March 2025
Featured News
LeadingAge Minnesota Foundation Makes a Splash During 2025 Institute & Expo
On March 19, 2025 by Ben Hansen
The 2025 LeadingAge Minnesota Institute & Expo brought together nearly 4,000 professionals from across the senior care sector, making it the largest event for aging services providers in Minnesota. With a packed agenda featuring cutting-edge education, unparalleled networking opportunities, and unique moments of celebration, the LeadingAge Minnesota Foundation featured prominently in several ways—engaging attendees, supporting workforce development, and raising critical funds for the future of aging services.
Celebrating Excellence: Caregiver of the Year
One of the most inspiring moments of Institute was the recognition of the Caregiver of the Year, an award that honors an outstanding professional who goes above and beyond in delivering compassionate, high-quality care to older adults. The 2025 Caregiver of the Year Award was presented to Marta Leveron, who works as a housekeeper at Samaritan Bethany in Rochester, Minnesota. Marta moved the audience with her heartfelt story of dedication and thoughtful care for each older adult in her community. It’s clear that what Marta does goes above and beyond cleaning. She is an important part of a care team, paying attention to each resident‘s needs and brightening their day with her smile and thoughtful conversation. Residents she engages with feel cared about, supported, and valued.
An incredibly meaningful moment occurred when Marta was surprised on stage with a $5,000 gift, courtesy of the Gayle Kvenvold Commitment to Caregivers fund, which our Silent Auction supports (more on this below). Marta was clearly shocked, and expressed deep gratitude for the generous gift.
Fundraising for the Future: Silent Auction Success
A highlight of the Institute was the Foundation’s annual silent auction, which raises funds for the Gayle Kvenvold Commitment to Caregivers Fund. With an array of items generously donated by members and supporters—including unique experiences, high-end gift baskets, and exclusive event tickets—bidders enthusiastically participated, knowing their contributions would make a lasting difference.
We’re pleased to share that we raised over $9,000, a record for the Silent Auction. A sincere thank you to those who donated items and participated in the Silent Auction – your generosity will make a difference in the lives of caregivers across Minnesota.
Quality Education: Equipping Leaders with Cutting-Edge Knowledge
The Institute featured an extensive lineup of quality-focused education sessions, empowering senior care professionals with the latest tools, trends, and best practices to enhance their services. Topics ranged from person-centered care innovations to the integration of technology in aging services, with expert speakers offering actionable insights for attendees to bring back to their organizations.
The LeadingAge Minnesota Foundation played a pivotal role in supporting these educational efforts, reinforcing our commitment to advancing excellence in senior care.
Strengthening Financial Futures: The Fund Developer Track
Recognizing the critical importance of sustainable funding for senior care organizations, a dedicated Fund Developer Track was offered to help aging services providers enhance their fundraising and financial sustainability efforts. Medicaid reimbursement rates for long term care are low and do not allow communities to invest in many quality-of-life enhancements that make a huge difference in resident wellbeing. Fundraising helps bridge the gap. Attendees gained valuable insights from development leaders on donor engagement, strategies for overcoming challenges in today’s environment, and innovative ways to find solutions.
With nonprofit aging services providers facing increasing financial pressures, this track provided valuable guidance and creativity on how to secure resources for long-term success. The Foundation’s support of this initiative highlights our dedication to ensuring providers have the tools and knowledge they need to continue their vital work of caring for older adults.
OnTrack: Training to Strengthen Our Workforce
The OnTrack Nursing Assistant Training program is a state-approved, flexible, online and in-person hybrid training program designed to help individuals become certified nursing assistants (CNAs) developed by the LeadingAge Minnesota Foundation. Throughout the Institute, the Foundation’s OnTrack table served as a vital resource for attendees seeking information on workforce development and training opportunities. Staff were on hand to answer questions, distribute materials, and engage with professionals eager to grow their careers in aging services. Nearly one in five nursing assistants in the state of Minnesota is trained through OnTrack, resulting in 9,000 new nursing assistants!
Supporting New Americans in Senior Care
The LeadingAge Minnesota Foundation is forming an Immigrant Voices Advisory Council to connect Minnesota’s New American communities with meaningful careers in senior care. By centering immigrant and refugee voices, this council will help identify the critical supportive services needed to ensure that New Americans can successfully enter and thrive in senior care careers.
During Institute, flyers promoting this program were distributed, and Kirstan Ketter – our Foundation Project Manager – had many great conversations with employers and employees. These advisory councils will begin their crucial work soon, and we will share further updates in the coming months.
