Family Service Rochester

12/20/2025

Our community needs our help, all year long!

For example, this past fall the Rochester Area Young Talent Network of the Chamber of Commerce volunteered to rake leaves as part of Neighbors Helping Neighbors. Thank you, RYT Network!

12/19/2025

Are you looking for a simple way to help someone in our community that is flexible and fits your schedule?

Transportation is an essential need among older adults in our community, and it is the most requested service offered through Family Service Rochester's Aging Services programming. Many seniors are no longer driving but still have doctor appointments to get to and errands to run. You can assist these individuals by volunteering!

As a volunteer driver, you assign yourself to requested trips that fit well with your schedule and transport the consumer in your own vehicle.

If you would like more information about volunteering with Family Service Rochester, please reach out to us at volunteers@familyservicerochester.org or call 507-287-2010!

12/18/2025

Ability Building Community (ABC) is in our Volunteer Spotlight!

Every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday, ABC’s Abilities Integrated Crews deliver nutritious meals, and moments of friendship, to neighbors across Rochester. By visiting many of the same individuals each week, volunteers build trust, confidence, and a strong sense of purpose. For people engaged in ABC’s programming, the delivery routes provide hands-on opportunities to practice communication, teamwork, and responsibility. For Meals on Wheels recipients, the visits offer not only a nutritious meal but also companionship and reassurance.

Family Service Rochester is deeply grateful for ABC’s meaningful and long-standing partnership with Meals on Wheels, and to each individual volunteer, we thank you.

Read our "Volunteer Spotlight: Ability Building Community (ABC) Volunteers" online to learn more - and we hope you'll be inspired to become a volunteer too!
https://familyservicerochester.org/post/Volunteer-Spotlight-Ability-Building-Community-ABC-Volunteers

12/15/2025

"...The people of this area have never been willing to overlook those in need, and their support has been generous to those organizations who demonstrate the ability to accomplish the tasks necessary. As the community has grown and the needs have changes, so has our organization.”

- former Family Service Rochester Executive Director Glenn VanLaningham, Historical Review 1965-1988

As we celebrate 60 years of solutions, this is the perfect time to reflect on our history and invest in our future! Your contributions will help us continue this legacy and will help us build sustainable growth for the next 60 years.
https://familyservicerochester.org/donate

12/15/2025

This holiday season, you can give a gift that goes further! 🎁 Every new Subaru purchased or leased through Jan 2 means a minimum $300 donation to charities like .

That’s meals, safety checks, and friendship for seniors!
https://www.subaru.com/share-the-love

12/14/2025

How is our community prepared for snow?

Family Service Rochester Aging Services Program Manager Jessica Thornton appeared on MPR News with Jake Busho, public works street maintenance supervisor, to talk about how Rochester helps residents new and old prepare for winter.

You can listen to Jessica's appearance online:
https://www.mprnews.org/episode/2025/11/26/how-rochester-helps-residents-new-and-old-prepare-for-winter

We're seeking volunteers to clear driveways, sidewalks, and wheelchair ramps after a snowfall for seniors and adults with disabilities. Community members who qualify can also request this Snow Angel service! Check our website for details.

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12/13/2025

Thank you for supporting the diaper program offered at Family Resource Center-Olmsted!

12/12/2025

Our staff and volunteers help more veterans remain safe and secure in their homes, thanks to support from The Home Depot Foundation!

The Home Depot Foundation understands the importance of honoring and serving those who served and supports this work through the Meals on Wheels America Helping Homebound Heroes grant.

Are you or do you know a veteran that needs a home repair or modification for accessible & independent living? Call us at 507-287-2010 for more information!

Image courtesy The Home Depot Foundation

12/12/2025

We recognized fellow staff members that reached significant milestones this year at our end of year party. Help us congratulate and thank them for their service!

* Five years of service: Elyse Baker, Madyson Dreyling, Mary Deling, Adejoke Odeyinka, Roxanne Podratz, and Terry Eich
* Ten years of service: Kristina Ramaker and Elyn Simmons
* 15 years of service: Renaux Swancutt
* 20 years of service: Katherine Schulz
* 25 years of service: Scott Maloney

Our thanks and congratulations to you all!

Images:
Photo 1: Roxanne Podratz, (Presented by Scott Maloney, Executive Director) Terry Eich, and Madyson Dreyling
Photo 2: Kristina Ramaker, Elyn Simmons (Presented by Scott Maloney, Executive Director)
Photo 3: Renaux Swancutt (Presented by Scott Maloney, Executive Director)
Photo 4: (Presented by Cindy LeFebre-Westerndorf, FSR Human Resources) Scott Maloney

12/12/2025

Yard clean up and seasonal chore support are a key way to help our community members live in their own homes.

The Century Honor Society volunteered as Neighbors Helping Neighbors to rake leaves n Rochester this past fall. Get inspired by their action and volunteer for snow season or spring clean up! https://familyservicerochester.org/Volunteering

Thank you, Century Honor Society!

12/11/2025

Thank you to the the Church of Latter-Day Saints for for offering the "Christmas for a Senior" program! They host this trees at their location, helping us connect volunteer shoppers directly to the needs of seniors we support in our community.

Thank you!

12/11/2025

Please join us in welcoming Tonya Dlouhy! Tonya recently joined our Receptionist Team as a part-time receptionist. She comes to us from a position at Mayo Clinic, and wants to give back to our community by helping people.

Welcome Tonya!