Nonprofit Spotlight: Southeast Seniors

Article by Becky Fillinger, photos provided

A Discussion with Diana Schleisman, Executive Director

Diana SchleismanSoutheast Seniors (SES) has been assisting older Minneapolitans since 1988. Their mission is to help adults 65+ remain in their homes with an enhanced quality of life. Their community programs and volunteer services give seniors just a little extra help which is often all that is needed for aging in place. We talked to Diana Schleisman, Executive Director, about the history of Southeast Seniors, how to volunteer, and the many ways to assist this worthy organization.

Q:  Please tell us the history of Southeast Seniors.

A:  Southeast Seniors was founded by a group of Minneapolis residents who observed that their older neighbors were prematurely moving to assisted living because they did not have the extra help needed to remain in their homes. Our founders developed our ‘neighbor helping neighbor’ program that utilizes volunteer and professional staff to help neighbors 65+ feel supported, connected, and safe at home in Minneapolis.

Now, SES is one of 32 member organizations in Minnesota’s Living-at-Home-Network (LAHN). Our first neighborhood served was Prospect Park, then we slowly expanded over the years to include Marcy-Holmes, Southeast Como, Nicollet Island-East Bank, University, and Mid-City Industrial.

SES student volunteers assist with fall cleanup

SES Volunteers

Q:  What key services does SES provide?

A:  Southeast Seniors is a community resource for neighbors 65+ and their caregivers. SES provides service coordination, volunteer-based assistance, and learning and social opportunities so that seniors can live well at home. We provide some services directly, but also connect clients with community partners for a holistic approach. Our resources and programs include: 

• Individualized/Customized Service Coordination: Help navigating challenges, paperwork, billing and connecting with additional resources to enhance wellbeing.
• In-Home Nurse Visits: Wellness checks, health counseling, in-home foot care, and support managing chronic conditions.
• Rides & Chores: Volunteer transportation for essential appointments and extra support with home tasks.
• Wellness Clinics: Free health screenings held locally within our community.
• Health Education: Guidance and advocacy on healthcare topics, community resources & educational classes.
• Intergenerational Activities: Build connections through friendly visits and youth partnership programs.
• Learning and Support: Learning opportunities and classes, social gatherings and resources sponsored by SES or in conjunction with Minneapolis Community Education, Lifelong Learning, East Bank Neighborhoods Partnership, and Minneapolis Public Libraries.

Please call 612-331-2302 for a free assessment and to discuss available services and home safety recommendations for you for a neighbor who may need help.

SES social visit

SES Intergenerational Program

Q:  How has technology aided in the services you provide?

A:  Technology has enhanced Southeast Seniors and our programs exponentially. Email and text have improved our existing communication with clients and volunteers alike. Our volunteer rides program has been simplified for all involved and streamlined with the advent of GPS. In-home emergency monitoring systems can give peace of mind to care-givers and clients. Volunteer assignments, confirmation of services and surveys allow us to gather information for future services and new programs.

Our partnership with Minnesota’s STAR program provides device loans allowing residents with disabilities and older adults with functional needs the opportunity to try assistive technology devices or software programs before buying.

The most recent benefit of technology is our new LAHN database system that helps us streamline communication, keep accurate records, better serve our clients, and fuel our volunteer programs.

SES social

SES Memoir Event

Q:  Could you use some volunteers? If yes, how would a volunteer be helpful to SES?

A:  YES! YES! YES! Volunteers are the heart of Southeast Seniors. For the first-time in our state’s history, the number of Minnesota residents over the age of 65 outnumbers that of school-age children (5-17). The population of those 65+ is projected to double between 2010 and 2030 as all Baby Boomers turn 65. As the older population grows to 1 in 5 Minnesotans, so does the need for services and programs provided by Southeast Seniors. SES is ALWAYS looking for individual volunteers who want to help neighbors with chores, provide social visits, assist in our office, and simply make a difference in their community. Assisting seniors with transportation for doctor appointments, grocery shopping and SES events makes a big difference. Individuals and groups (company, student, community and church) are needed for fall and spring outdoor clean-up as well as snow-removal during the winter months.

If you and/or your group are interested in learning more about volunteer opportunities, please email connect@seseniors.org or call 612-331-2302.

Q:  Could you share a story of a client and how Southeast Seniors has been helpful to them?

A:  Rhea’s wish was to live out her life in her long-time home. This became harder with each passing day. A caring neighbor initially reached out to SES on Rhea’s behalf, and a journey of caring began.

As Rhea’s health changed, SES delivered an ongoing supply of nutritional supplements and gently used medical equipment. Our Service Coordinator and Community Nurse helped with virtual doctor appointments and communicated with Rhea’s medical team. SES coordinated volunteer assistance to help her be more comfortable in her home. Rhea received assistance with paperwork and applications for additional services from our community partners such as: Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid for valued advice, Senior Community Services for the installation of handrails, and Rebuilding Together for in-home safety and equipment.

As Rhea and her family’s relationship with SES grew, so did our mutual appreciation for her rewarding care journey. Rhea’s son, Hong, was so grateful for the support of his mother’s dying wish to stay at home. He said, “SES made many good things happen for us.”

Rhea’s story is like that of others served by SES. Accepting help doesn’t come naturally to many people. This is an important example of how someone can stay in their home with family support and a little extra help. With SES, Rhea was able to realize her wish of passing at home. Rhea is greatly missed but we honor her memory with every opportunity to make a difference.

Q:  Thank you for sharing Rhea’s story. How may we follow your news?

A:  Sign up for our bimonthly newsletter at seseniors.org or by email at info@seseniors.org. Also, please check us out on Facebook. We can’t wait to meet more of you!