Elder Network of Winona County

The Elder Network is a 501(c)(3) human services agency that was formed in 1988 and incorporated on May 28, 1991. Elder Network’s mission is, Those 55 and better and their caregivers have the opportunity to thrive and lead rewarding lives. They 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 services Olmsted, Wabasha and Winona counties as a network to assist caregivers and care receivers to find information, organizations and resources available in the community to meet an identified need. Their programs and services are sustained 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 works to provide programs and services free or at low cost to make them affordable for all and we use a sliding fee scale based on income.

Winona County services include:

• Respite care for caregivers: both paid companion and volunteer respite care, to give a caregiver a break.
• Friendly visiting: weekly volunteer visit to socialize and have fun.
• Technology Assistance Program: the program provides an iPad, Wi-Fi and knowledgeable volunteer to work one-on-one in the home to learn to use the Internet to order groceries, video chat with family and friends, join virtual events, telehealth and more.
• Caregiver Supports include: online Caregiver Support groups, Caregiver Support through REACH coaching for those supporting someone diagnosed with dementia, Caregiver one-on-one coaching, and family meetings.
• PEARLS: Program to Encourage Active and Rewarding Lives for Seniors; low cost, evidenced-based coaching for those experiencing depression or epilepsy. Can be offered in the home or online.
• Education and Support programs include: Powerful Tools for Caregiving and Aging Mastery, Chronic Conditions support, online.

Volunteer: There are a growing number of older adults in our community who need some type of assistance each day for an indefinite period of time. Often this means piecing together assistance from all parts of the support system — formal and informal — and still having some needs unfulfilled.

Volunteers needed for:

• Friendly Visiting
• Volunteer Respite
• Technology Assistance
• Advisory Board member
• Fundraising
• Clerical/Office

Your talents can help many people within our community. Volunteering can be very rewarding! Helping others has endless possibilities. Meeting new people and helping them cope with life can be a life changing experience. Training provided and criminal background check required for all volunteer opportunities.

Elder Network of Winona County 902 E. Second Street (WKM bldg), Suite 321 Winona, MN 55987 507.452.0580 or 507.285.5272 email: info@elder-network.org website: elder-network.org