We have different ways to mark the passage of time. For many of us, it is the simple turning of a calendar page and watching what people in New York do at midnight in Times Square. On another level, it means that the earth has now completed another year’s journey around the sun, coming full circle. It is a time to reflect on what happened during the last year’s journey and what hopes we carry as we begin again.
When we as the Faribault Diversity Coalition look back, we have much to be thankful for…
o We saw people becoming neighbors. Longtime residents stepped forward as volunteers to teach English to those who are new. Those same students warmed them with their greetings of “Hello,Teacher!” when they saw them on the streets. Others shared a garden plot, exchanging smiles and greetings amid the produce.
o We saw people caring. More people dug into their closets and their pockets to help provide warm clothes to those in need. Preschool children walked in the cold with rosy cheeks to deliver gifts of food to the Welcome Center. Teens raised funds to buy and wrap Christmas gifts for children who may not otherwise get any…People who themselves needed food stayed to help unload trucks and distribute food to others. Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Donahue’s Greenhouse, and Farmer Seed again made land and plants available to a community garden.
o We saw people wanting to build bridges between cultures. Hospice, dentists, county attorneys, Habitat for Humanity, downtown store owners, schools, youth programs, parent support groups, and immigrant parents all made efforts during the year to “do more” to understand or engage one another so that services or concerns could be made clear. The openness did much to build community.
o We saw people growing. Immigrant students who started ESL classes with only a few words learned to hold a conversation. Adult learners invested themselves in classes of carpentry, welding, and nursing and gained new skills to better their lives. People continued to learn more about how things work and how to “fish” in this lake.
We want to thank the many people of Faribault who have this year shared their generosity, their compassion, their warmth, their culture, their friendship, and their dreams with the community and with us here at the Welcome Center. We thank the City, United Way, the Initiative Foundation, Foldcraft, the Senior Center, the Jennie-O Turkey Store, Divine Mercy Church, individual donors, and especially BlueCross/BlueShield Foundation of MN. for the generous support that paved the way for what we could do. We feel blessed to have encountered so many from the Latino, Somali, and Sudanese communities who have shared with us their lives. We feel blessed to have met so many of those “already here” for a long time who have so generously reached out.
The task of becoming a community is never really finished. Though the earth has finished this year’s journey, it begins another. Let’s all make it our new year’s resolution to make the planet a friendly, welcoming place this next time around, beginning right here at home in Faribault.
Bob Kell
Director of the Welcome Center
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Monday, December 22, 2008
A Christmas & New Year's Message 2008
Many little things thrown together made an impact on a lot of people in Faribault with help from many Angels.
Many times this year when one person or organization asking for some clothing or food for someone in need I send out a plea on a large email list. The Faribault Daily News, KDHL radio and many Church's then put out the plea either in a story or an announcement about these needs. The residents of this community comes to the aid in a big way and while helping one person or family we are able to help many more in need.
All of you on my email list have been so generous and supportive to the needs of others by giving, supporting, understanding, showing hospitality and learning about the newcomers. You are also showing the young people of this community the act of giving. Children brought in by their parents bringing in warm clothes or food to the Faribault Print Shop or Welcome Center come in bearing big smiles. This act of giving is warming the givers as much as the ones getting the clothes.
There has been a few surprises after sending out the email last week about the Foldcraft matching grant and needing more clothes. A few Angels have brought in money and checks so their gift will be doubled. Members of the Sunrise Exchange Club that I belong to have been bringing many clothes, Girl Scout Troop# 22222 brought in a bag of clothes with a signed poster, many people brought in brand new clothes with the tags still on. Others asking what they can give or volunteer to do at the Welcome Center. It goes on and on.
There are so many people to thank and it's getting more each year. The grant from BlueCross/BlueShield Foundation of MN., Foldcraft, the City of Faribault for providing the building for the Welcome Center. The positive news from the Faribault Daily News, Gordy Kosfeld from KDHL, the many Church's for services, announcements and land for Community Gardens, Buckham Library for use of their facilities, Julie Fox for video, South Central College for their facility, 1st United Bank for helping with the clothing drive, and especially to the hundreds of people donating clothes, food and money for those in need, Thank you also to Hashie Geedi, part-time Center staff and coordinator of the Somali Immigrant Resettlement office and the many volunteers at the Welcome Center, The Turkey Store, Vicky Carrillo again for leading the International Market, and the wonderful F.D.C. Board of Directors. I am also thankful to Divine Mercy and Oblates of St. John's Abbey for spiritual support when I need a little lift ;) and I thank God for giving me the opportunity to be part of and president of the Faribault Diversity Coalition the past 9 years. I'm sorry for anyone I've missed.
This message could be written any time of the year, it's not just the Spirit of Christmas that this happens it's the Spirit of this community that shines all year. Like I said this city is full of Angels with big hearts.
May you all have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
Milo
Faribault Diversity Coalition: The Welcome Center Healthy Together Case Study 2008
By Nan Kari with Rose Hamerlinck and David Scheie
Touchstone Center for Collaborative Inquiry
December 18, 2008
Faribault, the Rice County seat, has a population of about 30,000 residents, which represents a growth of 5.7% since the 2000 census. The majority of its residents are of German and Norwegian heritage (89% are non-Hispanic white). Recent years have seen a growing number of immigrants from many places in the world. Latin Americans, Somalis, and Sudanese are among the most recent arrivals. Faribault is attractive to immigrants in part because of employment opportunities particularly in food processing industries.
This report on the Faribault Welcome Center is based on data gathered from two site visits on March 21, 2007 and November 7, 2008. In total, we conducted 13 interviews and convened two immigrant focus groups – a Somali speaking group of nine participants and a Spanish-speaking group of five participants. The Somali Immigrant Resettlement program and the Welcome Center recruited focus group participants, all residents of Faribault for varying lengths of time (15 years to a few weeks). We also reviewed related articles published in the Faribault Daily News and the Faribault Diversity Coalition blog, edited by Milo Larson.
I. Project History and Description: The Welcome Center
Faribault’s Welcome Center began as an information and referral center intended to help new immigrants and other residents in the area to connect with resources for basic needs. As the work has evolved, the Center also aims to develop immigrant leadership in the community, to provide education and outreach to established residents as well as immigrants, and to foster opportunities for cross-cultural relationship building through public work.
The Welcome Center opened in May 2001, as a project of the Faribault Diversity Coalition. Faribault's Future Leaders class of 1999-2000 conceived the idea for a multicultural resource center, and the Diversity Coalition put the plan into action with support from the City of Faribault, which offered space at low rent and several small grants for operations. The Diversity Coalition continues to serve as an advisory board for the Center. This relationship is significant in that it has helped bring visibility and validity to the work; it bolsters the infrastructure and helps broker connections through businesses and government; and it helps find funding sources. “The Diversity Coalition is like an incubator.”
The Welcome Center supports one full-time director/organizer, and two part-time employees – a native Spanish-speaker and a Somali speaker. Their presence has helped build stronger connections with respective immigrant communities.
In addition to individual assistance and referral services, the Welcome Center also creates opportunities developed in direct response to interests identified by immigrant and established Faribault community members. Programs seem to emerge in an “organic” fashion, often led by volunteers from the community. In this way the Welcome Center provides a venue for civic engagement by community residents. One important outcome has been expanded and deepened relationships across cultures.
The major programs/activities of the Welcome Center over the last two years include:
Community-wide events
• Winter clothing drive (Two successful events were organized in 2007 and a third in 2008)
• Thanksgiving food drive in 2007.
Cross-cultural exchanges and public work projects
• Building project – bus shelter at the trailer park
• Community garden (currently planning for a third year)
• A food cooperative for bulk purchase organized through the Welcome Center
• Two series of talking circles in 2007 (spring session included three groups meeting four times with 8-10 people in each; fall session included two groups meeting four times with 23 people in one and seven in the other)
• Annual International Market Day [3] held on Labor Day.
Education and outreach
• Winter energy fair in 2007 (with South Central College)
• Immigration forums (2)
• “When Africa Meets Faribault” (presentation by Joseph Mbele from St. Olaf College)
• Community meeting co-sponsored with Somali Community Resettlement
• English language classes led by volunteers who had participated in the talking circles
• Carpentry class for Spanish-speakers
• A growing food shelf (it initially served about 30 immigrant families per month and now serves 109 families each month)
II. Innovative elements: What works
The model
The Welcome Center bears some similarity to the early settlement model seen at the turn of the 20th century. Settlement houses were gathering places in immigrant communities that provided a range of programs and services to new immigrants. At the same time, immigrants were able to tap into the broader networks affiliated with the settlements to address issues that affected their lives. Sometimes called mediating institutions, settlements were locally rooted and shaped in part by immigrants’ agendas. Drawing a comparison with the Welcome Center, when Spanish-speaking Faribault residents expressed a desire to learn carpentry skills taught in Spanish, the Welcome Center partnered with Northfield Community Action Center to organize a short course. A local resident and construction supervisor for Habitat for Humanity helped teach, along with one of the Spanish-speaking students, who had experience with roofing. The result: new relationships formed, practical skills developed, and people volunteered to help with Habitat home construction. A second class is now in the works.
With the largest goal to promote a welcoming, healthy community, the model that shapes the work of the Welcome Center combines referral and assistance with basic living needs with opportunities for public work that engages a mix of people. The latter implies a reciprocal dynamic, where talents of all participants – newcomers and established residents -- can be tapped to create something useful to the community. The community garden is one example of a public work project facilitated by the Welcome Center. The model recognizes that people must first address basic needs like housing, clothing, and food before they become involved in community activities – but they can grow into larger community roles as they adjust and become more settled.
The Welcome Center provides many different kinds of individual assistance. Bob Kell describes activities of a typical week in his July 8, 2008 entry on the Diversity Blog.∗
This past week…a county attorney contacted us about how to help immigrant residents understand how to accurately report information on a marriage license. A mobile home park resident asked assistance in contacting officials to resolve issues about a purchased home. A temp agency employee and the agency staff again called upon us to facilitate their mutual questions about schedules and availability. Welcome Center staff was invited to a local dental office to talk with dental providers about cultural issues and education that could improve their understanding with the Somali community. It seems like much confusion could be resolved with some community education regarding how dental insurance works and why patients should have regular preventive care. (We even were asked why people remove their shoes before sitting in the dental chair…a sign of respect for the office).
