In 2016, a grant from LeadingAge Minnesota Foundation provided seed money to address how to help people stay home longer and safer amidst the “silver wave” of aging. Community conversations brought together stakeholders, including individuals, hospitals, counties, churches, cities, and service providers, to brainstorm better ways to connect resources. During listening sessions, attendees filled an entire wall with Post-it notes listing local senior services, underscoring the need for coordination rather than new services. This effort led to the creation of The Connection, a neutral organization designed to act as a local navigator and build trust within the community. 

In late 2018, The Connection hired its first navigator and introduced a contact number to provide support. However, gaining visibility was a challenge without a strong platform to promote the service, and just as momentum was building, the COVID-19 pandemic created significant disruptions to outreach efforts. 

By summer 2020, discussions began around applying for the Connected Communities Grant to support a broader vision for the program. In January 2021, The Connection was awarded $800,000 through funding from LeadingAge Minnesota Foundation and UCare. This milestone brought Sue Huebsch into the fold, whose leadership and community connections were instrumental. After a year of research and planning, Elevate was born, grounded in four key pillars and a mission to elevate and connect existing services rather than compete with them. 

Late 2021 saw the finalization of Elevate’s branding, including its messaging, website, and social media presence. These efforts culminated in the official public launch of Elevate in early 2022, marking the beginning of a new chapter in community connection and support. 

The year 2023 marked significant growth and innovation for Elevate. Programs like the Exploratories and Nosey Neighbor tours launched early in the year, offering new ways to engage the community. Summer 2023 saw the debut of the Elevating Voices Memory Loss Chorus, bringing music and connection to individuals with memory loss and their families. Additionally, Elevate continued to expand its educational and wellness opportunities, setting the stage for even greater impact. This momentum carried into March 2024, with the introduction of the Connections daily lunch program, further enhancing our mission to foster health, connection, and joy across the community.

With a strong foundation built on collaboration and innovation, Elevate remains a trusted resource, dedicated to helping people navigate aging with dignity and ease, while connecting the services they need to thrive.