Needs From: United Way of Southeast Minnesota

Silent Auction Volunteers work with 10-20 assigned/self-selected businesses/individuals in the community who are able to provide Elder Network with donated goods or services for their silent auction at the annual gala in September.

o This position requires interaction with business owners/individuals to share a little with them about Elder Network and the work that the agency does, as well as making an ask for donated goods/services from the business prior to August 1st, 2024.
o The process of asking for the goods/services requires good communication that may be via phone calls, emails, mail, and/or in-person conversations. Having established connections is not a requirement to make an ask of a business, but any experience or relationship with the business/individual can aid volunteers in having successful interactions with acquiring donations.
o This position requires between 10-50 hours (depending upon commitment to the number of businesses selected) of support throughout May-September, with the bulk of the hours occurring in April-August.
o Silent Auction volunteers can assist with set-up of the items for auction at the event on the day-of on September 21st, 2024.

Please reach out to Elder Network and request to speak with Becca at 507-285-5272, or email Becca at beccah@elder-network.org, if you are interested in volunteering with this opportunity.

Are you 18 and older and enjoy helping those over 55 years of age who may need a little assistance with non-medical services such as meal preparation, light laundry, emptying trash, shopping, appointments, etc.? 

Elder Network is a local non-profit agency serving older adults in our area for 35 years. We are looking to hire responsible, self-directed, caring and compassionate individuals who are interested in being part of our team. Companion schedules can be flexible. Necessary training and background checks are required. Contact Holly Brown at 507-285-5272 or hollyb@elder-network.org.

The Elder Network is a 501(c)(3) human services agency that was formed in 1988, and was incorporated on May 28th, 1991. The mission of Elder Network is that, “Those 55 and better and their caregivers have the opportunity to thrive and lead rewarding lives.” Though only 46% of adults believe our community promotes senior independence, Elder Network is dedicated towards expanding services and resources for these individuals (CHNA, Olmsted County, 2019). We focus on helping seniors and caregivers to maintain their general health and well-being, including their mental health; and to maintain independence and quality of life in a safe, supported environment. Elder Network sustains their programs and services through grants, earned income from program fees, service contracts with the government, private contributions from donors, support from area businesses, and fundraising efforts.

Elder Network currently provides the following services: Companion Care, Respite Care, Friendly Visiting, Medical and Non-Medical Transportation, Senior Advocacy, PEARLs, Educational programs and groups such as Powerful Tools for Caregiving and Aging Mastery, our Technology Assistance Program, and Caregiver Support through REACH coaching, dementia and caregiver support groups, an art group, and a mindfulness group. Throughout the past 35 years of service, Elder Network has been dedicated to serving older adults and their loved ones, which include caregivers, family members, and friends. Through these 35 years of operation, Elder Network has committed resources to training staff, volunteers, clients, and community members on dementia, accessibility, diversity, end-of-life planning, grief support, suicide prevention, mental health in the aging population, and many other vital areas of service delivery that pertain to those 55 years of age and older.

Office & Development Volunteers can provide clerical assistance in organizing event-related files and folders, provide aid in drafting and updating mailing lists for events and mailings, assist with inputting donor data into our computer system, making calls to donors, writing and sending thank you cards to donors, etc.
o These positions do not require a set number of hours in a week, but having a regular schedule within this position allows the volunteer to have more duties and responsibilities assigned as they develop their knowledge of the agency.

Please contact Becca with interest, at beccah@elder-network.org or call her at 507-285-5272. 

Memory Café is for those with dementia and their caregiver to meet in our community for casual conversation and interaction with other people struggling with memory difficulties. Our Memory Café in Rochester is open to anyone who is experiencing dementia, as well as their caregiver. We open this program to community members on a monthly basis, on the third Thursday of the month, from 2-3pm. The concept of Memory Café is to open a local, community hub that provides a welcoming and accepting nature for seniors with dementia. These individuals often face many isolating stigmas and stereotypes-preventing them from experiencing socialization opportunities that keep them in touch with their humanity. With the Memory Cafes, seniors with dementia can meet others going through similar experiences, while enjoying relaxing activities, crafts, drinks, and snacks. Their participation does not incur set fees, but rather they attend based upon their own, voluntary contributions. The Olmsted County Memory Café is held in Zadeo's Pizza in the Cub Foods Plaza, at 1021 15th Ave SE, Rochester, MN 55904.