Catalyzing function
The Welcome Center appears to be a catalyzing organization rather than a program provider. It is small in staffing, physical space, and budget. These limitations, while constraining, also have positive implications. They lead to organizational adaptability and innovative problem solving. According to interviewees, the Welcome Center has become a kind of “community connector,” not only linking individuals with resources, but also helping to build networks and organizational partnerships. We heard many examples. For instance, when the community garden idea was proposed, the Welcome Center helped create a partnership among Our Saviors Lutheran Church (which contributed the land), a local greenhouse and seed company. After two successful years, some of the gardeners are looking to join the farmers’ market.
In another example, several immigrant and English-speaking women who had participated in the sharing circles wanted to continue conversation through a language class with the explicit goal to improve English skills. Bob Kell worked with Pat Weiseler, the Adult Basic Education director to help organize classes at the Welcome Center. Pat explained that her programs have long waiting lists, so supplemental help is appreciated. Her program assists with volunteer training and consults with the Welcome Center as needed. In return, the Welcome Center provides interpretation for students registering for ELL classes and holds regular language learning classes led by volunteers.
Informal, simple access
The Welcome Center is a readily accessible place in contrast with social service and other big institutions, which require paper work and procedures often unfamiliar to immigrants. Thus the Welcome Center, complements those larger bureaucracies that most immigrants must learn to navigate. Immigrants we talked with did not identify any structural barriers associated with the Welcome Center. We also learned that professionals in schools, businesses, and other nonprofit organizations appreciate its easy access and responsiveness to them. They make frequent referrals.
Cultural learning and mediation
The Welcome Center and its director are looked to as a source of cultural education and sometimes mediation. Kymn Anderson, president of the Faribault Chamber of Commerce shared a recent example when community concern about Somali men gathering on the street reemerged.
There remain some concerns with the Somali restaurant, which seems to be the primary gathering place for Somali men. It threatens some, even though I don’t think it is warranted. Some are afraid to walk on that side of the street when people gather. Bob [Kell] attended one of our meetings when it bubbled up a while ago. He explained the cultural expectation of gathering in public and about men not deferring to women like they might in our dominant culture. One man in the meeting said, “A man should always step aside for a lady.” Bob explained that is true in our culture but not in that culture a woman is expected to move out of the way. He was great in helping to build understanding. I don’t think it eases the discomfort, but at least people understand better. The issue has been around for a while.
Recently a young Somali mother was killed in an auto accident in the cities. That week there were large gatherings at the restaurant, and it spurred a whole new wave of letters to the editor, with complaints about loitering and intimidation. Because it was such a public conversation, we invited Bob to come to the meeting. He explained that many in the Somali community knew this woman and they were gathering to comfort each other. It was like their visitation. This sparked some understanding on part of established residents.
Anderson pointed out that to be successful in this kind of role requires a skilled person who demonstrates respect for diverse people, holds specific cultural knowledge, and has the ability to understand multiple points of view. Part of the success of the Welcome Center rests on its leadership.
Intentional spaces for relationship building – a first step Gathering space is a prerequisite for exchange among people who don’t know each other. Because the physical space at the Welcome Center is relatively small, Welcome Center sponsored activities take place in multiple places throughout the city – the senior center, library, parks, churches, and businesses. Perhaps these multi-site locations help the work to become more visible and diffused. It requires more sponsorship and thus grows participation.
To build relationships across cultures requires familiarity and practice. Bob Kell, Milo Larson, and other interviewees have stressed the importance of hospitality and attention to the simple things as components of spaces that help facilitate conversation in ordinary, non-professionalized ways.
The sharing circles have proved an effective format to help people begin to make friends across language and cultural differences. Reflecting on the value of this simple format, Pastor Craig Breimhorst of Christ on the Hill Lutheran Church recalled a recent conversation with a parishioner whose wife had participated in the sharing circles and later helped create an English language class at the Welcome Center. “When her Somali students see her in the grocery store they come over and tell others with pride, ‘This is my teacher’” said Pastor Breimhorst. “Changing attitudes is slow work, but it is these kinds of experiences that help change people.” The experience of the sharing circles has shown that when people know each other better, they can generate new possibilities and ideas for shared activities.
Visibility through print media and Internet blog
Milo Larson, president of the Diversity Coalition and co-founder of the Welcome Center, has helped implement two important media strategies to communicate with the larger community. First, he has developed a strong relationship with Faribault’s local newspaper, The Faribault Daily News. The paper has covered many stories related to the activities of the Welcome Center: International Market Day, the community garden, workforce issues, clothing drive and others. Frequent editorials are written to surface community issues and (it appears) to encourage citizens to think critically about Faribault as a welcoming community. For example, on July 18, 2008 the following editorial was published.
We’ve more than once in this space lauded Faribault’s diversity and the efforts of those in our community who reach out to cultures very different from their own for increased understanding and better relationships. Much of Faribault’s diversity looks very different from “typical” diversity, as seen in the colorful and ornate hijabs worn by native Somali women now making their homes here, and such obvious differences often scare us away from seeking out that understanding. That’s why we’re so proud of the efforts taken by Lynn Cook, co-owner of the Nook & Cranny gift shop on Central Avenue. She heard about Somali women who wanted to learn how to sew and did something about it. In case you hadn’t noticed, there aren’t too many hijab stores around here, and learning how to sew would allow these women to make their own clothes, which are vital to their religion and culture. Cook and a group of volunteers meet with a growing number of Somali women on Saturdays in the basement of her store, overcoming a language barrier through hard work to pass on a skill that will become an important part of these women’s lives.
This all comes at a time when a debate is playing out in our letters to the editor and comments on our Web site, faribault.com, about the group of Somali men who tend to hang out on nice days in front of Banadir Restaurant and Grocery, 211 Central Ave. Some have called it loitering. Others have called it a group of friends who gather to talk. We call it a misunderstanding on cultural differences. Simply put, America is a back-porch society. We tend to hang out in the backyards of our homes, if we go outside at all. Worldwide, that’s a cultural rarity. Go just about anywhere else and you’ll see people hanging out in front of homes and businesses, talking and laughing. Neither is wrong. They’re just different.
A second innovative media strategy is the Diversity blog, edited by Milo Larson. The blog provides an excellent chronicle of the diversity-related work in Faribault with photographs, video, stories, announcements of events and summaries after they have taken place. It also includes links to immigration literature, research, and demographics.
In three years the blog has had about 5,500 visits from Internet users throughout the United States, and in foreign countries like Russia, and Iraq.
Both strategies help educate a broad audience, including people not directly involved with Welcome Center activities. They provide a venue for written interaction and offer a “mirror” for the community to view itself.
III. What has resulted?
Examples of reported changes at the individual level
Both long time residents who have had experience working with or interacting with newcomers and immigrants that we interviewed reported several kinds of personal change they had experienced through involvement with Welcome Center-linked activities. Some described gains in cultural knowledge and improved skills for communication across cultures. Others pointed to new insights that came through personal relationships with newcomers. New knowledge has also been gained about how to work together. The following excerpts give a flavor of what has people feel they have learned.
Judy Covert, Director of Early Childhood Programs in the Faribault Public Schools, reflected on what has helped her develop cross-cultural relationships in her work setting.
Learning about other cultures is part of the answer. There are so many different dialects and cultural groups, just like in our [dominant] culture. We [school personnel] are beginning to understand how to work with communities to address what they care about. We’ve tried things in the past that haven’t worked well. The way we can best meet needs is to find out from families rather than assume that we as white middle class professionals know what is best, because we don’t….I’ve learned through participation in Growing up Healthy workshops that include immigrant neighbors. I’ve also learned that mutual respect and the ability to see things from another perspective are key. I have found that to address barriers of language and cultural difference, we need to treat all families respectfully and understand that we bring different things to the table.
Hashie Geedi, part-time Center staff and coordinator of the Somali Immigrant Resettlement office in Faribault shared:
There were many things I had to learn about working in a new community. I needed to learn how to talk with people, show respect, how to explain an idea, how to listen to people. There are differences in cultural practices. In Somali culture, there is no touching women who are not in your family. Religion is closely tied to everyday life. Creating relationships across cultures has to begin with an understanding of other’s traditions and values.
Milo Larson explained that he has learned to think differently about the planning process when people of mixed cultural groups work together. “I’ve learned it’s important to let things happen rather than insist that things are all lined up. This is a shift for me. But people have different ways of going about things. This is good.”
Examples of changes at the organization level
Several institutions and businesses have adapted in recent years to better respond to a more diverse community. Judy Covert (early childhood education) and Mary Ho (county public health) both talked about the slow but steady process of organizational learning, which often involves learning from what does not work. Interviewees pointed to examples like: inclusion of informational materials written in multiple languages, multi-lingual options on voice mail, and an increased number of bi-lingual staff and interpreters in human service settings. Kymn Anderson spoke of the expressed goal of government agencies, especially the fire and police departments, to increase diversity of agency personnel.
Shirley Drentlaw, who leads the human resource department at the Jenny-O Turkey Store, described some of the changes her business has made.
We have done many things to accommodate Muslim traditions – places for prayer, bathroom accommodations for ritual washings. We have employee teams that bring issues forward to management and help make decisions that represent employees’ points of view. For example, when the company needed to cut back on work hours, employees on team helped make decision about how best to organize shifts to spread the work out evenly rather than asking temp people to not work…This management approach has been highly successful for Jenny-O-Turkey. It helps us address issues before they become problems.
She explained that some of the Jenny-O Turkey employees have been very active in the business community to help other groups adjust to new levels of diversity in Faribault. For example, her business helped staff the Welcome Center on a very part time basis (two people working 4 hours per week each) when it first opened. Before the hospital and schools hired their own translators, her employees helped out in emergency situations.
While there are many positive changes people point to, interviewees agreed it is only a beginning step and that with each new immigrant group, the learning starts again. Somali men who participated in the focus group pointed to difficulties they have experienced with the Department of Motor Vehicles in passing their driver’s test and their frustrations in navigating the county social service agency. In both cases they expressed strong consensus that changes should be made to open lines of communication. Another, larger scale and perhaps more difficult challenge to address is the process by which immigrant children are assigned school grade level by their age. Several Somali men shared their worry and frustration that their children, with no prior formal education, were essentially being left behind in the learning process.
