Services

To refer someone for services, contact Nick Zeimet at 612.746.0738 or nzeimet@littlebrothersmn.org.

In-Home Services

Our In-Home Services support vulnerable older adults living in their own homes by helping them strengthen their formal and informal support networks, reduce their social isolation and increase their independence. LBFE staff members provide in-home visits and phone calls, act as advocates, make referrals to other services, and help these older adults solve problems. Program staff members may also utilize Visiting Volunteers who can offer friendship to these older adults, help reconnect them to their community, and enhance their personal independence.

Our Friendship and Flowers Services are designed to relieve isolation and loneliness of older adults by promoting companionship, friendship, and wellness. Friendship and Flowers Volunteers make visits once per month, and typically bring flowers, treats, and friendly conversation to those they visit. Other methods of engagement during the month may include phone calls, letters or other types of meaningful contact. Friendship and Flowers visits currently happen on the third Saturday of each month.

Professional Counseling Services

Professional Counseling Services are available for adults over the age of 60 who need home-based professional mental health counseling for moderate to severe issues, and do not have adequate mental health insurance coverage. The program offers staff and volunteer services of licensed mental health professionals to provide one on one mental health counseling on a weekly or bi-weekly basis. Additionally, therapeutic groups related to issues of depression and grief are offered to participants served by the agency

Learn more about Professional Counseling Services.

Peer Counseling Services

Our Peer Counseling Services are based on an innovative model for delivering peer, home-based mental health counseling that LBFE has managed since 2003. The services utilize staff and trained volunteers age 55 years or better to work with older adults age 60 and better who have mild to moderate depression, anxiety, grief and loss, and adjustment issues related to aging. After an extensive training course, the volunteer peer counselor works with one to three assigned participants on a weekly basis for up to one year.

Additionally, peer counselors provide reminiscence, life review and wellness groups to agency participants and older adults in the larger community. The average volunteer commitment is 20-24 hours per month.

Learn more about Peer Counseling Services.

Holiday Meals and Social Events

With the help of more than 800 active volunteers, LBFE hosts community holiday gatherings for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, Valentine’s Day, and St. Patrick’s Day. These luncheons are at no expense to participants or volunteers. These celebrations are held at various locations in the Twin Cities area. If a person cannot attend one of the major holiday celebrations, volunteers bring a hot meal, flowers, and good company to those who are homebound. LBFE also hosts monthly intergenerational activities, special outings, support groups, luncheons, hobby groups, birthday parties, and bingo designed to give older adults opportunities to meet with peers and volunteers

Other offerings include:

Transportation

LBFE participants may request transportation to medical appointments, the grocery store, and on other errands. In addition, many on-call volunteer drivers take participants to social events and gatherings, and visiting volunteers help take them on errands and appointments.

Spiritual Health

Annually, LBFE partners with the Benedictine Center, St. Paul Monastery, to hold “Days of Reflection.” This is an opportunity for participants and volunteers to discover the connections between health, one’s life experiences, and spirituality. It is a time for learning, reflection and renewal. Recent topics include: “With the Gospel as Our Guide: Benedict on Relationships,” “Pieces of Our Lives: Art and Personal Story,” “Cinema: Faithful Love,” and “Poems and the Meaning of Life.”

In addition, every quarter throughout the year, LBFE staff, volunteers, and participants gather to remember those who have recently passed away. This is a wonderful opportunity to share stories, photos, and memories of those who have touched our lives and to renew our spirits with hope.