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Southeastern Minnesota Area on Aging, Inc.

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Southeastern Minnesota Area Agency on Aging

We need your help to support senior meals

May 10, 2022 by Southeastern Minnesota Area Agency on Aging



Filed Under: SEMAAA News

American Rescue Plan (ARP) Funds Announcement Re-Opening Fund Availability

May 6, 2022 by Southeastern Minnesota Area Agency on Aging

Overview: The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (P.L.117-2) was signed into law by President Biden.  Section 2921 of the law appropriated $1.434 billion to remain available until expended to carry out the Older Americans Act of 1965 (OAA).  Funds must be expended on allowable Older Americans Act activities as defined by the Older Americans Act and State and Local policy.

Funds will be awarded on a competitive basis and the request for applications will remain open until available funds are exhausted.  Applications will be forwarded to SEMAAA’s Executive Committee for consideration in the order they are received. Applications will not be accepted after June 15, 2022.

Eligibility: Funding will be available to nonprofit organizations that provide services to older adults in the eleven-county area of Southeastern Minnesota: Dodge, Goodhue, Fillmore, Houston, Olmsted, Mower, Freeborn, Rice, Steele, Wabasha, and Winona.  Services must meet specifications of one of the following titles of the Older Americans Act:

III-B – Supportive Services – ARP III-B funds available will be approximately $180,794. Funds are intended for programs and services that target frail (at-risk), older individuals to maintain maximum independence and dignity within their own homes.

Allowable Services:

  • Personal Care
  • Chore
  • Homemaker
  • Adult Day Care/Adult Day Health
  • Assisted Transportation
  • Transportation
  • Legal Assistance
  • Nutrition Education
  • Information and Assistance
  • Self-Directed Supportive Services
  • Home Modification
  • Consumable Supplies
  • Consultation
  • Counseling
  • Education/Training
  • Guardianship
  • Legal Education
  • Outreach
  • Special Access Technology
  • Telephone Reassurance
  • Visiting

III-D – Approved Evidence based Health Promotion – ARP III-D funds available will be approximately $15,233. These funds are intended for currently approved evidence-based programs, i.e., Matter of Balance, Tai Ji Quan and many others.

III-E – Caregiver Support Program – ARP III-E funds available will be approximately $64,801. These funds are intended for programs that assist caregivers with support in caring for older individuals.

Allowable Services:

  • Self-Directed Caregiver Support Services
  • Caregiver Counseling
  • Caregiver Support Groups
  • Caregiver Training
  • Caregiver Respite
  • Caregiver Respite in Home
  • Caregiver Respite Out of Home Day
  • Caregiver Respite Out of Home Over Night
  • Caregiver Respite Other Respite
  • Supplemental Services
  • Caregiver Info and Assistance
  • Caregiver Public Information Services

Other Considerations:

  • Funding may be available for reapplication up to 2 years.
  • Funding is on a reimbursement basis.
  • Providers currently funded by SEMAAA can submit proposals for new or expanded services (new geographic location for existing service).
  • Work to begin July 1, 2022. All funds must be expended by December 31, 2022.

ARPA Funding Schedule

ARP RFP re-released: May 6, 2022
Application Packet/Budget Forms Due: June 15, 2022 @ 4:30PM
Service Delivery Begins: July 1, 2022
Award Notifications – Exec. Committee review approximately two weeks after receipt
ARP funds expended and projects completed by December 31, 2022

Agencies interested in making application must submit a full grant application to SEMAAA by 4:30PM on June 15, 2022.

Grant application forms will be available beginning Wednesday May 11, 2022.
E-mail Kim Voth – kim@semaaa.org for ARP III-B and ARP III-E forms.
E-mail Laurie Marreel, at lauriemar@semaaa.org for ARP III-D forms.
Please specify the type of service(s) you are interested in applying for when submitting your request.

