How to get involved in the community

By Molly Ovenden

Need help? Got help to give?

Duluth Aging Support (DAS) and Fruit of the Vine (FOTV) Food Shelf have opportunities for seniors to find assistance where they need it, as well as offer their own wisdom, expertise and time.

Duluth Aging Support

DAS is a nonprofit organization which connects seniors in the Duluth community with opportunities for their enjoyment and betterment of life.

Program Manager Cyndy Klinksiek works to reduce isolation among older adults. One way this happens is through the website’s resource library. Both seniors and their caregivers can find helpful resources regarding health and wellbeing, arts and entertainment, or dementia. Another category, Lifelong Learning, includes various education opportunities for senior citizens.

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“Learning helps older adults stay mentally engaged, supporting cognitive health. In-person classes provide social connections too, which help combat isolation and loneliness,“ Klinksiek said.

There are also intergenerational programs, like DAS’s partnership with Mentor North’s new program, Mutual Mentoring, currently seeking older adults to partner with college students through meaningful relationships.

More information can be found at www.mentornorth.org/mutualmentoring or call 218-722-3600.

DAS also partners with Family Freedom Center at Freedom Farms for “coffee, conversation, and gardening” Klinksiek said.

This group loves to get their hands dirty and grow beautiful gardens together. They meet Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10 a.m. Call 218-5224445 for details.

For more information about DAS, visit www.duluthagingsupport.org.

Fruit of the Vine Food Shelf

FOTV Food Shelf in Duluth provides guests with a week’s worth of groceries with either an indoor shopping or a drive-thru experience.

FOTV has “served an average of 250 households per month in 2021, [and] given away approximately 278,439 pounds of food in the last 12 months,” said Natalie Pierce, compassion ministries director at the food shelf.

Because of the pandemic, FOTV has been temporarily offering a food delivery service, benefitting many older guests with disabilities. Around 30% of guests at the food shelf are over 55.

“Many are on fixed income and knowing that they can get good, fresh, free food regularly is a huge relief,” Pierce said.

While FOTV meets the practical food needs of anyone in need, it also meets relational needs through volunteering.

“There are opportunities to meet people in the same stage of life as you,” Pierce said.

Several retired volunteers enjoy serving behind the scenes or with guests during open hours. Pierce and her team welcome anyone who would like to volunteer at the food shelf and, she said, “We’re always willing to accommodate physical limits.”

For more information about Fruit of the Vine, visit www.duluthvineyard. org/ministries/fruit-of-the-vine or call 218-525-3462.

Some charities will sit down with prospective donors to discuss the specifics of how their donations will be spent.