SEMAAA News

Program to Encourage Active, Rewarding Lives

PEARLS empowers older adults to improve their mental well-being, one step at a time.

• PEARLS is an evidenced based program for older adults who feel stuck, or have low mood.
• A trained PEARLS Counselor provides 8 sessions, with simple tools to address life’s stressors.
• Sessions can be held over the phone, on a computer, or in-person.
• PEARLS teaches skills to solve every day problems, plan mood-lifting activities and set small, realistic goals.

Benefits

• Improve mental well-being
• Feel encouraged and supported
• Reduce depressive symptoms
• Improve quality of life and promote a more positive outlook
• Become more engaged with family, friends, and enjoyable activities

Contact one of these agencies to get connected and learn more about this evidence-based program.

• Elder Network: 507-285-5272
• Carmen Garcia Consulting: 507-405-4748 (In Spanish & English)
• Winona Friendship Center: 507-454-5212

Legal Needs Survey of Older Minnesotans

We cannot fix a problem we cannot see. Right now, thousands of older Minnesotans are quietly losing their savings, their housing, and their autonomy. As many face wrongful evictions, elder abuse, and predatory scams, the vast majority never see a courtroom or speak to a lawyer because they do not realize their problem is actually a legal one.

To help us learn more about this issue, MBA recently launched the Legal Needs Survey of Older Minnesotans. This short on-line survey acts as a diagnostic tool for our community. It helps determine how and where older adults learn about legal resources and access legal help, and it bridges the gap between vulnerability and justice by gathering data directly from older residents, including those in rural areas or who may be socially or economically vulnerable.

Key details

• The survey is for adults age 60+ or those helping family, friends or neighbors who are 60+
• The survey is available online and as a printed document in both English and Spanish.
• The survey is voluntary and anonymous and takes around seven minutes to complete.
• Results from the survey will be available early next year. We will use the results to plan for future legal service programming options.

The survey will be open until Aug. 31, 2026.

To learn more, visit the survey webpage: Legal Needs Survey of Older Minnesotans

We want to hear from adults 60 years or older who live in Minnesota!

The Minnesota Comprehensive Aging Survey asks about your daily life and needs.
Your answers will help the State of Minnesota make services for older adults better.

About the Survey

• The survey is voluntary and takes about 20 minutes.
• Your answers are private and will not be connected to your name.
• This survey is sponsored by the Minnesota Department of Human Services and the Minnesota Board on Aging.

Complete the survey online today!

Want to take the survey over the phone?
Call (833) 508-6398 or email cas@vitalresearch.com

For Questions:
Website: mn.gov/dhs/aging-survey
Phone: (833) 508-6398 (Toll-free)
Email: cas@vitalresearch.com

Download the Flyer:

• Download Flyer – English
• Download Flyer – Spanish

Your Voice Matters

Share your story, shape our future.

Your life. Your story.
Better Services for Older Minnesotans

E-mail Mike Saindon with questions: Michael.saindon@state.mn.us

Download this information.