Elder Network is seeking out community members who have time and talents to dedicate towards our Memory Café. Artists, musicians, crafters, and others who feel they have a skill or talent that could be used to assist us in delivering programs to seniors facing dementia, as well as their caregivers, are welcome to contact us at 507-285-5272 or melissas@elder-network.org. We would welcome your interest, and we would love to have your assistance with providing this enjoyable and relaxing time of socialization for these members of our community who often face isolation. Musicians who could play a few sets, artists that could provide craft programming for those with dementia, and others who are able to offer their time to our Memory Café on the third Thursdays of each month, from 2-3pm, are welcome to contact us with their ideas. We would love to brainstorm innovative programming with you to help serve our community. Experience with dementia is not necessary, as we can help you craft your skill to meet the needs of our clients.

The Elder Network is a 501(c)(3) human services agency that was formed in 1988, and was incorporated on May 28th, 1991. The mission of Elder Network is that, “Those 55 and better and their caregivers have the opportunity to thrive and lead rewarding lives.” We focus on helping seniors and caregivers to maintain their general health and well-being, including their mental health; and to maintain independence and quality of life in a safe, supported environment. 

Elder Network currently provides the following services: Companion Care, Respite Care, Friendly Visiting, Medical and Non-Medical Transportation, Senior Advocacy, PEARLs, Educational programs and groups such as Powerful Tools for Caregiving and Aging Mastery, our Technology Assistance Program, and Caregiver Support through REACH coaching, dementia and caregiver support groups, an art group, and a mindfulness group. Throughout the past 35 years of service, Elder Network has been dedicated to serving older adults and their loved ones, which include caregivers, family members, and friends. Through these 35 years of operation, Elder Network has committed resources to training staff, volunteers, clients, and community members on dementia, accessibility, diversity, end-of-life planning, grief support, suicide prevention, mental health in the aging population, and many other vital areas of service delivery that pertain to those 55 years of age and older.

Memory Café is for those with dementia and their caregiver to meet in our community for casual conversation and interaction with other people struggling with memory difficulties. Our Memory Café in Rochester is open to anyone who is experiencing dementia, as well as their caregiver. We open this program to community members on a monthly basis, on the third Thursday of the month, from 2-3pm. The concept of Memory Café is to open a local, community hub that provides a welcoming and accepting nature for seniors with dementia. These individuals often face many isolating stigmas and stereotypes-preventing them from experiencing socialization opportunities that keep them in touch with their humanity. With the Memory Cafes, seniors with dementia can meet others going through similar experiences, while enjoying relaxing activities, crafts, drinks, and snacks. Their participation does not incur set fees, but rather they attend based upon their own, voluntary contributions. The Olmsted County Memory Café is held in Zadeo's Pizza in the Cub Foods Plaza, at 1021 15th Ave SE, Rochester, MN 55904. 

The Co-Facilitator would need to be available for set-up, the program, and the event itself. We are seeking someone with either personal or professional experience working with others with dementia. A team player who can work with groups of 10-20 individuals and who can work to assist those with dementia and their caregivers to enjoy relaxing activities, crafts, and food set-up, would be our ideal candidate for this volunteer position. We will also provide additional training on working with those with dementia, as well as assisting caregivers of those with dementia. We will provide support of the co-facilitator in learning how to conduct the activities of each session. We will have pre-planned activities with the supplies and directions available, as well as another co-facilitator who is well-acquainted with the facilities, set-up, schedule, supplies, etc. to assist with each Memory Café. 

If you are interested in learning more about Memory Café, and/or the position of a co-facilitator for these events, please reach out to Elder Network by calling 507-285-5272, or by emailing us at melissas@elder-network.org. A background clearance will be required for all co-facilitators. Snacks will be served at each session, and additional opportunities for learning and growing in one's understanding of dementia and caregiving will be offered to co-facilitators and participants of the Memory Café.

The Medical Transportation Program is provided by volunteer drivers to and from crucial health care appointments such as medical, dental, support groups, mental wellness, hearing and eye, etc. The Non-Medical Transportation Program affords clients the opportunity to receive rides from volunteers to and from important resources in the community such as the grocery store, places of worship, the barbershop, the bank, etc. This service is available in Olmsted County, and most rides are within Rochester city limits. Both programs follow the same program guidelines, as well as volunteer duties, except that drivers assisting clients to the grocery store may be asked to carry the groceries to the door of the client's home.

We are currently seeking drivers who have a clean driving record and are willing to contribute 2-3 hours of their time each week to providing this necessary and important community service. Drivers will receive weekly emails with appointment times that are available for service delivery. Drivers can select one or more rides based upon their own schedule, agreeing to bring a client to their medical appointment, and then back home again.

Volunteers are not expected to assist with transfers and are not expected to sit with clients during appointments. Volunteers provide transportation and a friendly visit during the ride for the seniors served through this program. Please call Donna for interest in volunteering with this program: 507-285-5272. Elder Network staff can assist interested volunteers in completing the necessary forms. Background checks are required for all volunteers through the Elder Network and can be completed with the assistance of Elder Network staff.

