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FamilyMeans Welcomes Three New Board Members
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Grace Stoltze Award Honoring 10 Year Volunteer - Rebecca Erickson
On April 27, 2022 the agency held its annual meeting where we were excited to announce 10-year volunteer, Rebecca Erickson, as the 2021 Grace B. Stoltze awardee. Over the last decade, Rebecca has supported the FamilyMeans Caregiving & Aging program in many ways. From leading song and dance at the Day Out! group respite program, to providing one on one in-home respite to care receivers with memory loss. Both roles require much patience, compassion, and a sense of humor - all of which Rebecca seems to hold with ease and grace.
One Day Out! Caregiver wrote:
Words can’t express how grateful I am for the Day Out! program and especially for you (Rebecca). It is clear that you understand what my husband needs to enjoy his day. While he did not want to come at first, now each week he looks forward to spending time with you and the group. Being tuned in to his needs helps me enjoy my day that much more.
In the past 10 years, Rebecca has volunteered over 3,000 hours! Though this quantity of time is truly remarkable, we are even more awestruck at the quality of service that she provides. From taking the lead in pivoting from in-person group respite to virtual, to stepping up to help hand deliver special gift baskets (and a doorstep song) when social distancing was required, or using her personal time to establish fun weekly themes and materials, Rebecca truly represents everything that is a Grace Stoltze Award recipient. What a well-deserved honor!
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Caregiving & Aging Present at National Conference
In April Caregiving & Aging’s staff, Jenny West and Beth Wiggins, presented at the American Society on Aging national conference in New Orleans. Their presentation topic was “Advancing Transgender Health and LGBT Aging Understanding through Virtual Reality.” Audience members had the opportunity to “drive” the virtual reality (VR) experience while others watched it on the screen. This was followed by a debriefing discussion. After wearing the headset and participating in the VR module, one person said, “this is so cool! It’s a total game changer for education and awareness.” Several attendees were from the LGBTQIA+ community and shared their perspectives on the content, the method, and how else they can imagine it being used.
Our Caregiving & Aging team is proud to offer important education in many innovative ways. Learn more about classes and groups being offered by this team by clicking the button below.
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Youth Development Promotes Former Participant to Program Coordinator
The FamilyMeans Youth Development Program began in Cimarron in 2008. In these early years, Andy Calixto participated in programming as a youth community member, spending time in both Kidspace and then the teen program. Upon graduation from high school, Andy decided to support FamilyMeans in a volunteer role, and in 2018 officially joined the team as a paid employee through the Washington County Workforce Program. Over the last year, Andy has worked alongside Jaime Staska as the Kidspace Assistant Program Coordinator.
Andy’s experience working as a paraeducator for Stillwater Schools, coupled with his passion for supporting Cimarron youth, made the choice to promote him to Kidspace Program Coordinator an easy one. Youth Development Manager, Jaime Staska, says “Andy is a wonderful role model for Cimarron youth as he brings gifts of patience, creativity, and playfulness to his work each day.” FamilyMeans is thrilled to offer a former participant a leadership role in the Youth Development program, and is excited to see Andy grow in this position.
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Counseling & Therapy Outdoor Mindfulness Activities
When considering outdoor activities for children, we often think of play time intended to burn off excess energy. But, there are wonderful opportunities to incorporate mindful activities into their schedules as well. Mindful activities allow us to “be in the moment” – focusing on the senses and emotions around the activity. This is an opportunity to push away outside thoughts and worries and to be centered and present. For children, activities such as coloring, painting and even breathing exercises can help them to relax, focus, and may decrease anxiety or depression. Similarly, many outdoor activities can also bring a sense of tranquility and centeredness. These activities are often simple to organize, inexpensive, and can be planned for an individual or a group – they are also great for adults!
There are many online resources for mindfulness activities. Click the buttons below to view a few of our favorites.
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Debt collection can be confusing and stressful - Let Financial Solutions help!
The average American household has over $155,000 of debt. Holding this much debt can cause financial stress and the feeling of fighting an uphill battle. Don’t let the uncertainty of what your rights are when dealing with debt collectors add to your anxiety! Understanding how debt selling works and what questions to ask when contacted are key to maintaining any existing payment arrangements. FamilyMeans Financial Solutions has the resources available to review your unique financial situation and educate you about your financial options to get you on the road to success! Click the button below for more information from the National Foundation of Credit Counseling about debt collectors selling or transferring rights to your accounts.
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'Better is Possible' Fundraiser - Most Successful in Agency History
On Thursday, April 7, 2022 over 150 guests gathered together at JX Venue in Stillwater to celebrate FamilyMeans. As this was our first in-person fundraiser in three years, friends of FamilyMeans were excited to come together to support agency programming. The room was filled with smiles and laughter throughout the night. Guests enjoyed a silent auction with over 30 specially curated items, live auction, and brief program celebrating the 10-year anniversary of the Center for Grief & Loss.
We are thrilled to announce that this event raised nearly $85,000 in support of FamilyMeans essential services. The generosity of our community allows for FamilyMeans to be available to support individuals and families when they need it most. With you, Better is Possible!
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A special thank you to our Diamond and Gold Sponsors!
(Click logo to learn more about each sponsor)
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Volunteer Opportunities Now Available
As Covid restrictions have eased, our in-person programming has grown! We are excited to see so many smiling faces at our activities! We are now in need of volunteers to help support the following Caregiving & Aging programs:
Night Out Volunteers: FamilyMeans is looking for volunteers for our Night Out program. These volunteers help our clients participate in fun, activities and games. If you are looking for an evening volunteer option and want to help our clients engage in activities, this is the opportunity for you!
Community Connection Volunteers: FamilyMeans is looking for volunteers to help with our Community Connection program. These volunteers with help assist with activities and day trips for those in the early stages of dementia.
In-Home Respite Volunteers: FamilyMeans is currently looking for volunteers to help with our in-home respite program. These volunteers are carefully matched with persons to give their caregiver a much-needed break. Volunteers offer companionship to the person they are staying with, but do not help with personal care or medical needs.
If any of these opportunities are interesting to you, or if you would like to know more about them, contact FamilyMeans’ Volunteer Coordinator, Dan, at dbohnker@familymeans.org.
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FamilyMeans Board of Directors
2022-2023
Brian Gunderson, Chair | Melissa Harris, Vice Chair | Peter Matzek, Treasurer | Josh Zignego, Secretary
Lindsay Belland | Bob Clark | Anu Green | Heidi Hubbard, MD | Marissa Kropp
Mike Lyner | Jessica Meletiou | Rajean Moone, PhD | Clark Schroeder
James Kroening, President & CEO
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FamilyMeans
1875 Northwestern Ave S, | Stillwater, Minnesota 55082
651 439 4840 | FamilyMeans@FamilyMeans.org
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