Joy Collaborative
August 24, 2021 | Barna, Guzy & Steffen, Ltd.
by Cathryn D. Reher, Elder Law and Special Needs Planning Attorney While strolling along the Mississippi River at the Stone Arch Festival, amazing miniature architectural pieces for cats and dogs caught my eye. The pieces were donated by architects to raise money for the non-profit, Joy Collaborative. I went up to find out more about Joy Collaborative and ended up talking with Mark Ostrom, the Executive Director. A team of designers, architects, builders, and volunteers came together to form a local non-profit called Joy Collaborative. Together they build “joy rooms” for kids with life-limiting conditions. They were raising money at the festival to fund future projects. I have been an Elder Law and Special Needs Planning Attorney for close to 30 years and what Mark explained to me about their work was truly innovative and inspiring. Doctors deliver a diagnosis and a plan of care. The diagnosis unfortunately has financial, social, and psychological implications that many times remain unaddressed, leaving families struggling to know what to do or where to turn for help. Joy Collaborative is exploring interactive solutions to meet the social and psychological aspects of disabling conditions that leave persons isolated and under-stimulated. It is remarkable work that I know would be of interest to many of my clients. At Joy Collaborative, I prepare…
Read MoreNew Veterans Homes Slated for Fillmore County
August 19, 2021 | Barna, Guzy & Steffen, Ltd.
By Cathryn D. Reher, VA certified and Elder Law Attorney For years, the Minnesota Veterans Homes has sought funding to build additional campuses. There are currently four Minnesota Veterans Homes located in Minneapolis, Fergus Falls, Luverne, and Silver Bay. Finally, there has been movement with the projected development for a fifth facility in Preston, Minnesota. Most veterans are not aware that they and their spouses might be eligible for long-term care benefits through federal VA veterans benefits and/or the Minnesota Veterans Homes. I am a VA certified planner and have worked with Minnesota Veterans Homes for 25 years, assisting veterans and their spouses to understand the eligibility rules. I advise on the best approach to protect resources for veterans and their spouses in need of long-term care or wanting to plan as they age. One of the challenges that has been presented is the wait lists for Veterans Home admission. Thus, part of planning is to make sure that any plan around admission to each Veterans Home location also contemplate qualifying for medical assistance to pay for long term care. Medical assistance laws and policies are much trickier. It is critical any plan for the Veterans Homes also enable qualification or not adversely impact eligibility for medical assistance. Finding local counsel with the…
Read MoreBarna, Guzy & Steffen names Thomas R. Wentzell Shareholder
August 16, 2021 | Barna, Guzy & Steffen, Ltd.
The law firm of Barna, Guzy & Steffen, Ltd. announces that Thomas R. Wentzell has been named a Shareholder by the Board of Directors. Tom began his career with Barna, Guzy & Steffen as a law clerk from January 2012-April 2013 while he was completing his law degree at University of St. Thomas School of Law. He returned in 2014 to become part of the busy Real Estate Law department. Tom has developed a robust commercial real estate practice, representing property owners and developers with respect to purchase, sale, new development, financing, leasing, and a host of other real estate related transactions. He works significantly in the areas of multifamily housing, office, industrial, and retail properties. Tom graduated cum laude from University of St. Thomas School of Law in 2013. He was a recipient of a Dean’s Award, made the Dean’s list regularly, and received a President’s Scholarship. Tom earned his Bachelor of Arts in Social Science from St. John’s University in 2007 where he graduated magna cum laude, received All-College Honors and played Varsity football. The firm would like to congratulate Tom on his accomplishments and commitment to the mission of providing clients legal service with trust, dedication and professionalism. BGS believes these ingredients are the essence of integrity, and strives to…
Read More