The Elder Network is a 501(c)(3) human services agency that was formed in 1988, and was incorporated on May 28th, 1991. The mission of Elder Network is that, “Those 55 and better and their caregivers have the opportunity to thrive and lead rewarding lives.” Though only 46% of adults believe our community promotes senior independence, Elder Network is dedicated towards expanding services and resources for these individuals (CHNA, Olmsted County, 2019). We focus on helping seniors and caregivers to maintain their general health and well-being, including their mental health; and to maintain independence and quality of life in a safe, supported environment. Elder Network sustains their programs and services through grants, earned income from program fees, service contracts with the government, private contributions from donors, support from area businesses, and fundraising efforts.

Elder Network currently provides the following services: Companion Care, Respite Care, Friendly Visiting, Medical and Non-Medical Transportation, Senior Advocacy, PEARLs, Educational programs and groups such as Powerful Tools for Caregiving and Aging Mastery, our Technology Assistance Program, and Caregiver Support through REACH coaching, dementia and caregiver support groups, an art group, and a mindfulness group. Throughout the past 35 years of service, Elder Network has been dedicated to serving older adults and their loved ones, which include caregivers, family members, and friends. Through these 35 years of operation, Elder Network has committed resources to training staff, volunteers, clients, and community members on dementia, accessibility, diversity, end-of-life planning, grief support, suicide prevention, mental health in the aging population, and many other vital areas of service delivery that pertain to those 55 years of age and older.

The Volunteer Coordinator can assist the Committee Chair by providing them with assistance in procuring volunteers to support the Gala, as well as to coordinate those volunteers. The Gala is scheduled for September 21st, 2024, and this position supports the coordination of volunteers from May-September, with the bulk of the hours occurring in July-September.
o This position requires 10-20 hours of time to help contact volunteers via phone, email, text, and in-person visits.
o The Volunteer Coordinator will work together with the other Chairs to allocate jobs for each volunteer according to their abilities, interests, and schedules.
o The Volunteer Coordinator will be called upon to organize the volunteer schedule for the day before the event, as well as the day-of, in order to ensure that the set-up process runs smoothly with enough support to prepare for the event.
o This volunteer should be adept at communicating with others, able to coordinate multiple communications at a time, and quick to respond in their communications.
o Use of Excel, Word, Publisher, and other Microsoft Suite products is helpful, as the Chair may require assistance with allocating and delegating businesses/locations to each volunteer.

If interested, please reach out to Becca at beccah@elder-network.org or call 507-285-5272 to request to speak with her.

Elder Network's Wish List Items

Elder Network currently provides the following services: Companion Care, Respite Care, Friendly Visiting, Medical and Non-Medical Transportation, Senior Advocacy, PEARLs, Educational programs and groups such as Powerful Tools for Caregiving and Aging Mastery, our Technology Assistance Program, and Caregiver Support through REACH coaching, dementia and caregiver support groups, an art group, and a mindfulness group. Throughout the past 35 years of service, Elder Network has been dedicated to serving older adults and their loved ones, which include caregivers, family members, and friends. Through these 35 years of operation, Elder Network has committed resources to training staff, volunteers, clients, and community members on dementia, accessibility, diversity, end-of-life planning, grief support, suicide prevention, mental health in the aging population, and many other vital areas of service delivery that pertain to those 55 years of age and older.

Elder Network would like you to consider donating supplies which help support our essential programs and services for seniors and their caregivers in Olmsted, Wabasha, and Winona Counties. We are in need of:

Financial donations and grocery store gift cards are always appreciated, as these allow us to buy for other specific needs such as other essential office supplies.

Thank-you for helping us allocate our funding to our programs and services. 

Mailing Volunteers assist with mailings that occur on a semi-annual basis to share the opportunity with clients to take a survey and share their satisfaction with services and programs with our staff, as well as campaigns or voluntary contribution requests that empower our agency to provide services at affordable rates for seniors and their caregivers.
o This position requires an individual to assist with mailings which occur in January, July, October, and November of each year. Assistance could be associated with one or more mailings. Some additional mailings may also occur throughout the year.
o The annual appeal, semi-annual surveys, and other surveys will be completed through assistance of staff.
o Using the computer to assist with this process is helpful, but not necessary.

If interested, please contact Becca at beccah@elder-network.org or call 507-285-5272 to speak with her.

