Age-Friendly Regional Exchange Hosted in Willmar  

WILLMAR, MN — Age-Friendly Minnesota and its regional partners are inviting community members, local leaders, and advocates for aging to attend the Southwest Minnesota Regional Exchange on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Bethesda Grand, 901 Willmar Ave SE, Willmar, MN.

This free event brings together community members, organizations, and regional leaders to connect around the age-friendly movement, celebrate ongoing progress, and explore future opportunities and challenges. The event includes lunch and provides an opportunity to learn, share, and collaborate on creating communities that support healthy aging for all.

Event highlights include:

• Updates on Age-Friendly Minnesota and the Multisector Blueprint for Aging
• A regional showcase of local age-friendly efforts
• A panel discussion with elected officials and regional leaders, featuring:
  • Rep. Dave Baker, District 16B, Minnesota House of Representatives
  • Nancy Fasching, Vice President for Community Impact, Southwest Initiative Foundation
  • Bailee Krieger, Administrator, Bethesda
  • Pablo Obregon, Director of Community Growth,City of Willmar

“This exchange is a great opportunity for regional partners to come together, share what’s working, and strengthen collaboration to build communities where we can all thrive as we age,” said Kristin Rucks, Vice President of Development and Marketing at Bethesda.

Registration is free and open to the public. The registration deadline is November 5, 2025.

To learn more or register, visit: https://mn.gov/dhs/age-friendly-mn/meetings/regional-exchanges/

About Age-Friendly Minnesota

Age-Friendly Minnesota is a statewide initiative that works to make Minnesota a better place to grow older. Through collaboration with communities and organizations, the initiative promotes inclusion, accessibility, and support for residents of all ages. Learn more at https://mn.gov/dhs/age-friendly-mn/. 

About Bethesda

Bethesda is a faith-based, nonprofit organization serving older adults through a continuum of care that includes independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing, and home-based services. Guided by its mission of “Serving others in faith, life, and community,” Bethesda partners with regional and statewide organizations to promote healthy aging and community well-being.

For media inquiries or further information, please contact:

Kristin Rucks

Vice President of Development and Marketing

[email protected]

(320) 262-5381