Aitkin County CARE, Inc.

11/07/2025

CARE is here to help you Age Well & Age Strong!

For the month of October, our Professional Caregiving Team provided 460.31 hours of homemaking services — including light housekeeping, laundry, meal preparation, grocery shopping, and connection. We also provided 39.29 hours of Individualized Custom Living Supports to clients who need more involved assistance to remain in their own homes for as long as possible, and 96.86 hours of respite care to caregivers who are managing the care of a loved one.

At CARE, we understand that it’s not selfish to focus on your own needs and well-being when you are caring for a family member or living with a chronic or progressive illness. It’s important to ask yourself:

“If my health deteriorates, what will happen to the person I provide care for? If I become emotionally drained, deprived of sleep, or isolated because I’m trying to do it all, how loving and patient can I really be?”

Our Professional Caregivers are paid employees with specialized training, and CARE holds a 245D License through the Minnesota Department of Human Services — because quality is our policy.

If you know someone in Aitkin County or the Bay Lake–Crosby/Ironton–Deerwood area who could use assistance on their aging journey, we encourage you to be proactive and reach out.

📞 Contact:
Kim Nutting, Program Director of Professional Caregiving Services
218-927-1383 ext. 2

CARE is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting individuals and families as they Age Well and Age Strong.

11/06/2025

Meet CARE’s Superstar: Pat Erkel!
We’re celebrating Pat Erkel’s 94th birthday during our SAIL (Stay Active and Independent for Life) class at Blackrock Terrace in Aitkin! 🎉
At CARE, we believe in helping everyone Age Well & Age Strong. That’s why we invest in training certified instructors to teach this evidence-based program designed to improve strength, balance, and overall wellness.

CARE currently offers four SAIL classes that meet twice a week across Aitkin County — in Aitkin, Malmo, and McGregor.

Want to learn more or join a class?
Contact Ann Gile, Program Director at CARE, at 218-927-1383 ext. 1.

Let’s all take inspiration from Pat — our shining example of Aging Well and Aging Strong in Aitkin County! 💪✨
Be like Pat!

11/05/2025

We are excited to announce that CARE will be hosting our 3rd Grand Fall Pantry on Thursday, November 20th at The Birchstreet Business Center. Doors open at 9 am sharp.

This community event is made possible thanks to incredible partners:
Grand Casino Mille Lacs – donating two pallets of food and $250 to purchase fresh vegetables
Mid-MN Federal Credit Union – donating 50 gift bags filled with mittens, hand warmers, lip balm, lotion, hot chocolate, and a candy cane
Angie's Acres – donating a freezer filled with roughly 400–500 pounds of ground beef and roasts
Ed Anderson & Partners--pallets of new Attends Advanced Underwear [$14 value]

At CARE, we believe everyone deserves to shop with dignity. Our pantry is set up as an inviting, dignified shopping experience—no questions asked, no judgment.
Guests enter in groups of five and may select up to 30 items of their choice. We provide bags, information, and a welcoming environment. It’s an incredibly heartwarming and meaningful day.

We would love to partner with additional organizations for this event. If your business or organization would like to contribute, please let us know by Friday, November 7th by noon and we will include your name & donation in our marketing.

Ways to partner:
Donate 60 of a single new popular food item [no canned vegetables, please-we're good on that!] ,
or
Contribute cash to help us purchase fresh fruits and vegetables to build out that section
Again, Doors open at 9 AM, and the pantry will run until supplies are gone.

Together, we can help our neighbors Age Well & Age Strong.
Thank you for supporting CARE and our mission. CARE is a 501c3 Independent NONPROFIT serving our Aitkin County Communities and beyond. [Southern Itasca, Bay Lake-Crosby-Ironton-Deerwood]
The CARE Leadership Team: Ann Gile, Athena Dunham, Cindy Roden, Judy Thomas, Kim Nutting and me.

11/04/2025

This year, CARE’s goal is to raise $3,000 to enhance our Toenail Clinic. These funds will allow us to purchase a professional-grade pedicure chair that ensures comfort and accessibility for our clients, as well as an ergonomic practitioner’s stool for our beloved Registered Nurse, Cindy Roden.

To make a gift to CARE, visit GiveMN.org, type in the search bar “Aitkin County CARE, Inc.” AND CLICK THE DONATE BUTTON!

In addition, CARE is excited to be remodeling a dedicated space in preparation for the launch of our expanded 2026 Toenail Clinic Service. Thank you for supporting healthy aging in our community!

11/03/2025

CARE is partnering with Angels McGregor to offer a monthly Caregiver Support Group on the second Wednesday of each month at ANGELS in McGregor.

Join Ann and Meghan on November 12th from 10:00–11:00 AM for support, resources, and connection.
Ann Gile, Program Director at CARE, is a certified facilitator with the Alzheimer's Association.

There is no cost to attend.
We welcome all caregivers who would benefit from community and encouragement.

