February Message from the Directors: Celebrating the Heart of MnCAN

As we move through February, a month that often centers around love and connection, we are reminded how grateful we are for our MnCAN family. Every day, we are honored by the trust you place in us—sharing your stories, your journeys, your challenges, and your growth.

MnCAN is more than programs and groups; it is a community built on compassion, understanding, and belonging. Thank you for being part of this incredible family. We are so grateful for each of you. 

With appreciation,

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 February Coffee & Connections this Friday, February 27th!

If you are not yet familiar with our monthly Coffee & Connections gatherings, each month we choose a different location in the metro area to bring our MnCAN community together for coffee, conversation, and connection. 

Care partners, participants, family members, and anyone connected to the MnCAN family are welcome. It is a relaxed, informal way to see familiar faces, meet new friends, and simply enjoy time together.

Stop by, grab a cup of coffee, and let’s chat — we look forward to seeing you! 

Did you know that MnCAN hosts a virtual Coffee Club that meets every Tuesday morning from 8:00-8:45 all year long?!

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.

Every year our friends at the National Aphasia Association host a Night of Aphasia Arts!

This special event is a showcase of individuals living with aphasia who share their expressive ideas through a variety of art forms.  Our own MnCAN Drama Club made TWO submissions this year - you can submit your own artwork or creativity. Submission deadline is February 24th at 4:00 pm Central Time. 

Night of Aphasia Arts 2026: More Than Words will be held on Zoom on March 25,2026 from 5:30-7:00PM Central Time. For more information or to join the event on Zoom, click here: Night of Aphasia Arts 2026 

The start of a new year invites reflection — on what matters most, on the people we love, and on the legacy we hope to leave behind.

Because of generosity like yours, families facing aphasia and PPA have found connection, hope, and community through MnCAN. Every conversation group, every educational program, every moment of encouragement exists because someone chose to care deeply.

Through planned giving, you have the extraordinary opportunity to ensure that this mission continues long into the future. By including MnCAN in your will or estate plan, you create a lasting legacy — one that sustains life-changing aphasia programs and education for individuals and families navigating some of life’s most challenging circumstances.

A planned gift is more than a financial decision. It is a powerful statement: that connection matters, that communication matters, that no one should face aphasia alone.

We are profoundly grateful for your consideration. If this speaks to your heart, we encourage you to talk with your financial advisor about including MnCAN in your estate plans. Your legacy of generosity can help build a future filled with support, understanding, and hope.

Together, we can ensure that the gift of connection lives on for generations to come.