Examples of impact on the community
Has Faribault become a more welcoming community? Is there evidence that newcomers and established residents are beginning to build relationships with each other? If so, to what degree? These are difficult questions to answer definitively. Communities are fluid, and people view the whole through different lenses. Most of those we spoke with have had some involvement or concern for diversity work in Faribault. Based on our interviews, focus groups, and observations over two years, we would highlight the following indicators of community impact.
• All participants in the Somali focus group reported they experienced Faribault as a good and safe place to live. At the same time, they reported that their interactions and relationships were primarily with members of their cultural community. As more Somalis move to town, those who are already settled provide extended assistance to the newcomers.
• Among the Latinas we talked with, all three women said they were generally very happy living in Faribault; they felt welcomed by established residents; they believe their children are safe. The women said that although they are not surrounded by other Hispanic people as they might be living in the Twin Cities, they would not trade places. There are enough Hispanics in Faribault that they do not feel alone. Of the two men, one had just arrived and the other had experienced frustration with work permits. Both expressed some unease.
• Although other non-immigrant interviewees saw the Faribault community through different eyes, everyone pointed to positive changes. “Step by step, relationship by relationship,” said one person. Another said, “It’s slow work, but there are a significant number of leaders working on it.” People pointed to the sharing circles as an important way to begin to know each other. These occasions provided a dedicated space for cross-cultural interactions and sometimes led to creative spin-off activities, like the language classes held at the Welcome Center.
• In the past several years a free health clinic for low income, un-insured residents of Rice County that is open to everyone in need has been established.
• Visible, annual public events like the International Market, the clothing and food drives, and public contributions such as the community garden, food cooperative and building the bus shelter where people work together for the common good help shape attitudes and engage people across cultures.
• The Faribault Daily News coverage of immigrant-themed news raises the visibility of immigrant integration for the entire community – surfacing issues and sometimes challenging negative attitudes. It gives frequent coverage to diversity related work in the town.
• There appears to be a wide range of leaders in Faribault interested in and committed to building a strong community. All interviewees identified the Welcome Center and Diversity Coalition as visible and valued community resources for the entire community – immigrants and established people alike.
IV. Reflections and lessons learned
1) Effective diversity work requires among other things: sustained commitment, innovation, pooling of resources, and engagement of many individuals and organizations. It is slow work, and even talented, public-spirited leaders encounter setbacks and problems beyond local control. The way in which Faribault organizes its diversity work with the Diversity Coalition as the umbrella organization and advisory group for the Welcome Center -- a real place that links people with resources -- appears an effective structure. The Faribault Chamber of Commerce launched the Diversity Coalition, whose membership includes city leaders from businesses, government, and local schools. This insures broad based support. Although Coalition membership changes, support of the Welcome Center is sustained.
2) Most interviewees agreed that integrating newcomers in a small town works best through a coordinated effort sustained by a network of organizations and individuals who share a vision about what the community can be. The Welcome Center model, which combines individual assistance and referral, partnership building, and public work has proved successful. Not least, the leadership of the Welcome Center also contributes to its successes. Bob Kell is highly respected for his commitment and organizing skills.
3) Among the many challenges, communication and language learning rank high. Many new immigrants stay separated from the established community because they do not speak English. Language learning especially among older persons is often very difficult. Several Somali elders told us they believed their lack of English was the cause of their isolation. Although translators are more available now then five years ago in Faribault, more are needed. English language learning classes are offered through Adult Basic Education programs, but a waiting list exists. One interviewee reflected that becoming integrated into a new community is more a function of communication than length of time. She may be correct in this assessment.
A second barrier noted by many interviewees is that bridging cultural differences between the white established community and Somalis, who now number about 900, is more difficult to achieve than with other newcomer groups that are culturally more similar. For example, another African group, the Sudanese, have recently settled in Faribault. Because the Sudanese are Christian rather than Muslim, their traditions are more familiar to the majority residents and several churches have reached out to assist them.
A third barrier we heard from immigrants and established residents relates to employment – finding jobs and hiring workers. In a recent survey done by the Faribault Chamber of Commerce in affiliation with GROW MINNESOTA!, Faribault businesses with culturally diverse workers gave mostly positive responses about their experience. Other businesses expressed an interest in diversifying their workforce but identified the lack of appropriate job training and language skills as the biggest barriers to hiring. While the Welcome Center tries to address workforce development and provide assistance with job seeking on small scale -- through partnership with South Central College and in hosting a carpentry workshop – workforce development is a large issue that will need significant resources to accomplish.
On a positive note Kymn Anderson, President of the Faribault Chamber of Commerce reported that at a statewide GROW MINNESOTA! conference reported she heard for the first time large employers talk about the need for immigration reform. “They know that in spite of the current economy and lay-offs, businesses will face a shortage of workers down the road.”
4) What do people recommend as the next steps for Faribault? Those we interviewed firmly believed the Welcome Center is key to changes in the community and has already proved its potential. With additional resources it could strengthen its convening role. Said one person, “Too often we do not reflect on our work. I would appreciate this opportunity.” The importance of opportunities to reflect on collective work, including naming new skills and capacities developed, cannot be overstated. The Welcome Center could promote this opportunity. Others felt that the Welcome Center could become a “hub,” drawing different agencies together to coordinate work related to immigrant integration.
Interviewees also named the importance of engaging immigrant leaders in discussions about the community and its future. Recognizing some of the reasons this has been difficult, some felt there are signs that this may be more possible in the near future: the city council and chamber include people who are open to this; some immigrant groups are now well settled in Faribault and leaders are emerging; projects/events that encourage engagement of cross-cultural groups are more common and visible.
Interviewees also pointed to the success of public projects. “Faribault is a blue collar community. This is why I think building something together, pounding nails together is the best way to get more involved…A key thing [to facilitate change] is connecting people.” Others pointed to the International Market as a new and important Faribault tradition that people have “built.” These public work strategies not only provide a venue for more people to build relationships across cultures, they also lead to community improvement whether producing new public “things” or creating new annual traditions and events, more reflective of the members of a changing community.
Touchstone Center for Collaborative Inquiry
December 18, 2008
Faribault, the Rice County seat, has a population of about 30,000 residents, which represents a growth of 5.7% since the 2000 census. The majority of its residents are of German and Norwegian heritage (89% are non-Hispanic white). Recent years have seen a growing number of immigrants from many places in the world. Latin Americans, Somalis, and Sudanese are among the most recent arrivals. Faribault is attractive to immigrants in part because of employment opportunities particularly in food processing industries.
This report on the Faribault Welcome Center is based on data gathered from two site visits on March 21, 2007 and November 7, 2008. In total, we conducted 13 interviews and convened two immigrant focus groups – a Somali speaking group of nine participants and a Spanish-speaking group of five participants. The Somali Immigrant Resettlement program and the Welcome Center recruited focus group participants, all residents of Faribault for varying lengths of time (15 years to a few weeks). We also reviewed related articles published in the Faribault Daily News and the Faribault Diversity Coalition blog, edited by Milo Larson.
I. Project History and Description: The Welcome Center
Faribault’s Welcome Center began as an information and referral center intended to help new immigrants and other residents in the area to connect with resources for basic needs. As the work has evolved, the Center also aims to develop immigrant leadership in the community, to provide education and outreach to established residents as well as immigrants, and to foster opportunities for cross-cultural relationship building through public work.
The Welcome Center opened in May 2001, as a project of the Faribault Diversity Coalition. Faribault's Future Leaders class of 1999-2000 conceived the idea for a multicultural resource center, and the Diversity Coalition put the plan into action with support from the City of Faribault, which offered space at low rent and several small grants for operations. The Diversity Coalition continues to serve as an advisory board for the Center. This relationship is significant in that it has helped bring visibility and validity to the work; it bolsters the infrastructure and helps broker connections through businesses and government; and it helps find funding sources. “The Diversity Coalition is like an incubator.”
The Welcome Center supports one full-time director/organizer, and two part-time employees – a native Spanish-speaker and a Somali speaker. Their presence has helped build stronger connections with respective immigrant communities.
In addition to individual assistance and referral services, the Welcome Center also creates opportunities developed in direct response to interests identified by immigrant and established Faribault community members. Programs seem to emerge in an “organic” fashion, often led by volunteers from the community. In this way the Welcome Center provides a venue for civic engagement by community residents. One important outcome has been expanded and deepened relationships across cultures.
The major programs/activities of the Welcome Center over the last two years include:
Community-wide events
• Winter clothing drive (Two successful events were organized in 2007 and a third in 2008)
• Thanksgiving food drive in 2007.
Cross-cultural exchanges and public work projects
• Building project – bus shelter at the trailer park
• Community garden (currently planning for a third year)
• A food cooperative for bulk purchase organized through the Welcome Center
• Two series of talking circles in 2007 (spring session included three groups meeting four times with 8-10 people in each; fall session included two groups meeting four times with 23 people in one and seven in the other)
• Annual International Market Day [3] held on Labor Day.
Education and outreach
• Winter energy fair in 2007 (with South Central College)
• Immigration forums (2)
• “When Africa Meets Faribault” (presentation by Joseph Mbele from St. Olaf College)
• Community meeting co-sponsored with Somali Community Resettlement
• English language classes led by volunteers who had participated in the talking circles
• Carpentry class for Spanish-speakers
• A growing food shelf (it initially served about 30 immigrant families per month and now serves 109 families each month)
II. Innovative elements: What works
The model
The Welcome Center bears some similarity to the early settlement model seen at the turn of the 20th century. Settlement houses were gathering places in immigrant communities that provided a range of programs and services to new immigrants. At the same time, immigrants were able to tap into the broader networks affiliated with the settlements to address issues that affected their lives. Sometimes called mediating institutions, settlements were locally rooted and shaped in part by immigrants’ agendas. Drawing a comparison with the Welcome Center, when Spanish-speaking Faribault residents expressed a desire to learn carpentry skills taught in Spanish, the Welcome Center partnered with Northfield Community Action Center to organize a short course. A local resident and construction supervisor for Habitat for Humanity helped teach, along with one of the Spanish-speaking students, who had experience with roofing. The result: new relationships formed, practical skills developed, and people volunteered to help with Habitat home construction. A second class is now in the works.
