Merry Christmas & Happy New Year to all of you wonderful people.
Once again for the 9th year in a row so many of you have been on board to help the disadvantaged people trying to live a normal life. Your work and concern has been so needed especially this year with the economy on the down side.
We are in the midst of moving in the St. Vincent dePaul Center for Charitable Services, hopefully by the middle of Jan. . The Welcome Center's food pantry, clothes give-away, and some furniture have outgrown our building and is taking a lot of time away from the other needs of our immigrant friends. St. Vincent dePaul and the Welcome Center will be sharing those needs.
Bob Kell and his group of volunteers have done a wonderful job keeping everything together in feeding, clothing, teaching building skills, translating, helping with documents, teaching ESL, befriending, and so much more. Our annual clothing drive was able to warm between 300-400 people this year thanks to your generosity. Many people came in several times with more coats, mittens & hats, many straight out of a store. For many heartwarming pictures you can it on the blog.
There are so many people to thank once again like BlueCross/BlueShield Foundation of MN., Foldcraft, the City of Faribault, and many other foundations & individuals, the Daily News, KDHL for reaching everyone with their positive stories, and all of you for keeping this wonderful program together for the betterment of not only the disadvantaged, but the community who are being enriched by the many cultures that have adorned our town. I wish I could name all of you angels.
I am so thankful for the opportunity to be president of the Diversity Coalition this past 9 years and privileged to help with this new venture, St. Vincent dePaul for Charitable Services. Bill Lewis has been able to get this organization going with quite a few road blocks, but thanks to Church of Divine Mercy, State Bank of Faribault, 1st United Bank, Premier Bank, C&S Vending for like new refrigerators & freezers for the food pantry and 100+ volunteers and concerned citizens have been able to help so many disadvantaged people with food, clothing and money for the homeless and in some cases that are being displaced if they can't pay all of their rent.
I can't reiterate enough how thankful I am to all of you that read my blogs, read these emails, and respond to so many needs of many this past 9 years and especially this year. We are all children of God, not only you but those you are helping and befriending. If we help just one person or family from suffering from hunger, cold or hopelessness I think our life here on earth will have been a good one.
May you all have a sincere Merry Christmas & Happy New year and will be looking forward to seeing and working with each and everyone of you this coming year. As I listen to "Silent Night" & "O Holy Night" I think of each and everyone of you.
Have a gentle day, Milo
Friday, December 25, 2009
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Christmas/New Years message from Bob Kell
The advantage of snowfalls is that it slows life's flow and leaves a few moments for reflection and gratitude. Another year is coming to an end, giving occasion to voice a thank you to so many that have supported the Welcome Center and the people with whom we work. We realize that there are so many in this community and beyond that are committed to creating a welcoming world, and they have done so much toward that end by their actions and their words. Volunteer teachers, those assisting to provide food, funders who believe in the work we do, mentors and partners that teach and strengthen, others in the community who do their own work to build community and celebrate diversity...we all need to thank them for what their input means. We have reason to celebrate too the beauty that immigrants and refugees bring to the community, as they support one another, struggle for their families, and work to become part of this one life we share. It has been a difficult year for many, as unemployment has taken its toll. But the perseverance is strong. We look forward to the New Year and to the promise it holds. As long as people are working together to make sure no one is left behind, we will find a way.
With gratitude,
Bob Kell, Welcome Center Director
With gratitude,
Bob Kell, Welcome Center Director
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
News from St. Vincent de Paul & Faribault Diversity Coalition
To all our friends:
Well we're good to go, the city has signed off, the old Sacred Heart School is being cleaned and painted, C & S Vending & Bethlehem Academy have given freezers & refrigerators for the Food Pantry that the F.D.C is turning over to St. Vincent de Paul. Many volunteers have been working on the building, people have been giving food, clothes, and furniture for the free store as well as furniture, computers and needed equipment for the building. Once again a big thank you to Divine Mercy for letting us use the building.
Bill Lewis has done a wonderful job putting this all together in just 3 months realizing that these are desperate times for the homeless, out of work families, families losing their homes or being evicted, inadequate or no food, clothing and furniture.
In the past month as many as 10 to 20 calls per day has been coming in looking for food, clothing, & money from desperate people. In this economy as you all know more people are losing their jobs, or can't find a job after they have been laid off. We are called to be angels of mercy for those in need.
I thank you for all you have done the past 10 years for the Faribault Diversity Coalition and as we move into the St. Vincent de Paul Center for Charitable Services we will be able to help even more people with all of their needs and services.
With extreme cold temperatures & snow life for the unfortunate can be very long and dark, lets make these days a little brighter for all of God's Children and it just may make our hearts a little warmer and a better Christmas for everyone.
