DR. MANKA NKIMBENG, BOARD MEMBER
Manka is Nurse Researcher and Assistant Professor at the University of Minnesota School of Public Health and Affiliate Assistant Professor in the University of Minnesota School of Nursing. She works with minority communities to develop and test culturally appropriate interventions that can be translated into health policies and clinical practice to improve health and eliminate health inequities for older adults.
PAT LUND, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Pat created and leads Age Well at Home. He is committed to the organization’s person-centered relationally focused approach to assist older homeowners stay safer, healthier and longer in the homes and communities they love. Pat worked for Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity and Habitat International for over 20 years prior to leading Age Well at Home.
What are some highlights from the past two years of Age Well at Home?
Dr. Manka: Amazing and intentional leadership. Also really nice to see the impact in the community, the stories shared in the newsletter have been very heartwarming.
Pat: I see two major milestones:
- Creating an outstanding board and staff team that embraces the vision of serving older homeowners of color and understands the need to focus on healing and doing everything we can to preserve their homeownership to close the racial gap and create wealth for future generations.
- Implementing a trauma informed approach to our work puts the needs of those we serve at the center of all we do. The home modifications and safety renovations are an important aspect to what we do but the relationships we build with homeowners is critical to the success of our work. Understanding and empathizing with the journey and unique needs of each person we serve helps to elevate the success allowing homeowners to stay at home as long as possible.
What are some things you are looking forward to in the next two years?
Pat: We are looking to double the number of homeowners we serve in the coming years. The need to assist older homeowners to stay at home is rapidly growing as the population over the age of 60 continues to expand. For the first time in our country’s history, the number of elders will be larger than those under 18.
We are also planning to create a cohort of homeowners we serve longer than one time and help them for consecutive years to increase our effectiveness so that older adults that need longer support be more successful staying at home.
Age Well at Home is leading the charge to address the racial equity gap in the Twin Cities. Through strategic partnerships, we intend to continue growing to ensure that people of color can stay in their homes for as long as possible.
To read inspiring stories and see the transformative impact of affordable home modifications, explore our Homeowner Stories.