Filed Under: Grant Funding Announcement, SEMAAA News

2021 SEMAAA Annual Report

March 1, 2022 by Southeastern Minnesota Area Agency on Aging













Filed Under: SEMAAA News

Winter 2022 Newsletter

February 2, 2022 by Southeastern Minnesota Area Agency on Aging

Download the Winter 2022 Newsletter










Filed Under: Newsletter, SEMAAA News

Vaccine Access (VAC 5) Funding Announcement

December 7, 2021 by Southeastern Minnesota Area Agency on Aging

December 7, 2021

The Southeastern Minnesota Area Agency on Aging (SEMAAA) has received funding from the Administration for Community Living (ACL) for vaccine education and supports. 

Proposal Focus: Outreach – Provide vaccination education, outreach and resources through phone support & assistance.

Eligibility: 501©3 Non-profit Organizations (must provide W-9 & insurance cert.)

Funding Amount:  Maximum of $4,999 per project applicant

Applications will be accepted beginning: January 3, 2022

Funding Timeline: January 3, 2022 – August 31, 2022 – Funds will be awarded on a competitive basis and the request for applications will remain open until available funds are exhausted. 

Applications include Brief Narrative/Budget (1-3 pages).

Other Helpful Information:

  • Cost per Unit (1 contact equals a unit) will be negotiated with applicant.
  • Payment provided on quarterly reimbursement basis.
  • This is a non-registered service – however minimal statistics will be collected.
  • Program statistical reports due monthly/quarterly narrative report.
  • SEMAAA will offer a suggested checklist of potential items to cover such as booster education, videos, and local resources.
  • We encourage grantees to contact public health in their area to ask questions such as – will they offer shots; will they travel to the person.

Process:

  1. VAC 5 applications will be presented to SEMAAA’s Executive Committee for funding approval. This group will make final funding decisions.
  2. Applications requests should be sent to: penny@semaaa.org.
Download this Announcement

Filed Under: Grant Funding Announcement

Vaccine Access (VAC 5) Funding Announcement

December 7, 2021 by Southeastern Minnesota Area Agency on Aging

The Southeastern Minnesota Area Agency on Aging (SEMAAA) has received funding from the Administration for Community Living (ACL) for vaccine education and supports. 

Proposal Focus: Outreach – Provide vaccination education, outreach and resources through phone support & assistance.

Eligibility: 501©3 Non-profit Organizations (must provide W-9 & insurance cert.)

Funding Amount:  Maximum of $4,999 per project applicant

Applications will be accepted beginning: January 3, 2022

Funding Timeline: January 3, 2022 – August 31, 2022 – Funds will be awarded on a competitive basis and the request for applications will remain open until available funds are exhausted. 

Applications include Brief Narrative/Budget (1-3 pages).

Other Helpful Information:

  • Cost per Unit (1 contact equals a unit) will be negotiated with applicant.
  • Payment provided on quarterly reimbursement basis.
  • This is a non-registered service – however minimal statistics will be collected.
  • Program statistical reports due monthly/quarterly narrative report.
  • SEMAAA will offer a suggested checklist of potential items to cover such as booster education, videos, and local resources.
  • We encourage grantees to contact public health in their area to ask questions such as – will they offer shots; will they travel to the person.

Process:

  1. VAC 5 applications will be presented to SEMAAA’s Executive Committee for funding approval. This group will make final funding decisions.
  2. Applications requests should be sent to: penny@semaaa.org.
Download this Announcement

Filed Under: SEMAAA News

Winter 2021-2022 Newsletter

November 30, 2021 by Southeastern Minnesota Area Agency on Aging

Filed Under: Newsletter, SEMAAA News

SEMAAA Short-Term Fund Availability Announcement

November 19, 2021 by Southeastern Minnesota Area Agency on Aging

SEMAAA Short-Term Fund Availability Announcement

November 19, 2021

Federal Funds Available for Title III-B and III-E Short-Term Projects for Older Adults in Southeastern Minnesota

The Southeastern Minnesota Area Agency on Aging (SEMAAA) announces the availability of carryover Older American Act funds to serve individuals 60 years of age and older in the eleven-county area of southeastern MN. 

