Stepping into the Tilden Community Center in Hastings, Minnesota, on the evening of May 17, 2023, was akin to walking into a room filled with stories. Stories of lives well-lived, of resilience, of the vulnerability that comes with aging, and of the undeniable power of community. This was the setting of the inaugural Hastings Senior Expo, a gathering that brought together a diverse tapestry of individuals and organizations committed to celebrating and supporting our older adults​.

In the heart of this vibrant gathering, a voice resonated - Dawn Clemmer, a Public Health Nurse and a supervisor with Dakota County Community Living Services. In a world that often sidelines the narratives of the elderly, Dawn stood as a steadfast advocate, embodying the strength and compassion that underpin her role.

With HastingsNow.com as her conversation partner, Dawn painted a picture of the work she and her team do. They offer a lifeline of support services - everything from lawn care and chore services to homemaking and personal care assistance. Their goal? To empower seniors to continue living in the comfort and familiarity of their own homes, to maintain their independence even as they navigate the challenges that come with age​​.

Dawn's presence at the Hastings Senior Expo was a reflection of her belief in the importance of connection and visibility. She spoke passionately about the need for Dakota County Community Living Services to be seen and heard in the community, to demonstrate the support they can offer, and to extend a hand of help to those who need it. After all, the beauty of connection lies not just in being there for others but also in allowing others to be there for you.

The role of Dakota County Community Living Services in the broader community landscape is profound. Their involvement in the Communities for a Lifetime Initiative, their in-home assessments to discuss health and long-term care options, their comprehensive community resource guide, and their partnerships with community resources and long-term care services all embody the power of connection and the strength that comes from leaning on one another​​.

In her final message to the Hastings community, Dawn offered a gentle yet powerful reminder: "Just be aware of the help that may be available for you or for a neighbor, or for a friend, or for a family member. And don't ever hesitate to reach out just to get more information." This is a call to embrace vulnerability, to recognize that reaching out for help is not a sign of weakness but a testament to our shared humanity.

Dawn Clemmer's participation in the Hastings Senior Expo was more than a representation of her organization. It was a vivid portrayal of the courage to connect, to serve, and to embrace the vulnerability that comes with age. And in doing so, Dawn reminded us all of an essential truth: in the intricate web of our community, every strand counts, every story matters, and no one should ever feel alone.