In This Issue:
- FamilyMeans' Board of Directors Elects Three New Members
- Record Breaking 'Better is Possible' Fundraiser
- The Surge of Financial Exploitation of Older Adults
- Ted Nesse Receives Grace B. Stoltze Award
- The Benefits of Working with a NFCC Member Organization
- Creating a Ripple Effect: How FamilyMeans' Clinical Internships Strengthen Care & Community
- Get Involved!
Record Breaking 'Better is Possible' Fundraiser
On March 26, 2026, FamilyMeans hosted the most SUCCESSFUL event in AGENCY HISTORY! Funds raised help us to offer life-changing access to support services within our organization. We are grateful for the 165 guests who attended, the 32 sponsors who committed to uplifting our community, and the 17 volunteers who gave their time to ensure the evening was amazing for all.
Together, we raised over $160,000 in support of FamilyMeans programming!
View Caregiving & Aging 40th Anniversary Video!Presenting Sponsors
The Surge of Financial Exploitation of Older Adults
What You Can Do to Protect Yourself and Others
Lisa was cooking supper for her husband, Tom, when her phone rang. The caller ID showed an unfamiliar number, but she answered in case it was important. The caller, Arthur, claimed to be from the Social Security Administration and said her latest check could not be deposited until she confirmed her bank account number. Worried about missing her next payment, Lisa provided the information, and Arthur assured her she would continue receiving checks by direct deposit. Two days later, Lisa’s bank contacted her to report that her account had been hacked and $25,000 had been stolen, with no guarantee it could be recovered. When asked about any unusual recent activity, Lisa mentioned the call from Social Security and was informed that she had been scammed, prompting an investigation.
The story above was created for this article, but scams exactly like this one happen everyday. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), from 2020 to 2024, the number of reports from older adults who lost $100,000 or more from financial scams has increased 300%. Scammers tend to target older adults as they may have more savings and may not be as familiar with deceptive tactics. Our staff at FamilyMeans Caregiving & Aging strive to educate our clients and prevent them from being victims of these scams. Staying informed is one of the most important steps you can take. The following sections explain common types of scams, how to protect yourself, and what to do if you or someone you know has been scammed.
Common Scams:
- Imposter Scams: Posing as a trusted organization, such as your bank, or the FTC claiming your account is compromised
- Grandparent Scam: Posing as a relative in urgent trouble, asking for money for bail or medical bills
- Tech Support Scams: Fake pop-ups stating your computer is hacked and needs repair
- Romance Scams: Creating fake online relationships to steal money
- Government Impersonation Scams: Claiming to be IRS or Social Security officials threatening arrest
How to Protect Against Fraud:
- Stay Informed: Keep up-to–date on latest scam tactics; scammers often change up methods to create confusion
- Protect Personal Information: Never share your personal information, such as your Social Security Number or bank details over the phone unless YOU initiate the contact
- Verify Identity: Never trust Caller ID, hang up and call the official organization directly
- Consult with Family Members: Before making any large payments or financial decisions, discuss with a family member or trusted friend
What Should You Do if You or Someone You Know is Scammed?
- Report: Contact the local police and report the fraud. This can prevent further damage and could aid in catching the scammer
- Notify Financial Institutions: Immediately inform affected banks or credit card companies to put a hold on accounts and prevent further unauthorized transactions
- Change Account Information: Update passwords and security questions for online accounts that may have been compromised
Scammers rely on fear and urgency to pressure people into acting quickly. Taking time to pause, question unexpected requests, and protect personal information can greatly reduce risk. Staying informed is one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent fraud.
Ted Nesse Receives Grace B. Stoltze Award
For nearly a decade, Ted Nesse has been shaping future opportunities for youth through his volunteer efforts at the Cimarron Teen Center. Guided by his belief in the power of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), Ted's work is driven by the idea that exposure, encouragement, and hands-on learning can help teens imagine futures they may not have otherwise considered.
As a member of the Stillwater Sunrise Rotary Club, Ted has many opportunities to serve throughout the St. Croix Valley. What he values most about volunteering with FamilyMeans Youth Development is the immediacy of the impact. Week after week, he shows up to work alongside teens, building skills, relationships, and confidence through shared learning experiences. He continues a STEM program initially started by Tom Yuska, former Director of Youth Development, with the hope of expanding young people's imaginations and helping them see pathways towards interesting and rewarding careers.