A Gathering of Innovators: Connected Communities Grantees Convene
During Institute, the LeadingAge Minnesota Foundation also convened the five pilot cohort of Connected Communities grantees. This gathering provided a platform for grantees to share progress updates, exchange ideas, and discuss strategies for expanding their innovative models.
While just one piece of the broader Institute experience, this meeting highlighted the Foundation’s dedication to fostering collaboration and driving meaningful change in senior care.
A Transformative Experience
The 2025 LeadingAge Minnesota Institute & Expo was more than just a conference—it was a powerful gathering of professionals dedicated to improving the lives of older adults. Through education, recognition, fundraising, and networking, the LeadingAge Minnesota Foundation made an indelible impact on attendees, reinforcing its role as a catalyst for positive change in the field of aging services.
As the event concluded, the energy and enthusiasm remained palpable. With the funds raised, knowledge shared, and connections made, the future of senior care in Minnesota is brighter than ever. Thanks to the dedication of the Foundation and the unwavering support of its community, the work to elevate aging services continues—stronger, more inspired, and more united than ever before.
Notable News
Scholarships that Make a Lasting Impact
On March 19, 2025 by Ben Hansen
The LeadingAge Minnesota Foundation is committed to enhancing the experience of aging by investing in the professional development of caregivers and employees within the aging services sector. A cornerstone of this commitment is the Foundation's annual scholarship program, which provides financial support to individuals pursuing higher education and career advancement in aging services.
2025 Scholarship Program
In 2025, the Foundation is offering over $50,000 in educational scholarships to eligible caregivers and employees of its member organizations. Scholarship awards range from $500 to $2,500, reflecting the Foundation's dedication to supporting the workforce that serves Minnesota's older adults.
Helping Caregivers Pursue Excellence
Our scholarship program truly makes a difference. Below, Benard Ombati shares his gratitude for being selected as a 2024 scholarship recipient.
I am overwhelmed with gratitude and joy upon learning that I have been selected as a recipient of the 2024 LeadingAge Minnesota Foundation Scholarship. It's an incredible honor to be chosen from among such a talented and competitive pool of applicants.
I want to express my heartfelt appreciation to the Foundation Scholarship Committee for recognizing my potential and supporting my academic career pursuits. This Scholarship is more than just a financial award - it's a vote of confidence in my abilities and motivation to continue striving for excellence.
Your investment in my future means the world to me and I promise and commit to make the most of this opportunity. Thank you once again for this prestigious recognition. I am motivated to get going and make a positive impact.
Benard is a caregiver at the Pillars of Prospect Park in Minneapolis. He is pursuing an associate’s degree in Mental Health from Minneapolis Community and Technical College. He aspires to become a licensed mental health professional, specializing in gerontology.
Additional Scholarship Recipients
Emily Morrissey, Housing Administrator & Licensed Assisted Living Director with Benedictine in Cloquet. Emily is using Foundation scholarship funds to help her pursue her doctorate.
Evette Henderson, Resident Services Specialist at Ebenezer Tower Apartments in Minneapolis. Evette is using Foundation scholarship funds to pursue her Bachelor’s degree.
Dana Jones, Certified Nursing Assistant at Evergreen Knoll Senior Living in Cloquet. Dana is using Foundation scholarship funds to help pursue her Nursing degree at Winona State University.
Sarah Steinhauer, Licensed Practical Nurse at LifeCare Roseau Manor in Roseau. Sarah is using Foundation scholarship funds to help pursue an Associate of Science – Nursing degree at Northwest Technical College.
Conclusion
The LeadingAge Minnesota Foundation's scholarship program exemplifies a steadfast commitment to investing in the individuals who provide care and support to older adults. By facilitating educational and professional growth, the Foundation not only enhances the careers of caregivers but also enriches the quality of care within Minnesota's aging services sector. This initiative underscores the Foundation's mission to transform and enhance the experience of aging for all Minnesotans.
To donate and help support work like this, please click here.
Listen Now: The Future of Elder Care in Rural Minnesota
On March 19, 2025 by Ben Hansen
The landscape of aging services in rural Minnesota is facing significant challenges, but also exciting opportunities for innovation and growth. The latest episode of the Center of Rural Policy & Development podcast, Current Challenges and Future Opportunities of Elder Care in Rural Minnesota, dives into these pressing issues and highlights the creative solutions being developed across our state.
The podcast features Kari Thurlow, President and CEO of LeadingAge Minnesota President and Tracy Hendrickx, Vice President of Long-Term Care at Perham Health (Perham is also one of our Connected Communities sites).