Non-profit agencies, and in some cases, for profit organizations (as approved by the State of Minnesota) are eligible to receive these grants.  Grants are not available to individuals.

Allowable Services:

IIIB
Chore
Homemaker
Assisted Transportation
Counseling
Technology
Telephone Reassurance
Visiting

IIIE
Caregiver Counseling
Support Groups
Caregiver Respite (in-home)
Supplemental Services

All applications must:

  • Fully explain the need for service in the applicant’s service area (outline cities/county to be served).
  • Clearly state the anticipated number of units and individuals to be served by the project.
  • Provide a budget that details expenses.  Applicants should request a minimum of $10,000 per project.  Total carry over funding available is $70,000 in III-B and $90,000 in III-E funds.
  • Demonstrate the ability to sustain the project beyond the grant period.
  • Understand this work must be completed by 12/31/2022 and is not eligible for renewal.

Understand that:

  • Registered services are subject to Peer Place set-up fees, which should be included in your budget.
  • Include your W-9 and Certificate of Insurance.

Agencies interested in applying may request a grant application packet.  The full grant application must be returned to SEMAAA by December 15, 2021.  Application forms and instructions can be obtained from the Southeastern Minnesota Area Agency on Aging at: 2720 Superior Dr. NW, Suite 102, Rochester, MN 55901, by calling Penny Schmit at (507) 288-6944, or by emailing a request to: penny@semaaa.org.

Download this Announcement

Filed Under: SEMAAA News

Fall 2021 Newsletter

September 13, 2021 by Southeastern Minnesota Area Agency on Aging
















Filed Under: Newsletter, SEMAAA News

Cheers to SEMAAA We are celebrating our 40th Anniversary in October!

September 13, 2021 by Southeastern Minnesota Area Agency on Aging

In honor of this milestone, we asked three former staff to recall the early days of SEMAAA – Bill Markus, Arlene “Arty” Theye, and Connie Bagley.



Bill:

“As I recall, the year started out normally; busy but uneventful. But 1981, as it unfolded, turned into a wild roller-coaster year for the Area Agency on Aging.

Up to that point, the AAA was housed within the Region 10 Development Commission, a regional planning and funding organization since 1975. The RDC provided the Aging program with local funding, accounting services, office space and other supports.

The Aging program had a staff of four and our Aging advisory committee to help make decisions on Area plans, policies, and funding of grants. As Spring approached, our Aging Program manager resigned and moved out of the area. So we were down to three staff, and it took almost six months to hire a new Program manager, who came from out of state.

No sooner had she come on board than our sponsor, the Regional Development Commission, started the process of dissolution. There was a period of public hearings, testimony, and written arguments on both sides of the issue. There was a great deal of TV, radio and press coverage of the process. Needless to say – the stress level was high and getting higher by the week.

After a couple months, the big vote came to the full Commission. Dissolved!
YIKES! What do we do now?

The Aging program HAD to continue to exist because of the federal Older Americans Act, so we went through the legal process of setting up a new non-profit corporation, which became SEMAAA, inc. We had to form a new board, find new office space and move to a new location. One major problem: we had very little cash since our local funding support was gone.

We may have been in a bind. But do you know that when trouble hits, often people rally? And help shows up — along with kindness and caring in the most unexpected ways. In our case, it did!

The first big step took place when one of our new board members, Alex Smekta (Rochester Mayor) spoke with Roger Stasek (director of the Rochester Senior Center). He then attended a senior center board meeting and was granted free space for us in the Castle on the third floor (later we paid a bargain rent).

Once we had secured a place to have our offices, many volunteers showed up to help us move our donated desks and equipment. Pickup trucks and strong backs got us to a new home; four of us in one room. Barb, Arlene, Maxine and myself — cozy as can be.