We are in desperate need of 150 linear feet of grocery shelves for the food pantry, more food, warm winter clothing, furniture and more donations. Please email back, or call 507-334-2100.
Have a gentle day, Milo
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Faribault Diversity Coalition 2009 Clothes Drive
Once again the great people came through with three times more clothes than last year. For the last month the wonderful citizens came in with slightly used and brand new clothes to warm those in need. Many families brought in their little children carrying big coats that was bigger then they were teaching them the art of giving.
A big thanks to Buckham library for the use of their facilities that held the 300+ people that came in to warm their bodies and hearts. Thank you also to different organizations that held separate drives and brought them in on the last day. Thank you Faribault Daily News and especially Paulene Schrieber for starting the drive off with a wonderful story, and for all her stories through the past years with her timely and positive stories to make this a more equal and cohesive city. Thanks to my wife Margaret who spent 4 days sorting all the clothes and daughter Sarah, son-in-law Terry, and Margaret spending the day unpacking and setting up all the tables and spending the day handing out clothes at the Library and Greg Caron for helping deliver clothes to the library.
This was once again another labor of love on everyones part. Seeing so many coming without warm clothes and leaving with warm bodies and warmer hearts makes this all worthwhile.
Thanks again to all of you for all you do to make this city and everyone in it a better place.
Have a gentle day, Milo
A big thanks to Buckham library for the use of their facilities that held the 300+ people that came in to warm their bodies and hearts. Thank you also to different organizations that held separate drives and brought them in on the last day. Thank you Faribault Daily News and especially Paulene Schrieber for starting the drive off with a wonderful story, and for all her stories through the past years with her timely and positive stories to make this a more equal and cohesive city. Thanks to my wife Margaret who spent 4 days sorting all the clothes and daughter Sarah, son-in-law Terry, and Margaret spending the day unpacking and setting up all the tables and spending the day handing out clothes at the Library and Greg Caron for helping deliver clothes to the library.
This was once again another labor of love on everyones part. Seeing so many coming without warm clothes and leaving with warm bodies and warmer hearts makes this all worthwhile.
Thanks again to all of you for all you do to make this city and everyone in it a better place.
Have a gentle day, Milo
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Signs of Growth in our Community of Faribault
Someone once said of growth that on a hot day in the South you can sit on the porch and hear the cotton pop. The heat accelerates the growth so much that it happens right in front of you in an observable way. But most growth is more subtle than that. (Granted my son is something like the cotton…I swear that some mornings he is taller than he was the night before!) Most often the changes happen incrementally, almost unnoticeably. It is in the moments of learning, of insight, of resolution of conflicts, of risk-taking that we become different. We grow as persons and as communities. It is that growth we need to celebrate.
I would like to share with you some of the signs I see of the growth in our community of Faribault.
o Last week a local employer called to ask a question about understanding the cultural issues that may be related to an employee’s behavior. The company wanted to accommodate religious practices but also had its requirements it had to ask of all employees. The conversation showed a way of operating amidst diversity that had come a long way toward seeking dialogue rather than simply imposing the majority culture. It was good to witness.
o Within the community, many new programs have emerged to help new immigrants learn English. The established community wants to help and the newcomers are hungry to learn. The waiting list is long for Adult Basic Education classes. Volunteers are stepping forward both at the Welcome Center and at a new program run by a Somali liaison at the school. Others are teaching English while teaching sewing or wanting to do so as they teach health and parenting. It is a community that is responding.
o The Welcome Center is partnering with Blue Earth County Employment Services in an Office of Refugee Resettlement program for refugee employment and social services support. It is a potential 5-year partnership helping those most recently arrived. As we went to the training, Hashi was among the majority. Nearly 90% of the participants in the training were immigrants themselves. The assets in the immigrant communities are strong. That strength is evident.
o Yesterday representatives from the Census Bureau came to town to begin the campaign to get a complete count of everyone in the new census April 1. The City, the Chamber, and the Welcome Center were present and came up with a list of 20 more that could have been in the room. We talked of snowbirds and immigrants and churches and seniors…wanting to reach everyone, to ease fears or confusion, to help everyone see how important this is for funding and representation for the town and the State. Inclusion was not an add-on—It was the center of the conversation.
o Last week at a meeting organized by the MN Advocates for Human Rights the concern was how different organization working with immigrants might better work together and work for the people they serve. A main topic of concern was the urgency of movement on comprehensive immigration reform. Advocates say the country has a 6-month window to act on this before the issue goes back into the shadows for another four years, lost in election campaigns where controversial issues are unwelcome. Current laws leave many people vulnerable and trapped. Hope is guarded but hope is there that if enough people choose to get involved with this issue, maybe this time things can change. It is something that needs to be addressed. Can we resolve it this time?
