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Vital Living News
July 2026
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Vital Living supports an intergenerational community that values and respects everyone, increases understanding and engagement, and focuses on health and well-being for all generations.
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Food Programs at East Side
Produce Distribution
Free & Available to the Public
4th Thursday of the Month (July-October)|3:00-5:00 PM
Next Upcoming Date: July 23rd
Produce distributions will be held indoors at ESNS in the Gym.
Our address is: 1700 Second Street NE Minneapolis 55413.
The Food Programs at East Side Neighborhood Services secure food support for those who may have difficulty accessing traditional food shelves or grocery stores. These programs serve over 7,000 Hennepin County households, providing fresh, nutritious food as well as referrals to other resources.
For more information about the Food Program including the different Food Shelves, you can visit the Food Programs Page on our website.
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Senior Planet Tech Classes
Mondays
11:00 AM-12:30 PM
In-person
The Vital Living Program at East Side Neighborhood Services is partnering with Senior Planet from AARP to help older adults use technology to learn new skills, save money, get in shape, and make new friends. We hope you can join us!
July 6: Intro to Smartphone Photography
July 13: Anti-Virus & Malware Removal Programs At a Glance
July 20: Passwords, Passkeys and More
July 27: NO CLASS
For all tech classes, we will be gathering in our Tech Lounge on the second level of East Side Neighborhood Services. All materials needed will be provided. No cost for these classes. Please register in advance.
For questions and to register, contact 612-787-4086 or VitalLiving@esns.org.
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Drop-In Tech Time
Wednesdays
11:00 AM-12:30 PM
In-person
If you have a specific tech question and want 1:1 support, please consider stopping by for our Drop-In Tech Time!
We can help with day-to-day questions regarding things like how to search the internet, app functions, making text bigger, etc. We appreciate if you let us know in advance when you plan on stopping by. If you need support and Wednesdays do not work for you, please feel free to call and we can try to find a different day that works better.
For all drop-in tech support sessions, we will be gathering in our Tech Lounge at East Side Neighborhood Services. No cost for this service but donations are welcome.
For questions and to register, contact 612-787-4086 or VitalLiving@esns.org.
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Vital Fitness
Thursdays Weekly|10:30-11:30 AM
In-person
All abilities are encouraged to come. Movements can be done seated or standing.
A wide variety of balance, strength, and flexibility movements will be incorporated into this fun and social group class. No cost. Pre-registration is helpful for planning purposes but not required.
Questions? Contact 612-787-4086 or VitalLiving@esns.org.
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Vital Living Book Club
2nd Saturday of the Month | 9:00-10:00 AM
Via Zoom
Enjoy reading and looking for a friendly group to be a part of? Bring your coffee and join our statewide book club online.
As we are all living more days, we explore reframing the idea of aging as opportunity — the opportunity to reach out to other generations, share wisdom, and learn new ways of living in the world — through the discussion of engaging books.
July 11th: Reverse Book Club (share out a book you're reading!)
August 8th: Rules for Visiting by Jessica Francis Kane
September 12th: What Alice Forgot by Liane Moriarty
To register, click here.
Questions? Contact 612-787-4086 or VitalLiving@esns.org
Haven't read the book? Still come and meet us. New to Zoom? We can help you get connected.
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NE Day Spot
In-Person Respite
Fridays Weekly|10 AM-1PM
Experiencing dementia doesn't have to mean a loss of connection. This is a place for you.
NE Day Spot is a gathering place for those with mild to moderate memory loss or other chronic health conditions to be in community while caregivers have a reliable break each week. Enjoy gathering together with art, music, conversation, and movement alongside volunteers, participants, and Vital Living staff.
Every Friday, this event aims to be a welcoming space for:
- Persons 65+ receiving care from others
- Those living with memory loss or other chronic conditions
Requirements: Pre-assessment necessary to determine eligibility.
Cost: Suggested donation based on sliding fee scale, $0-$45 per day. Space is limited.
Contact Vital Living at 612-787-4086 or VitalLiving@esns.org for more information.
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Caregiver Support Group No Longer Available
Our weekly Caregiver Support Group, hosted by the Vital Living Program, is now on pause until further notice. As we continue to dedicate our efforts to serving the caregivers in our community, we are evaluating the most effective ways to reach those needing support. During this time of change, we will continue to serve caregivers through our NE Day Spot program, 1:1 support, and providing resources to those who reach out. We appreciate your flexibility and patience while we take this time to be intentional and direct our energy to other caregiver-centered programs.
If you'd like to connect with the Vital Living team regarding this, please contact 612-787-4086 or VitalLiving@esns.org.