That commitment to service and impact was formally recognized on April 29 at the agency’s annual meeting when Ted was presented with the 2026 Grace B. Stoltze Award for outstanding volunteer service.
Since 2017, Ted has shared his passion for STEM programming with FamilyMeans Youth Development Teens in numerous meaningful ways. He developed a six-badge stem series that allows youth to build skills in areas such as 3D printing, web development, and electronics. In just the last two years, 24 teens have earned these badges with his guidance.
Ted has also supported five teens in receiving scholarships to attend Camp R.Y.L.A (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards), a multi-day experience focused on leadership, teamwork, communication, and problem solving. In addition, he has written grants to secure new laptops for our Cimarron Teen Center, ensuring participants have access to tools they need to learn and grow.
Anh Doan, Cimarron Teen Center Coordinator, shared, "Ted has been a phenomenal volunteer for us. From my first year here, Ted has helped these teens feel seen and heard. He accepts every teen at every point of their journey to being a young adult. Thank you, Ted!"
Ted's years of dedication have left a lasting mark on youth in Cimarron. Read a few quotes below from youth who wanted to share their gratitude. Thank you, Ted!
“Ted has changed my life ever since Camp RYLA. He has always been patient with us.” – Luis
“I have learned a lot from Ted. The packets [he creates] are fun, and Ted’s teaching is excellent. It makes us go through the packets easily.” - Xitlaly
“Ted makes himself comfortable at the Teen Center. He is very easy to talk to.” – Joselyn
Welcome New Director of Youth Development, Paul Shanafelt!
Paul is joining FamilyMeans as Director of Youth Development, bringing more than 15 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, youth development, community engagement, consulting, and public policy. Paul previously worked at the Landfall Teen Center from 2011-2015 and is incredibly thrilled to return to FamilyMeans.
The Benefits of Working with a NFCC Member Organization
How FamilyMeans and the National Foundation for Credit Counseling are Advocating for Smarter Credit Policy
Being a member of the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) is a meaningful distinction for FamilyMeans, and it brings direct, concrete benefits to our clients. Here are a few of the benefits of working with an NFCC member agency like FamilyMeans!
Access to Highly Trained, Certified Credit Counselors
NFCC requires its member agencies to have counselors who are professionally trained, certified, and re‑certified every two years. This ensures clients receive high‑quality, accurate, and unbiased financial guidance. Additionally, NFCC member agencies maintain accreditation through the Council on Accreditation, ensuring adherence to rigorous nonprofit service standards.
Unbiased, Ethical, and Client‑First Financial Counseling
NFCC has long set national standards to protect consumers, offering a trusted, ethical framework for counseling services. This protects clients from predatory practices and ensures recommendations are always in their best interest.
Comprehensive Financial Services Under One Roof
As an NFCC member agency, FamilyMeans can offer clients access to a wide range of services, including credit and debt counseling, budget counseling, and a Debt Management Plan (DMP).
Debt Management Plans with Standardized, Negotiated Creditor Concessions
NFCC negotiates concessions with major creditors on behalf of all member agencies. This allows clients to benefit from lower interest rates, waived or reduced fees, and consolidated monthly payments. These standardized concessions make debt repayment more affordable and realistic for clients.
Trusted, Long‑Standing National Reputation
NFCC has been a respected nonprofit organization since 1951 and its member agencies serve millions of Americans each year. Clients benefit from the credibility and history of an organization with decades of impact, more than 35 million people served since 2006 alone.
In choosing FamilyMeans, clients are choosing more than just financial guidance, they are choosing a trusted partner committed to ethical, effective, and client‑centered support. Our membership with the NFCC reinforces our dedication to national standards, professional excellence, and long‑term financial wellbeing. Together, this partnership ensures that every client receives reliable guidance, realistic solutions, and the confidence to move forward toward a more stable financial future.
Connect with us!
Within FamilyMeans Counseling & Therapy, learning creates a ripple effect. What begins as a training experience for graduate‑level interns helps expand access to care, strengthen clinical teams, and support the long‑term health of the communities we serve.
