News and Blog

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, November 4, 2026 AEOA to participate in 18th Annual Give to the Max Day on November 19 Give to the Max Day is a catalyst for good, raising more than $400 million for local Minnesota organizations since 2009 Virginia, Minn., Nov. 2026 — The Arrowhead Economic Opportunity Agency (AEOA) is excited to participate in the annual Give to the Max Day on Thursday, Nov. 19. Give to the Max Day

Officers elected, annual report presented, staff achievements noted at annual AEOA board of directors meeting. Past AEOA Executive Director returns to the agency as a member of the board of directors.

Arrowhead Economic Opportunity Agency announces new leadership of its Senior and Nutrition Services department – a first for the non-profit in 40 years. Carrie Pellinen succeeds Marilyn Ocepek who retired from the community action agency in July after 55 years with AEOA.

It is with deep sadness we share the passing of AEOA Board Chairman Jeff Kletscher. Jeff passed away Monday, Aug. 24 following a serious illness. Jeff dedicated more than 20 years to our agency’s mission. He served as chairman from 2016 until his passing.

Individuals and families looking for employment and early child education solutions can find both, and more, at a new community resource center in Virginia. The center is an enterprise between AEOA, the Housing & Redevelopment Authority of Virginia and St. Louis County.

Arrowhead Head Start is accepting preschool registrations for the 2026-2027 school year. Parents and caregivers of three and 4-year-old children are encouraged to apply to the school readiness program. Orientation for all preschool classrooms is on Tuesday, Sept. 8. Classes begin Wednesday, Sept. 9.

In a backyard barbecue style event, AEOA brought more than 1,000 community members together for a neighborhood block party. AEOA’s 4th Annual Block Party took place on a picturesque summer day in the agency’s parking lot downtown Virginia on Thursday, July 23.

Her children thought she was a celebrity. While she may not be famous, her work is well-known across Minnesota’s Arrowhead region. Friday, July 31, Marilyn Ocepek will walk out the front doors of the Arrowhead Economic Opportunity Agency building downtown Virginia for the last time – as an employee.

Farmers Markets have opened across the Range offering locally grown produce. SNAP customers can shop area markets in Cook, Hibbing, Tower and Virginia thanks to AEOA’s facilitation of staff and equipment enabling EBT purchases.

Area youth and the young at heart recently shared a day of smiles and support for our advanced age community at Senior Expo 2026 in Virginia. Arrowhead Economic Opportunity Agency (AEOA) hosted its 40th annual spring event Wednesday, May 6, at Iron Trail Motors Event Center.

AEOA’s Volunteer Services program will be hosting its annual Purple Ribbon Volunteer Recognition Event on Wednesday, April 22 at the Mountain Iron Community Center.  The event is part of a weeklong effort to thank St. Louis County volunteers.

Arrowhead Head Start staff spent a day refreshing their preschool curriculum skills Friday, March 6, at Iron Trail Motors Event Center in Virginia. Attendees were part of an interactive, “I am Moving, I am Learning,” presentation.

Arrowhead Head Start is taking registrations for the upcoming 2026-2027 school year. Parents and caregivers of three and 4-year-old children are encouraged to apply to the school readiness program.

AEOA’s YouthBuild program, based in Grand Rapids, was granted $180,000 from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).

Youngsters on the Iron Range are missing out on an opportunity to get a jumpstart on kindergarten.

A group of volunteers gathered Friday, Dec. 19, for a modest award ceremony at Arrowhead Economic Opportunity Agency in Virginia.

Head Start provides prenatal and early education to pregnant mothers and children ages birth through 4 years old. Openings are limited!

Ready to start your journey of owning a home? Our program offers virtual classes, one-on-one counseling, and down payment and closing cost assistance.

Applications are now available. AEOA processed over 9,000 applications last year which makes it very important to apply as early in the season as possible.