Social Connection

55 Forward

55 Forward programs, provided through the City of Maple Grove Parks and Recreation department, offer a variety of activities, classes, special events, and trips for older adults in the area. Programs are designed around several "domains of well-being," with options in the physical, artistic, intellectual, financial, emotional, and social realms.

Take an art class, learn to Nordic Walk, go on a group bike ride, join with friends in a game of cards, participate in yoga or water fitness, sit back and enjoy the sights on a trip, have a discussion on current events... these are just a few of the offerings available through Maple Grove's 55 Forward programs.

Learn more by visiting the Senior Center webpage and by signing up for monthly email announcements.

• Age-Friendly Maple Grove
  Community members are vital to the work of Age-Friendly Maple Grove. Come join the work in whatever way interests you. Get in touch at the Contact Us page with questions or for more information.
  • Attend a quarterly Community Connectors meeting. All are welcome, as often as you care to come. (More info on the About page - scroll to Quarterly Meetings.)
  • Join a subcommittee focused on housing, communications, or other topics
  • Share an idea or tell us what's important to you, or simply get on the email list to stay up to date on the work
     
• City of Maple Grove | Link to website 
  The City invites residents to contribute their time and talents to bettering the community. There are many ways to get involved. Click here for more information.
   
• CROSS Services | Link to website
  CROSS Services offers a variety of volunteer opportunities. Click here to learn more and see a list of current opportunities.
   
• Osseo Area Schools ISD 279 | Link to website
  Osseo Area Schools offers a variety of volunteer opportunities for community members interested in supporting local students and schools. Click here to learn more about the process and the types of opportunities available.
   
• Maple Grove Fire Corps Volunteer Program | Link to website
  The program is for individuals who would like to serve in a capacity other than firefighting or emergency medical services and have a passion to better our community. Fire Corps is a nationally recognized program founded under the National Volunteer Fire Council.
   
• Maple Grove Community Organization | Link to website
  MGCO is an all-volunteer committee whose members work each year to plan Maple Grove Days, Halloween Family Fun, and Breakfast or Lunch with Santa. Click here to learn more, or call and leave a message at 763-494-5985.
   
• Maple Grove Arts Center | Visit website
  The Arts Center offers many volunteer opportunities -- you don't have to be an artist. Volunteering includes helping with gallery shows as well as Chalkfest and the Arbor Lakes Art Fair.
   
• North Memorial Health - Maple Grove Hospital | Link to website
  Maple Grove Hospital's volunteer program includes roles in 20 different departments suited to many different interests, skills, and personalities. Click here to learn more and apply, or call 763-581-1710 to receive a paper application.
   
• Senior Community Services | Link to website
  SCS offers both individual and group volunteers opportunities in all of suburban Hennepin County and Minneapolis. Click here to learn more about how to volunteer with SCS and the ways you could help.
   
• Three Rivers Park District | Link to website
  Whether you're by yourself or with a group, Three Rivers has ongoing and short-term volunteer openings for many interests. Contact the Volunteer Office at 763.559.6706 or click here for more information.
   
• Hands On Twin Cities | Link to website
  Hands On Twin Cities connect people with local, organized and relevant volunteer opportunities at nonprofits that know how to work with volunteers. Use their searchable database to find opportunities that interest you!
   
• Certified Ombudsman Volunteers | Link to website 
  Certified Ombudsman Volunteers (COVs) work through Minnesota's Office of Ombudsman for Long-Term Care. They advocate for people living in long-term care facilities to enhance their quality of life and services. Ombudsmen and COVs partner to ensure the health, safety, wellbeing and rights of long-term care consumers. Learn more here.
   
• Minnesota AmeriCorps Senior | Link to website
  The Minnesota Senior Corps is part of a network of more than half a million seniors who are making a difference through three programs: the Senior Companion Program, the RSVP Program, and the Foster Grandparent Program. Click here to learn more and find opportunities in Hennepin County.

Opportunities to Connect with Others
 

Age-Friendly Maple Grove Tablet Program
(763) 494-6425
Through a partnership between the City of Maple Grove and T-Mobile, AF MG provides tablet devices for people to use at home. The monthly fee is $20, which covers use of the tablet, unlimited data, and training on the tablet functions and apps. There may be a waiting list to receive the tablet. Call the number above to find out and be added to that list.

Friends & Co. - Friendship Services
Visit website
Friends & Co. is a nonprofit that has served older Minnesotans for more than 50 years, working to foster meaningful connections for older adults.

• Phone Companions service helps older adults feeling isolated and lonely rediscover the joy of connection over the phone. Whether you choose to receive companionship or volunteer to provide it, you’ll experience the meaningful benefits of building a friendship. Participants should be at least 62 and live in Minnesota or western Wisconsin.
   
• Coffee Talk is a drop-in phone line that offers older adults an easy and instant way to engage with a caring Coffee Talker in conversation. Free and confidential, no commitment. Open from 8am-12pm, Monday through Friday. 

Opportunities with City of Maple Grove

City of Maple Grove Citizen Commissions
Visit website
The City of Maple Grove routinely seeks residents interested in applying to become a member of one of the city's various citizen commissions--including the Arbor Committee, Lake Quality Commission, Parks and Recreation Board, Planning Commission, and Transit and Mobility Committee.

City of Maple Grove - Election Judges
Visit website
The city seeks volunteer election judges during elections to help administer election procedures in each polling place on Election Day. The city provides mandatory training.
 

Community Service Clubs
 

Maple Grove Lions | Visit website
The Maple Grove Lions support the activities of Lions International and also work very actively within the Maple Grove area donating money and time to make our city a better place to live and work. The Lions meet monthly and hold numerous events each year.

Rotary Club of Maple Grove | Visit website
The Rotary Club of Maple Grove is a diverse group of individuals who live or work around Maple Grove. With 60 members, it is very active locally and internationally with multiple projects that provide service and promote the common good. Meets Tuesdays mornings.