With the largest goal to promote a welcoming, healthy community, the model that shapes the work of the Welcome Center combines referral and assistance with basic living needs with opportunities for public work that engages a mix of people. The latter implies a reciprocal dynamic, where talents of all participants – newcomers and established residents -- can be tapped to create something useful to the community. The community garden is one example of a public work project facilitated by the Welcome Center. The model recognizes that people must first address basic needs like housing, clothing, and food before they become involved in community activities – but they can grow into larger community roles as they adjust and become more settled.
The Welcome Center provides many different kinds of individual assistance. Bob Kell describes activities of a typical week in his July 8, 2008 entry on the Diversity Blog.∗
This past week…a county attorney contacted us about how to help immigrant residents understand how to accurately report information on a marriage license. A mobile home park resident asked assistance in contacting officials to resolve issues about a purchased home. A temp agency employee and the agency staff again called upon us to facilitate their mutual questions about schedules and availability. Welcome Center staff was invited to a local dental office to talk with dental providers about cultural issues and education that could improve their understanding with the Somali community. It seems like much confusion could be resolved with some community education regarding how dental insurance works and why patients should have regular preventive care. (We even were asked why people remove their shoes before sitting in the dental chair…a sign of respect for the office).
Catalyzing function
The Welcome Center appears to be a catalyzing organization rather than a program provider. It is small in staffing, physical space, and budget. These limitations, while constraining, also have positive implications. They lead to organizational adaptability and innovative problem solving. According to interviewees, the Welcome Center has become a kind of “community connector,” not only linking individuals with resources, but also helping to build networks and organizational partnerships. We heard many examples. For instance, when the community garden idea was proposed, the Welcome Center helped create a partnership among Our Saviors Lutheran Church (which contributed the land), a local greenhouse and seed company. After two successful years, some of the gardeners are looking to join the farmers’ market.
In another example, several immigrant and English-speaking women who had participated in the sharing circles wanted to continue conversation through a language class with the explicit goal to improve English skills. Bob Kell worked with Pat Weiseler, the Adult Basic Education director to help organize classes at the Welcome Center. Pat explained that her programs have long waiting lists, so supplemental help is appreciated. Her program assists with volunteer training and consults with the Welcome Center as needed. In return, the Welcome Center provides interpretation for students registering for ELL classes and holds regular language learning classes led by volunteers.
Informal, simple access
The Welcome Center is a readily accessible place in contrast with social service and other big institutions, which require paper work and procedures often unfamiliar to immigrants. Thus the Welcome Center, complements those larger bureaucracies that most immigrants must learn to navigate. Immigrants we talked with did not identify any structural barriers associated with the Welcome Center. We also learned that professionals in schools, businesses, and other nonprofit organizations appreciate its easy access and responsiveness to them. They make frequent referrals.
Cultural learning and mediation
The Welcome Center and its director are looked to as a source of cultural education and sometimes mediation. Kymn Anderson, president of the Faribault Chamber of Commerce shared a recent example when community concern about Somali men gathering on the street reemerged.
There remain some concerns with the Somali restaurant, which seems to be the primary gathering place for Somali men. It threatens some, even though I don’t think it is warranted. Some are afraid to walk on that side of the street when people gather. Bob [Kell] attended one of our meetings when it bubbled up a while ago. He explained the cultural expectation of gathering in public and about men not deferring to women like they might in our dominant culture. One man in the meeting said, “A man should always step aside for a lady.” Bob explained that is true in our culture but not in that culture a woman is expected to move out of the way. He was great in helping to build understanding. I don’t think it eases the discomfort, but at least people understand better. The issue has been around for a while.
Recently a young Somali mother was killed in an auto accident in the cities. That week there were large gatherings at the restaurant, and it spurred a whole new wave of letters to the editor, with complaints about loitering and intimidation. Because it was such a public conversation, we invited Bob to come to the meeting. He explained that many in the Somali community knew this woman and they were gathering to comfort each other. It was like their visitation. This sparked some understanding on part of established residents.
Anderson pointed out that to be successful in this kind of role requires a skilled person who demonstrates respect for diverse people, holds specific cultural knowledge, and has the ability to understand multiple points of view. Part of the success of the Welcome Center rests on its leadership.
Intentional spaces for relationship building – a first step Gathering space is a prerequisite for exchange among people who don’t know each other. Because the physical space at the Welcome Center is relatively small, Welcome Center sponsored activities take place in multiple places throughout the city – the senior center, library, parks, churches, and businesses. Perhaps these multi-site locations help the work to become more visible and diffused. It requires more sponsorship and thus grows participation.
To build relationships across cultures requires familiarity and practice. Bob Kell, Milo Larson, and other interviewees have stressed the importance of hospitality and attention to the simple things as components of spaces that help facilitate conversation in ordinary, non-professionalized ways.
The sharing circles have proved an effective format to help people begin to make friends across language and cultural differences. Reflecting on the value of this simple format, Pastor Craig Breimhorst of Christ on the Hill Lutheran Church recalled a recent conversation with a parishioner whose wife had participated in the sharing circles and later helped create an English language class at the Welcome Center. “When her Somali students see her in the grocery store they come over and tell others with pride, ‘This is my teacher’” said Pastor Breimhorst. “Changing attitudes is slow work, but it is these kinds of experiences that help change people.” The experience of the sharing circles has shown that when people know each other better, they can generate new possibilities and ideas for shared activities.
Visibility through print media and Internet blog
Milo Larson, president of the Diversity Coalition and co-founder of the Welcome Center, has helped implement two important media strategies to communicate with the larger community. First, he has developed a strong relationship with Faribault’s local newspaper, The Faribault Daily News. The paper has covered many stories related to the activities of the Welcome Center: International Market Day, the community garden, workforce issues, clothing drive and others. Frequent editorials are written to surface community issues and (it appears) to encourage citizens to think critically about Faribault as a welcoming community. For example, on July 18, 2008 the following editorial was published.
We’ve more than once in this space lauded Faribault’s diversity and the efforts of those in our community who reach out to cultures very different from their own for increased understanding and better relationships. Much of Faribault’s diversity looks very different from “typical” diversity, as seen in the colorful and ornate hijabs worn by native Somali women now making their homes here, and such obvious differences often scare us away from seeking out that understanding. That’s why we’re so proud of the efforts taken by Lynn Cook, co-owner of the Nook & Cranny gift shop on Central Avenue. She heard about Somali women who wanted to learn how to sew and did something about it. In case you hadn’t noticed, there aren’t too many hijab stores around here, and learning how to sew would allow these women to make their own clothes, which are vital to their religion and culture. Cook and a group of volunteers meet with a growing number of Somali women on Saturdays in the basement of her store, overcoming a language barrier through hard work to pass on a skill that will become an important part of these women’s lives.
This all comes at a time when a debate is playing out in our letters to the editor and comments on our Web site, faribault.com, about the group of Somali men who tend to hang out on nice days in front of Banadir Restaurant and Grocery, 211 Central Ave. Some have called it loitering. Others have called it a group of friends who gather to talk. We call it a misunderstanding on cultural differences. Simply put, America is a back-porch society. We tend to hang out in the backyards of our homes, if we go outside at all. Worldwide, that’s a cultural rarity. Go just about anywhere else and you’ll see people hanging out in front of homes and businesses, talking and laughing. Neither is wrong. They’re just different.
A second innovative media strategy is the Diversity blog, edited by Milo Larson. The blog provides an excellent chronicle of the diversity-related work in Faribault with photographs, video, stories, announcements of events and summaries after they have taken place. It also includes links to immigration literature, research, and demographics.
In three years the blog has had about 5,500 visits from Internet users throughout the United States, and in foreign countries like Russia, and Iraq.
Both strategies help educate a broad audience, including people not directly involved with Welcome Center activities. They provide a venue for written interaction and offer a “mirror” for the community to view itself.
III. What has resulted?
Examples of reported changes at the individual level
Both long time residents who have had experience working with or interacting with newcomers and immigrants that we interviewed reported several kinds of personal change they had experienced through involvement with Welcome Center-linked activities. Some described gains in cultural knowledge and improved skills for communication across cultures. Others pointed to new insights that came through personal relationships with newcomers. New knowledge has also been gained about how to work together. The following excerpts give a flavor of what has people feel they have learned.
Judy Covert, Director of Early Childhood Programs in the Faribault Public Schools, reflected on what has helped her develop cross-cultural relationships in her work setting.
Learning about other cultures is part of the answer. There are so many different dialects and cultural groups, just like in our [dominant] culture. We [school personnel] are beginning to understand how to work with communities to address what they care about. We’ve tried things in the past that haven’t worked well. The way we can best meet needs is to find out from families rather than assume that we as white middle class professionals know what is best, because we don’t….I’ve learned through participation in Growing up Healthy workshops that include immigrant neighbors. I’ve also learned that mutual respect and the ability to see things from another perspective are key. I have found that to address barriers of language and cultural difference, we need to treat all families respectfully and understand that we bring different things to the table.
Hashie Geedi, part-time Center staff and coordinator of the Somali Immigrant Resettlement office in Faribault shared:
There were many things I had to learn about working in a new community. I needed to learn how to talk with people, show respect, how to explain an idea, how to listen to people. There are differences in cultural practices. In Somali culture, there is no touching women who are not in your family. Religion is closely tied to everyday life. Creating relationships across cultures has to begin with an understanding of other’s traditions and values.
Milo Larson explained that he has learned to think differently about the planning process when people of mixed cultural groups work together. “I’ve learned it’s important to let things happen rather than insist that things are all lined up. This is a shift for me. But people have different ways of going about things. This is good.”
Examples of changes at the organization level
Several institutions and businesses have adapted in recent years to better respond to a more diverse community. Judy Covert (early childhood education) and Mary Ho (county public health) both talked about the slow but steady process of organizational learning, which often involves learning from what does not work. Interviewees pointed to examples like: inclusion of informational materials written in multiple languages, multi-lingual options on voice mail, and an increased number of bi-lingual staff and interpreters in human service settings. Kymn Anderson spoke of the expressed goal of government agencies, especially the fire and police departments, to increase diversity of agency personnel.
Shirley Drentlaw, who leads the human resource department at the Jenny-O Turkey Store, described some of the changes her business has made.
We have done many things to accommodate Muslim traditions – places for prayer, bathroom accommodations for ritual washings. We have employee teams that bring issues forward to management and help make decisions that represent employees’ points of view. For example, when the company needed to cut back on work hours, employees on team helped make decision about how best to organize shifts to spread the work out evenly rather than asking temp people to not work…This management approach has been highly successful for Jenny-O-Turkey. It helps us address issues before they become problems.
