Central Minnesota Elder Network (CM-EN) is a peer volunteer counseling service for elders by elders (55 and older). The goal of Elder Network is to provide one-hour per week of in-home service for people needing support due to life changes. This support is through volunteer peer counselors. Our philosophy is to provide a wholistic approach to mental health by focusing on the wellness of the whole individual through utilizing the services of trained peer volunteers (PVCs).

Elder Network is a non-profit organization serving elders in Douglas County, Minnesota. We are based in Alexandria, Minnesota, and began our work in 1996. All services provided to clients by Elder Network are free of charge.


Who Can Benefit from the Services of CM-EN
Anyone:
55 and older, living in Douglas County, Minnesota
Experiencing loneliness or isolation
With an illness or injury needing emotional support and encouragement
Making life-affecting decisions
Experiencing a change in living arrangements
Feeling sad much of the time
Grieving multiple losses
Feeling overwhelmed

Individuals who can identify with these situations or feelings may wish to become a Peer Client.


Peer Clients
The only commitment a Peer Client makes is to allow a trained volunteer to visit you one hour per week.

In turn you will receive: Someone who will listen
Someone who will empathize
Someone to help you begin to look forward
Someone with flexible time to meet your needs

Peer Volunteer Counselors
Anyone 55 and older can serve as a Peer Volunteer Counselor (PVC). A PVC needs to be someone who is available and willing to support another person through a time of transition, loss, stress, or change. PVCs are required to attend 40 hours of training in topics pertinent to counseling and mental health issues.
As a PVC, you will gain: The joy of giving to others
The excitement of learning
The fulfillment of sharing what you know through life and career experiences
As a PVC, you commit to: Being matched with one peer client
Attending one supervisory meeting per month
Periodic inservice meetings - you help choose the topics of interest
The time you spend is flexible and self-determined
If you are interested in services or becoming a trained PVC, write:  CM-EN 
PO Box 232
Alexandria, MN 56308 

or call our office at:
320-763-9084 

CM-EN is a non-profit organization. We exist through tax-deductible private donations as well as support from agencies and businesses, such as:

 West Central Area Agency on Aging  Heart of the Lakes United Way
First Lutheran Church - Alexandria Calvary Lutheran Church - Alexandria
Douglas County Hospital Lutheran Social Services
St. Mary's Catholic Church - Alexandria Douglas County Social Services

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Updated on February 2001