Seasons greetings Minnesota Connect Aphasia Now community, 

2024 has been a fantastic year for our small but mighty non-profit organization. For over 10 years, MnCAN has been helping to improve quality of life, provide connection and instill hope for people living with aphasia in Minnesota.

We could not do this without all of YOU! Your support has an incredible impact on everyone connected to our organization: leadership team, Board of Directors, group facilitators, students, volunteers, and most importantly participants and their families. 

We are in the final weeks of our end of year giving campaign. If you are able, we would appreciate your continued financial support.

Did you know that $240 covers the program costs for one-person experiencing significant financial need to be able to connect to an aphasia conversation group for 12-weeks?  In 2024, we provided over $10,000 in financial assistance to our community thanks to your generosity.

As we wrap up 2024, we are confident that 2025 will bring continued growth, support, education and connection. 

All of our best to you,

Angie Maier and Jessica Wald, MnCAN Executive Directors

Meet MnCAN's newest Board Member- Kimberly Homan, SLP.  While attending graduate school for speech language pathology at Minnesota State University, Mankato, Kimberly was a student clinician for a MnCAN conversation group. The members of the group inspired Kimberly to focus her career on serving adults. She has worked in a variety of medical settings including acute care, inpatient rehabilitation, and outpatient clinics. Kimberly currently works as an outpatient speech language pathologist in the Twin Cities. Being a full time clinician, Kimberly sees the value MnCAN brings to our communities and looks forward to further uplifting MnCAN.

We are delighted to have her join our diverse and talented board. Welcome, Kimberly!

What year did you join MnCAN?

"I joined MnCAN 2 years ago, in the fall of 2022.  I had my stroke in April of 2019 and my rehab psychologist and occupational therapist separately recommended MnCAN to me.  I was hesitant to join but worked up the courage to call for more information.  I joined an in-person group, which has been so wonderful.

What are your hobbies and interests?

"I enjoy spending time with my wife Holly and our black lab Scout.  I love the outdoors and spend time hiking, fishing for smallmouth bass,  and pheasant hunting with Scout." 

What do you enjoy most about MnCAN?

"I appreciate the entire MnCAN organization, from top to bottom.  From the Executive Directors, Board Members, group facilitators, especially Jill, and all of the members and participants.  I feel like MnCAN has grown from an organization to a real community and I find MnCAN to be a very caring community."

What do you want people to know about aphasia?

"When I think about aphasia, I think about a two-sided coin.  No one can understand the frustration I feel.  We all face challenges in life, and many times my frustration with aphasia is off the charts.  However, I don't want to focus on that, the other side of the coin is the kindness of others I've experienced since the stroke.  Even when I get so frustrated, I am so grateful at the same time.  One thing I want to remind everyone (whether you have aphasia or other challenges) - "Be Kind to Your Mind."