She explained that some of the Jenny-O Turkey employees have been very active in the business community to help other groups adjust to new levels of diversity in Faribault. For example, her business helped staff the Welcome Center on a very part time basis (two people working 4 hours per week each) when it first opened. Before the hospital and schools hired their own translators, her employees helped out in emergency situations.
While there are many positive changes people point to, interviewees agreed it is only a beginning step and that with each new immigrant group, the learning starts again. Somali men who participated in the focus group pointed to difficulties they have experienced with the Department of Motor Vehicles in passing their driver’s test and their frustrations in navigating the county social service agency. In both cases they expressed strong consensus that changes should be made to open lines of communication. Another, larger scale and perhaps more difficult challenge to address is the process by which immigrant children are assigned school grade level by their age. Several Somali men shared their worry and frustration that their children, with no prior formal education, were essentially being left behind in the learning process.
Examples of impact on the community
Has Faribault become a more welcoming community? Is there evidence that newcomers and established residents are beginning to build relationships with each other? If so, to what degree? These are difficult questions to answer definitively. Communities are fluid, and people view the whole through different lenses. Most of those we spoke with have had some involvement or concern for diversity work in Faribault. Based on our interviews, focus groups, and observations over two years, we would highlight the following indicators of community impact.
• All participants in the Somali focus group reported they experienced Faribault as a good and safe place to live. At the same time, they reported that their interactions and relationships were primarily with members of their cultural community. As more Somalis move to town, those who are already settled provide extended assistance to the newcomers.
• Among the Latinas we talked with, all three women said they were generally very happy living in Faribault; they felt welcomed by established residents; they believe their children are safe. The women said that although they are not surrounded by other Hispanic people as they might be living in the Twin Cities, they would not trade places. There are enough Hispanics in Faribault that they do not feel alone. Of the two men, one had just arrived and the other had experienced frustration with work permits. Both expressed some unease.
• Although other non-immigrant interviewees saw the Faribault community through different eyes, everyone pointed to positive changes. “Step by step, relationship by relationship,” said one person. Another said, “It’s slow work, but there are a significant number of leaders working on it.” People pointed to the sharing circles as an important way to begin to know each other. These occasions provided a dedicated space for cross-cultural interactions and sometimes led to creative spin-off activities, like the language classes held at the Welcome Center.
• In the past several years a free health clinic for low income, un-insured residents of Rice County that is open to everyone in need has been established.
• Visible, annual public events like the International Market, the clothing and food drives, and public contributions such as the community garden, food cooperative and building the bus shelter where people work together for the common good help shape attitudes and engage people across cultures.
• The Faribault Daily News coverage of immigrant-themed news raises the visibility of immigrant integration for the entire community – surfacing issues and sometimes challenging negative attitudes. It gives frequent coverage to diversity related work in the town.
• There appears to be a wide range of leaders in Faribault interested in and committed to building a strong community. All interviewees identified the Welcome Center and Diversity Coalition as visible and valued community resources for the entire community – immigrants and established people alike.
IV. Reflections and lessons learned
1) Effective diversity work requires among other things: sustained commitment, innovation, pooling of resources, and engagement of many individuals and organizations. It is slow work, and even talented, public-spirited leaders encounter setbacks and problems beyond local control. The way in which Faribault organizes its diversity work with the Diversity Coalition as the umbrella organization and advisory group for the Welcome Center -- a real place that links people with resources -- appears an effective structure. The Faribault Chamber of Commerce launched the Diversity Coalition, whose membership includes city leaders from businesses, government, and local schools. This insures broad based support. Although Coalition membership changes, support of the Welcome Center is sustained.
2) Most interviewees agreed that integrating newcomers in a small town works best through a coordinated effort sustained by a network of organizations and individuals who share a vision about what the community can be. The Welcome Center model, which combines individual assistance and referral, partnership building, and public work has proved successful. Not least, the leadership of the Welcome Center also contributes to its successes. Bob Kell is highly respected for his commitment and organizing skills.
3) Among the many challenges, communication and language learning rank high. Many new immigrants stay separated from the established community because they do not speak English. Language learning especially among older persons is often very difficult. Several Somali elders told us they believed their lack of English was the cause of their isolation. Although translators are more available now then five years ago in Faribault, more are needed. English language learning classes are offered through Adult Basic Education programs, but a waiting list exists. One interviewee reflected that becoming integrated into a new community is more a function of communication than length of time. She may be correct in this assessment.
A second barrier noted by many interviewees is that bridging cultural differences between the white established community and Somalis, who now number about 900, is more difficult to achieve than with other newcomer groups that are culturally more similar. For example, another African group, the Sudanese, have recently settled in Faribault. Because the Sudanese are Christian rather than Muslim, their traditions are more familiar to the majority residents and several churches have reached out to assist them.
A third barrier we heard from immigrants and established residents relates to employment – finding jobs and hiring workers. In a recent survey done by the Faribault Chamber of Commerce in affiliation with GROW MINNESOTA!, Faribault businesses with culturally diverse workers gave mostly positive responses about their experience. Other businesses expressed an interest in diversifying their workforce but identified the lack of appropriate job training and language skills as the biggest barriers to hiring. While the Welcome Center tries to address workforce development and provide assistance with job seeking on small scale -- through partnership with South Central College and in hosting a carpentry workshop – workforce development is a large issue that will need significant resources to accomplish.
On a positive note Kymn Anderson, President of the Faribault Chamber of Commerce reported that at a statewide GROW MINNESOTA! conference reported she heard for the first time large employers talk about the need for immigration reform. “They know that in spite of the current economy and lay-offs, businesses will face a shortage of workers down the road.”
4) What do people recommend as the next steps for Faribault? Those we interviewed firmly believed the Welcome Center is key to changes in the community and has already proved its potential. With additional resources it could strengthen its convening role. Said one person, “Too often we do not reflect on our work. I would appreciate this opportunity.” The importance of opportunities to reflect on collective work, including naming new skills and capacities developed, cannot be overstated. The Welcome Center could promote this opportunity. Others felt that the Welcome Center could become a “hub,” drawing different agencies together to coordinate work related to immigrant integration.
Interviewees also named the importance of engaging immigrant leaders in discussions about the community and its future. Recognizing some of the reasons this has been difficult, some felt there are signs that this may be more possible in the near future: the city council and chamber include people who are open to this; some immigrant groups are now well settled in Faribault and leaders are emerging; projects/events that encourage engagement of cross-cultural groups are more common and visible.
Interviewees also pointed to the success of public projects. “Faribault is a blue collar community. This is why I think building something together, pounding nails together is the best way to get more involved…A key thing [to facilitate change] is connecting people.” Others pointed to the International Market as a new and important Faribault tradition that people have “built.” These public work strategies not only provide a venue for more people to build relationships across cultures, they also lead to community improvement whether producing new public “things” or creating new annual traditions and events, more reflective of the members of a changing community.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Diversity Coalition receives Grant/General Fundraising Campaign
Diversity Coalition receives Challenge Grant
The Foldcraft Foundation of Kenyon, MN has again generously provided the Welcome Center with a grant to support immigrant empowerment. The grant assists efforts to build workplace and life skills while also encouraging immigrant leadership in programs to meet basic needs. This year’s grant, however, comes with a challenge. While Foldcraft will provide $3000 directly, it also offers another $3000 as a matching grant, motivating new Faribault area businesses or individuals to support the Center’s efforts as well.
This past year, the Foldcraft grant supported basic carpentry skill classes in Spanish, the community garden, ESL classes, and food support programs. This coming year, the assistance will help the Welcome Center strengthen its skill building and food support offerings, while inviting greater engagement of immigrant participants in both the Center and the community.
We seek your support. A donation to support this project now means twice as much…not only is your contribution doubled, it also bears ongoing fruit by giving people the skills and opportunities they need to build their own capacity for success.
As you consider options for your holiday or year-end giving, please consider this cause. We will work hard to make your gift keep giving. If you are a new Faribault contributor, please identify your contribution as “Foldcraft Match” if you so choose. Thank you!
General Fundraising Campaign
The Faribault Diversity Coalition and Welcome Center have also set a $10,000 goal for program contributions during the next six months. Several promising grant proposals did not materialize, so we find ourselves in need of additional funding to continue our work as we seek new funding. Our program has strengthened with the support of the Blue Cross Foundation over these last two years. The United Way, Foldcraft Foundation, City of Faribault, and the Southern MN Initiative Foundation have generously supported programs in support of our immigrant communities. We believe we are making an impact and increasing numbers are turning to us for help.
Welcome Center Food Shelf served 139 families in Nov. 2008. From Jan-Nov, we have assisted 1070 families with 31,467 lbs of food. As new lay-offs loom in the community, we expect greater demand in coming months.
The Welcome Center assisted 1257 additional immigrant individuals during 2008 to understand and communicate with agencies, employers, and others in the community.
The Diversity Coalition brought mainstream and immigrant residents together to build understanding and celebrate their richness.
Please consider a contribution to support the Coalition’s mission. Be part of building a community where all find a home.
Sincere thanks,
Faribault Diversity Coalition Board and Welcome Center staff
Tax deductible contributions can be sent to: Welcome Center, 24 W. Division St., Faribault MN 55021.
For more information,
call: 507-333-5036, email: welcome@hickorytech.net, or visit http://faribodiversity.blogspot.com to learn more.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Warm Clothes Drive #3 2008
Once again the kind and generous people of Faribault came through. Last week after seeing we were about a third of the clothing we had last year I emailed Pauline Schrieber a reporter at the Faribault Daily News for a little help.
Pauline came over the next day and interviewed me why we thought the clothing was down. I gave a few thoughts and when people saw the story this great community came in steady for the next 4 days putting us well over last years drive.
Besides bringing in slightly used clothes many went to the stores and bought new coats, gloves, boots, hats and warm clothes.
Saturday morning came and 1/2 hour before we were to give away the clothes Buckham Library was full of people. While smiling faces looked over the clothes Peace Lutheran Church had a several kids help sort and straighten out clothes, paint faces on little children and helped greet the throngs of people.
Jim Hammerand from Daily News followed up with a great story on Sunday leading to more clothes and awareness to the needs of the many.
