology, oncology, cardiology, pulmonology, critical care, geriatrics, long term care providers, social service providers such as Senior Linkage Line staff, and hospice and palliative care.
Catalyst Conversations: Anne Barry
9/13/23 - Adam Suomala
Minnesota Leadership Council on Aging is pleased to announce the second in our fall Catalyst Conversations series, on October 10, featuring Anne M. Barry, adjunct faculty member from the School of Public Health at the University of Minnesota.
With recently passed legislation in a number of states placing a spotlight on wage transparency, this session will explore what it means to have wage transparency and other related practices important for leaders in the aging sector.
August 2023

"Sometimes our light goes out, but is blown again into instant flame by an encounter with another human being."
Dr. Albert Schweitzer
Delegate Profile: Paula Woischke
8/18/23 - Adam Suomala
Minnesota Leadership Council on Aging is pleased to welcome Paula Woischke as the incoming Delegate for the Minnesota Association of Senior Services (MASS).
Woischke has worked with the Whitney Senior Center in St. Cloud since 2005, and currently serves as the Director. In addition to being on the MASS Board of Directors, she is also the Minnesota representative for the National Institute of Senior Centers and owns a resort in Cass County. Paula brings deep experience in central Minnesota, ranging from evidence-based health programming for older adults, publishing, grants, contracts, higher education faculty and business operations, She holds a BA and Masters in Gerontology from St. Cloud State University and recently received her Community Health Worker Certificate from Minnesota West Community and Technical College.
Paula can be reached at paula.woischke@ci.stcloud.mn.us
Save the Date: 2023 Ageism Awareness Day
8/14/23 - Adam Suomala
The American Society of Aging has published the Ageism Awareness Day is October 7, 2023. "This is an opportunity to draw attention to the existence and impact of ageism in our society and how we can reframe aging in our communities." A website of resources has already been created to provide a sample press release, list of facts about ageism, an opinion piece and artwork for your use.
If this subject matter is of interest, members can learn more about our strategic work in this area, including our October 4, 2023 Combating Ageism training.
Minnesota's Legislative Task Force on Aging
8/10/23 - Adam Suomala
Established by the 2023 Legislature to review and develop state resources, as well as identify and prioritize necessary supports for our aging population, and to ensure aging-related state policies are inclusive, the Legislative Task Force on Aging has named Megan Voelke as a staff contact and announced the appointment of members, including: Rep. Ginny Klevorn, Rep. Natalie Zeleznikar, Sen. Kelly Morrison, Sen. Karin Housley, Maureen Schneider, Jen Foley, Joe Gaugler and a representative from the MN Indian Affairs Council yet to be announced. A meeting calendar has not yet been set.
Delegate Profile: Robert Freeman
8/9/23 - Adam Suomala
Minnesota Leadership Council on Aging is pleased to welcome Robert Freeman as the incoming Delegate for the Alzheimer's Association, where he serves as Vice President of Public Policy.
Freeman is a familiar face to many of our members as well as in the halls of the Minnesota State Capitol, where he spent more than two decades actively engaged in health and human services policy and advocacy. He joined the leadership team of the Alzheimer's in January 2022 where he leads the organization's policy team. Born and raised in Great Britain, he holds a BS in American Studies and Psychology from Keele University and a Masters of Political Science from the University of Minnesota.
Robert can be reached at rafreeman@alz.org
Catalyst Conversations: Sonya Lewis
8/4/23 - Adam Suomala
Minnesota Leadership Council on Aging is pleased to announce our fall Catalyst Conversations series, starting September 12 featuring workforce development and training consultant Sonya Lewis.
Over the course of just one hour, Lewis will help us tee-up the question of how each of us can help diversify the aging services workforce. In this session, we'll explore the meaningful steps that leaders in aging can take right now to diversify our organizations by 1) tapping into non-traditional candidate pools, 2) building career pathways, and 3) increasing our engagement in the community. You won't want to miss the leadership dialogue to follow.
Delegate Profile: Mirdalys Herrera Tweeton
8/4/23 - Adam Suomala
Minnesota Leadership Council on Aging is pleased to welcome Mirdalys Herrera Tweeton as the incoming Delegate for Centro Tyrone Guzman. She now serves as Executive Director, following Roxana Linares.
Tweeton comes to the Council an accomplished executive leader with a track record of game changing performance - from jazz singer to law school, she has experience across various roles in multiple sectors. She holds a BA from the University of Minnesota and and MBA from St. Thomas University. Born and raised in Cuba, Tweeton has also been an active member of Minnesota's Latino community since 2003, including volunteer work as well as her personal and professional life.
