This week, we are featuring Caren Mogen.

Caren has a history of public service. She holds a degree in Criminal Justice from Concordia University and served for over a decade as a Reserve Police Officer for the City of Rosemount. Caren joined the MACV team in 2022 as a Housing Stability case manager and eventually transitioned to her current role as a MACV Employment Case Manager in the Metro Region.

She finds the work to be both challenging and rewarding, and was able to utilize the many resources learned in housing as she transitioned to the employment team.  Caren firmly believes she has found her true calling in assisting Veterans in assuring stability via employment. According to Caren, nothing makes her happier than to witness the veterans we serve achieve various milestones. To serve as a springboard to gainful and meaningful employment is so fulfilling.”

“Working for an organization that is Housing First, I work with great pride to acknowledge that everyone who works for MACV has this mission in mind when helping our Veterans every day. Homelessness is not what the Veteran chooses for themselves, but the result of barriers that prevent the Veteran from obtaining permanent and stable housing, along with obtaining and maintaining stable employment.” -Caren Mogen

Caren is not a Veteran herself, but her family tree is full of military members. She shared, “to hear the stories they share at family gatherings is moving. Their service truly inspires me.” With my many years in public service, and the respect and gratitude for our service members and the sacrifices they make and have made, Caren felt this career was a no-brainer. Her perspective and advocacy for our Veterans is rooted closer to home, as a caregiver to her husband, who is a Veteran; she sees her service to our military heroes lasting a lifetime. Caren says, “Even when I retire, I see my service turning into being there for MACV as a volunteer.”

Outside of work, Caren is an Auxiliary member with the American Legion Post 47 in Hastings, serving as the Auxiliary Chaplain since 2023. She loves investing her time in the community, if time allows. You might even see her in the bleachers at her hometown football games. Caren can also be found at her local church helping out with funerals and other events.

Caren, we thank you for your service to our community!