About

Juniper is making evidence-based programs available to people throughout the state of Minnesota through an integrated network of community organizations and health systems. Together we are helping people live healthier, more connected lives.

Juniper is committed to building a strong network of organizations that are rooted in local communities and have the capacity to meet the needs of people striving to improve their health and well-being. Minnesota’s Area Agencies on Aging act as regional hubs for the Juniper network.

Juniper created this toolkit to make it easy for providers and leaders to access the information you need to implement Juniper classes successfully.

Juniper through 2021

Creating a healthier Minnesota

Together we are:

• Preventing escalation of disease
• Reducing dependence on family and paid caregivers
• Reducing utilization of costly healthcare
• Improving the health, independence and quality of  life of community members

The Juniper network comprises:

• Provider Organizations. Juniper providers bring evidence-based health promotion programs to their communities through a contractual relationship and payment agreement with Innovations for Aging.
• Class Leaders. Leaders are trained and certified to deliver Juniper evidence-based health promotion programs. Class leaders operate under a provider and receive training in standardized curricula. A leader may be paid staff or a volunteer. 
• Provider Managers. Provider managers are the primary link between Juniper and provider organizations. The manager provides program support and technical assistance to ensure fidelity with program requirements and assure positive participant outcomes. 
• Area Agencies on Aging. Minnesota’s Area Agencies on Aging act as hubs for regional efforts, providing leader training and technical, administrative and marketing support to provider organizations.

Trellis’ Role

Trellis (formerly Innovations for Aging) is the management services organization for the Juniper network.

It provides the administrative, management and marketing functions necessary for Juniper to thrive as a statewide network. Trellis provides a single point of contact for contracting and billing, making third-party payor partnerships with healthcare organizations viable. Trellis also provides backbone resources (such as the yourjuniper.org technology platform) that would be too expensive for multiple organizations to build and maintain.

Other backbone services include program management, direct engagement strategies, business development, marketing and communication and data management and analysis.