And so it goes, day in and day out. Individual immigrants become more independent and self-sufficient. Mainstream agencies get better at their mission, seeing immigrants as an integral part of who they serve. Immigrant faces show up in striking numbers among those who are serving their communities. The issues that face the community rise to the top politically, even when the economy and so many other issues would suggest waiting for more favorable winds. Life cannot wait.
We are only a small player on this stage which is our community. There are so many more. But as things “grow” around us, we consider ourselves fortunate to be close enough to witness the change…and to celebrate with others. Grow well.
Bob Kell—Director, Welcome Center
I would like to share with you some of the signs I see of the growth in our community of Faribault.
o Last week a local employer called to ask a question about understanding the cultural issues that may be related to an employee’s behavior. The company wanted to accommodate religious practices but also had its requirements it had to ask of all employees. The conversation showed a way of operating amidst diversity that had come a long way toward seeking dialogue rather than simply imposing the majority culture. It was good to witness.
o Within the community, many new programs have emerged to help new immigrants learn English. The established community wants to help and the newcomers are hungry to learn. The waiting list is long for Adult Basic Education classes. Volunteers are stepping forward both at the Welcome Center and at a new program run by a Somali liaison at the school. Others are teaching English while teaching sewing or wanting to do so as they teach health and parenting. It is a community that is responding.
o The Welcome Center is partnering with Blue Earth County Employment Services in an Office of Refugee Resettlement program for refugee employment and social services support. It is a potential 5-year partnership helping those most recently arrived. As we went to the training, Hashi was among the majority. Nearly 90% of the participants in the training were immigrants themselves. The assets in the immigrant communities are strong. That strength is evident.
o Yesterday representatives from the Census Bureau came to town to begin the campaign to get a complete count of everyone in the new census April 1. The City, the Chamber, and the Welcome Center were present and came up with a list of 20 more that could have been in the room. We talked of snowbirds and immigrants and churches and seniors…wanting to reach everyone, to ease fears or confusion, to help everyone see how important this is for funding and representation for the town and the State. Inclusion was not an add-on—It was the center of the conversation.
o Last week at a meeting organized by the MN Advocates for Human Rights the concern was how different organization working with immigrants might better work together and work for the people they serve. A main topic of concern was the urgency of movement on comprehensive immigration reform. Advocates say the country has a 6-month window to act on this before the issue goes back into the shadows for another four years, lost in election campaigns where controversial issues are unwelcome. Current laws leave many people vulnerable and trapped. Hope is guarded but hope is there that if enough people choose to get involved with this issue, maybe this time things can change. It is something that needs to be addressed. Can we resolve it this time?
And so it goes, day in and day out. Individual immigrants become more independent and self-sufficient. Mainstream agencies get better at their mission, seeing immigrants as an integral part of who they serve. Immigrant faces show up in striking numbers among those who are serving their communities. The issues that face the community rise to the top politically, even when the economy and so many other issues would suggest waiting for more favorable winds. Life cannot wait.
We are only a small player on this stage which is our community. There are so many more. But as things “grow” around us, we consider ourselves fortunate to be close enough to witness the change…and to celebrate with others. Grow well.
Bob Kell—Director, Welcome Center
Monday, October 19, 2009
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Faribault International Market 2009
Once again under the bright blue skies people were drawn in by the smells of the great food and sounds of the drums driving the Aztec dancers. The food was tasty, people friendly and music filled the air.
A big thank you to Eddie and Vicky Carrillo and her committee for putting on a wonderful event, we are looking forward to next year to a ever growing market. Thank you to BlueCross/BlueShield Foundation of Minnesota, Faribault Print Shop, Non-profits, exhibitors and all who contributed to this event.
For all the pictures go to my Facebook page: Click on the Faribault International Market 2009 title above.
A big thank you to Eddie and Vicky Carrillo and her committee for putting on a wonderful event, we are looking forward to next year to a ever growing market. Thank you to BlueCross/BlueShield Foundation of Minnesota, Faribault Print Shop, Non-profits, exhibitors and all who contributed to this event.
For all the pictures go to my Facebook page: Click on the Faribault International Market 2009 title above.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
4th Annual International Market Day Festival
To: Faribault Area Non-profits
From: Faribault Diversity Coalition/ Welcome Center
RE: 4th Annual International Market Day Festival
Again this year, the Faribault Diversity Coalition is organizing the International Market Day Festival in Central Park. Due to the lateness of Labor Day, we have moved the date this year to the Saturday prior to Labor Day weekend. The event will take place on Saturday, August 29, from 10 am to 6 pm, in Central Park.
