VINE receives federal Older Americans Act funds to target services to culturally and racially diverse elders in the Minnesota River Valley. Since the program’s inception in 2015, VINE has assisted nearly 100 elders from 16 different countries. VINE’s outreach to refugee elders includes advocacy, phone contact, escort, translation, form assistance, and service coordination essential to successful independent community living.

Under supervision of a certified ELL instructor at VINE, retired educators volunteer at the Adult Literacy Center and help refugee elders and other literacy-challenged adults improve reading and writing skills. Increased English literacy enables participants to become more fully engaged and successful in their community. Aging refugees with limited English proficiency benefit from the opportunity to socialize with other elders and VINE volunteers. Classes are held Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday mornings at the VINE Adult Community Center. Transportation can be arranged.

If you interested in learning more or volunteering, please contact Adult Literacy Center Coordinator, Helen Jaeb at (507) 720-8828 or VINE’s Diversity Coordinator, Julie Hawker at (507) 386-5582.