Mirdalys can be reached at MHTweeton@centromn.org
MGS Announces 2024 Conference
8/1/23 - Adam Suomala
Mark your calendars, because the Minnesota Gerontological Society will return for their 48th Annual Conference April 18-19, 2024.
Uniting under the theme Building Bridges, the event will include both virtual and in-person options. Save the dates in your calendar now and make time to join MGS at the McNamara Alumni Center on the University of Minnesota campus in Minneapolis.
More information will be coming out soon. For additional details, contact Interim Conference Coordinator, Christina Cauble.
July 2023
Delegate Profile: Kristin Rigg
7/26/23 - Adam Suomala
Minnesota Leadership Council on Aging is pleased to welcome Kristin Rigg as the incoming Delegate for the Living at Home Network. Effective July 10, she started serving as Executive Director for the Network, which includes 32 member organizations.
Rigg has more than 20 years of nonprofit experience, serving organizations both small and large as consultant, board member, volunteer and fundraising. She has a master’s degree in nonprofit management from Hamline University’s School of Business.
“I am excited to be part of the important work bringing focus to the needs of older adults in Minnesota,” Rigg shared. “I have been and am a caregiver, and those who supported me and my loved ones along the journey I consider to be angels. I am committed to making it easier for older adults and their caregivers to access services in their community.”
Kristin can be reached at
kristin@lahnetwork.org.
Podcast Recommendation
7/6/23 - Adam Suomala
We're all getting older - every minute of every day - but the word "aging" often feels like a dirty word. Why is there such stigma attached to getting older? How can we prepare to transition through the different stages of life? CNN's Chief Medical Correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta, now in his 50s, is asking these questions, and many more, on the new season of Chasing Life.
Join Sanjay as he looks at how his body and mind are changing in real-time and talks to some of his closest friends and family about the passage of time. Building on decades of his own reporting and the latest cutting edge research, Sanjay will explore how he, and the rest of us - whether we are in our 20s, 50s or 80s - can look at getting older in a new light and be the best version of ourselves at any age.
June 2023
Community Engagement
6/13/23 - Adam Suomala
Designed for leaders across the aging services sector, this free live training on June 13, 2023 provides an introduction to the community engagement practices proven to build trust, shared decision-making, and equitable power sharing in mutually beneficial partnerships. With a grounding in Community-Based Participatory Action Research (CBPAR) principles, you can improve your work and strengthen partnerships.
- Gain a foundational understanding of Community-Based Participatory Action Research Principles and how they can improve your work as a leader in the aging sector.
- Practice applying these principles and demonstrate your effectiveness in building trustworthy community relationships.
Delegate Profile: Adero Riser Cobb
6/5/23 - Adam Suomala
Minnesota Leadership Council on Aging is pleased to welcome Adero Cobb as the incoming Delegate for Keystone Community Services. Effective today, she serves as President and CEO for their organization.
Adero first joined the Keystone Board of Directors in April 2017, and in March 2019 came to work for the organization as the Director of Human Resources and Operations. Now transitioning from COO to CEO, Adero's long-standing history with Keystone and the community will continue to be an asset for her organization and our shared work.
Adero can be reached at
ACobb@keystoneservices.org.
May 2023
Delegate Profile: Kimelyn Knight
5/20/23 - Adam Suomala
Minnesota Leadership Council on Aging is pleased to welcome Kimelyn Knight as the incoming Delegate for the Amherst H. Wilder Foundation. As Director of Aging Services, Kimelyn spends her time overseeing a variety of programs and services for older adults in the community.
With a rich background working with older adults, from direct care to executive leadership in the senior living field, Kimelyn brings a deep value for older adults and understanding of ways to problem-solve, redesign systems, and find innovative new ways to approach our work in the aging sector. She will also serve on our Policy Committee.
Kimelyn can be reached at
kimelyn.knight@wilder.org.

"If you've been swimming furiously for a year, you don't expect to finally reach dry land and feel like you're drowning."
Ed Yong
FREE Registration Now Open for Virtual Workshop
5/13/23 - Adam Suomala
Designed as a foundational professional development opportunity for leaders across the aging sector, participants will gain an introduction to the community engagement practices proven to build trust, shared decision-making, and equitable power sharing in mutually beneficial partnerships. Grounded in Community-Based Participatory Action Research (CBPAR) principles, engage in co-learning to effectively apply approaches proven to improve your work and strengthen partnerships.