Things were heading for a steady course, but the roller coaster had one more thrill to throw at us; our new director resigned and moved to Washington. After a few months, we hired Connie and the next chapter was underway.”


Arty:
“It’s hard to believe I spent over sixty percent of my lifetime working for SEMAAA. I certainly learned a lot over those 38 years. Now that I am a “senior,” I can say that so many of the things older people face are true. Do I feel old? Not really, but the physical changes do happen: like hearing, eyesight and creaky bones. Mentally, the change I notice most is I am slower to remember names. Retirement is great, the pace is mine.

I feel fortunate that the agency afforded me the ability to help people. Grateful callers to the Senior LinkAge Line were pleased to get direction, non-biased advice, simplified facts, the correct forms, or understanding of how the “system” works. That was satisfying – as was sitting at a table with a dinner sharing nourishment and conversation.

The morning coffee talks with staff is something I miss. We shared stories, problem-solved together, vented our fears, hopes and frustrations. Seeing the region’s towns and people and understand-ing their unique subcultures was so interesting. Each place seemed to have a personality – each person a story.

It is fortunate to have a stable Older Americans Act. Even though various Presidents and Congresses or Governors created ups and downs in funding or changes in rules, the forecasts made in the aging network were accurate. Population changes, minority diversity, employment challenges, technology breakthroughs and even preparing for natural disasters and pandemics were always on the agenda and still are. The nation, states, and its regions are not the same (likely never will be). Each cohort of citizens is different; their needs vary. Accepting this and allowing flexibility is important; Minnesota and SEMAAA are very aware of this.

There are unforeseen changes and challenges facing all of us. The Area Agency on Aging may be small and still unknown to many, but it has resiliency and a strong backbone, willing and open to whatever is to be. I am both thankful and proud to have served the agency and wish all the staff, board, and entire network a bright future.”


CONNIE:
“Memories of the 2007 flood that affected many seniors and their families in Fillmore, Houston, and Winona counties – and all the time spent helping them recover – is something that I will always remember. People’s basements were literally full of mud. Furnaces and water heaters were a total loss, as they were completely plugged up with mud. Walls were destroyed and needed repair; a lot of bleach was used to combat the mold that began to grow. The homes that they had lived in for years were completely decimated, and they needed to start over.

FEMA was involved, and we were busy helping seniors complete applications so they could receive the help they needed. HUD brought in trailers as a temporary housing solution. SEMAAA staff helped with referrals to SEMCAC for meals, and a dining site was set up. We also helped with expanded transportation services and other needed support. It took almost two years for people to get back to a permanent living situation after the flood. We were glad that we could be a part of this wonderful example of “people helping people!”

Another memory that comes to mind is the day we moved from our office space in downtown Rochester to SEMAAA’s current office on Superior Drive NW. I liked the downtown location (in the Premier bank building), but there were changes happening around us; we needed more space, and there was no room for expansion at the bank location. Not to mention the parking was challenging.

We worked with local commercial realtor, Bucky Beeman, and he showed us so many office spaces. (Keep in mind that we did not have a big budget, and we were quickly running out of options.) Bucky said he had one last option; when we saw the large parking lot, we immediately said, “We will take it!” It was just the right amount of space, and we were able to negotiate for additional space for a conference room.

Then, the real adventure began, as the moving company did not realize just how much stuff we had! They did not even bring any moving carts! We had so many office chairs – they took up an entire truckload! If Kim and Dan had not rolled up their sleeves and helped, we would still be unloading! I don’t think we left the office until 10:30 pm that night. The space needed some renovation; the SLL space, that I fondly refer to as the “Bull-Pen,” needed quite a bit of work.

When we first moved in seven years ago, there were just two other buildings around us – now there are around 22 buildings with more restaurants. Lucky we moved when we did! I always said that I needed to retire before we went through another move.