As a supporter of older adults and those who care for them, we invite you to tune in to this insightful conversation. The episode explores workforce shortages, access to services, and the changing needs of rural seniors—critical topics that impact caregivers, providers, and communities alike.
At the LeadingAge Minnesota Foundation, we are committed to advancing the future of aging services. This podcast is a must-listen for anyone passionate about improving care and support for Minnesota’s aging population. By understanding the challenges and working together to find innovative solutions, we can create a stronger, more sustainable future for older adults in our rural communities.
Listen to the episode today: Click here to listen.
Preventing Adverse Events in Senior Care: Mechanical Lift Project
On March 19, 2025 by Julie Apold
Background
The Mechanical Lift Project is designed to address the on-going issue of adverse events related to mechanical lift use which can have a significant impact to both residents and staff. The project goes beyond the typical action plan of staff training by combining the science of human factors and ergonomics to conduct an analysis of the equipment and process design issues at the root of these events.
The goal of the project is to develop recommendations that support the effective use of mechanical lifts and reduce instances of mechanical lift falls.
Project Phases
Phase 1: Research/Information Gathering:
The first step in the research project was to conduct observations and interviews at multiple nursing homes. Interviews were conducted with staff roles across the organization including nursing assistants, therapy staff, maintenance staff, nurse managers, quality leads, and staff development leads. Interviews were also conducted with nursing home residents currently using mechanical lifts for transfers and their family members.
Phase 2: Develop Recommendations:
Findings from the first phase of the project were presented to the Mechanical Lift Advisory Group. The Advisory Group identified four levels of recommendations to address key issues and opportunities. Level one recommendations include tactics that are easier to complete, such as a key practices implementation roadmap and supporting resources.
Level two recommendations are slightly more difficult to implement such as a learning collaborative to integrate recommendations into practice and a safety pause campaign. Level three and four recommendations are more difficult to implement and involve technology design solutions. Currently, the focus is on the completion of the level one and two recommendations with an anticipated completion of these tactics this spring. Additionally, funding and partnership opportunities are being explored to move to the higher level (levels 3 and 4) actions.
Phase 3: Training and Dissemination of Findings:
Although final recommendations are not yet complete, there are already key learnings from the research that are being shared with different audiences through conferences and webinars which has generated positive feedback and excitement for this work.
If you’re interested in learning more about mechanical lift safety, please contact Julie Apold.
OnTrack International: Helping global talent create local impact
On March 19, 2025 by Anna Mowry
OnTrack’s impact is broadening its reach beyond Minnesota. As healthcare employers embrace international recruitment to address workforce shortages, OnTrack International is preparing international candidates before they arrive in Minnesota.
The LeadingAge Minnesota Foundation’s OnTrack program, powered by EduCare, continues to revolutionize nursing assistant training for aging services. This hybrid online model is tailored to meet the evolving needs of professional caregivers and the older adults they serve. Since its inception in 2018, OnTrack has empowered nearly 9,000 nursing assistants, fostering a stronger caregiving workforce across Minnesota.
With nearly 130 programs statewide, OnTrack has become a trusted partner for healthcare providers, colleges, universities, high schools, non-profit organizations, and private training programs.
OnTrack International: How it Works
OnTrack International isn’t just for nurse aides—it helps international nurses understand the nursing assistant role and transition to work faster while awaiting Minnesota licensure—and even supports family members of international candidates.
- Maximize the lengthy visa process by offering valuable training, ensuring candidates arrive prepared and ahead of the curve.
- Show your commitment to candidates’ success by fostering early connections and a sense of belonging before arrival.
- Provide early insights into the crucial responsibilities of Nursing Assistants, preparing them before stepping into the workplace.
- Educate on Minnesota-specific regulations and requirements to ensure compliance and smooth transition into their roles.
Now, organizations with an active MDH-approved OnTrack Nursing Assistant program can sponsor candidates abroad that intend to live and work in Minnesota. Approved organizations can enroll learners anytime, anywhere in the world.
While abroad, candidates can complete 43 hours of online, on-demand learning, at their own pace. Plus, they’ll have access to a learning journal with quizzes, activities, and more to enhance their learning. Once in Minnesota, learners can complete the required hands-on training and testing to be added to the Nurse Aide registry.
Learn more about OnTrack by visiting https://ontracknatraining.com/ or reach out directly at 651.425.1110 or OnTrackTrainingOnline@gmail.com.