Registration is now open and this program is provided at no charge thanks to an Age-Friendly Minnesota Technical Assistance Grant.
Kicking Off Older Americans Month!
5/1/23 - Adam Suomala
Every May, the Administration for Community Living leads the nation’s observance of Older Americans Month. The 2023 theme is Aging Unbound, which offers an opportunity to explore diverse aging experiences and discuss how communities can combat stereotypes.
Join us in promoting flexible thinking about aging – and how we all benefit when older adults remain engaged, independent, and included. There are a variety of materials you can use, including logo files, social media content, posters, and sample articles.
April 2023
Valuing Our Elders: Adam Suomala
4/12/23 - Adam Suomala
The University of Minnesota's BRIEF (news across all campuses) had a profile on my work in the aging sector, as did the Spring 2023 issue of their Alumni Magazine. I want to share my deep appreciation for the more important story behind the portrait they captured, which was the opportunity I had to visit our members at Centro Tyrone Guzman and to talk with them about their life experiences, the value they had in Roxana Linares and her team, and learn about their work together on an intergenerational social enterprise, called Manos Montessori.

"We live in a time when science is validating what humans have known throughout the ages: that compassion is not a luxury; it is a necessity for our well-being, resilience, and survival."
Roshi Joan Halifax
Celebrating Vera Ndumbe
4/10/23 - Adam Suomala
We are pleased to share that our colleague Vera Ndumbe successfully defended her dissertation, A Phenomenological Study, Exploring the Management of Physical and Emotional Abuse: A Lived Experience of Licensed Nursing Home Administrators in Minnesota, at St. Mary's University - achieving a Doctorate in Leadership and Education, which she will use to continue helping elevate the experience of aging across Minnesota for years to come.
Dr. Ndumbe served as interim Director of Equity for the Leadership Council from 2021-2022 and remains a trusted consultant working on efforts to champion diverse, equitable and inclusive communities in which to age.
Care Providers of MN is Hiring: President/CEO
4/10/23 - Adam Suomala
Our members at Care Providers of Minnesota have formed a committee to begin the search for their next President and CEO. This posting comes as our long-time colleague Patti Cullen announces her intention to step down as CEO at the end of 2023.
"Over the past 37 years - 16 in the role as President/CEO - Patti has led Care Providers of Minnesota with great tenacity, dedication, and compassion," shared the organization's Board Chair, Amanda Johnson in making the announcement last week. "It is because of this strong foundation that we are confident Care Providers of Minnesota will continue to grow and flourish as we navigate this change." A detailed overview of the organization and the position is now available.
FREE Registration Now Open for Capitol Training
4/5/23 - Adam Suomala
We are especially encouraging Black, Indigenous, and People of Color to register to join us for an in-person training at the Minnesota State Capitol on May 5, from 9:00 - 3:30 to build skills in telling your story with lawmakers and the media.
From a tour of the capitol complex, lunch from Afro Deli, and guest speakers who are passionate experts, you'll develop a new level of confidence in your advocacy and media skills.
This program is provided at no charge thanks to an Age-Friendly Minnesota Technical Assistance Grant. Stipends are also available to help offset any costs associated with attending. This program is powered by Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota and Ampers.
Age-Friendly Advocacy 101
4/5/23 - Adam Suomala
Do you want to have a greater impact in your legislative advocacy? This free training powered by Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota thanks to an Age-Friendly Minnesota Technical Assistance grant will help you gain the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to engage effectively with Minnesota policymakers on policy issues in aging.
- Gain a practical understanding of Minnesota's state legislative environment and your power as a citizen advocate.
- Demystify the legislative process by reviewing how an idea can become a law and representation at local, state and federal levels.
- Gain strategies to build your confidence and ensure successful legislative relationships and meetings.
- Learn proven advocacy approaches to effectively engage with policymakers and engage others.
- Empower more BIPOC advocacy and representation of underserved communities at the State Capitol.
MN State Plan on Aging: Public Comment Period
4/4/23 - Adam Suomala
The Minnesota Board on Aging (MBA) announced the FFY 2024-2027 State Plan on Aging and Intrastate Funding Formula (IFF) is open for public comment through May 3, 2023. The MBA will submit a new State Plan on Aging to the U.S. Administration on Community Living (ACL) by July 1, 2023 to show achievements and activities related to the state's planning efforts. The Plan must include a description of the IFF, which outlines how Older Americans Act funds are administered to the Area Agencies on Aging based on geographic distribution of older adults in the state and those with the greatest economic and social need. As a result of the MBA DEIA Strategic Directive, and the known undercounts in census data, of particular note is the Board's exploration of options to target funding to Native elders.
