United Way Helps Older Adults Connect through Technology

    June 9th, 2020

    Region comes together to provide Kindle Fire tablets June 11

    MANKATO—With the help of generous regional supporters, Greater Mankato Area United Way is addressing social isolation and ensuring older adults in care facilities can stay connected to loved ones through technology.

    This week, volunteers will help United Way deliver 130 Kindle Fire tablets to 22 facilities in United Way’s service area of Blue Earth, Le Sueur, Nicollet and Waseca counties.

    Media is invited to the device delivery at 9:15 a.m. this Thursday, June 11 at Oak Terrace (1575 Hoover Dr, North Mankato).

    “Social connection is instrumental to an individual’s emotional and mental health,” said Greater Mankato Area United Way CEO Barb Kaus. “Connection to others can help ease loneliness, stress and depression. By providing technology to older adults, we can offer them a means of communication and connection to family and other loved ones who are unable to visit during these times of crisis.”

    The initiative began when Nate Erickson, administrator at Mankato’s Ophthalmology Associates, approached Kaus with the idea of providing devices to older adults who are socially isolated during COVID-19 restrictions. United Way took on the role of convening and connecting.

    “The goal for this was simple: I wanted to connect our greatest generation with their loved ones and friends during a very difficult time,” said Erickson. “Loneliness and isolation, especially for seniors, is a debilitating thing. I had to step up. Since coming to Mankato over two years ago, I know how generous this community is in times of need, and all we had to do was ask. The outpouring of support was incredible. Ophthalmology Associates serves seniors across Southwest MN and our senior populations are very near and dear to our staff. Using our current relationship with the United Way only bolstered our overall goal for our senior community and patients we serve. My little plan exploded, and I am entirely grateful to Barb Kaus, the United Way, and all who supported my small idea to support our senior patient population and all seniors within the senior living communities across southwest Minnesota.”

    Approximately 85 percent of Ophthalmology Associates’ clients are senior age.

    Donors included service clubs, individuals and businesses throughout the region. District #77 also loaned additional tablets.

    Along with Erickson, doctors from Ophthalmology Associates and volunteers will assist in distributing the tablets to care facilities.

    The initiative is one example of Greater Mankato Area United Way’s mission of convening people and organizations to resources.

    Donors to this initiative include:

    • Diane Beckmann, Thrivent Financial – Waseca
    • Connors Plumbing & Heating
    • Pam DeMarce, Wow!Zone Family Entertainment Center
    • Exchange Club of Waseca
    • Greater Mankato Rotary Club
    • Kiwanis Club of Mankato
    • Mankato Sunrise Lions Club
    • Minnesota River Area Agency on Aging
    • Minnesota Valley Civitan Club
    • Ophthalmology Associates
    • Optimist Club of Minnesota Valley
    • Sertoma of Greater Mankato
    • Jaye Sopkowiak
    • St. Peter Lions Club
    • St. Peter Rotary
    • Target Mankato
    • Waseca Lions Club
    • Waseca Rotary Club