Care Partners News – Spring 2022

Journeying With Care Partners

by outgoing Executive Director, Kay Grindland

I love that both Care Partners’ mission and vision— a community that is fully supported to navigate through our shared journeys of aging, chronic illness, and end-of-life—use the word journey. The road each person walks through these transitions is so unique. And yet, there are profound similarities, too, as we touch what it means to be human. It’s been an honor for me as part of Care Partners to walk with so many elders in our community for a part of the way.

I am so grateful for the journey I have had, leading Care Partners for the past thirteen years. It is amazing to think of the early days with community hospice volunteers, Dr. Sandy Stover, and others from the hospital, clinic, and North Shore Health Care Foundation. Judy Meath of the foundation was my mentor. Jeannette Lindgren, our first Care Coordinator, was my partner as we began to shape Care Partners and I learned about the field of aging and how to be an administrator. It’s been exciting over the years to see Care Partners grow its programs and find its niche.

It’s the people and programs that I hold most dear as I retire—People packing the clinic classroom for programs on dementia. Heart-felt moments of shared loss at Light Up a Life Ceremonies. The wonderful volunteers who keep showing up at trainings and meetings to share stories of their times with clients and the little things and
gestures that meant everything. Our clients—gracious, salty, tough, wise, humorous—who face what life brings them each day. The amazing staff and board members through the years, who brought their own brand of compassion, wisdom, and vision to the work. Jayne Johnson, our Board President, who has faithfully supported Care Partners and my leadership every step of the way. And finally, the Cook County Aging Coalition and its Aging Well Resources, culminating years of networking with other providers.

As I leave to enjoy a simpler life, Care Partners will be in good hands with our staff, volunteers, board, and all of our community partners and supporters. These are very challenging, shifting times and I am glad for the experience and direction Care Partners’ new Executive Director, Julie Wilson will bring. I know, together, they will rise to meet the journey ahead.

Board Members Needed

Are you passionate about the mission of Care Partners and have experience in strategic thinking and nonprofits?
Consider applying to join Care Partners Board of Directors. Contact Jayne at board@carepartnersofcookcounty.org

Welcoming Julie Wilson!

Care Partners Board of Directors is pleased to welcome Julie Wilson as our new Executive Director. She will start April 11th. For Julie, it is all about synchronicity—finding a position and organization that are such a great fit, just as she committed to moving to Grand Marais.

“I feel at home already and look forward to being a part of the Cook County Community, especially Care Partners and the Aging Services Community. I love working with older adults and their families. I have a Masters in Social Work with a focus in Health, Disability and Aging, and a Gerontolology Certification, through the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities. I’ve worked as a social worker in a nursing home, home care, and have run a small company overseeing assisted living and senior housing. I had the privilege of working with the Metro Area Agency on Aging, and served on the Minnesota Gerontological Society (MGS) Board. I am thrilled to have purchased a piece of property just outside Grand Marais and we will be transitioning up here from the Twin Cities over the next couple years as we build our home.

Personally, I grew up on a farm, north of Detroit Lakes, the youngest of 8 kids. I’ve been married to my wonderful husband, Paul, for 26 years and we have two very spoiled pups, Daisy and Asoka “Soki”. I enjoy the outdoors, meeting new people, a good cup of coffee, and good conversation. I have loved the welcoming spirit of Cook County and feel blessed as we lean into our future in this community.“

From the President

While we are so very sad to see Kay leaving us as the Executive Director, we have so much to be grateful for! Under Kay’s incredible leadership, Care Partners has grown into an essential and respected organization in Cook County that provides help and support to our older adults who can benefit from a little help in order to remain in the County. Our financial position is strong and we have been blessed to find an amazing new Executive Director in Julie Wilson, who we expect will continue to solidly lead us forward in the months and years ahead. We are also blessed with truly wonderful staff members in Christie, Martha, and Marnie, plus an engaged and committed Board of Directors. Not to mention our dedicated volunteers, without whom Care Partners would not be possible!

We could still use both more volunteers and board members! If you have some time available to volunteer for a very rewarding cause with a time commitment of your choosing, please let us know!

We are so grateful for all of our supporters – those who give financially and of their time! I feel honored to be part of Care Partners and our amazing community!

Jayne Johnson
Care Partners President

Your guide to information and support in Cook County MN

Are you trying to find information about local aging services or resources? Want to find out about events for seniors? Thanks to the new Aging Well Resources’ website and Care Navigator, it’s never been easier! It offers a one-stop-shop for service and aging information for older adults and those who care for them.

AgingWellResources.org provides easy-to-use access to local aging services, regional resources, a program directory, and calendar of events for seniors. If you’d rather speak to someone or need help understanding service options, Aging Well Resources’ toll-free telephone number, 855-444-3910, will connect you with Christie John, our Care Navigator. As manager of the website, and staffer with Care Partners, she has great understanding of the options.

Aging Well Resources is the result of a collaborative effort of the Cook County Aging Coalition which includes aging service providers throughout the county and Grand Portage. Care Partners of Cook County, on behalf of these partners, was awarded a $65,000 North-land Foundation grant to develop an action plan to address barriers and help area older adults and their families successfully age in place. Many thanks are due to the hard work by Christie John and our website developer, Molly Larson of Sweetwater Design.

www.AgingWellResources.org

855-444-3910

There is Help and Hope

An interview with a Care Partners client

For Lois, the most important thing she can do for herself and Wayne, the person in her care, is to cook organic, fresh, nutritious food. But getting from their home in Lutsen to Grand Marais to shop for groceries is not an option. As the main caregiver, she is not able to leave him for more than fifteen minutes at a time and is not able to get him into their vehicle without substantial help. “I don’t know how I’d do it without Care Partners Delivery Service.”