March 2023
Delegate Profile: Matt Kramer
3/23/23 - Adam Suomala
Following the retirement of Vision Loss Resources President and CEO Kate Grathwol, Minnesota Leadership Council on Aging is excited to welcome Matt Kramer as our newest Delegate.
Matt joins Vision Loss Resources from the University of Minnesota, where served as the Vice President of University Relations for six years. Prior to this, Matt was President of the St. Paul Chamber of Commerce where he built their cash assets from less than $1,000 to over $400,000 in six years. Matt has a wealth of experience succeeding in tough environments and leads with humility and the knowledge that a leader listens more than they speak. He has a deep appreciation and a sincere interest in serving low vision, blind, and deafblind communities.
Matt can be reached mattk@vlrw.org or 612-843-3411.
MGS is Hiring: Executive Director
3/8/23 - Adam Suomala
Our members at Minnesota Gerontological Society have posted a position for Executive Director. This position is responsible to and working collaboratively with the Board of Directors, has duties that include overseeing all aspects of the organization, ensuring operational effectiveness to meet organizational goals, championing a positive narrative for aging, supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion, and ensuring overall organizational strength.
This opening comes as our colleague Alana Wright is taking this time to prioritize caring for her infant and take care of her family. Previous Executive Director Tom Hyder is currently serving in an interim capacity. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and will remain open until filled.
Friends & Co is Hiring: Director of Program Services
3/3/23 - James Falvey
Friends & Co, (formerly known as Little Brothers – Friends of the Elderly) is announcing that due to the upcoming retirement of a long-tenured staff member, we are now seeking candidates for Director of Program Services.
This is a great opportunity to join a fantastic team working to bring new and existing services to older adults throughout Minnesota and beyond.
Jennifer Wolff to Present Robert L. Kane Memorial Lecture in Long-Term Care
3/2/23 - Adam Suomala
On Tuesday, May 9, starting at 4 p.m. Jennifer Wolff, PhD will present Supporting Care Partners in Real-World Care Delivery in both a virtual Zoom session as well as in-person option held at the University of Minnesota Campus Club in Minneapolis, which will be followed by a Q&A Session and reception.
Dr. Wolff’s research focuses on the care of persons with complex health needs and disabilities and applied studies and initiatives directed at better supporting them and their family caregivers within systems of care delivery. She is the Eugene and Mildred Lipitz Professor, Department of Health Policy and Management; Director, Roger C. Lipitz Center for Integrated Health Care, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health; Joint appointment holder, Division of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.
February 2023
Natasha Merz Becomes the Highest Ranked State Employee Focused on Aging in Minnesota
2/27/23 - Adam Suomala
The Minnesota Department of Human Services announces today that Natasha Merz (she/her) will serve as the Assistant Commissioner of the Aging and Disability Services Division.
Merz has been serving in an interim capacity since August 2022, and prior to the appointment held the role of Director for the Disability Services Division. In addition to four years at DHS in management roles spanning services and standards, she also brings experience supporting teams that have worked on home care, self-directed services and disability waiver policy, as well as a decade serving in various roles in the Office of Ombudsman for Long-Term Care.
Delegate Profile: Katey Zanotelli-Wade
2/20/23 - Adam Suomala
Following the retirement of East Side Neighborhood Services CEO Kristine Martin on December 9, 2022, Minnesota Leadership Council on Aging is excited to welcome Katey Zanotelli-Wade as their incoming Delegate. Katey has been with ESNS since 2018 and currently serves as the Vice President, Strategy and Results.
Bringing a background that champions older adult programing, Katey is known for building cross-sector partnerships and breaking down complex problem and working with diverse teams to find solutions. Before joining ESNS, Katey served in a variety of roles, including a Client Services Coordinator, Social Service Advocate and Music Leader in California.
Katey can be reached at
KWade@esns.org or 612-293-5534.
FREE Registration Now Open for Virtual Workshop
2/13/23 - Adam Suomala
Are you interested in being a champion for positive change in your community? Do you want to have a greater impact in your outreach with elected officials and the media? Our goal is to help leaders in the aging sector effectively share the story of your work to ensure Minnesota becomes a more age-friendly state. This FREE training will help you gain knowledge, skills and confidence to engage with Minnesota lawmakers and the media.
