I am the Program Director for Willmar Community Senior Network (WCSN). WCSN just had it’s 3rd anniversary. We are a 501 c3 that serves seniors through volunteers and referrals to keep them living in their homes as long as they can. It is kind of the “One stop shop” that you described. The reason for my email is that we are planning a fundraising event for March 24, 2012. It is a Dancing for our Stars where 6 local couples will take 10 weeks of dance lessons and perform to raise dollars for WCSN. Our goal is to raise $20,000.00 to help sustain our program. Our current budget is $65,000 and we are not state funded. Our passion to serve seniors is evident. Our volunteers put in over 3400 hours and made over 1,000 home visits to seniors in the Willmar, MN area. Willmar has a population of around 20,000 people. As our seniors age we need to have affordable ways to reach out to them along with develop relationship and tap into the wisdom of this generation before they are gone. I am looking for a celebrity to be at our fundraising event and came across you as I searched the web. If you can think of an celebrity who would love chance to advocate for seniors please let me know.
I can be reached at 320-214-7140 ext 1181 or my cell phone is 320-295-6242. You can read more about us at http://www.willmarseniornetwork.com. Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,
Sheri Nordmeyer
Program Director

Right now my foundation is switching gears to more senior advocacy work and I am helping to support other-related organizations as well. One of my primary focuses is encouraging volunteerism in senior care facilities. Part of my foundation, which I call Rona’s Warriors, is a “call out” to Americans to inspire them to visit senior care facilities in their community. No matter the motivation, completing community service hours or fulfilling a strong desire to serve this underappreciated population, I am asking individuals like you to volunteer their time at a local senior care facility and become one of my warriors. It is so important to me to promote the dignity of our nation’s elderly population and fight for their happiness.

Cheryl, your line of work is so significant. Whenever “aging in place” is possible, I think that is a truly wonderful thing. I am sure you have some touching stories to share and would love to hear them. If I hear of anyone in our area who needs monitoring and can’t find it locally, I will let her know.

Best regards,
Rona

I understand that you work primarily with the poor elderly and non-profits, but I am a nationally certified Professional Geriatric Care Manager. My role is to provide healthcare monitoring and oversight to the elderly that want to age in their own homes, but don’t have family members living nearby to do what you did for your father.

I live on the central coast in San Luis Obispo, but would love to know more about your foundation and the services you seek to provide for elderly seniors.

Blessings to you,
Cheryl Kippen, MS, CMC, Professional Care Manager for Older Adults