Twice a month, Lois arranges her grocery purchase with the Coop and calls Care Partners for a delivery volunteer. “My volunteer is absolutely great—she has a heart of gold. She smiles and takes the time to chat. As a caregiver, especially during Covid, I’m home all the time. It really lifts my spirits to connect with someone.”

Care Partners has also helped Lois and Wayne with a few chores—assembling some equipment and recycling. The Care Partners Care Coordinator was able to help Lois find some qualified people to be with Wayne when she needed to be gone for cataract surgery. “You have no idea what that lifted off my shoulders.”

Caregiving full time is not always easy, but Lois believes it is worth it to be able to stay in their home. Her advice: ask for help. “I want others to know, there is help — and hope. Don’t be afraid to call Care Partners.”

Donors

Beth Abrahamson
Myrna & Steve Aldrich
Chel Anderson
Katie Anderson
Louise Anderson
Paulette Anholm
Gary & Mary Atwood
Treg & Denise Axtell
Sharon Rodning Bash
Linda Batchelor
Tracy Benson & Pete Kavanaugh
Yvonne Benson
Lee Bergstrom
Patsy & Bill Bernhjelm
Linda Blaine & John Ottis
Nora Bockovich
Roberta Bockovich
Kathryn & Ed Bolstad
Nikki Boostrom
John & Barb Bottger
Penny & Tom Bradovich
Sharon Brenner
William & Joan Burkhardt
Myron Bursheim
Pat Campanaro & Stan Tull
Mike Carlson
Jean Cochrane
Bobbie Collins
Tom & Dorothy Danielson
Suzanne Davies
Jenny Delfs & Jeff Kern
Anne Deneen
Shari & Jeff Denniston
Alicia Deschene
Lawrence Downing
Dan Edson
Joyce Elvestrom
Polly Erickson
Lois Eyinck
Karen Fehr
Dan & Diane Fitzgerald
Dennis Fitzpatrick & Maryl Skinner
Carrie Framsted
Anita Gavic
Nancy Giguere & Bruce Tyler
Glenn & Chelly Gilyard
Don & Gerry Grant
Judith Gregg
Karen Halbersleben & Jack Miller
Carol & Peter Harris

Ranna Hansen LeVoir
George Harrelson
David & Cathy Hawkinson
Emma Heath
Howard & Bonnie Gay Hedstrom
Barb Heideman & Duane Hasegawa
Joyce Heiskari
Carolyn Hollstadt
Peggy Hopf
William & Mary Lou Huron
Jay Hutchinson
Nancy Jewett
Beverly Johnson
Erik Johnson
Ethel Johnson
Jayne & Rick Johnson
Marlys Johnson & Bob Nesheim
Nancy Johnston
Robert & Ann Karrick
Beth & Art Kidd
Breana King
Karen Kobey
Nancy Koloski
Carla LaPointe
Mike & Kathy Lande
Evelyn Larsen
Nancy & Jeff Larson
Jerry & Joan Lilja
Layne & Rolf Lindquist
Jane Ljungkull
Jean Ljungkull
Donna & Orvis Lunke
Bill Lurton
Diane Marsyla
Robert Mattson
Ronald McClellan
Jack & Sandy McHugh
Marnie McMillan
Judy & Terry Meath
Jackie Meyers
Betty Michaud
Marilyn Morris
Norman & Printha Moe
Helen Muth & David Quick
Hyla & Arnold Napadensky
Yafa Napadensky & Bob Shannon
Karen Neal
Patrick Neal
Ingo Nelson
Paulette Nelson

Randi & Rick Nelson
Sue Nordman
Cameron & Chris Norman
Kathleen O’Neill
Ruthann Ohlsen
Lon Olsen
Grand Parcells
Phyllis Parker
Diane & Floyd Pearson
Joyce & Chuck Petek
Mark & Mary Peterson
Steven Pincus & Michelle Strangis
Annie Possis
Karen Ranning
Tom & Ann Rider
Sandra Riley
Donald Ring
Rena Rogers & Mary Sorenson
Mary & Mary Routh
Susan Roy
Ann Russ
Michael Sampson & Cathy Nevers
Mary & Doug Sanders
Carolyn & Milan Schmidt
Dolly & Bill Schnell
Matt & Anne Schuerger
Maria Sheehan
Rhonda & Chuck Silence
Alyssa Silvers
Liz Sivertson
Randy Sjogren
Fred & Fran Smith
Nancy Starr & Steven Nielsen
Lois Steven & Wayne Force
Todd Stivland
Sally Suck
Kathy Sullivan
Lynne Sullivane
Kaye & Marc Tavernier
Michael Valentini
Mary Vos
Linda Walker
Frithjof Wannebo
Suzanne Weber
Karin & Craig Westgate
Ken & Donna Wielinski
Patty Wilson
Susan Wolff
Kimber Wraalstad
Pamela Zalesky
Patricia Zankman

Memorials

Ruby Anderson
Darrellyn Barrett
Bobbie Bockovich
Sherry Cesarek
Fred Derewenko
Bernie Gestel
Enid Grindland
Frank & Mary Alice Hansen
Robert Haring
Gloria Hutchinson
Joyce Krueger
Don LaPointe
Hantz Larsen
Kenneth Lind
Robert Marsyla
Walt McCarthy
Ham Muus
Thomas Nelson
Judy Norvell
Brad Ranning
Phyllis Wassall Ring
Ellen Stubbs
Stanley Suck