Each year, FamilyMeans welcomes clinical interns who work with clients across outpatient clinics in Stillwater and Hudson, school‑based programs in the Stillwater School District and District 622, and community education settings. Their work helps reduce wait times and increase access for individuals and families who may otherwise face barriers to care. Collectively, interns contribute more than 3,000 service hours each year.
Interns are fully integrated into FamilyMeans clinical teams and supported through supervision, training, and a cohort model designed to encourage connection. Kari Kelcher, Intern Coordinator and Therapist for Counseling & Therapy, emphasizes the importance of support during this formative stage of learning. Kari says “The support that interns receive during this time is critical. It’s a formative stage of learning, and we are proud to be an anchor for them as they begin their therapeutic work.”
Kelcher brings personal dedication to her role. “I can’t even begin to express my passion to our training program as the intern coordinator in Counseling & Therapy at FamilyMeans,” she shares. “Every day I am honored, and excited, by the opportunity to work alongside each trainee.”
The internship program also creates meaningful opportunities for FamilyMeans clinicians. “Interns enhance our team dynamic,” Kelcher says. “They allow our clinicians to give back to the profession by supporting and mentoring the next generation, while also encouraging us to never stop learning and reminding us that there are always ways to grow.”
By investing in training, mentorship, and learning, FamilyMeans creates a ripple effect that benefits interns, clinicians, clients, and the broader community, ensuring compassionate care today while building a stronger workforce for the future.
Kari shares, “I am grateful to work for an organization that values our growth as a field, commits to learning and training, and invests in both interns and employees to support our clinical internship program.”
We will be accepting applications for our Fall 2027 Intern Cohort beginning November 2026. Learn more by visiting FamilyMeans Clinical Internship.
Welcome New Clinical Director of Counseling & Therapy, Cristina Combs!
Cristina joined the FamilyMeans Counseling & Therapy team in February. With over twenty years in community health programs, Cristina strives to affirm personal and communal strengths, and she tends to issues of social justice as essential components of clinical practice.
We are grateful and excited to have her stepping into this leadership role!
Join the FamilyMeans Team!
FamilyMeans is currently accepting applications for:
- Accounting Assistant (Part-Time)
- School-Based Mental Health Therapist
- Youth Development and Caregiving & Aging Volunteers
FamilyMeans offers competitive pay and benefits such as health and dental insurance, 403(b) retirement plan, and paid time off to eligible employees.
Our mission is to strengthen communities by helping individuals and families through challenges in all life stages. FamilyMeans envisions vibrant and resilient communities where everyone lives to their fullest potential. Our work is life's challenges. A career with Familymeans provides an opportunity to enrich your professional life while working alongside colleagues who share a vision of making changes in people's lives through high quality services. We strive to provide the highest quality of care for our clients as well as work-life experience for our employees.
Stop By and See Us at Upcoming Events!
Sunday, June 7 | 9am-6pm
Grand Ave, Saint Paul
Visit our team on Grand Avenue for a moment of calm during the festivities. Meet therapists and grief specialists, learn about services and therapeutic events, and explore our healing outdoor spaces.
Find us in the Wellness block between Lexington and Ayd Mill.
Tuesday, June 16 | 5:30pm-8:00pm
Green Space - 115 N 4th St, Stillwater
FamilyMeans Staff will be attending this inclusive, free Pride celebration hosted by the Stillwater Pride Alliance! Come see us along with other organizations providing music, activities, and other fun for all ages!
Leave us a Review!
We value your feedback! At FamilyMeans, our dedicated team works tirelessly to provide exceptional services and support to our community. Your reviews help us to continue this important work and reach even more people in need. If you've had a positive experience with us, please take a moment to share your thoughts. Your kind words not only motivate our team but also help others discover the valuable services we offer. Thank you for being a part of our mission to make a difference!
FamilyMeans Board of Directors
2026
Bob Clark, Board Chair | Matthew Salisbury, Vice Chair | Peter Matzek, Treasurer
Jenny Terwedo, Secretary | Lindsay Belland | Carmen Colombo | Jim Ellis
Heidi Hubbard, MD | Shawn Lohmann | Kerrie Oetter | Wayne Scheuermann
Anne Schmeichen | Clark Schroeder | James Kroening, President & CEO
FamilyMeans
1875 Northwestern Ave S | Stillwater, Minnesota 55082
651 439 4840
Follow Us!