We became a nonprofit organization in 1981, after the regional development commission dissolved. An executive director was hired, and she left after just six months. Then the board offered me the opportunity to become the new director. At that time, we were the only free-standing AAA in the state. We had the freedom to experiment and to see what worked best. I was very pleased with the development of our board of directors, as it truly was a representation of the wide range of backgrounds within our senior population. Although we faced some challenges, we powered through and kept the focus on senior resources. When I started, we had four staff. When I retired, we employed over twenty-two staff! It was wonderful to be part of such a strong team and community. I truly love Southeastern Minnesota, especially Rochester – a great place to live, work and retire in!”

Filed Under: SEMAAA News

Partnership Highlight – Three Rivers Community Action

September 13, 2021 by Southeastern Minnesota Area Agency on Aging


Three Rivers Community Action works with multiple community partners to provide transportation, food, housing, energy assistance, advocacy and education to individuals and families. Meeting these needs is at the heart of their mission and ultimately helps older adults age in place more successfully.They currently serve older adults in Goodhue, Rice and Wabasha counties who are 60+. One of their programs is focused on providing support to caregivers in the form of information, resources, and referrals to community partners. There are two advocates that assist in this mission: Carla Pearson, LSW – Older Adult Services Coordinator and Nicole Pelzl, BS – Older Adult Services Specialist.Carla Pearson is a Licensed Social Worker and is a strong advocate for older adults and their caregivers in Rice and Western Goodhue Counties. She maintains an active caseload of older adults and is especially passionate about depression awareness and treatment, assisting caregivers with navigating the dementia journey, and problem-solving issues so older adults can safely remain in their home for as long as possible. Carla earned her Bachelors of Science in Social Work at Augsburg College where she met her husband. They now reside in Northfield with their three dogs and have three daughters in college.

In 2015, Nicole graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Human Services from Metropolitan State University. One year after graduating from college, she moved away from the cities to settle in Cannon Falls. Shortly after, she applied at Three Rivers as an administrative assistant and is now an advocate. She will be celebrating 5 years in October with the agency. The most rewarding aspect of being an advocate is visiting her clients, listening to their stories, and helping them find the services they need to stay in their home. In her free time, Nicole enjoys being outdoors, traveling, and playing with her two-year-old American Bulldog. She shares a favorite quote:

“If you can wake up every morning loving what you do, & help & inspire others around you to be better than they were yesterday, then you know you’re doing something right in business and in life”

SEMAAA is grateful for their work assisting older adults with options for services to remain independent and at home. If you or a loved one would like to reach Three Rivers Older Adult Services, please contact Carla at 507-330-7152 or Nicole at 507-421-6067.

Filed Under: SEMAAA News

Becoming Dementia Friendly 2021 Community Summit

September 13, 2021 by Southeastern Minnesota Area Agency on Aging

Come together in this virtual summit to share experiences, learnings and best practices.

Don’t miss the opportunity to:

  • Hear from communities who are doing great work and learn from their successes and challenges.
  • Discover about new initiatives that promise to help us take the next leap forward.
  • Join water-cooler conversations to engage in conversation on topics of your choosing.
  • Experience the latest theatrical video from The Remember Project and connect with others on themes raised in the play.
  • Join a community of learning to engage year-round.

People leading dementia-friendly community efforts, Dementia Friends and Champions, healthcare providers, civic leaders, senior center staff, volunteers, people with dementia-related illnesses, caregivers… anyone interested in making their communities more dementia friendly. This is for you!

Thursday, October 7 – 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Interactive with small and large group discussions and optional selections with ample time for breaks and networking activities.
Zoom – Cost: Free

Questions? Contact Jen Rooney at jrooney@trellisconnects.org.

Filed Under: SEMAAA News

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Southeastern Minnesota
Area Agency on Aging

2720 Superior Drive NW, Ste. 102
Rochester MN 55901
Phone: 507-288-6944
Fax: (507) 288-4823
Email: semaaa@semaaa.org

 

Southeastern Minnesota Area Agency on Aging, Inc.

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