11/02/2025

Hey Community! 👋
Did you know our CARE RN, Cindy Roden, has already completed 206 Toenail Clinic appointments in 2025?
This vital service helps our neighbors and friends Age Well & Age Strong — right here at home. 💚
Right now, we're making it work with an office chair, a plastic tub, and liners. We've already invested in a medical-grade sterilization machine — now we’re ready to upgrade to a professional clinic chair for improved comfort, accessibility, and efficiency for Cindy and the clients we serve.
✨ November is Giving Month, and we have a goal to raise $3,000 to create a dedicated Toenail Clinic space!
It’s also Give to the Max Month, and our donation page is ready to go.
👉 Click the link in the comments to support our nonprofit and help us continue this essential service!
"We're the Little Engine That Does," and today we're asking for your help to keep us moving forward. 🚂💪
Thank you for supporting CARE and the older adults in our community!
Respectfully, The CARE Team: Ann, Athena, Judy, Cindy Kim and me.

10/30/2025

CARE is excited to announce that we will be taking over management of The Birchstreet Business Center effective January 1, 2026. Located in the heart of downtown Aitkin, this is a premier professional office building.

There will be seven private offices available for rent beginning January 1st. THERE ARE ONLY THREE APPOINTMENTS LEFT-- for seriously interested lessees, available on WEDNESDAY, November 12th at: 11:00 AM, 2:00 PM, and 3:00 PM.

Appointments include a full building tour and a meeting with CARE to review information, answer questions and share exciting new building innovations coming in 2026.

To request your appointment slot, please email Amy M. Wyant at aitkincountycare@gmail.com

10/29/2025

🚗 Grand Opening: CARE Transportation Service! 🚗

CARE is excited to announce the official Grand Opening of our NEW Transportation Service this November — with special pricing all month long!

Our service is safe, insured, and reliable.

Vehicles are inspected and well-maintained.

Drivers are state-trained, certified, and medically cleared — not only friendly, but fit to get you safely from point A to point B!

Give Athena a call today to schedule your ride or learn more about our services. 218-927-1383 ext. 4.

💙 Good news for BlueCross BlueShield members:
CARE is an approved BlueRide provider for both Special Transportation Services and Common Carrier rides. Check with your agent to see if your trips are covered by insurance!

Additionally, we're hiring!

10/28/2025

https://www.givemn.org/organization/Aitkin-County-Care

We're live! We're raising money for the CARE Toenail Clinic! Let's get Cindy a proper chair for our clients!!!!!

CARE would like to buy a professional grade pedicure station and clinician stool for our Toenail Clinic,   206 appointments have already been completed in 2025! Our registered nurse, Cindy Roden, is hosting Toenail Clinic every week, sometimes twice a week at our office l...

10/27/2025

🌟 At CARE, we pride ourselves on bringing resources directly to YOU! 🌟

🥕 In partnership with Riverwood, ANGELS, and The Farmers Hub, we’re excited to announce:

📦 FREE FOOD BOX DISTRIBUTION
📅 November 11th
📍 Southern Aitkin County – Malmo & McGrath
(See flyers for details!)

🍁 Then on November 20th, it’s baaaaack...
🎉 The Grand Fall Pantry at the Birchstreet Center!

This year, we’re going BIG! We’re asking our amazing community and local organizations to help us supplement the pantry with fresh vegetables and (hopefully!) turkey breasts for this year’s pantry experience. 🦃

💚 A HUGE shout-out to Grand Casino for dropping off a truckload of food and kicking off donations with $250 toward fresh veggies and turkeys!

You can help too! 🙌
💵 Drop off your donation at:
📍 CARE – 20 Third Street NE, Downtown Aitkin
✉️ Or mail a check to:
PO Box 212, Aitkin, MN 56431
📝 Memo line: “Turkey!”

💬 PLUS — great news for Medicare season!
We’ve added THREE more days to our Medicare Private Consultation Service.
We’ve partnered with Josclyn from AgeWise to bring the expert right to YOU — at no cost!

📞 Call Josclyn directly to schedule your appointment today.

💪 Age Well & Age Strong with CARE!

10/23/2025

CARE is excited to announce that we will be taking over management of The Birchstreet Business Center effective January 1, 2026.

Located in the heart of downtown Aitkin, The Birchstreet Center is a premier professional office building featuring:

14 private offices
A large conference room
Two private restrooms
A full kitchen
A welcoming reception area and lounge
Micro-business space [photocopy machine, paper-cutter, supplies]

Convenient client parking is available in front of the building, with street and city lot parking located behind the building for lessees.

There will be seven private offices available for rent beginning January 1st.
45-minute appointments for seriously interested lessees are available on WEDNESDAY, November 12th at:
9:00 AM, 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM, and 3:00 PM.

Appointments include a full building tour and a meeting with CARE to review rental fees, inclusions, and exciting new building innovations coming in 2026.

Rental terms: 1-year and 2-year agreements available.

To request your appointment slot, please email Amy M. Wyant at aitkincountycare@gmail.com

10/21/2025

CARE’s Amazing Professional Caregiving Staff provided 531 hours of Homemaking Services in September! 🏡
These services include light housekeeping, meal preparation, laundry, and home organizing — all while building meaningful and positive relationships with our clients. This service helps people Age Well & Age Strong in their own homes.

In addition, our team provided 120 hours of Respite Services, giving family caregivers a much-needed break and building connections with the care receiver.

CARE is currently providing services to 73 clients. THANK YOU to our great TEAM of Professional Caregivers!

We're also HIRING! Join our Professional Caregiving Team! 20 hours per week. Training provided. Must pass a background check and hold a valid driver's license. To learn more, call Kim Nutting, Program Director at 218-927-1383 ext. 2.