Happy April MnCAN Community,
As we welcome the newness of spring this April, we are deeply grateful for the generosity, support, and connection that continue to grow within our community each day. So many exciting things are happening within our community and we invite you to be a part of our growth. MnCAN outreach is thriving and new people are joining an aphasia program - whether you are living with aphasia, navigating primary progressive aphasia or love someone with aphasia - you belong here. We are walking alongside you.
Warmly,
Jessica Wald and Angie Maier, Executive Directors along with MnCAN Staff, Board of Directors, Facilitators and Volunteers |
|
|
|
MnCAN Participant Highlight |
|
|
|
| When did you join MnCAN? August 2025 - I discovered the group through my HR department, and it is an honor to be a part of it.
What are your hobbies and interests? Since my brain injury, my hobbies have become somewhat limited due to the restricted function of my right hand. However, I still enjoy meeting people of all ages, planning my travels, and going to the gym.
What do you enjoy most about MnCAN? One thing I enjoy most about this group is that people don't look at me with prejudice. Having an 'invisible disability' is difficult because most people have no idea I have a condition called aphasia. They often lose patience, thinking a word should be easy to recall when it is actually very difficult for us. Because this group is filled with people who have speech therapy backgrounds, they understand our condition. The extra patience they show is truly beneficial.
What do you want people to know about aphasia? Aphasia is a complex condition with many different types. Most importantly, I want the public to understand that people with aphasia struggle with language - not just speaking, but also comprehending. For instance, I have thalamic aphasia. Although it doesn't directly impact the primary language cortex, a left thalamic stroke can cause slow processing speeds, reduced auditory working memory, and difficulty holding long sentences in mind. In short, people with aphasia have not lost their intelligence; we just need extra time to express our thoughts.
|
|
|
|
|
April is National Volunteer Month and we are incredibly grateful for the dedicated individuals who make our work possible week after week. In 2025 alone, our volunteers contributed over 400 hours to MnCAN - an inspiring reflection of their commitment and generosity.
Whether supporting conversation groups, working behind the scenes, or helping at fundraising events, every contribution makes a meaningful difference. We are continually inspired by the growing number of people eager to learn about MnCAN and get involved.
Thank you to all who give their time and energy to support our mission - we truly could not do it without you. |
|
|
|
-
Interested in volunteering? We would love to have you join the team! If you are interested, please complete a volunteer interest form HERE.
-
If you have any concerns or questions about registration / programs please call 612-524-8802 or email contact@mncan.org.
- Summer groups will start late May / early June. Registration invoices will be emailed in early May.
|
|
|
|
Our community is so special! We had 15 attendees at our April Coffee & Connections gathering in Little Canada, and moments like these remind us why this work matters so much. This is what community looks like - connection, understanding, and support across shared experiences. We are so grateful for each and every person who shows up and makes these gatherings so impactful. |
|
|
Nicole and Angie represented MnCAN at the Brain Injury Support Conference on March 14th. This event was put on by our friends at the Brain Injury Alliance/Minnesota Stroke Association. The presentation speakers shared how poetry can be a powerful tool for expression and connection for individuals living with aphasia. Care partners and stroke and brain injury survivors learned how creative language approaches can open new pathways for communication, identity, and emotional healing.
|
|
|
|
| Congratulations to one of our amazing MnCAN Group Facilitators, Sheen! Sheen was recently honored with the Excellence in Diversity Award for her outstanding work in advancing equity, representation, and opportunity in the field of Communication Sciences and Disorders. This award recognizes individuals and programs that have made meaningful contributions to increasing diversity in the field and supporting underrepresented populations—and Sheen exemplifies this in every way. Well deserved, Sheen! We are so grateful for the impact you have made for people with aphasia (MnCAN) over the past 10 years. |
|
| |
|
Did you know that MnCAN hosts a virtual Coffee Club that meets every Tuesday morning from 8:00-8:45 all year long?! It's a great opportunity to meet more people and practice conversation. It's also a great group to join in between regular sessions to keep your communication skills challenged.
This group was first launched in January of 2021 with some of the original members still attending today. Read more here: Coffee Club.
If you would like to get on the email list to receive the Zoom link, please email angie@mncan.org. |
|
|
|
We are upgrading our WEBSITE www.mncan.org and we want to hear from YOU! We want the new website to be even more user-friendly and helpful so please share your feedback. This is an anonymous feedback form but we would love to discuss this topic with you if you email us at contact@mncan.org.
|
|
| |
|
We would love your feedback on PROGRAMS you would like to see MnCAN offer in the future. We want to create programs that are meaningful to you. Do you like photography? Art? Music? We are hoping to offer more social events with meaning throughout the year! We will collect the information and share updates with you throughout the year. |
|
| | |
Care Partner and Participant Resources |
|
|
|
We love sharing community resources with our MnCAN family. Senior Helpers of Lake Minnetonka has graciously donated a meeting space for our West Metro Aphasia Conversation Group to meet for the past two years - their team is so welcoming and engaging when our participants walk through their door. Senior Helpers provides personalized 1:1 care for older adults and individuals living with communication, cognitive, and/or mobility challenges. As a locally owned agency led by a licensed speech language pathologist, the team is uniquely qualified to train their caregivers to work effectively with clients who have communication difficulties.
Their goal is simple: to improve quality of life and deliver peace of mind to both individuals and their families through reliable, thoughtful care. For more information about Senior Helpers of Lake Minnetonka - CLICK HERE |
|
| |
|
Can we share a MnCAN Aphasia or PPA pocket card with you? |
|
|
|
Our Aphasia and PPA pocket cards are a simple, powerful way to help others understand your communication needs. These wallet-sized cards briefly explain aphasia or primary progressive aphasia and can be especially helpful during appointments, while driving, or out in the community - supporting awareness, patience, and clearer communication.
Interested in getting one? Email us at contact@mncan.org and we can drop it in the mail for you.
|
|
|
|
For all MnCAN aphasia resources: CLICK HERE
For all MnCAN primary progressive aphasia resources: CLICK HERE |
|
|
|
|
We hope you can join us for one or more of our spring social events! These events are for EVERYONE who is impacted by the connection, community and mission of MnCAN.
Please reach out with questions - we are happy to help!
Email: contact@mncan.org Call or text: 612-524-8802 |
|
|
|
| Mark your calendar!
Invite your friends, family, and neighbors to our biggest event of the year - this is one you will not want to miss. Our 2026 Break the Barriers for Aphasia Fundraising Gala is coming in October! Join us for an inspiring afternoon filled with live music, silent and live auctions, delicious food and drinks, powerful keynote speakers, and a community coming together for an incredible cause. Together, we will celebrate connection, raise awareness, and support individuals and families living with aphasia. |
|
|
|
Minnesota Connect Aphasia Now (MnCAN) is a registered 501(c)(3) organization. Your donation today is tax deductible as allowable by state law. |
|
|
|
Mailing Address:
*{{Organization Name}}* *{{Organization Address}}* *{{Organization Phone}}* *{{Organization Website}}* *{{Unsubscribe}}* | |
| | |
|
|
