At Aeon, we believe that strong communities are built by people who care deeply about one another. During this season of giving, we’re celebrating the many ways our team members give back—both through their work and the causes they support personally. From rescuing pets to advancing literacy, our staff are investing in their communities and helping others thrive.
🌟 Monica – Resident Connections Coordinator
Monica gives her time and energy to Planting People Growing Justice Leadership Institute (PPGJLI), a Saint Paul nonprofit inspiring and equipping future leaders through the arts, humanities, and education.
Motivated by her passion for books and helping children read for success, Monica coauthored Amazing Africa: A to Z with PPGJLI founder Dr. Artika Tyner and authored Ghana: A Place I Call Home.
“It’s an opportunity to make a difference in my own small ways,” Monica shared.
Through her creativity and generosity, Monica is helping young readers discover their voices and connect to their heritage—one story at a time.
🐾 Nick Miller – Senior Director of Marketing
Nick and his wife are proud parents to two senior pugs, Petunia and Todd. Over the years, they’ve adopted from several rescue organizations, including Hawks Creek Animal Shelter, and now give back to support those same groups.
“My wife had a pug when she was little. I thought they were kind of ridiculous, but they truly have the biggest personalities of any dog I have ever had,” Nick laughed.
Pugs are often costly to care for due to health issues, so Nick donates to help shelters cover medical expenses and surgeries for adoptable dogs.
“If you’re fortunate enough to have extra resources, there’s probably no better way to spend it than to donate,” he said. “It seems selfless, but it’s often more for yourself than the cause.”
Nick’s commitment reminds us that compassion—for animals and people alike—makes communities stronger.
🎶 The Smith Family – Patty, Tony, and Alex
Giving back is a family affair for the Smiths. Patty, Aeon’s Director of Service Partnerships, her husband Tony, a Resident Connections Coordinator, and their daughter Alex, a Receptionist, all share a love of community, music, and service.
Patty has been with Aeon for nearly ten years and says her family supports causes that promote housing stability and animal welfare. Many of their favorite nonprofits—like The Carter Foundation, St. Jude’s, Hook and Ladder, MPR, Walker Art Center, Humane Society, Pay it Forward, and Foothold Twin Cities—were discovered through concerts and music fundraisers.
“A lot of times we go to the concerts specifically for their fundraisers,” Patty said.
Through her role, Patty has seen firsthand how local giving makes a difference. Foothold Twin Cities, for example, provides one-time assistance for rent and bills, while Pay it Forward, a musician-founded fund, helps women pay bills as they go through cancer treatment.
Their story is a reminder that generosity can be joyful, creative, and deeply personal.
🏡 Luis – Project Manager, Housing Development Team
As a housing developer, Luis sees every day how secure housing transforms lives. Outside of work, he supports organizations that align with Aeon’s mission, including Second Harvest Heartland and PRG.
Luis previously served on PRG’s board, drawn to their focus on affordable homeownership and first-time homebuyer counseling—particularly for BIPOC communities.
“Their work uniquely complements Aeon’s,” Luis explained. “They build on infill lots that might otherwise remain vacant, helping to spur reinvestment in these neighborhoods.”
Luis’s dedication reflects a shared commitment across Aeon: building communities where everyone has the chance to belong and thrive.
💛 Together, We Make an Impact
From volunteering and donating to creating art and sharing stories, Aeon staff are investing in their communities in countless ways. Their generosity and passion ripple outward, strengthening the very neighborhoods we serve every day.
