What does it take to become a member of an organization? How much will it cost? What are the benefits? Do I agree with the mission and goals of the organization? Will I be among people who feel as I do about getting older? Can this organization really do anything about the concerns I have?

What if real people told their stories about how the Minnesota Senior Federation made an impact in their lives?

From Wendy to the MnSF Health Plan Information Center: “I can’t begin to tell you how very much your help and kindness and conscientiousness was appreciated. You went way beyond what I would have expected to help my parents get their Medicare D information and guidance.”

From Nancy to the Senior Partners Care program: “Our mother passed away a few weeks ago. All memorials received are being given to organizations that helped my mother throughout her life. Your organization truly did that.”

From Hank on why he became a member: “I joined this organization seven years ago because it was an activist group not a discussion group.”

From Alicia, thanking UMPRP, a Minnesota Senior Federation program: “My husband passed away and because of some misinformation his pension plan had been given, I was not contacted about a survivor benefit. Five years later, my brother-in-law saw an article that stated a plan was not allowed to do this. I contacted the Upper Midwest Pension Rights Project through MnSF and they were able to obtain my survivor benefit! I was having a terrible time making ends meet with my living expenses and medication; this benefit has been wonderful.”

Dee’s story about why she supports MnSF: “The city came to me one day and said my house was too old and needed too much repair. I had two months to get out. In the meantime my husband died and I had a funeral to take care of. I was 72 years old and I was displaced. I had no place to go. I lived in my car for four months. I finally found help and moved into a senior housing unit. After that experience, I joined the Minnesota Senior Federation’s housing committee and have been active in that organization and others like it ever since. No one should ever go through what I went through.”

As you can see, the needs are real, the people are real and the response was real as these folks joined the Minnesota Senior Federation to present a larger, united voice on issues of social justice and aging. But you don’t have to wait for an upheaval in your life to take action. Join now - invite a friend - invite five friends. The mission is simple and direct - The Minnesota Senior Federation “empowers persons 50 and older to meet their own and community needs and concerns.” Wendy, Nancy, Hank, Alicia and Dee all thought it a worthwhile endeavor.