Many thanks to the Daily News, KDHL, Buckham LIbrary, BlueCross/BlueShield Foundation of MN for helping to sponsor this project, people who helped sort and set-up and especially the many people who brought in clothes and money. This is truly a very caring community.
Have a gentle day, Milo
Monday, October 27, 2008
A response from anti-immigrant emails.
This is a response I received from Eric Ward from Center for New Community. I enlisted his help after receiving several anti-immigrant emails that I know are untrue but wanted some facts to help stop some of these lies. I won't send these emails on because of the disturbing nature.
We as a Diversity Coalition try to do positive things for all newcomers and not judge people as a group but help each individual to have a better life and to help all of us understand and learn from our newcomer friends. Newcomers have hearts and feelings like you and I and feel hurt and anger when put in a group. Please consider this when listening to and reading all the anti-racist and anti-immigrant stories around the net and TV.
Please read the following response closely from Eric. Thank you very much for your understanding and helping our newcomers have a happier and more enriching life.
Have a gentle day, Milo
I just received your email "Just One State" sent to you:
Like you I believe that immigration is a critical issue that must be discussed around every dinner table and lunch counter in America. It is a discussion that concerns who we are and who we will be as a nation. It is a discussion that must be based in truth, fact, and honesty.
Sadly the "Just One State" email does the opposite.
The email is a hoax that is not based on information taken from the L.A. Times. While some information is based on true sources, the email was scripted in an attempt to hijack a honest discussion on immigration. Simply the emails goal is to dehumanize those in our country simply because of their immigration status.
I know that you are an individual who understands the importance of solving immigration. More importantly I know you as an individual who believes in honesty and fairness. Because of the beliefs that you hold I'm asking you to send this email to everyone who received "Just One State" from you. I'm also asking you to send this email to the individuals who emailed "Just One State" to you originally.
Let everyone know that they can find the facts regarding the email "Just One State" at http://www.snopes.com/politics/immigration/taxes.asp
If you want to rise above the name-calling and mudslinging, now is the crucial time to stand up with the truth. If you think the national conversation on immigration must be honest and sensible, your voice now necessary in responding to the hoax email that you sent to me. The email does nothing to solve the one of the most important issues facing our country.
Warm regards,
Eric Ward
National Field Director
Center for New Community
www.campaignforaunitedamerica.org
www.imagine2050.net
We as a Diversity Coalition try to do positive things for all newcomers and not judge people as a group but help each individual to have a better life and to help all of us understand and learn from our newcomer friends. Newcomers have hearts and feelings like you and I and feel hurt and anger when put in a group. Please consider this when listening to and reading all the anti-racist and anti-immigrant stories around the net and TV.
Please read the following response closely from Eric. Thank you very much for your understanding and helping our newcomers have a happier and more enriching life.
Have a gentle day, Milo
I just received your email "Just One State" sent to you:
Like you I believe that immigration is a critical issue that must be discussed around every dinner table and lunch counter in America. It is a discussion that concerns who we are and who we will be as a nation. It is a discussion that must be based in truth, fact, and honesty.
Sadly the "Just One State" email does the opposite.
The email is a hoax that is not based on information taken from the L.A. Times. While some information is based on true sources, the email was scripted in an attempt to hijack a honest discussion on immigration. Simply the emails goal is to dehumanize those in our country simply because of their immigration status.
I know that you are an individual who understands the importance of solving immigration. More importantly I know you as an individual who believes in honesty and fairness. Because of the beliefs that you hold I'm asking you to send this email to everyone who received "Just One State" from you. I'm also asking you to send this email to the individuals who emailed "Just One State" to you originally.
Let everyone know that they can find the facts regarding the email "Just One State" at http://www.snopes.com/politics/immigration/taxes.asp
If you want to rise above the name-calling and mudslinging, now is the crucial time to stand up with the truth. If you think the national conversation on immigration must be honest and sensible, your voice now necessary in responding to the hoax email that you sent to me. The email does nothing to solve the one of the most important issues facing our country.
Warm regards,
Eric Ward
National Field Director
Center for New Community
www.campaignforaunitedamerica.org
www.imagine2050.net
Saturday, October 04, 2008
Winter Clothes Drive 08' "What One Person Can Do Without Knowing"
The other day Mary Ann Charlton, taking care of seven families, came into the Print Shop and wondered if we were starting the clothing drive yet and had any clothes for a six year old boy and his younger sisters that have just started school.
A few minutes later had a note from Bob at the Welcome Center requesting some baby clothes for a new born baby girl that just came in that Marta is working with.
I immediately sent out the request to 100+ of you on the email list and within 2 hours had many calls and emails requesting the sizes of the girls and clothes came in for that family, and the baby along with a car seat, diapers, and toys.
Within the hour another request from Hope Center came in for another family of various size clothing for a family of 4. Next morning that was filled.
Many called including the Advocates for Human Rights, http://www.energyofanation.org/ about the Welcome Center Food Shelf on what and where to send goods and money to when I included that request in the email. They are another wonderful group just trying to what's right for our fellow human beings. Please check out their website and see the good they are doing.
It warms my heart that when one person ask for help that so many of you are there for them. In one day at the request of one person so many of you responded and are still responding. This morning Keith Homstad from Northfield gave me a beautiful blue knitted baby hat that his wife Torel knitted last night after reading the email, and the story goes on. Next week a baby will have a warm head ;)
Since the call first went out there has been many more request for babies, young children, and school children not to mention many hungry people out there. As clothing and food are coming in, it's going out just as fast.
This is the reason we are moving our clothing drive up a month to accommodate the cold and hungry people. There seems to be a bigger need this year then ever before. Besides the clothing please consider food or a donation to the Welcome Center Food Shelf we are having to turn away many families.
A big thank you to all of you with a BIG Heart. The warm clothing not only warms the people receiving them but warms the hearts of those giving, reading about, and especially me telling you about the kindness and generosity of this great community.
To download Poster drag it on your desktop.
Have a very gentle day, Milo
A few minutes later had a note from Bob at the Welcome Center requesting some baby clothes for a new born baby girl that just came in that Marta is working with.
I immediately sent out the request to 100+ of you on the email list and within 2 hours had many calls and emails requesting the sizes of the girls and clothes came in for that family, and the baby along with a car seat, diapers, and toys.
Within the hour another request from Hope Center came in for another family of various size clothing for a family of 4. Next morning that was filled.
Many called including the Advocates for Human Rights, http://www.energyofanation.org/ about the Welcome Center Food Shelf on what and where to send goods and money to when I included that request in the email. They are another wonderful group just trying to what's right for our fellow human beings. Please check out their website and see the good they are doing.
It warms my heart that when one person ask for help that so many of you are there for them. In one day at the request of one person so many of you responded and are still responding. This morning Keith Homstad from Northfield gave me a beautiful blue knitted baby hat that his wife Torel knitted last night after reading the email, and the story goes on. Next week a baby will have a warm head ;)
Since the call first went out there has been many more request for babies, young children, and school children not to mention many hungry people out there. As clothing and food are coming in, it's going out just as fast.
This is the reason we are moving our clothing drive up a month to accommodate the cold and hungry people. There seems to be a bigger need this year then ever before. Besides the clothing please consider food or a donation to the Welcome Center Food Shelf we are having to turn away many families.
A big thank you to all of you with a BIG Heart. The warm clothing not only warms the people receiving them but warms the hearts of those giving, reading about, and especially me telling you about the kindness and generosity of this great community.
To download Poster drag it on your desktop.
Have a very gentle day, Milo
Saturday, September 13, 2008
International Market 2008
The Ollin Ayacaxtly Aztec dancers was the hit of the day for the 2008 International Market Day at Central Park in Faribault.
The weather was a perfect 80 degrees, the smell of many different cultural foods permeated the air, and musicians, and the Aztec dancers entertained the crowd while several non-profit organizations answered questions.
Vicky & Eddie Carrillo led the Faribault Diversity Coalition in our 3rd annual International Market Day to a fun and successful day.
We thank BlueCross/BlueShield Foundation of MN, Hy-VEE, The Minnesota Correctional Facility-Faribault, Southern Heights Dental Group, Faribault Print Shop, and all who contributed to this great experience.
To see all pictures click on Video above and watch the Aztec Dancers below.
Have a gentle day, Milo
Monday, September 01, 2008
September Commemorations
Submitted by Ricki Walters,
In September, we commemorate Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 through October 15, Mexican Independence Day on September 16, and Grito de Lares on September 23. These commemorations celebrate the victories of the indigenous peoples of several Hispanic countries over their Spanish conquerors that eventually resulted in their independence from Spain. You can find more information about these celebrations at:
http://www.factmonster.com/spot/hhm1.html
http://www.mexonline.com/mexican-independence.htm
http://nylatinojournal.com/home/history/americas/el_grito_de_lares.html
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Ramadan is also commemorated in September this year. It begins on September 1st and continues through September 30th. Observing Muslims begin their Ramadan commemorations at sunset of the previous day, so this year, they will celebrate beginning at sunset on August 31st. In North America, Ramadan will begin one day later because of sight ability.
Ramadan always begins on the same day of the Islamic calendar, but the date on the Gregorian calendar changes from year to year. This happens because the Gregorian calendar is a solar calendar and the Islamic calendar is a lunar calendar. The date of Ramadan may also fluctuate from country to country depending on whether the moon has been sighted or not.
Ramadan is the holiest month in the Muslim calendar. It is a time of sharing, solidarity and remembering; a time to get closer to God. It is commemorated by fasting during daylight hours. Observing Muslims do not eat, drink, swear or fight during daylight hours during Ramadan. Beginning at the age of 12, Muslims eat a light meal before sunrise, and then a second, more sumptuous meal, after sunset.
In September, we commemorate Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 through October 15, Mexican Independence Day on September 16, and Grito de Lares on September 23. These commemorations celebrate the victories of the indigenous peoples of several Hispanic countries over their Spanish conquerors that eventually resulted in their independence from Spain. You can find more information about these celebrations at:
http://www.factmonster.com/spot/hhm1.html
http://www.mexonline.com/mexican-independence.htm
http://nylatinojournal.com/home/history/americas/el_grito_de_lares.html
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Ramadan is also commemorated in September this year. It begins on September 1st and continues through September 30th. Observing Muslims begin their Ramadan commemorations at sunset of the previous day, so this year, they will celebrate beginning at sunset on August 31st. In North America, Ramadan will begin one day later because of sight ability.