Registration is now open and this program is provided at no charge thanks to an Age-Friendly Minnesota Technical Assistance Grant and powered by Ampers.
FREE Registration Now Open for Virtual Workshop
2/13/23 - Adam Suomala
Are you interested in being a champion for positive change in your community? Do you want to have a greater impact in your legislative advocacy? Our goal is to ensure your advocacy for the aging sector helps Minnesota become a more age-friendly state. This FREE training will help you gain knowledge, skills and confidence to engage effectively with Minnesota policymakers on aging issues.
Registration is now open and this program is provided at no charge thanks to an Age-Friendly Minnesota Technical Assistance Grant and powered by Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota.
Registration Opens for Combating Ageism Program
2/10/23 - Adam Suomala
In partnership with our member Vital Aging Network, this two-hour online workshop is back by demand and designed to elevate awareness of the stereotypes, prejudice and discrimination directed toward people on the basis of age.
Using interactive experiences, facilitators Sally Brown and Donna Comer will prepare attendees to effectively identify institutional, interpersonal and self-directed ageism as well as how to take action in the global movement to combat ageism.
This program is value-priced with two CEUs at $75/person or $500/group. Scholarships are available if resources are a barrier.
Connecting Older Adults to Housing: Examining Disparities
2/1/23 - Adam Suomala
A new report from the Alliance’s Homelessness Research Institute examines how factors like race, ethnicity, gender, age, and shelter status impact older adults’ exits from homelessness into housing.
Key findings include:
- Older adults disproportionately find permanent housing solutions outside of homelessness systems, and they may be facing barriers to receiving the help they need.
- Despite their increased needs, older adults are more likely to be connected to Rapid Re-Housing than more intensive permanent supportive housing solutions.
- Whether or not an older adult was sheltered had a clear impact on the type of housing intervention through which they exited homelessness.
- Older Black adults continue to face inequities in housing placements, and receive a disproportionately smaller share of RRH or PSH connections.
- Most older adults experiencing homelessness were men, but women received a disproportionately higher level of permanent supportive housing services.
January 2023
Addressing Ageism in Healthcare Tool
1/26/23 - Adam Suomala
Created by the Minnesota Northstar Geriatrics Workforce Enhancement Program, this Addressing Ageism in Healthcare Toolkit is designed to help us all reflect on ageism and understand better how it affects the care and health of older adults, in particular.
Kathleen Krichbaum, PhD, RN, FGSA, ANEF, FAAN is a Professor in the School of Nursing. She has taught courses in gerontology and has conducted research on improving teaching and student learning in nursing, and on improving the quality of care and health for older adults. This toolkit contains two components: a Learner Module and a compendium of Teaching and Learning Resources.

"Sometimes I need only to stand wherever I am to be blessed."
Mary Oliver
Military Healthcare Toolkit and Jan. 19 Training
1/17/23 - Adam Suomala
From our members at Trellis, the Mental Health and Older Adult Services Roundtable will be hosting a presentation by members of the Twin Cities Suicide Prevention Coalition to introduce you to their Military Healthcare Toolkit.
While the media may focus on veterans and suicide as something unrelated to aging services, many of us who work with veterans understand the difficulties many face as they age, reliving trauma from years earlier, sometimes simultaneously dealing with memory loss.
This Toolkit is designed to help those supporting veterans to understand military culture, issues and resources so you can better serve them. This will be a free, in-person training starting at 1 p.m. on January 19 in the Trellis offices in Arden Hills.
Age-Friendly Community Grants
1/9/23 - Adam Suomala
The Age-Friendly Minnesota Community Grants Request for Proposal is now live! The RFP is available in PDF and Microsoft Word. A fillable PDF and the Technical Assistance Provider (TAP) Grant Award Announcement will be posted on the website later this week.
Community Grant applicants who would like assistance with their application should notify MN.DHS.AgeFriendlyMN@state.mn.us from January 9 – 20 to be matched with a Technical Assistance Provider. Community Grant applications are due Monday, February 6 at 10 a.m.
Dementia Friends
1/9/23 - Adam Suomala
All are invited to join a one-hour Dementia Friends Information Session to increase your understanding of people experiencing dementia and help make your community dementia friendly.
Learn five key messages about dementia, what it’s like to live with the disease and how to turn your understanding into action that supports people living with dementia. The Dementia Friends information session is for family members, neighbors, professionals, students, caregivers, and community members.
Keep Reading...