Elder Network

“Not having Elder Network's Transportation Program would increase isolation and loneliness. Without this services and the kindness of the drivers, my mental and physical health would suffer. It is already a struggle to get out in the community for basic services. It would be a severe loss to people like me if Elder Network were not here.”-Transportation Client of Elder Network

We have been serving the community for over 37 years-and that is because of your support! Thank you for considering a gift to support our work, ensuring those 55 and better and their caregivers have the opportunity to thrive and lead rewarding lives!

Pat riding with Volunteer Driver Tom

In 2024, over 2,000 rides were provided to fill gaps left by buses and costly taxis. 2025 has been a busy year, and demands continue to increase. Pat receives Transportation, and is blind. She greatly appreciates the kindness and dependability of the staff and volunteers. Pat shares, "Without this service, I would have to not live in my house. I'd probably have to go to senior living." Transportation ensures older adults can access care and community, preserving dignity and independence.

We have helped older adults through grief and loss, and helped them with tasks such as dishes, laundry, or a ride to the doctor. When they were feeling alone, forgotten or left behind, we were there with a warm smile and a good chat.    

Because of your time, talents, and financial support, we have been there for families who needed a break or a trusted person to talk to about caring for their care receiver. 

Please help us reach our goal of $30,000 so we can continue serving older adults and their caregivers!

With rising costs of services and cuts to grants, your support is essential in helping fill these gaps so that we can keep programs affordable to the over 65% of clients who are low-income (below 250% of the Federal Poverty Line). We serve over 4,100 older adult and caregiver participants per year, with over 29,000 hours in Dodge, Goodhue, Olmsted, Winona & Wabasha Counties.  

We continue to serve clients from all backgrounds and are continuously working to ensure that rural residents, individuals with disabilities, veterans, immigrants, refugees, BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and other essential members of our community are represented. We thank our community of supporters and volunteers for making our work possible.

Elder Network Companion Staff Biking with Older AdultYou are vital to our work-and essential to the caregivers and older adults of our community! 

You can help. You can be the friendly face at a neighbor's door. You can be the ride to the doctor's office. You can be the one who does the dishes or makes a lunch. You can be the listening ear or the one who gives a friend a break for a few hours.  

Your gift to Elder Network can support our mission to help older adults and caregivers by:

* Providing resources and helping with forms through our Senior Advocates. 

* Helping decrease loneliness and isolation of older adults through weekly visits from Friendly Visitors. They enjoy walks, conversation, shared hobbies, and other activities.

* Ensuring those facing depression and/or epilepsy have PEARLs coaches, who help them develop and work towards goals that increase social outings, physical activities, and scheduled enjoyable activities-decreasing their symptoms of depression.

* Supporting caregivers with Caregiver Respite, weekly for 2-3 hours, so they can take a break or accomplish tasks while their care receivers get consistent care.

*  Assisting older adults to remain living independently, with in-home, non-medical Companion Services-such as light housework, home-cooked meals, filing, home organization, and errand assistance.

*  Furthering the health and well-being of older adults by ensuring they receive Transportation to medical appointments, as well as non-medical locations that serve essential needs, such as grocery shopping, getting a hair cut, visiting legal services, etc.

*  Encouraging those caring for another by offering them Caregiver Support in the form of support groups, one-on-one coaching, family meetings, and services that help them to manage stress and enjoy caregiving.

*  Empowering older adults and caregivers with Education through evidenced-based workshops that advocate for older adults and build a network of support for those caring for another.

*  Supplying older adults with iPads, hotspots, and trained volunteers/staff who offer weekly Technology Assistance through direction and education on how to access applications on the iPads to enable them to complete tasks of daily living.

* Providing homebound older adults with dementia, a safe place to socialize with new friends in a community location, while their caregiver gets a break-through Group Respite.

Will you join us in creating rewarding and thriving lives for older adults and their caregivers by donating today?