Ramadan always begins on the same day of the Islamic calendar, but the date on the Gregorian calendar changes from year to year. This happens because the Gregorian calendar is a solar calendar and the Islamic calendar is a lunar calendar. The date of Ramadan may also fluctuate from country to country depending on whether the moon has been sighted or not.
Ramadan is the holiest month in the Muslim calendar. It is a time of sharing, solidarity and remembering; a time to get closer to God. It is commemorated by fasting during daylight hours. Observing Muslims do not eat, drink, swear or fight during daylight hours during Ramadan. Beginning at the age of 12, Muslims eat a light meal before sunrise, and then a second, more sumptuous meal, after sunset.
Monday, August 11, 2008
Faribault International Market 08'
To save for a poster, double click on the picture and drag to desktop.
Have a gentle day, Milo
Have a gentle day, Milo
Friday, July 18, 2008
"Once Again, It's the Simple Things" Update on Healthy Together Activities at the Welcome Center
Update from Bob Kell:
Community building, like home construction, can be described in terms of the “larger” components or the more “minute” details. One can talk of laying foundations, framing walls, and putting on the roof…or one can talk about how to lay a block, nail a 2x6, and how many nails you put in each shingle. Building community has its moments when groups gather and learn. Sharing circles, community festivals, and community gardens can try to make that happen. But much of what happens, even there, happens on the level of the individual.
Much of the work we do takes place by facilitating individual encounters within the community or around rather focused issues. Nothing grandiose, just day to day interaction. Slowly, the integration takes place, usually in small steps rather than giant leaps.
This past week, we dealt with some of those issues. A county attorney contacted us about how to help immigrant residents understand how to accurately report information on a marriage license. A mobile home park resident asked assistance in contacting officials to resolve issues about a purchased home. A temp agency employee and the agency staff again called upon us to facilitate their mutual questions about schedules and availability. Welcome Center staff was invited to a local dental office to talk with dental providers about cultural issues and education that could improve their understanding with the Somali community. It seems like much confusion could be resolved with some community education regarding how dental insurance works and why patients should have regular preventive care. (We even were asked why people remove their shoes before sitting in the dental chair…a sign of respect for the office).
We regularly help people call or check online sites for immigration or unemployment, look for housing or a job, and fill out the forms our agencies require. Several times a week, generous volunteers give their time to teach ESL to very willing learners. People learn a little more from each conversation about how things work, about where to call, about why people do what they do…and a community is built brick by brick.
That same process happens in many lunchrooms, reception desks, and classrooms every day. Ordinary people in their curiosity and interest for the other find ways to build their bridges and grow in understanding. The important thing is the attitude in the community that embraces all among us.
The Community Garden is Growing
Community building, like home construction, can be described in terms of the “larger” components or the more “minute” details. One can talk of laying foundations, framing walls, and putting on the roof…or one can talk about how to lay a block, nail a 2x6, and how many nails you put in each shingle. Building community has its moments when groups gather and learn. Sharing circles, community festivals, and community gardens can try to make that happen. But much of what happens, even there, happens on the level of the individual.
Much of the work we do takes place by facilitating individual encounters within the community or around rather focused issues. Nothing grandiose, just day to day interaction. Slowly, the integration takes place, usually in small steps rather than giant leaps.
This past week, we dealt with some of those issues. A county attorney contacted us about how to help immigrant residents understand how to accurately report information on a marriage license. A mobile home park resident asked assistance in contacting officials to resolve issues about a purchased home. A temp agency employee and the agency staff again called upon us to facilitate their mutual questions about schedules and availability. Welcome Center staff was invited to a local dental office to talk with dental providers about cultural issues and education that could improve their understanding with the Somali community. It seems like much confusion could be resolved with some community education regarding how dental insurance works and why patients should have regular preventive care. (We even were asked why people remove their shoes before sitting in the dental chair…a sign of respect for the office).
We regularly help people call or check online sites for immigration or unemployment, look for housing or a job, and fill out the forms our agencies require. Several times a week, generous volunteers give their time to teach ESL to very willing learners. People learn a little more from each conversation about how things work, about where to call, about why people do what they do…and a community is built brick by brick.
That same process happens in many lunchrooms, reception desks, and classrooms every day. Ordinary people in their curiosity and interest for the other find ways to build their bridges and grow in understanding. The important thing is the attitude in the community that embraces all among us.
The Community Garden is Growing
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Coalition Happenings, Summer 2008
Spring has finally passed (thankfully) and is giving way to summer...a good time to update everyone on what is "growing" with the coalition.
• The Community Garden is "in the ground" after a wet spring. We have 31 active plots, with a good mix of gardeners and a little more experience after last year. Our Savior's Lutheran invited us back and Christ Lutheran Church offered another 6 plots up the hill. Again, Donahue's Greenhouse and Farm and Seed generously helped us with plants and seeds. We have Somali, Guatemalan, Mexican, El Salvadoran, and "American" gardeners • growing an even more diverse variety of vegetables. People have worked • together on some of the tasks and Omar H. has painted a beautiful sign (complete with chili peppers with "attitude") to name the garden. More gardeners speak of joining the farmer's market and some are interested in the offer to join a larger Rice County market farming project next year. A get together is planned for July to get to know one another better and to celebrate everyone's efforts. We look forward to a bountiful harvest. Anyone interested in buying garden fresh vegetables may contact the Welcome Center.
• ESL Classes continue through the efforts of our volunteer teachers. Ruthann, Nancy, Kathy, Marta, and Mary are working with a group of faithful students to teach and learn. We admire them all for their efforts.
Several grant proposals have been submitted and are pending. The United Way generously funded us with $16,500 to support Immigrant Resettlement Services and our Healthy Together project. We are waiting to hear from some other proposals that would strengthen our employment and health care support services.
• International Market Day (Saturday,August 30) is in the planning stage. We seek vendors who would like to sell cultural foods or items and non-profit agencies who would like to use the occasion for outreach to the community regarding their programs. We continue to look for musicians and dance groups to share their gifts with others that day and for soccer teams interested in a morning tournament. Please consider stopping in for the day at Faribault's Central Park. Hours are tentatively 9 AM -4 PM. Hope to see you there.
• The Welcome Center Food Shelf needs your support. When we started last May, we had about 30 families a month who came seeking food support. That number is now 100. We stretch funding as far as we can through Channel One Food Bank, but we are not able to meet the need. Donations of cash or food items, garden produce, or plans for organized food drives in your church, group, or business would be most appreciated. The summer months are especially tough for families who now have children home all day.
• Diversity Coalition Meetings have been scaled back to quarterly, to recognize everyone's time constraints and to try to include some more in-depth content each meeting. The next meeting is scheduled for Sept. 4, 12-1:30 pm at SCC.
• We are also considering other summer offerings to continue to promote community connections and personal capacity building. Possibilities include a cross-cultural women's sharing group, youth activities, and a second carpentry class.
For questions, donations, or to volunteer, contact the Welcome Center, 333-5036, 24 W. Division.St., Faribault, MN 55021
Have a good summer! --Bob Kell, Director
Sunday, April 27, 2008
“The Immigrant and Refugee Story from a Human Rights Perspective” an Update
A beautifully written story was in the Faribault Daily News written by Pauline Schreiber entitled "Fair takes close look at refugee issues" can be seen at the Faribault Daily News Website --Click on Title above or go to --
HTTP://faribault.com/main.asp?SectionID=21&subsectionID=44&articleID=44291
The Faribault Diversity Coalition, in partnership with The Advocates for Human Rights (http://www.energyofanation.org/ and other agencies sponsored a fact and resource fair entitled “The Immigrant and Refugee Story from a Human Rights Perspective” last Saturday, April 26, in the Great Hall of Buckham Library.
The purpose of this event was to help shed light on the facts surrounding immigration to the U.S. and Minnesota, as well as provide information about the rights of immigrants and refugees who reside in our community. Through this event, we hoped to better understand why and how people become immigrants and refugees, as well as how they interact economically and in other ways with their new communities following immigration. We also provided immigrants and refugees with community resources, as well as information about their basic human rights, including housing and medical services. Throughout this event, we used videos to help provide a window into the lived experiences of immigrants and refugees, as well as help explore Minnesota’s past to learn about the common ground that most of us – as immigrants – share.
We hoped to provide a positive environment for our community to learn more about the realities of so many of our immigrant and refugee residents here in Faribault, as well as provide our immigrant and refugee residents with a place to learn of services available to them as they become part of our community.
The event was part of the Healthy Together Initiative supported by the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of MN Foundation.
Thanks for all who participated, The Advocates For Human Rights, The Rice County Attorney's office, Centro Campesno, Marta & Hashi for bringing the great Spanish & Somali food and Buckham Library for the use of their facilities. Thanks to Bob Kell and Aysem Senyurekli for coordinating this event. We hope we could make life a little better for our new friends.
Have a gentle day, Milo
Saturday, April 12, 2008
“The Immigrant and Refugee Story from a Human Rights Perspective”
The Faribault Diversity Coalition, in partnership with The Advocates for Human Rights and other agencies, is sponsoring a fact and resource fair titled “The Immigrant and Refugee Story from a Human Rights Perspective” on Saturday, April 26, from 10 am to 2 pm in the Great Hall of Buckham Library.
The purpose of this event is to help shed light on the facts surrounding immigration to the U.S. and Minnesota, as well as provide information about the rights of immigrants and refugees who reside in our community. Through this event, we hope to better understand why and how people become immigrants and refugees, as well as how they interact economically and in other ways with their new communities following immigration. We also aim to provide immigrants and refugees with community resources, as well as information about their basic human rights, including housing and medical services. Throughout this event, we will use videos to help provide a window into the lived experiences of immigrants and refugees, as well as help explore Minnesota’s past to learn about the common ground that most of us – as immigrants – share.
The Coalition hopes that this event can provide a positive environment for our community to learn more about the realities of so many of our immigrant and refugee residents here in Faribault, as well as provide our immigrant and refugee residents with a place to learn of services available to them as they become part of our community.
Free food will be available. The event is open to the public and all are warmly invited to attend. The event is part of the Healthy Together Initiative supported by the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of MN Foundation.
