Aitkin County CARE, Inc.

02/05/2026

In AITKIN on Valentine's Day.

02/04/2026

Palisade CARE is excited to announce a new collaboration with Angie’s Acres! Together, we’re supporting the ongoing Palisade Food Shelf, happening this Tuesday, February 10th, at the Assembly of God Church in downtown Palisade.

The Palisade Food Shelf partners with Second Harvest Northland to provide access to food for our neighbors in the 56469 area and beyond.

🕘 Doors open at 9:00 a.m.
Everyone is welcome—please help spread the word!

02/03/2026

🏠 Are You 65+ and LIVING in Aitkin County?
👉 You do NOT have to be low-income to qualify!
CARE has a great collaborating partner, Kelly, with this service for our older adults who live in Aitkin County!

Lighthouse has funding available through June 2026 to help older adults make home modifications that support safe, independent living at home. A Lighthouse Occupational Therapist (OT) will visit your home to complete an assessment and help arrange recommended modifications.

🔧 Examples include:
✔️ Grab bars
✔️ Ramps
✔️ Under-cabinet lighting
✔️ Bump dots
✔️ Other safety and accessibility updates

💰 Projects typically around $1,000 per household (with some flexibility).

📋 How to get started:
1️⃣ Call Kelly Looby at 218-624-4828 x1046
2️⃣ Complete a brief phone pre-screen
3️⃣ Schedule an in-home OT assessment
4️⃣ Lighthouse coordinates the work and pays the contractor directly

02/02/2026

Are you a caregiver? This is for you.
Everyone is welcome.

Join others who are on a similar caregiving journey. Caregiver support groups offer a space to connect with people who understand the challenges you face, share experiences, and find comfort and validation.

Our group provides:
Emotional support
Practical advice
Information about helpful resources
A safe place to express feelings and learn coping strategies

Facilitators: Ann & Irmgard
When: This Thursday
Where: Member’s COOP Credit Union IN AITKIN
Sponsored by: CARE

You don’t have to do this alone. 💙

01/28/2026

As our nonprofit, CARE, faces a decrease in federal funding through the Older Americans Act and increased competition for grant funding—which is often not sustainable and not CARE’s preferred funding source—we are deeply grateful for the continued support of the Aitkin County Board of Commissioners and for CARE remaining on the list of county appropriations.

The Board allocated $582,532 for dues, joint powers, and appropriations for 2026. CARE has proudly served Aitkin County residents for more than 20 years, providing essential services that allow older adults to remain in their own homes for as long as possible.

This funding decision demonstrates that the Aitkin County Commissioners value services that help all of us Age Well and Age Strong. This vision sets Aitkin County apart—many counties do not share this commitment, nor do they have an organization like CARE.

Thank you to our Commissioners for investing in and taking care of our local community members county-wide. Aging, so cool that everyone's doing it.

Discover the vibrant community of Aitkin County, Minnesota. Explore our rich history, scenic beauty, and thriving local businesses. Plan your visit today!

01/26/2026

CARE is a nonprofit organization serving older residents of Aitkin County, with offices located in Palisade and Aitkin. We currently employ 16 dedicated staff members and provide services designed to help you Age Well and Age Strong in your own home. In 2025 alone, CARE provided a wide range of services supporting older adults and caregivers throughout our community.

Becoming a CARE client starts with a free in-home visit and assessment with Kim Nutting. During this visit, you’ll learn how CARE can support you on your aging journey and what services may be helpful now or in the future. Even if you feel you’re not quite ready, completing a home assessment is a smart step. It gets you enrolled in our system so that when the time comes, services can be activated quickly and smoothly.

We’ve seen it happen MORE THAN ONCE this past year — life can change suddenly. One moment everything feels fine, and the next, a crisis occurs and plans aren’t in place to remain safely at home. Don’t wait for a crisis to plan. Call Kim today to schedule your free in-home assessment and take a proactive step toward aging well, on your terms. 218-927-1383 ext. 2.

01/22/2026

NEW DATE for the CARE Support Group---1st THURSDAY of every month. Location: Aitkin Members COOP Credit Union. Same great facilitators: Ann & Irmgard. ALL are welcome! Next gathering, Thursday, February 5th!

01/20/2026

CARE’s Intergenerational Programming Presents the McGregor 3rd Grade Grand Friends Winter Event

CARE’s Intergenerational Programming proudly hosted the McGregor 3rd Grade Grand Friends Program Winter Event. This meaningful program pairs 3rd-grade students from Mrs. Siemenstad’s class with community “Grand Friends,” fostering connections through letter and card exchanges throughout the school year. Participants also come together in person three times annually to strengthen relationships, share experiences, and have fun.

The winter gathering featured the book The Branch, written by Mireille Messier and illustrated by Pierre Pratt, sparking thoughtful conversation and shared reflection between students and their Grand Friends.

CARE is grateful to collaborate with the McGregor Community Education Department and the McGregor School District in sponsoring this important intergenerational program, which builds connection, understanding, and community across generations.

01/19/2026

Last minute 2 TOENAIL Clinic Openings Tomorrow Tuesday Jan. 20th from 2:00-2:45p.m, 2:45-3:30pm. With Our Nurse Cindy Roden in our newly remodeled room! Call Kim Nutting aat 218-927-1383 ext. 2

01/15/2026

There are only 14 spots left! CALL TODAY, GRAB a FRIEND, and ATTEND. CALL Ann so we can PLAN!

The location is Blackrock Terrace Gathering Area in Aitkin and you don't have to live there to attend. Everyone welcome.

THREE Guest presenters: Toni Lane, Paige Harwig and Ann Gile.
Expert info for Advance Care Planning, Services available from Moments Hospice and a Certified Doula RIGHT HERE IN AITKIN COUNTY!

Free to attend but you must call and reserve your spot.
Limited to 30 people. Call Ann, CARE Program Director today! 218-927-1383 ext. 1.
Monday, January 19th from 10 to 11 am.

01/15/2026

In less than 45 minutes, 60 bags of food were distributed yesterday in Hill City. This program is made possible through a collaboration between CARE, Riverwood Healthcare Center, ANGELS of McGregor, and the Aitkin Farmers Hub. The speed at which the bags were distributed—and the number of vehicles lined up—clearly illustrates the food insecurity challenges facing our neighbors and friends. As an Aitkin County community, we must continue working toward sustainable solutions that improve accessibility and affordability of healthy foods for everyone. Access to nutritious food is vital to Aging Well and Aging Strong. CARE remains committed to addressing food insecurity as we move into 2026.

01/14/2026

Last minute TOENAIL Clinic opening for tomorrow from 12:30 to 1:15 pm with our nurse Cindy Roden in our newly remodeled room! First come, first serve: Call Kim Nutting at 218-927-1383 ext. 2.