I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself. My name is Angella Blanshan. I am an eligibility worker for Des Moines Valley health and human services. In July it will be my 11th year at Des Moines valley health and human services. Prior to Des Moines Valley health and human services I was an eligibility worker at Watonwan County human services. I have a degree in criminal justice. I have been married for 32 years. We have one daughter and three grandkids. I look forward to serving you as your 2026 MFWCAA president. Conference Planning We are already off and running to plan our next conference and we’ve made progress on topics that we’d like to present. We’ve been diligently working to provide as much of the more complex topics as we can and hope you’ve noticed some of the additional offerings we’ve had in the past couple years. DHS is aware and has been trying to get some more complex stuff at recent conferences too. Rest assured that remains one of our core focuses as we continue to plan our next conference. Website Struggles Like all new adventures, we come across our obstacles as well. The new website has provided some useful information as well as some new struggles in finding our way around. We appreciate your patience as we are learning right along side you the ins and outs of this format! In the mean-time, please email your region rep or our general email at mfwcaa@gmail.com if you’re having difficulties and we will get it sorted out! Angella Blanshan

Most people know MFWCAA for the annual conference, but the real value of membership happens all year long. With workloads growing, budgets tightening, and policy shifts happening nonstop, consistent support matters more than ever. Here’s a look at how MFWCAA works for you from January through December. 1. Training doesn’t stop after the conference. Teletrainings, regional sessions, and new recordings are added throughout the year. Members can log in anytime to catch up, rewind, and rewatch tough topics. 2. You get access to updated tools and policy resources. When a major change hits — whether it’s SNAP, METS, CCAP, or something else — members can check the site for updates and materials that help cut through confusion. 3. Regional support keeps you connected. Your Regional Rep is there when you need help, clarity, or a sounding board. Regional meetings offer a place to trade ideas and get real answers from people who understand the work. 4. Scholarships and awards recognize members and their families. Whether you’re pursuing your own education or have a family member heading to college, MFWCAA scholarships can help. Awards highlight the financial workers and case aides who make an impact every day — the ones who rarely get the spotlight but deserve it. 5. A growing Members Area with resources you can actually use The new site makes it easier to find: • meeting notes • teletraining recordings • policy materials • forms and documents • updates from across the state The goal is simple: give you what you need, when you need it. A community built around supporting each other This work can be heavy. It helps to have a place where people understand what you deal with — deadlines, complex cases, tight timelines, and the pressure to get things right for families who rely on you. MFWCAA is here to make the load a little lighter and give you real support all year, not just during the conference. If you’re a member, take a moment to explore all the resources waiting for you. If you’re not, it might be a good time to join.