Vital Living Classes

A Matter of Balance

Tuesdays|1:00-3:00 PM

May 13 - July 1

In-Person at East Side Neighborhood Services

In this eight-week program, participants learn to:

• View falls and fear of falling as controllable
• Set realistic goals for increasing activity
• Change their environments to reduce risk factors
• Use exercise to increase strength and balance

What participants say:

• 97% Feel comfortable increasing activity
• 99% Plan to continue exercising
• 97% Are more comfortable talking about the fear of falling
• 98% Would recommend A Matter of Balance

To register, click here.

Questions? Contact 612-787-4086 or VitalLiving@esns.org. Cost share donations accepted based on a sliding fee scale.

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!

May 5: Intro to Learning Apps

May 12: Digital Tools for Brain Health

May 19: Online Tools for Contacting Lawmakers 

May 26: No Class (Memorial Day)

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.

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.

Practice Tai Ji

Mondays|10:30-11:30 AM

April 14 - May 19

Online

This 6-week practice course is a way for folks who have engaged with Tai Ji Quan in the past to keep up the practice. These sessions are open to anyone who has taken the 12- week beginner Tai Ji Quan program and want to continue to learn these movements. Tai Ji Quan incorporates slow, intentional movements focused on breathing, balance, and strength in order to help with fall prevention.

No cost. Please call or email to register if you are interested in this class. We will send out a Zoom link closer to the start date. If you need help with Zoom, staff can offer technology support.

Questions? Contact 612-787-4086 or VitalLiving@esns.org.

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. Masks and physical distancing will be encouraged but not required. No cost. Pre-registration is helpful for planning purposes but not required. 

Questions? Contact 612-787-4086 or VitalLiving@esns.org.

Vital Living Events

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.

May 10th: Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers by Jesse Sutanto 

June 14th: Iona Iverson’s Rules for Commuting by Claire Pooley 

July 11th:  Reverse Book Club! Read any book you choose and report back to the group about it. 

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.

NE Day Spot

In-Person Respite

Fridays Weekly|10:00 AM-1:00 PM

4th Saturday of the Month|10:00AM-1:00PM

*NO NEDS May 23rd or 24th*

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.

Covid protocols: Vaccinations for staff and volunteers with social distancing for everyone, as appropriate. Masks are strongly encouraged but not required.

Contact Vital Living at 612-787-4086 or VitalLiving@esns.org for more information.

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. Co-hosted by Vital Living's Caregiving Services Coordinator, Shay MacKay.

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 and

possible solutions.

• Talk through issues and ways of coping.

• Share feelings, needs and concerns.

• Learn about community resources.

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.

NE Day Spot Friend Volunteer

Fridays|9:30AM-1:30 PM

4th Saturday of the Month|9:30AM-1:30PM *NO NEDS May 23rd or 24th*

NE Day Spot Friends play an important role during our dementia-friendly NE Day Spot Respite Program. On Fridays from 9:30AM-1:30PM, you will socialize with participants, provide support during activities, and help with set up and clean up. Join us and make a difference in the lives of local adults and caregivers-and have fun doing it! No hands-on care required.

Some of the perks of being a NE Day Spot Friend are:

• Laughing and smiling until your cheeks hurt while swapping jokes and stories in our coffee hour.
• Getting your body moving and grooving for the day with some group stretches.
• Enjoying and participating in musical activities led by talented musicians.

Help give individuals facing dementia a welcoming space they associate with friends and fun. You would also allow caregivers the priceless gift of time—moments to themselves in order to recharge, relax, or accomplish a task. A small window in their week where they can breathe and take a moment for themselves with the reassurance that the person they care for is safely enjoying themselves too.

Questions about volunteering as a NE Day Spot Friend or additional Vital Living volunteer opportunities, contact Caitlin at 612-787-4023. or cenright@esns.org.

Resources for Vital Living

Senior Planet 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. A couple of highlights for this month include:

Mindful Meditation & Breathing

Thursday| May 15th|1:00 PM-2:00 PM (CDT)

Click here for more info and to register

Finding Purpose, Wellness, and Community after 60

Friday |May 23rd|2:00 PM-3:00 PM (CDT)

Click here for more info and to register

Accessible Transportation



East Side Neighborhood Services provides transportation for people 60+ living in North, Northeast, and Southeast Minneapolis and St. Anthony Village. 

We are open for vaccine, medical, social need, and shopping trips. We are also available for small group outings. Accessible transportation available.

Not sure if you qualify or if your destination is part of our service area? Please call and check. You may be pleasantly surprised.

Cost: Suggested donations based on income

Available: Monday through Friday, 8am - 4pm

To make a reservation, call: 612-787-4012

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 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: Monday – Friday, 8 am-Noon

Contact Emma with Friends & Co. at 612-746-0746.

Let’s Do Lunch Café

2nd Tuesday and 4th Friday of the Month

11:30am to 1:30pm 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.

Upcoming Dates:

Friday, May 23, 11:30AM - 1:30PM | Let's Do Lunch Cafe in partnership with Prime Timers MSP | Location: Wilder Foundation

Presentation by Robert Wilkinson: We will get to see photos he took of the first PRIDE celebration in NYC, June 1970, and Washington DC, and (of course) Minneapolis in the late 1980’s (88/ 89). His original photos and negatives of the 1st Pride Parade are now in the Gay and Lesbian Archives of the New York Public Library.

Let’s Do Coffee!

Upcoming Dates:

Wednesday, May 14, 9:30-11:00AM | Let's Do Coffee in partnership with FamilyMeans | Location: FamilyMeans

Thursday, May 15, 9:30-11:00AM | Let's Do Coffee in partnership with Queermunity |Location: Queermunity

Wednesday, May 21, 9:30-11:30AM | Let's Do Coffee in partnership with The Pillars of Prospect Park |Location: The Pillars of Prospect Park

Let’s Do Coffee is made possible by Queermunity, FamilyMeans and Friends & Co.



Click here for more information or call 612-721-1400

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.