Mam, an 80-year-old Aeon resident, has called our downtown Minneapolis community home since 1993. At the time, she was paying just $103 for her first-floor apartment, drawn to the location because it was close to her job at the Metrodome.
A few years after moving in, Mam began working as a dishwasher and cleaner at Mystic Lake Casino in Shakopee. Initially, the casino provided an employee bus from downtown Minneapolis, making her commute a bit more convenient. But when the bus service ended, Mam’s daily routine became far more challenging. She found herself navigating at least three different buses to get to work and then returning home late at night. Despite the long and tiring commute, Mam remained committed to her work, demonstrating a level of resilience and dedication that has defined her life.
Mam retired from Mystic Lake in May of 2024, but over the past year, she realized that she needed to supplement her Social Security income with a part-time job. However, she knew she would face significant obstacles to even applying. Mam did not own a computer, did not have an email address, and had no resume. She had never applied for a job in this way before and didn’t even know where to begin.
That’s when Buddy, the Resident Connections Coordinator at her building, stepped in to help. From the very first conversation, Buddy listened to Mam’s goals and patiently guided her through each step of the job search process. Together, they set up an email account, created a professional resume from scratch, and identified opportunities that matched her skills and experience. Buddy accompanied Mam to a job fair, helped her prepare for interviews, and even sat in the room as she conducted them. Mam says she would have found it nearly impossible to navigate this process alone, and she credits Buddy with making it achievable.
The journey was not without setbacks. They applied to numerous positions, attended interviews, and waited for responses—often receiving no replies or facing rejections. But they remained patient. She visited his office at least once a week to ask Buddy if he’d heard anything.
After about eight months, Mam’s hard work and persistence paid off. She was offered a position with Marsden Services as a cleaner at Target Field, just one bus ride from her apartment. The role offers much more flexibility, and she feels safe and valued in her new workplace, a concern Buddy had advocated for during the interview process. Following the Twins season, Mam will relocate to another event space in downtown Minneapolis.
Reflecting on her journey, Mam says, “Buddy is the reason I am where I am today. He is incredibly approachable, never says no, and is always looking to meet the needs of me and my neighbors. I could not have done this without him.”
Mam’s story is a testament to resilience, determination, and the power of the support of Resident Connections.
