However, many systems and structures we rely on today were built for a different time, when fewer people lived beyond 65. Today, one in five Northlanders is over 65; in some rural areas, it’s nearly one in three. Looking ahead, the number of Minnesotans in this age group is expected to double by 2075.
This shift is more than a demographic trend—it’s a call to rethink how we design, support, and sustain communities where everyone can live and thrive, at every age.
Our History
The mission, vision, and values that guide us
Our Mission
Enhance the quality of life for older adults and caregivers in the Northland by developing, supporting, and funding age-friendly work that strengthens the future of our community.
Our Vision
Create an age-inclusive community free from ageism, where the needs of all ages and abilities are equally valued, allowing everyone to live safely, comfortably, and confidently in all stages of their lives.
Our Values
Foster a thriving culture of inclusion by embracing eight core values: equity, compassion, diversity, collaboration, respect, innovation, positivity, and empowerment.
Our Story
A brief look back at how it all began
When we launched Duluth Aging Support in 2020, our mission was to transform the aging experience into a positive one by enhancing the lives of older adults and caregivers in the Northland through education, outreach, advocacy, resources, collaboration, and innovation.
Over the years, we refined our mission to enhance the quality of life for older adults and caregivers in the Northland by focusing on developing, supporting, and funding age-friendly initiatives vital to creating a more inclusive and age-friendly community for people to live safely, comfortably, and confidently in all ages and stages of their lives.

Key milestones at a glance
2020

Launched an Online Resource Directory to connect people to vital resources during COVID-19 pandemic
2021
2023
2024
Behind THe Mission
Meet our team

Mimi Stender
Founder & Quality of Life Through Longevity AdvocateAs a quality-of-life through longevity advocate, Mimi is dedicated to bringing together organizations and individuals with a shared mission to ensure that people of all ages, abilities, and incomes have the support and opportunities to thrive as they grow older in their communities.
With a strong community engagement, coalition-building, and nonprofit leadership background, Mimi works to expand age-inclusive and age-friendly approaches across sectors in her community while reshaping the narrative around aging.
In addition to her work with DAS, Mimi co-leads the Duluth Age-Friendly initiative, serves on the Governor’s Council for an Age-Friendly Minnesota, and co-founded the Arrowhead Changemakers, a regional age-friendly collaborative.

Cyndy Klinksiek
Age-Friendly Outreach SpecialistCyndy brings extensive knowledge and compassion to strengthen the community through a wide range of collaborative outreach efforts. Having been an integral part of the DAS team since 2020, we’re proud to support Cyndy’s current position at the Zeitgeist Center for Arts and Community as a dedicated Age-Friendly Outreach Specialist.
In her role, Cyndy connects community members with vital resources—from food access and health insurance guidance to caregiver support, transportation options, and inclusive opportunities for social connection and community engagement.

Lisa Pease
Brand & Graphic Design PartnerLisa has been instrumental in helping Duluth Aging Support tell its visual story and deepen its community impact. With a keen eye for branding and a passion for building meaningful connections, Lisa’s work encompasses a diverse range of projects, including website design, social media support, and print marketing materials for local outreach initiatives.
At the heart of it, Lisa understands that design is more than just aesthetics—it’s a powerful tool for building trust, strengthening engagement, and making resources accessible to people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities. Through her impact-driven approach, she ensures that every visual touchpoint not only resonates with the community but also aligns with DAS’s strong mission, vision, and values.

Leeza Ochsner
Strategic Communications PartnerWith over a decade of experience in copywriting and strategic marketing, Leeza brings a passion for using words to create a meaningful and lasting impact. She specializes in value-driven messaging that informs, inspires, and ignites connections within the community.
From thoughtful brand storytelling and website copy to social media campaigns and strategic activation efforts, Leeza ensures every message reflects Duluth Aging Support’s unwavering commitment to advancing age-friendly work and initiatives that strengthen support for older adults across the region. Beyond her technical skills, she approaches every project with a commitment to clarity, a heart for service, and an eye for detail.

Brad Bartlett
Copywriter + Content Marketing PartnerBrad is passionate about the power of using real stories to drive real change. As a seasoned copywriter and content strategist with over a decade of experience, he has helped nonprofits, small businesses, and community organizations amplify their voices in ways that inspire empathy, foster connection, and drive meaningful action.
At Duluth Aging Support, Brad plays a key role in crafting messaging that highlights the organization’s impact, expands its reach, and strengthens its mission of fostering age-friendly communities. With his purpose-centered approach, he helps shape how DAS’s age-friendly work is seen, understood, and supported throughout the Northland community—advancing a future where everyone can thrive at every age and every stage of life.

Eric Mistry
Technology Support PartnerAs a trusted Technology Support Partner, Eric brings a unique blend of technical expertise and strategic problem-solving to DAS’s digital initiatives. In addition to providing critical support across various projects and platforms, Eric is a skilled videographer and photographer who helps capture the essence of DAS’s mission through thoughtful multimedia storytelling.
Whether he’s managing technology infrastructure, troubleshooting systems, or documenting community gatherings, Eric’s work plays a vital role in ensuring that DAS remains accessible, engaging, and deeply connected to the larger community network across the Northland—helping to bridge meaningful connections across generations.
Get Involved
Join us in making a meaningful impact
Ready to make a positive difference in your community? Whether you’re advocating for accessibility, supporting older adults and caregivers, or bringing new age-friendly ideas to life, we’d love to hear about the work you’re doing to make a meaningful impact.