By Tom McGrath

On Dec. 11, 2007, the Minnesota Senior Federation held a party and presented me with a plaque in honor of my 20 years with the Federation. Unfortunately, the honor was a full year premature. My 20 years actually completed Dec. 11, 2008.

As my 21st year commences, I reflect on challenges facing us today. The Federation currently has its smallest staff in this 20-year period. The need for the Senior Federation has never been greater. As I talk with members and other seniors who call us, I am distressed to hear the increase in those unable to get medical care, losing a job or losing their home, sometimes even because their landlord was unable to make his mortgage payment and was facing foreclosure. I have talked to those who have used credit cards for necessary everyday expenses and now have huge debts with banks increasing both interest rates and minimum payments.

There seem to be fewer and fewer resources open to these callers. Many nonprofits that used to help people navigate these kinds of crises are gone. The government seems to be unavailable. Many call the Federation just to find out how to contact their county government, as they can’t find information in phone books. When I look on web pages to try to find the information, it is hidden away. Perhaps even our government does not want to hear from us.

The Federation is itself in a challenging time. While the need is greater than ever, it is harder to address needs with the resources available. Over the years, our members have been committed to advocating on these issues on behalf of both seniors and the broader community. Your commitment is needed now more than ever. The Minnesota legislative session is underway, and will make decisions that determine whether Minnesotans will continue to thrive.

We have a unique growth opportunity this year. Please read the article about the matching challenge of the Katherine B. Andersen Fund of the St. Paul Foundation. If each of us recruits one new member, we can complete this challenge quickly, double our membership and add $40,000 to resources available for our increasingly important work.

I trust that together we will make the next 20 years more fruitful than the last 20, and that the Federation will continue to be a strong advocate for the dignity of people.