May 2021 Newsletter
Jackson County
FROM OUR PRESIDENT
I hope this newsletter finds you ready to get back into recertifications for Snap and cash programs! I am a family case worker and am eager to start the transition back to a normalcy of our programs. I am also excited to hear about the loosening of restrictions for our beautiful state from Governor Walz as we head into summer! I can’t wait to hit our community festivals that were cancelled last year and spend more time with friends and family.
Unfortunately, even as things are reopening, our DHS liaisons remain skeptical regarding the ability of DHS trainers to attend conference. The main purpose of our annual conference is to provide DHS program specific training to workers. Without our DHS trainers, it will be impossible to offer program specific content. In addition, counties are responsible for the tax dollars used to pay for training costs, and are not likely to approve payment of conference fees and hotel rooms if in-person trainers are not available. Since deadlines for decisions were fast approaching, along with escalating cancellation fees, the MFWCAA board has made the difficult decision to cancel our in-person conference for 2021. None of us anticipated needing to make this decision again this year. To be honest, there were some tears throughout this process as bringing everyone together at conference for training, networking and fun is what our organization works hard to do!
With that being said, the MFWCAA board members are planning to continue virtual sessions to offer our members. Watch for updates on our website, our Facebook page, or from your Region Representative. If you have any ideas on sessions you would like to see, please email us at mfwcaa@gmail.com.
The deadline to nominate a deserving coworker for the Financial Worker/Case Aide of the Year Award is July 31, 2021. We all work with many who go above and beyond in their daily work. Make sure they are recognized by submitting your nomination online at www.mfwcaa.org or mailing in a paper nomination.
Enjoy your summer and stay safe!
Larissa Rasmusen
Early Bird Winners
10 lucky members names were drawn to win our $25 Early Bird prize. Thanks to everyone who were Early Birds and had their dues paid by 2-28-21.
- Nina Widlund – MNPrairie
- Charlene Holland – Freeborn County
- Rita Berg – Renville County
- Billie Wendell – Big Stone County
- Kathy Douglas – Beltrami County
- Darlene Johanson – Aitkin County
- Allison Abrahams – Rice County
- Amanda Hallanger – Goodhue County
- Barbara Herrera – Hennepin County
- Tami Pinske – Mahnomen County
Didn’t catch the worm this time around? There is still time to become a member. Check it out now!
We are looking for the next Financial Worker/Case Aid of the Year Award
We are looking for that special Financial Worker or Case Aide that goes above and beyond, the one you can always count on. The cream of the crop! The best of the best! The bee’s knees! It’s time to nominate your favorite Financial Worker or Case Aide for the 2021 FW/CA of the Year Award!
Nominating someone is easy. Just complete the nomination form! Include the person’s name, background, and the reason that you feel this person is deserving of this title. Remember this person must be a MFWCAA member. Nominations need to be postmarked or submitted online by July 31, 2021. Nominations can be completed here. Contact Dana at dana.wenisch@kcmn.us with any questions. Thank you.
2021 Scholarship Winners
Rebecca Hormann
MFWCAA member: Jodi Hormann – Traverse County
Jaxon Buescher
MFWCAA member: Holly Jo Buescher – Itasca County
Aaron Dewanz
MFWCAA member: Christie Dewanz – Brown County
Rickel Swenson
MFWCAA member: Tina Swenson – White Earth Nation
Amber Asplund
MFWCAA member: Amber Asplund – Beltrami County
Jaedan Nachreiner
MFWCAA member: Andrea Nachreiner – Brown County
Ivy Finley
MFWCAA member: Kristy Tibor – Winona County
Lee Waughtal
MFWCAA member: Teryl Waughtal – Clearwater County
Hunter Walklin
MFWCAA member: Elizabeth Walklin – DVHHS
Wyatt Palm
MFWCAA member: Hannah Palm – Lake of the Woods County
The 2022 Scholarship Applications will be available in January 2022. If you have any questions about the MFWCAA Scholarship Program, contact Lori Savoie at lori.savoie@whiteearth-nsn.gov.
Mark your calendars!
MFWCAA Fall Conference!
OCTOBER 19-21, 2022
Madden’s on Gull Lake, Brainerd, MN