December Reflections: Peace & Love 

Hello MnCAN friends,

As we come to the close of another year at Minnesota Connect Aphasia Now (MnCAN), we find ourselves reflecting with deep gratitude on all that we have accomplished together. This year has been filled with meaningful connections, expanded programming, and continued growth - each step guided by our shared commitment to supporting individuals living with aphasia and primary progressive aphasia, along with the care partners and families who walk alongside them.

We are also mindful of our year-end giving goals, the generosity of our community plays a vital role in sustaining and strengthening MnCAN programs. Your support directly impacts our ability to offer accessible, compassionate services that foster communication, connection, and hope. Every contribution - no matter the size - helps ensure these programs continue to reach those who rely on them.

Above all, this season invites reflection on gratitude, joy, and peace. We are truly thankful for each person who has been part of the MnCAN community this year - participants, care partners, volunteers, donors, and friends. Your presence and belief in this work make all the difference.

As we move into the holiday season and toward a new year, we wish you peace - peace in whatever form it may take, and comfort in the moments that matter most to you and your loved ones.

Warmly,

The MnCAN Team

Jessica Wald and Angie Maier, Executive Directors and Speech Language Pathologists, along with the MnCAN Board of Directors, Group Facilitators and Students/Volunteers

Join Us for Coffee & Connections:          Holiday Edition!

We warmly invite the MnCAN family to join us for our monthly Coffee & Connections with a cozy, holiday twist THIS Friday, December 19th.

We will gather in Centennial United Methodist Church (address: 1524 County Rd C2 W, Roseville, MN) and enjoy coffee, cocoa, and cookies together. All are welcome - MnCAN participants, care partners, board members, facilitators, volunteers, and supporters.

Please bring one dozen of your favorite cookies to share and dress festive (optional). 

Please RSVP by emailing contact@mncan.org.

Recognizing Mary Strom, SLP — MnCAN Coffee Club Facilitator

As we close out the year, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to Mary Strom, SLP, as she retires from her role with MnCAN. Mary began her MnCAN journey in 2015 as a dedicated volunteer, and over the last 10 years, she has facilitated numerous in-person and virtual groups, bringing warmth, joy, and connection to everyone she meets.

Since 2023, Mary has led our weekly virtual Coffee Club, where her sincere compassion, steady encouragement, and deep understanding of aphasia have created a welcoming space for conversation, friendship, and confidence-building. Mary’s presence has made a lasting impact on participants, families, and our entire MnCAN community.

Please join us in celebrating Mary’s incredible service and wishing her the very best in her retirement. Her contributions will continue to be felt for years to come.

MnCAN is Growing — and We Need Your Talents! 

We are looking for passionate community members who want to make a difference for people living with aphasia and PPA.

We are seeking support in the following areas:

Board Member Candidates - especially those with a legal background and a passion for MnCAN’s mission

Website Redesign - share ideas for our new website

Marketing, Videography, or Photography Professionals - help us create polished videos, photos, and materials

Fundraising Volunteers - support our annual campaigns and help fuel our impact

If you - or someone you know - has skills to share and a heart for our mission, we would love to connect. 

You can reach us by phone (612-524-8802) or email (contact@mncan.org).

Purchase a MnCAN Mug or T-Shirt! Every purchase helps spread awareness and education in your community. Show your MnCAN pride and help spread awareness! Purchase MnCAN Mug or Shirt Here

Make A Donation. Did you know many Minnesota companies offer employee giving or volunteer matching programs?

Many companies such as General Mills, U.S. Bank, Boston Scientific, Medtronic, 3M, Land O’Lakes, Hormel Foods, Graco, Best Buy, Allina, or Health Partners may match your donation and/or volunteer hours making your dollars go even further. 

Please consider reaching out to your company directly to ask if they would consider matching your donation to MnCAN.

Together, we can continue to connect, support, and empower people living with aphasia and PPA across Minnesota.

Questions? Email us at contact@mncan.org.

Donate from a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) a tax-smart way to give directly from your IRA to a nonprofit like MnCAN. If you are 70 1/2 or older, you can donate up to $108,000 per year, and it counts toward your required minimum distribution (RMD). We would be so grateful if you chose MnCAN as your nonprofit of choice.