Ashley Hagen Named Program Developer

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Ashley Hagen

We are pleased to announce Ashley Hagen as MNRAAA’s newest Program Developer. Ashley will work in Blue Earth, Nicollet, Brown, Watonwan, Sibley, Le Sueur, Waseca, Martin and Faribault counties.

Ashley has worked for MNRAAA for the past five years in the Senior LinkAge Line. She has previously held the roles of Case Aide, Information & Assistance Specialist, and, most recently, a Community Living Specialist in the Return to Community Department. Before joining MNRAAA, Ashley worked at Prairie River Home Care as Authorization Specialist and Recruiting Coordinator at assisted living and nursing homes in the Mankato area.

Ashley lives in Eagle Lake and enjoys live music, trying new food places, pickleball, pinball, traveling, and hanging out with friends.

When asked why she accepted the Program Develop position, Ashley stated, “I am excited to bring the experience and knowledge I gained through the Senior LinkAge Line to this new role. This position gives me an opportunity for continued professional growth.”

“MNRAAA is fortunate to have Ashley in this role. Through her time working on the Senior LinkAge Line side, she has seen the gaps in services. Now she can take that information to assist communities in expanding their ability to care for older adults and caregivers.” stated Jason W. Swanson, Executive Director.

Ashley can be reached at [email protected] or by calling 507-387-1256.

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Madelia Hosts MNRAAA’s Staff Retreat

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Downtown Madelia was busier than usual on September 9. Staff, volunteers and board members converged on Madelia for their bi-annual staff retreat.

“We had a great turnout and we were excited to be in Madelia” stated Jason W. Swanson, Executive Director, “we were able to utilize numerous local businesses to assist us during the training.” The retreat was held at Lost Sanity Brewery and catering was provided by Sweet Indeed Bakery and Fox’s Pizza Den.

“Although we have offices in Mankato and Slayton, some of our 39 staff are based throughout our 27 county planning and service area, so it is nice to get everyone together once in a while.” The training that took place featured Age Sensitivity Training which had everyone go through what it may feel like to have vision and dexterity impairments and other conditions associated with the aging process. A specialist presented on keeping yourself safe when working with potentially dangerous individuals. Staff was also training on communicating positively about aging. “Currently, people are living longer and healthier lives, and I personally think this is great! We have an opportunity to embrace this and work to establish communities throughout the region that are friendly for every generation!” stated Swanson.

MNRAAA provides support through different avenues, which include, administration of funds under the Older Americans Act, developing services in communities where gaps in service may exist, information and assistance through the Senior LinkAge Line and providing advocacy for older adults and caregivers at the local, state and federal level.

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MNRAAA Announces Jason W. Swanson as New Executive Director

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The Minnesota River Area Agency on Aging’s Board of Directors (MNRAAA) is pleased to announce the hiring of Executive Director Jason W. Swanson.

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Linda Giersdorf, Executive Director of MNRAAA to Retire

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Linda Giersdorf has announced her retirement as the Executive Director of the Minnesota River Area Agency on Aging (MNRAAA).

In her 35 years of service to the MNRAAA, Linda has served in a variety of positions advancing from an entry level position to executive director; the position she has held for the past 25 years. Through her work she has demonstrated her commitment to enriching the lives of all people and her passion for older adults, caregivers and all those who serve and support them. Linda has been the chair of the Minnesota Association of Area Agencies on Aging (m4A) since 2014. She has been an active member and former treasurer of the Minnesota Social Services Association (MSSA) and a board member of the Chesley Center on Aging.

“Working on behalf of MNRAAA’s mission to provide advocacy, information, resources and assistance so that older adults can maintain the lifestyle of their choice has been a rewarding career,” Linda said. “I am proud of our Board of Directors and to our talented staff for their commitment to fulfilling MNRAAA’s mission.  It has been my privilege to lead this multi-faceted and amazing organization.”

Linda has played an active role in effecting change throughout her years of service. She has supported and advocated for older adults to thrive in southwest Minnesota and maintain the lifestyle of their choice.  As the executive director for MNRAAA and the chair of m4A, she advocated for the rights of older adults and caregivers with elected officials; focusing her efforts on evidence-based health promotion programs to maintain the health and well-being of older adults and caregivers.

“During her tenure as executive director, Linda has led MNRAAA through both great structural change and the way the organization, and its staff, deliver services to older adults in southwestern Minnesota,” said Bob Roesler, MNRAAA Board Chair.

Linda’s last day will be Friday, October 5, 2018.

A MNRAAA search committee has launched a regional search for her replacement. Visit this page for more information.

About the Minnesota River Area Agency on Aging

As the designated area agency on aging for 27 counties in southwest Minnesota, the Minnesota River Area Agency on Aging is a catalyst in building communities where older adults live with dignity, mutual respect and shared responsibilities across generations and cultures.

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