July 10, 2025 Rochester, Minn. — The Homestead at Rochester, a senior living community operated by Volunteers of America National Services (VOANS), is proud to announce it has been awarded runner-up honors in the organization’s annual innovative project competition, held this June at the Volunteers of America (VOA) national conference in Indianapolis, Indiana.
The community’s winning idea focuses on empowering senior living team members through financial wellness training and digital resources. The project earned a $10,000 award to bring this innovative staff development initiative to life.
Mike Anderson, executive director at The Homestead at Rochester, adapted the idea from his church, which was then supported by the entire leadership team. Various team leaders contributed towards preparing a pitch presentation for the national conference event.
The proposal aims to address a growing need among frontline senior care staff by offering accessible and effective financial tools to help manage everyday finances, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being. Currently, the senior living community is finalizing a contract with The Beans, a financial wellness platform specializing in support for mission-driven employees.
“The Homestead at Rochester is honored to be recognized on a national level for a project that we believe will have a real and lasting impact on our staff,” said Mike Anderson. “Supporting our team members in their financial health is another way we live out our mission of compassion and service. Our leadership team believes it is important for staff members’ emotional, physical and psychological health to better understand how finances influence overall life success.”
VOA, the parent organization of VOANS, encourages its affiliates to pitch innovative ideas for a chance to win grant funding. The annual innovative project competition organized and hosted by the VOA Futures Fund, is an opportunity to receive expert coaching and secure financial support for their concepts. Since 2017, the competition has been a centerpiece at VOA’s national conference, where finalists have an opportunity to present their ideas live on-stage and respond to a series of questions posed by a panel of judges. The event is made possible through sponsorships from VOA affiliates across the country.
The Homestead at Rochester anticipates launching its new staff financial wellness program within the next two months — with plans to provide team members access to tools, training, and personalized support as part of this initiative.
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About The Homestead at Rochester
As part of a family of senior living options in Minnesota, The Homestead at Rochester has been in operation since 2016. As a not-for-profit organization, profits are reinvested back into our community to continue serving and enriching the lives of older adults and their family members. The Homestead at Rochester is a senior living community offering a full continuum of care —including independent living, assisted living, memory support, and skilled nursing care.
About Volunteers of America
Volunteers of America National Services (VOANS), a subsidiary of Volunteers of America, provides affordable housing and healthcare services in over 40 states and in Puerto Rico. The organization employs over 2,000 dedicated staff who provide high quality services and care to our clients. As one of the largest non-profit affordable housing owners/operators in the nation, the VOANS portfolio includes over 240 properties and 15,000 affordable housing units. VOANS also operates senior healthcare programs, including independent living, assisted living, memory care, home health care, adult day care and Programs for all Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE). Learn more at www.voans.org.
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