Volunteers of America Hmong Elder Connections offers positive cultural, educational and social experiences for seniors of the Hmong community to help preserve their physical and emotional health and well-being.  Many Hmong elders feel isolated due to a number of language and cultural barriers, as well as personal difficulties arising from their loss of homeland and family members, their lack of economic security, and normal problems associated with aging.  Our program fills a void in the lives of isolated Hmong elders, teaches them about their new country, and gives them a place to find resources and support. 

Three programs, individual help and support, group activities, and an adult day service, are designed to help Hmong elders develop supports for a new life while celebrating their shared heritage.  All Hmong Elder Connections staff is bilingual and all programs are offered in the Hmong language.  Call 612-377-4472 for more information, or to arrange for a tour.

Individual Help and Support:

The bilingual staff of Hmong Elder Connections provide a valuable service in translating, interpreting, and explaining services to help program participants with a wide range of problems.  Health care, economic assistance, housing, immigration issues, family problems, transportation, and mental health issues are among the most urgent needs.  

Group Activities:

To reduce isolation and increase support for one another, Hmong Elder Connections has established a drop-in program at Park ElderCenter.  Hmong elders meet on Wednesdays and Thursdays every week from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.  Programs and services include:

• Health education focusing on hypertension, diabetes, physical exercise, healthy nutrition and weight maintenance
• Weekly exercise programs
• Nurse onsite for weekly blood pressure, glucose and weight monitoring
• Noon meal with culturally appropriate food
• Cultural programs including annual Hmong New Year Celebration 
• Field trips 
• Summer camping trips

Hmong DayElders, an Adult Day Service:

For those Hmong elders who need extra support, Hmong DayElders is available Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.  Participants of the Hmong DayElders program are typically experiencing problems with mobility, endurance and/or cognitive functioning.  They may have one or more chronic diseases or cannot remain home alone during the day.  Hmong DayElders services include daily health monitoring, exercise program, group discussions and activities, information about a variety of topics and culturally appropriate food.  Individuals may participate from one to five days a week.  Financial assistance to cover the cost of the program is available.  Learn more