MANKATO — Ten years ago, the nonprofit VINE Faith in Action purchased its site off East Hickory Street from the county for $1. On Tuesday, the organization is celebrating all the success the past decade has brought.
Founded in 1995 as a part of Pam Determan’s gerontology graduate school program, VINE’s Summit Senior Center was first located in the Blue Earth County Historical Society’s building. After caring for her aging father, Determan quickly realized the need for support and resources for caregivers in the area.
“I experienced that there was no formal help around,” Determan said. “There was a grant available and we were able to use that to start VINE.”
The organization was quick to outgrow its former location, and while the county was preparing to start demolition on a former Minnesota State University building used for offices, it appeared to be the perfect opportunity to expand and unite VINE offices with their Summit Center.
“The demolition would have cost $600,000 of taxpayer money, so we proposed that we would buy it for a dollar,” Determan said.
The building was acquired by VINE in 2010 and the organization successfully fundraised the needed $4.3 million dollars needed to cover necessary remodeling and renovations.
“The community really stepped up,” Determan said.
On July 1, 2014, the VINE Adult Community Center officially opened with a fitness center, indoor walking track and rooms to accommodate exercise classes, educational presentations and social opportunities for older adults.
Paulette Wilhelmi is one of more than 2,000 VINE members and has been since the center’s first year. She has already purchased her pass for the next year.
“I aim to come at least two or three times a week,” Wilhelmi said.
Determan retired in 2020 and the organization is now headed by CEO Melinda Wedzina.
Now, she and board chair Rich Grace are focused on leaning into a “thought-leadership role” within the organization and seeking to change the community perception of aging through their work at the center.
“We want to look at the surgeon general’s research on the isolation and loneliness epidemic among the aging population,” Wedzina said. “Really looking at the impacts of ageism and the quality of life when aging.”
Through the challenges over the past 10 years, the center has continued to be a crucial resource for the aging population of communities in Greater Mankato by providing support, resources, social events and volunteer opportunities.
“I’d be lying to say it was all easy,” Determan said. “But when I go past the building now I see how it’s all worth it.”
When asked if she sees the VINE center reaching another 10 years, “At least!” Wedzina said. “I don’t see it going anywhere anytime soon.”
The center will be hosting an open house reception in celebration 3-5 p.m. Tuesday with a short presentation detailing new updates to the facility at 4 p.m.