Minnesota Elder Justice Center

Founded in 2014, the Minnesota Elder Justice Center (MEJC) is a statewide organization working to mobilize communities to prevent and alleviate abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation of older and vulnerable adults. With an office located in St. Paul, our staff of nine work across Minnesota to advance elder justice issues. Our Values: Integrity - We practice intellectual rigor and ethical behavior, transparency, staying true to mission and accountability to our many diverse stakeholders. Openhearted Collaboration - We are committed to being inclusive in creating and participating in partnerships that improve the lives of Minnesota’s older adults and vulnerable adults. Innovation - We are a learning organization that is willing to question the status quo, create alternative solutions and strategies and take risks in order to achieve our mission. Responsive Service - We are focused on the well-being of older adults and vulnerable adults and to ensure that we are respectful, relevant and responsive. Excellence - We are committed, knowledgeable, curious, and creative in all our work.

ABOUT MINNESOTA ELDER JUSTICE CENTER’S WORK
Direct Victim Services
We provide support and advocacy to older and vulnerable victims of abuse, and their families. Our services also include a helpline, assistance to others who work with older victims, and free limited legal representation to victims.
 
Prevention & Outreach
We provide statewide public awareness and education opportunities to the public so they can be informed, help those around them, and build communities that do not tolerate abuse against older and vulnerable adults. We partner with researchers to provide accurate, relevant and up-to-date strategies to prevent abuse.
 
Professional Education & Training
We provide entry-level and advanced training to individuals and institutions who work with older and vulnerable adults. Our audiences include social services, the legal community, health care, financial institutions, and others. We also provide specialized 8-hour trainings for law enforcement and criminal justice professionals.
 
Public Policy & Systems Change
We advocate for policy initiatives that benefit older and vulnerable victims of abuse, prevent abuse, and hold perpetrators accountable. We work with county and community teams to support a coordinated response to elder abuse. We provide opportunities for learning, discussion and recommendations to strengthen systems to protect older and vulnerable adults. MEJC worked to develop and pass the 2019 Elder Care and Vulnerable Adult Protection Act; worked to develop and modernize changes to guardianship in 2020; and has been advocating for significant advancements to the Vulnerable Adult Act.