Mission Statement
MISSION: Provide resources that promote independence and healthy aging.
VISION: A community where people are able to age with dignity.
VALUES: Compassion, Relationships, Dignity, Respect, Independence, Volunteerism
Impact and Programs
Accomplishments
In 2019, over 400 clients received over 10,000 hours of staff, board and volunteer service. These support services included transportation (both local and long distance rides provided to medical appointments, errands and social outings), exercise programs, friendly visits, memory care support, caregiver consultation and support as well as resources and referrals. Many clients received multiple services through the year. Clients provided testimonials, some filled out surveys, participated in assessments and pre and post evaluations. Anecdotal evidence was also recorded. Using these tools we were able to get positive feedback and affirmation that these services did indeed improve quality of life, support individuals to remain living in their homes and increased their physical activity levels, reduced falls and improved their balance. NP has been averaging an approximate twenty percent growth in service demand each year for the past five years. In 2020 we took extra safety precautions to make sure participants were as safe as possible during during the COVID-19 pandemic. Transportation was safely provided by masked, covid compliant volunteers. Many face-to-face programs were put on hiatus. Friendly Visits became phone calls and zoom visits. Exercise programs were offered via Zoom or weather permitting were held outside socially distanced.
Current Goals
Northwoods Partners 2021 goals are: 1) To provide COVID-19 safe services that promote independence and aging well in one's community. These services would include transportation, friendly visits, resources and referrals and exercise programs like Tai Ji Quan, Matter of Balance, Exercise Buddy programs, Memories and Movement classes as well as group exercise options. 2) To reduce caregiver stress - this will be accomplished through one to one support, offering Powerful for Caregivers Classes, Aging Mastery Class, support groups and caregiver consultant services. 3) Continue to implement actions to help area older adults and their family caregivers to successfully age in place by reducing food insecurity, promoting independent living with improved access to in-home services, increase knowledge and awareness of available senior services, and reducing isolation by increasing social interaction.
Community or Constituency Served
Northwoods Partners clients include those individuals who are aged as well as caregivers and their families. The majority of these clients are considered low income by the Federal Poverty Guidelines for 2021. Our services are provided to individuals living within an area of approximately 480 square miles. This includes Ely, Winton, Babbitt, Tower, Soudan and surrounding townships.
Geographic Area Served
We serve 480 square miles of Northern Minnesota; encompassing the communities of Ely, Winton, Babbitt, Tower, Soudan, and surrounding area.
