News & Updates

Memo from the President

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 07:01:52 GMT

Introduction of President: Angella Blanshan

I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself. My name is Angella Blanshan. I am an eligibility worker for Des Moines Valley health and human services. In July it will be my 11th year at Des Moines valley health and human services. Prior to Des Moines Valley health and human services, I was an eligibility worker at Watonwan County human services.

I have a degree in criminal justice. I have been married for 32 years. We have one daughter and three grandkids.

I look forward to serving you as your 2026 MFWCAA president.

Conference Planning: October 2026 Duluth

Conference has always and will continue to be the board’s top priority. Planning starts with our first meeting and continues throughout the year. Per your request we are working closely with DHS to provide more complex classes.

Website Struggles:

The new website has provided some useful information as well as some new struggles. We appreciate your patience as we are learning the ins and outs of this new format! In the mean-time, please email your region rep or our general email at mfwcaa@gmail.com if you’re having difficulties.

Coming Up: Virtual Speaker- May 13th!

Trainer, speaker, conference facilitator… Jody Janati has a Doctoral degree in Organizational Leadership, and a Masters degree in Speech Communication. She offers a variety of public and professional workshops on conflict reduction tactics and effective communication skills.

We welcome you all

How MFWCAA Supports Financial Workers and Case Aides All Year — Not Just at Conference Time

Sat, 06 Dec 2025 01:08:59 GMT

Most people know MFWCAA for the annual conference, but the real value of membership happens all year long. With workloads growing, budgets tightening, and policy shifts happening nonstop, consistent support matters more than ever.

Here’s a look at how MFWCAA works for you from January through December.

1. Training doesn’t stop after the conference.

Teletrainings, regional sessions, and new recordings are added throughout the year. Members can log in anytime to catch up, rewind, and rewatch tough topics.

2. You get access to updated tools and policy resources.

When a major change hits — whether it’s SNAP, METS, CCAP, or something else — members can check the site for updates and materials that help cut through confusion.

3. Regional support keeps you connected.

Your Regional Rep is there when you need help, clarity, or a sounding board. Regional meetings offer a place to trade ideas and get real answers from people who understand the work.

4. Scholarships and awards recognize members and their families.

Whether you’re pursuing your own education or have a family member heading to college, MFWCAA scholarships can help.

Awards highlight the financial workers and case aides who make an impact every day — the ones who rarely get the spotlight but deserve it.

5. A growing Members Area with resources you can actually use

The new site makes it easier to find:
• meeting notes
• teletraining recordings
• policy materials
• forms and documents
• updates from across the state

The goal is simple: give you what you need, when you need it.

A community built around supporting each other

This work can be heavy. It helps to have a place where people understand what you deal with — deadlines, complex cases, tight timelines, and the pressure to get things right for families who rely on you.

MFWCAA is here to make the load a little lighter and give you real support all year, not just during the conference.

If you’re a member, take a moment to explore all the resources waiting for you. If you’re not, it might be a good time to join.

What Your MFWCAA Regional Representative Can Do for You

Sat, 06 Dec 2025 01:01:51 GMT

Minnesota is a big state, and every county has its own way of working through challenges. That’s why MFWCAA has Regional Representatives — real people you can reach out to when you need help, advice, or a place to talk through something that’s giving you trouble.

Many members don’t realize just how helpful their rep can be. So here’s a quick breakdown.

Your rep is your go-to resource.

Not sure where to find something?
Need to confirm whether a policy update is being handled the same way in other counties?
Want to know when the next regional meeting is?

Your rep can point you in the right direction faster than digging through emails or searching old notes.

They also help bring your voice forward.

Regional feedback plays a big part in how MFWCAA plans training topics, conference sessions, and advocacy priorities. Reps pass along what’s happening in your county so the full board gets a clearer picture of what workers and case aides are dealing with day to day.

Regional meetings = shared knowledge.

Some of the best problem-solving happens in these sessions.
Workers swap tips, talk through tricky policies, and find out what’s working well in other parts of the state. If you haven’t joined one yet, it’s worth trying at least once.

Find your rep

The new website has an updated list of Regional Representatives with contact info for each county. If you haven’t connected with yours yet, feel free to reach out — they’re genuinely here to help.

Staying connected makes this work less stressful and a lot more manageable. Your rep is one of the easiest ways to build that connection.

Why Ongoing Training Matters for Minnesota’s Financial Workers and Case Aides

Sun, 01 Jun 2025 00:46:36 GMT

Financial workers and case aides are the first line of support for families across Minnesota. Every day you’re helping people navigate SNAP, cash programs, child care assistance, health care coverage, and everything in between. With programs changing so often, it’s tough to feel fully prepared unless you have steady training you can trust.

That’s one of the biggest reasons MFWCAA exists — to make sure you never feel like you’re figuring things out alone.

Policies change fast. Good training keeps you steady.

Rules shift. Forms update. Processes get rewritten. When you’re dealing with real families who need quick answers, you don’t have time to dig for clarity.
Training sessions, teletrainings, and conference workshops help you stay ahead instead of scrambling after the fact.

Harder cases deserve better tools.

Many workers across the state say the toughest part of the job isn’t the volume — it’s the complexity. Mixed households, farm income, immigration status, health care coordination… these cases take time and confidence.

Training gives you both.

When you understand the “why” behind a policy, everything else gets easier.

Training also builds community.

You’re not the only one wrestling with tricky cases. When you join MFWCAA trainings or watch recordings, you get to hear how workers in other counties handle similar situations. That connection matters more than most people realize.

Where to find upcoming sessions

The new MFWCAA website makes it easier to see upcoming regional meetings, statewide trainings, and new additions to the Members Area.
Members can log in anytime to watch recordings or check for updates.

If you’re looking for ways to feel better equipped in your role, training is one of the best places to start — and we’re here to help you get what you need.

You're the first line of support!