About Us

Background

In 1988, a group of Atwater citizens decided the town needed a program to help the seniors living here. They had heard of the Living at Home Block Nurse neighborhood model in the Twin Cities and recreated it in Atwater, which made Atwater Area Help for Seniors (AAHFS) the first outstate program in Minnesota.

Our mission is the same now as it was in 1988: to provide social & support services to the senior population of our town and the surrounding townships. We no longer provide medical/nursing service but help seniors connect with the various entities in our area that provide medical services. We continue to be a member of the Living at Home Network (LAHN).

Service Area & Financial Support

AAHFS is a nonprofit 501(c)3 program serving elders in all of the 56209 ZIP code, including Atwater and the townships of Acton, Gennessee, Harrison, and Lake Elizabeth, as well as portions of Danielson and Swede Grove townships. The financial support for our program comes from a MN DHS Live Well at Home grant and donations from individuals, the City of Atwater, and townships.

Governance

AAHFS is governed by a volunteer board of 7 to 11 members, who meet once a month to conduct the business of the program. The board and staff also participate in a strategic planning process every two years to review status of previous priorities and to discuss changes and challenges for continued program growth.

Through these discussions, new and ongoing priorities are identified, and board and staff members are assigned to develop action plans. Strategic planning is led by Kevin Stranberg, president of Stranberg & Associates, (pictured below) who has strong connections to and knowledge of the program and community.

Strategic Priorities 2024-2028

Mission

To support seniors, along with their caregivers, so seniors may stay in their homes and in their community as long as safely possible

Atwater Area Help for Seniors (AAHFS) is part of the Living at Home Network (LAHN), which comprises 32 member organizations in urban and rural locations across Minnesota. LAHN is a resource hub and advocate, an advisor on operations, and a connector among all members to support their efforts in helping older people stay healthy and safe at home.

Kristin Rigg is the LAHN executive director; in this role, she is responsible for leading LAHN’s work supporting older adults across the state of Minnesota. Ms. Rigg has more than 20 years of nonprofit experience as consultant, board member, volunteer, and fundraiser, as well as personal experience as a family caregiver.

Deb Friedrichs, AAHFS’ program director, stated, “I enjoy working with Kristin. Her experience and leadership benefits all of the Minnesota programs and helps us to share best practices and ideas. Also, I appreciate having Kristin as a resource to provide updates and advocacy on state legislative issues affecting our program.” For more information about LAHN, visit their website.










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