Val moved to Minnesota to be closer to family and to focus on her health. Finding stable, affordable, and safe housing was a challenge that impacted Val’s quality of life and her connection to the community.
"I didn't feel comfortable where I was living before. It was loud, there were constant conflicts, limited parking, and no activities I could participate in.”
Val connected with VOA MN/WI’s Elder Connection service, which offers older adults resources to navigate challenges, support, and social connections. Val worked closely with Pat Jones, Elder Connection’s Manager, to find a long-term housing solution.
With Pat’s encouragement and referral, Val applied for an apartment at the newly built Nolte River Place, a VOA National Services owned and VOA MN/WI managed affordable housing site. Throughout the application process, Val received invaluable support from Misty Moreno, Program Manager at Nolte River Place. Misty guided her through paperwork, connected her with resources, and even helped her to move in early so she could start to make her apartment feel like home. “Everyone here has worked with me and met me where I'm at so I can live here. VOA has really helped me.”
Val now calls Nolte River Place home and is excited to have stable housing that will allow her to prioritize her health and well-being. She looks forward to being active in her new community by attending potlucks, exploring the workout area, and building meaningful friendships.
Val embodies the sense of community that VOA MN/WI promotes, volunteering her talents as a photographer. At Elder Connection’s community building events, you can find Val setting up beautiful backdrops, capturing memorable moments, and sharing printed pictures with attendees. She finds that being a part of these events shows her that great things lie ahead, “They make me want to be a better person and inspire me to keep moving - to dance, to get up and go – to put one foot in front of another.”
Val’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of community and connection. She not only found a stable home, but a community of support and a place for her to thrive. Val’s story serves as a reminder that when people come together, incredible things can happen.