Would you consider visiting a homebound senior? Many seniors are providing 24/7 care to a spouse or parent. You can provide the caregiver a needed break during the day and enjoy a lively conversation with a senior who needs company while the caregiver is away. Can you help? Male respite volunteers are especially needed. The commitment is typically scheduled on a regular basis, and timeframes range from 1-3 hours. Let us know what would work best for your schedule, and we will work to match you with a client with a similar schedule. Background check and training are required. Please reach out to the Program Coordinator in your region to discuss becoming involved with this program: Holly Brown for Olmsted County through email at hollyb@elder-network.org or call 507-285-5272; Bonnie Sandberg for Wabasha County through email at bonnies@elder-network.org or call 651-565-3237; or Danelle Lawson for Winona County through email at danellel@elder-network.org or call 507-285-5272.

The Elder Network is a 501(c)(3) human services agency that was formed in 1988, and was incorporated on May 28th, 1991. Elder Network’s mission is, “Those 55 and better and their caregivers have the opportunity to thrive and lead rewarding lives.”

Though only 46% of adults believe our community promotes senior independence, Elder Network is dedicated towards expanding services and resources for these individuals (CHNA, Olmsted County, 2019). We focus on helping seniors and caregivers to maintain their general health and well-being, including their mental health; and to maintain independence and quality of life in a safe, supported environment. Elder Network strives to serve as a network to assist caregivers and care receivers to find information, organizations and resources available in the community to meet an identified need. Elder Network sustains their programs and services through grants, earned income from program fees, service contracts with the government, private contributions from donors, support from area businesses, and fundraising efforts. Learn more on our website.

Are you looking for a way to give back in your community? Elder Network is looking for a collaborative team player to join their Board of Directors to help further our mission so “Those 55 and better and their caregivers have the opportunity to thrive and lead rewarding lives.” We are looking for someone who is knowledgeable and passionate about the issues facing older adults today.

What does being a Board Member involve? Board members are expected to attend monthly meetings, uphold the Governance Policy of the organization, participate in fundraising activities, and be an ambassador for Elder Network within the community.

If you or someone you know fits this description, please contact Becca at beccah@elder-network.org or call the Elder Network office at 507-285-5272.

Elder Network is recruiting 1-3 volunteers to support our daily receptionist needs. We offer a friendly and supportive staff, and meaningful tasks to support our work with clients and caregivers, in a pleasant environment. Days and hours are flexible to the volunteer’s availability but a consistent schedule is desirable.

Under the supervision of the Executive Director of Elder Network, the Volunteer Receptionist is responsible for these office tasks.

Duties include:

Knowledge, Abilities and Skills Required

Helpful Skills (not required)

*Background check required.

Working Schedule:  Flexible

Office hours are M – Th, 9am – 3pm; Fri 9am-1pm

We currently do not have coverage on Fridays or on Mondays-Thursdays, from 2:30-3:00 pm. We can always use help around the office during the these other days and hours, however.

Office location:

1130-1/2 7th St. NW, Suite 205

Rochester, MN

Contact:  Kathy Scheid, Executive Director

507-285-5272

Friendly Visitors support seniors with social interaction and connectedness. The Visitors program provides weekly socialization through having someone in home conversing with and engaging an older adult. Phone calls have also been a requested means of receiving services for some clients. This helps avoid loneliness, isolation and supports positive mental wellness. Visitors can visit over the phone, but in-person visits are requested most frequently.

Please call Betsy at 507-251-0867 or email her at betsyq@elder-network.org for interest in volunteering in Olmsted County. For interest in volunteering in Winona County, please email danellel@elder-network.org or call Danelle at 507-452-0580. Elder Network staff can assist interested volunteers in completing the necessary forms. Background checks are required for all volunteers through the Elder Network and can be completed with the assistance of Elder Network staff.

Elder Network is looking for volunteers who are interested in teaching seniors how to use tablets to converse on Zoom and other digital platforms. Volunteers will also assist individuals with questions and guidance on using tablet applications to improve their communication with friends and family, connect with medical providers, use email to communicate with others, order groceries online, and access other important resources that they have been going without. Volunteers meet with clients in-person for 1-2 hours each week, according to what works for the volunteer's and the client's schedules.

The Elder Network is interested in partnering with tech-savvy volunteers who could assist with providing technical education for clients for 1-2 hours per week, according to the schedule of the volunteer. Please call Kyle or Donna for interest in volunteering with this program: 507-285-5272. Also, you can email donnap@elder-network.org if you would like to learn more. Elder Network staff can assist interested volunteers in completing the necessary forms. Background checks are required for all volunteers through the Elder Network and can be completed with the assistance of Elder Network staff.

Elder Network is looking for one or more dedicated social media volunteers to help implement our newly developed social media plan! The ideal candidate for this position would:

This need could be served at the office or virtually, after the volunteer has been trained. Interested candidates can reach out to Elder Network by phone at 507-285-5272 or through emailing Becca at beccah@elder-network.org