The purpose of this event is to help shed light on the facts surrounding immigration to the U.S. and Minnesota, as well as provide information about the rights of immigrants and refugees who reside in our community. Through this event, we hope to better understand why and how people become immigrants and refugees, as well as how they interact economically and in other ways with their new communities following immigration. We also aim to provide immigrants and refugees with community resources, as well as information about their basic human rights, including housing and medical services. Throughout this event, we will use videos to help provide a window into the lived experiences of immigrants and refugees, as well as help explore Minnesota’s past to learn about the common ground that most of us – as immigrants – share.
The Coalition hopes that this event can provide a positive environment for our community to learn more about the realities of so many of our immigrant and refugee residents here in Faribault, as well as provide our immigrant and refugee residents with a place to learn of services available to them as they become part of our community.
Free food will be available. The event is open to the public and all are warmly invited to attend. The event is part of the Healthy Together Initiative supported by the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of MN Foundation.
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Cross-Cultural Sharing Circles
The Faribault Diversity Coalition would like to invite you to a conversation …
Here in Faribault we have a wonderful diversity of peoples, representing many countries and cultures. We often look at one another from a distance, curious but not connecting. We sometimes simply remain strangers.
Community happens when we begin to listen to another’s stories, share our own, and start to see our human connectedness. For the newcomer, it means feeling welcomed. For those with deeper roots, it means the newcomer is now a neighbor.
Cross-Cultural Sharing Circles Fridays (Apr 11, 18, 25, May 2)
9:00-10:30 am Senior Center (19 W. Division)
6:00-7:30 pm Community Center (15 E. Division)
Small Groups representing the community’s diversity gather weekly. We talk about our family memories and traditions, about our stories and experiences, about what we value, hope for, and wonder. While a facilitator and interpreters help the conversation begin, the discovery of our common ground takes place as we respectfully listen and share our lives.
Please consider joining us…all are welcome to join the circles as you can.
For more information, please contact the Welcome Center, 333-5036.
Sponsored by the Blue Cross Foundation
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Building Communities
This presentation and discussion explores the role of stories in our lives as individuals and communities. There are stories of all kinds: personal narratives, jokes, rumors, myths and legends. We will explore how stories shape our thoughts, feelings and actions, and how stories build or destroy communities. We will talk about stories we need for the future of our communities and global village.
For Mbele's previous presentation please click on the above title and it will take you to "When Africa Meets Faribault".
Joseph L. Mbele, who teaches in the English Department at St. Olaf College, is the author of the book, Africans and Americans: Embracing Cultural Differences, available online at http://www.lulu.com/content/105001 or by sending an email to info@africonexion.com
Thursday, March 06, 2008
Welcome Center Holds March Food Campaign
Welcome Center Holds March Food Campaign
Together with most food shelves in the state, the Welcome Center is participating this year in the annual March Campaign of Minnesota Food Share. The state-wide campaign seeks to raise 9 million pounds and dollars to help meet the needs of hungry families.
“The advantage of participating, other than raising hunger awareness and collecting local contributions, is that it enables us to share in match funds generated by the State Campaign and offered by the Feinstein Foundation,” says Bob Kell, Welcome Center director. “Whatever we can raise this month in donations of product or cash will bring additional match dollars to the community.”
The Welcome Center food shelf began in May 2007 and in 10 months has served 499 families with 13875 lbs of food. It has focused on culturally-appropriate foods used by the immigrant families it serves. Any low-income family is welcome. Its goal is to provide adequate food resources to families in need.
Some facts to consider:
Half of all food shelf users in Minnesota are children.
20% of all food shelf users in Minnesota are seniors.
Each dollar a food shelf receives can turn into four pounds of food.
Need is growing as more families struggle to find steady employment.
The Welcome Center asks your help. “There are several food shelves or organizations in town who use the food services of the Channel-One Food Bank: the Faribault Food Shelf at the West Mall, A Child’s Delight, SEMCAC Senior Dining, Ruth’s House of Hope, Free Pops, and the Welcome Center. Many residents, young and old, depend on these food resources,” says Kell. “Please consider how you might contribute to the Campaign. Businesses, churches, and families are encouraged to use creative ideas to organize collections. The Jennie-O Turkey Store, for example, held a competition among departments and raised over $1100 and nearly 1000 lbs of food. Such efforts go a long way to help maintain food shelf supplies.”
Contributions to the Welcome Center Food Shelf can be dropped off at the Center, 24 W. Division St., (side entrance) M-F, 8:30-4:30 or at the Faribault Print Shop. Monetary donations or non-perishable items welcome. For more information, call 333-5036. Thank you for your support!
Saturday, February 23, 2008
I'm Sick and I'm Tired.............
She's ILLEGAL......nobody knows who she is....... PROSECUTE HER.....SEND HER TO JAIL.....THEN SEND HER BACK WHERE SHE BELONGS........ While we're at it send THEM all back to Mexico.
That's all I've heard on all the local TV newscast. I woke up this a.m. and turned on Channel 5 news and that was the first thing I heard, I almost vomited right then and there. I feel so bad for the kids and families from Cottonwood, it is the most tragic school bus accidents in MN. history but enough is enough.
Granted what Ms. Morales hitting the bus was a terrible thing and I don't know the details but I firmly believe if she would have been white I don't think we would have heard anything past the 1st day other then a followup. There has been many bus accidents and I've never heard as much about them as this one especially about her immigration status.
What does her immigration status have to do with the fact that she may have run a stop sign and rammed into a bus? To keep bringing this up hour after hour for 4 days and how many more seems like a little overkill.
I find it hard to swallow that when something like this happens involving an immigrant there is such an outcry for truth and justice. "Let's get rid of all those "Illegals" and while we're at it just about any immigrant who is trying to find a better life here".
I can't believe what I'm seeing and hearing. I thought MN. Nice was still around but I'm finding it harder and harder to find. I'm finding that if someone makes a mistake let's kick them while we're down.
This is the first time since the Presidential Elections four years ago that I've been so disgusted with TV news and the newspapers in the cities with their front page bashing for days with anything Immigration.
In this Easter Season I'm finding it very disheartening that we can't treat ALL people as equals. What right do we Americans have when many of our grandparents were Immigrants. Who are we to say that this country is strictly ours. What is happening? I'm worried for our children who are witnessing the hate. I thought I left that all behind in the 60's but it's days like this I feel that hate is alive and well. Where is the "Treat others as you want to be Treated"?
As disheartened as I am today and "Sick and Tired", I will continue to put this in the past and be positive with my colleagues and try to make Faribault and Minnesota a gentler place for ALL of us to live and grow.
While I'm at it how about changing "Illegal" to "Undocumented", I think it wouldn't be so harsh.
This are my thoughts, not necessarily those of the Faribault Diversity Coalition.
Have a gentle day,
Milo Larson
Faribault, MN
That's all I've heard on all the local TV newscast. I woke up this a.m. and turned on Channel 5 news and that was the first thing I heard, I almost vomited right then and there. I feel so bad for the kids and families from Cottonwood, it is the most tragic school bus accidents in MN. history but enough is enough.
Granted what Ms. Morales hitting the bus was a terrible thing and I don't know the details but I firmly believe if she would have been white I don't think we would have heard anything past the 1st day other then a followup. There has been many bus accidents and I've never heard as much about them as this one especially about her immigration status.
What does her immigration status have to do with the fact that she may have run a stop sign and rammed into a bus? To keep bringing this up hour after hour for 4 days and how many more seems like a little overkill.
I find it hard to swallow that when something like this happens involving an immigrant there is such an outcry for truth and justice. "Let's get rid of all those "Illegals" and while we're at it just about any immigrant who is trying to find a better life here".
I can't believe what I'm seeing and hearing. I thought MN. Nice was still around but I'm finding it harder and harder to find. I'm finding that if someone makes a mistake let's kick them while we're down.
This is the first time since the Presidential Elections four years ago that I've been so disgusted with TV news and the newspapers in the cities with their front page bashing for days with anything Immigration.
In this Easter Season I'm finding it very disheartening that we can't treat ALL people as equals. What right do we Americans have when many of our grandparents were Immigrants. Who are we to say that this country is strictly ours. What is happening? I'm worried for our children who are witnessing the hate. I thought I left that all behind in the 60's but it's days like this I feel that hate is alive and well. Where is the "Treat others as you want to be Treated"?
As disheartened as I am today and "Sick and Tired", I will continue to put this in the past and be positive with my colleagues and try to make Faribault and Minnesota a gentler place for ALL of us to live and grow.
While I'm at it how about changing "Illegal" to "Undocumented", I think it wouldn't be so harsh.
This are my thoughts, not necessarily those of the Faribault Diversity Coalition.
Have a gentle day,
Milo Larson
Faribault, MN
Sunday, February 17, 2008
"Carpentry Classes, A little help, a little guidance"
The Welcome Center is collaborating with the Northfield Community Action Center over the next few weeks to offer carpentry classes in Spanish. The project's purpose is to provide an opportunity for Spanish-speaking community residents to learn basic carpentry and house construction skills, useful both in the upkeep of their own homes and as a potential job skill. As dreams go, it could also be the beginning of a future self-built housing project, where the skills learned translate into sweat equity for those wishing to support one another in home ownership.But for now, the focus is on learning how "16 inches on center" lays out and how to frame in a window or door according to code. Participants will also learn thebasics of roofing and siding, become informed about new energy-efficient alternatives, and walk away with some new skills. Volunteer instructors bring qualified experience: Bill Sartor has supervised the construction of nine Habitat for Humanity homes; Omar Herrejon works as a roofer; Greg Caron has many years of hands-on experience to share...This effort, like most we do, seeks to strengthen the community connection as well, bringing people together. Already some of the participants have offered their assistance with the construction of this summer's Habitat for Humanity house...an opportunity to learn while they also contribute to a community need.
While this is a first effort, we do not see it as the last. We continue to seek volunteer instructors and learning opportunities so that people may develop their skills further. It would be great if it could open the way for some to join the carpentry training at South Central or find their way into a union apprenticeship. But for now, we see it as part of "Minnesota inculturation". Coming from lands where construction commonly uses other materials, learning to drive nails into studs is a new and valuable lesson.
Our thanks goes out to the Northfield CAC's Newcomer Project, the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of MN Foundation, and the Foldcraft Foundation for their generous support of the project and our program. We couldn't do it without them.
For more information, please contact us at the Welcome Center, 333-5036. Bob Kell--Welcome Center Director
Welcome Center
24 W. Division St., Ste B
Faribault, MN 55021
507-333-5036
FAX 507-333-5037
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