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LGBTQ+ Caregiver Group
2nd Thursday of the Month | 3:30-4:30 PM
Via Zoom
Build a support system with people who understand.
This group is specifically designed for LGBTQ+ caregivers who are supporting someone diagnosed with any type of dementia.
Alzheimer’s Association® caregiver support groups, conducted by trained facilitators, are a safe place for caregivers, family and friends of persons with dementia to: develop a support system, exchange practical information on caregiving challenges & possible solutions, learn about community resources, and talk through issues & ways of coping. We encourage those who attend to share feelings, needs, and concerns.
Contact Vital Living at 612-787-4086 or VitalLiving@esns.org for more information.
Click here to learn more about Alzheimer's Association caregiver programs and resources.
| | Resources for Vital Living | | |
Senior Planet Tech Help Hotline and Online Classes
Senior Planet, at www.seniorplanet.org, has daily online classes via Zoom covering a wide variety of topics and activities for older adults. To explore classes and sign up, click here.
Looking for classes in Spanish? Click here.
¿Busca clases en español? Haga clic aquí.
Need tech help? Call the Senior Planet hotline at 888-713-3495. Monday-Friday, 8am-7pm & Saturday 8am-1pm.
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Accessible Transportation No Longer Available
The Transportation team at East Side Neighborhood Services provided transportation for people 60+ living in North, Northeast, and Southeast Minneapolis and St. Anthony Village for over three decades.
"It has been my honor to serve all of you for nearly 2 decades. I have met so many wonderful people in my time with this community. Thank you all for allowing me to be a part of your lives. I am saddened that this time with you is ending and know it is a big change. Please know Vital Living will gladly help find you some resources for transportation if you need. Wishing you all well and thank you!" -Tracy Thoraldson (ESNS Transportation Director for 19 years)
Please call Vital Living at 612-787-4023 or email vitalliving@esns.org if you need additional resources.
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Friends & Co. Coffee Talk
Did you know that just one phone call can make your day? Give it a try!
Coffee Talk is a free drop-in phone line from Friends & Co. It offers you an easy and instant way to engage with a caring Coffee Talkers in conversation.
With words of encouragement and an understanding ear, we are ready to meet you wherever you are on your unique journey. Using Coffee Talk is as easy as dialing your telephone. It’s completely free, and there is no need to worry about giving any personal information or feeling embarrassed about calling. Your privacy is our priority.
If you are 62+ and this sounds like you, we invite you to join us at “the table” with your favorite morning beverage to start your day. We guarantee good company and an engaging conversation! Interested in being a Coffee Talker? We’re always looking for volunteers to join our team!
Hours of Service: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 9 am-Noon
Contact Emma with Friends & Co at 612-746-0746.
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Let’s Do Lunch Café
Tuesday|July 14th| 11:30AM-1:30PM
Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church, 511 Groveland Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55403. Koinonia Hall (lower level). Free parking. Presentation: Making Sense of Social Security, led by Registered Social Security Analyst® (RSSA) Lacey Brown
Friday|July 24th| 11:30AM-1:30PM
Wilder Foundation, 451 Lexington Parkway North, St. Paul, MN 55104. Free parking.
Let’s Do Coffee & Let’s Do Lunch Café bring together older LGBTQ+ community members for coffee/lunch and connection “on the house.” These gatherings offer an excellent opportunity for social interactions and educational programs, all in a warm and welcoming environment. NO RSVP is required. Let's Do Lunch Café is made possible by Prime Timers MSP and Friends & Co.
Friends & Co. encourages people to click here to visit their website and sign up to receive more information.
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Let’s Do Coffee!
Upcoming Dates:
Thursday|July 2nd| 9:30-11:00AM|
in partnership with Queermunity
3036 Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55408. Second floor (elevator available behind the staircase).
Wednesday|July 8th| 9:30-11:00AM|
in partnership with FamilyMeans
1875 Northwestern Avenue South, Stillwater, MN 55082. Free parking.
Thursday|July 16th| 9:30-11:00AM|
in partnership with Queermunity
3036 Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55408. Second floor (elevator available behind the staircase).
To have access to this information regularly, sign up for the e-blasts here. Let’s Do Coffee is made possible by Queermunity, FamilyMeans and Friends & Co. For more information, call 612-721-1400.
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Vital Fitness Home Edition
Recordings Via YouTube
Improve balance, strength, and coordination with this online all-abilities exercise class. To see previous class recordings, please visit our YouTube page.
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Vital Living Guided Meditation
Take a moment to relax with a guided audio meditation! During high-stress times, it's too easy to let self-care fall by the wayside.
If caregiving for a relative, partner, neighbor, friend, or child is causing difficult emotions, contact our Vital Living team at VitalLiving@esns.org for support and resources.
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