Hello MnCAN friends, As we begin a new year filled with excitement, hope, and renewed energy, we can’t help but feel incredibly grateful.
As we closed out 2025, we shared a humble request with our supportive and generous MnCAN community - to help us meet our annual budget goal. What followed was truly remarkable. We were met with an outpouring of generosity from individuals and businesses who stepped up, believed in our mission, and helped us meet our goal. Simply, thank you.
Because of the community that surrounds us, holds us up, and encourages us - MnCAN is able to inspire hope and provide meaningful resources, connection, and support to individuals and families living with aphasia and primary progressive aphasia. We are deeply thankful, and we move into 2026 with full hearts and great momentum. With Sincere Gratitude,
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 |
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This month, we would like to highlight our PPA Support Group. The in-person group met in mid-January and had a lovely conversation on "moving forward" and things they were looking forward to in 2026. The group discussed that even in challenging circumstances, there are things we can all do to feel more positive and hopeful. Here are some of their suggestions: - Walk / move your body - find an indoor space such as the mall or large retail store; or a guided workout on a video
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Plan a vacation - a day trip or a bucket-list item
- Attend social events - staying connected to others is SO important
- Ask for help when tasks feel stressful or challenging - partnering with someone may make the task more enjoyable
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Laugh - share humor!
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We are excited to announce that Ken Kerns, MNCAN participant and board president, will be talking about his book Anything but Frank: A Journey of Healing, Patience and Rediscovery at Lake Elmo Library. This event is hosted by Washington County Library.
Register through the library here: https://washcolib.libcal.com/event/15850738?hs=a
Do you have a community event you would like to share? Please let us know! We love sharing about how people are spreading aphasia awareness in the community |
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- Spring session starts this month. Tuition invoices have been sent. We welcome you to pay the full amount now or split payments (final payment due by 3/31/26).
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MnCAN Virtual Aphasia Conversation Groups have a few openings for the spring. Email us for more information!
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Interested in volunteering? We would love to welcome a volunteer to help with one of our in-person aphasia conversation groups in the west metro. If you are interested, please complete a volunteer interest form HERE.
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Hello Winter! MnCAN has a weather cancellation policy for all in-person groups. We will reschedule a group if the school district in which the group meets closes for the day - OR - if there is a significant winter weather advisory. The group facilitator or MnCAN staff will contact each group participant individually to notify everyone of any change.
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Email us at contact@mncan.org to join one of our current groups or to share an idea for a new group.
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| 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. |
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MnCAN is partnering with the National Aphasia Association on a special project - they want to hear from YOU. If you are a participant with aphasia or a care partner, and interested in being part of a few focus group meetings - add your response to this short survey:
Aphasia Life Impact |
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The MnCAN Executive Board of Directors has THREE open positions. We would love your help in spreading the word to find passionate, thoughtful leaders who believe in our mission and want to help guide MnCAN into the future.
Current Needs: |
- Experience in offering legal guidance
- Experience in community engagement or marketing
- Experience in nonprofit governance
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Interested? Please consider the following: |
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Are you passionate about the mission and vision of MnCAN?
- Do you bring leadership skills that would complement our strong, thoughtful, and diverse board?
- Do you have ideas, perspectives, or expertise that could help MnCAN grow and evolve into the future?
- Are you able to think strategically about long-term impact, sustainability, and community needs?
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Are you comfortable serving as an ambassador for MnCAN in the community?
- Are you willing to contribute your time, talents, and voice to support MnCAN’s programs and initiatives?
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Planned Giving - Leaving a Legacy |
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The beginning of a new year reminds us of the enduring power of generosity. Through planned giving, you have the extraordinary opportunity to create a legacy that sustains the mission of MnCAN for years to come. By including Minnesota Connect Aphasia Now (MnCAN) in your will or estate plan, you ensure that our organization continues to provide life-changing aphasia programs and education to families just like yours. Thank you for considering how you can leave a legacy of connection through your generosity. Together, we can continue to build a foundation that supports our mission. Please consider talking to your financial advisor about including MnCAN in your will or estate - we would be so grateful.
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MnCAN would like to say a special thank you to our outgoing board members, Jane Anderson and Gus Avenido. Jane and Gus have dedicated their time and expertise to growing our organization. We are grateful for their passion to share aphasia awareness over their years of service. Please join us in celebrating their meaningful contributions to Minnesota Connect Aphasia Now.
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MnCAN.org has a section specifically for resources for people with aphasia and primary progressive aphasia right here in our local communities.
This month, we would like to highlight our Transportation and Travel Resources. We recently learned of UZURV and UberHealth. Both of these offer transportation to medical appointments, please reach out to them directly for more information.
For all of our aphasia resources: CLICK HERE
For all of our primary progressive aphasia resources: CLICK HERE |
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| MnCAN will be emailing tax receipts to everyone who donated $250 or more in 2025. If you would prefer a mailed copy, please let us know. Thank you for your generosity!
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Minnesota Connect Aphasia Now (MnCAN) is a registered 501(c)(3) organization. Your donation today is tax deductible as allowable by state law. |
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