The purpose of the event is to celebrate the diversity of our community. We will celebrate with ethnic foods, music, dance, and the opportunity to spend time as a community with rich gifts to share.
We would like to invite you and your non-profit organization to take part in the event with us. Room is available to set up a table for outreach, information sharing, children’s activities, etc. There is no cost to non-profits to participate. It is a good way to reach the community with information about your programs.
We would ask that you bring your own table this year. You are free to set up anytime after 9:30 am. If you cannot stay all day, whatever time you can be present is appreciated.
If you are interested in participating, please call the Welcome Center (507-333-5036). For planning reasons, we would like to know by August 25th at the latest.
Thank you. Hope to see you there!
Vicky Carrillo, Coordinator
Milo Larson
Bob Kell
Monday, June 29, 2009
A Message from John Keller, Director of the Immigration Law Center in St. Paul
Dear Friend,
I write to thank you for signing up to receive these alerts, for following through on the actions we suggest, and to encourage your on-going and even increased participation over the next six to nine months as this movement and struggle defines itself. Your actions and voices are absolutely critical to keep this issue moving.
Yesterday, as many of you know, President Obama began to publicly lead on immigration. He and a bipartisan group of over 20 Senators and Congressmen committed themselves to passing comprehensive immigration reform bill in the next year. President Obama announced a working group headed by Secretary Janet Napolitano and stated in no uncertain terms that he wanted a bill that creates a functional path to legalization for the 12 million immigrants currently in the country.
Progress on this issue requires a broad base of support, including the cooperation of both parties and groups from many sectors. It is an excellent sign, then, that Senator McCain was firmly and visibly behind the President on Thursday, stating that he favored both the details and the timetable laid out. Senator Schumer (replacing Senator Kennedy as the Democratic lead on this issue) and Representative Conyers have accepted the mantle of leadership on this issue and both houses of Congress have now committed to putting a bill before President Obama either late this year or at the start of 2010.
We have our work cut out for us. We know that the other side on this issue is well-organized and active, even though they represent the "vocal minority" and not the strong majority of Americans on this issue. This vocal minority was crucial to killing this bill last time. Now they claim to have sent, in June alone, nearly 700,000 faxes opposing any positive immigration reform. Yet in just the past few days, you and others supporting pragmatic, solution-based reforms made over 26,000 calls to the White House and sent at least 11,000 faxes to your representatives urging reform. Because of your work and dedication we now have a fighting chance to pass the most sweeping immigration reform in a generation.
We cannot afford to let this opportunity slip away from us. We can do this, but we can only suceed if we work together and commit to taking action each and every time it is required. This will be a long fight, but one that we can win when we work and act together.
Thank you so much to all of you,
John C. Keller
Executive Director
I write to thank you for signing up to receive these alerts, for following through on the actions we suggest, and to encourage your on-going and even increased participation over the next six to nine months as this movement and struggle defines itself. Your actions and voices are absolutely critical to keep this issue moving.
Yesterday, as many of you know, President Obama began to publicly lead on immigration. He and a bipartisan group of over 20 Senators and Congressmen committed themselves to passing comprehensive immigration reform bill in the next year. President Obama announced a working group headed by Secretary Janet Napolitano and stated in no uncertain terms that he wanted a bill that creates a functional path to legalization for the 12 million immigrants currently in the country.
Progress on this issue requires a broad base of support, including the cooperation of both parties and groups from many sectors. It is an excellent sign, then, that Senator McCain was firmly and visibly behind the President on Thursday, stating that he favored both the details and the timetable laid out. Senator Schumer (replacing Senator Kennedy as the Democratic lead on this issue) and Representative Conyers have accepted the mantle of leadership on this issue and both houses of Congress have now committed to putting a bill before President Obama either late this year or at the start of 2010.
We have our work cut out for us. We know that the other side on this issue is well-organized and active, even though they represent the "vocal minority" and not the strong majority of Americans on this issue. This vocal minority was crucial to killing this bill last time. Now they claim to have sent, in June alone, nearly 700,000 faxes opposing any positive immigration reform. Yet in just the past few days, you and others supporting pragmatic, solution-based reforms made over 26,000 calls to the White House and sent at least 11,000 faxes to your representatives urging reform. Because of your work and dedication we now have a fighting chance to pass the most sweeping immigration reform in a generation.
We cannot afford to let this opportunity slip away from us. We can do this, but we can only suceed if we work together and commit to taking action each and every time it is required. This will be a long fight, but one that we can win when we work and act together.
Thank you so much to all of you,
John C. Keller
Executive Director
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
One Voice Minnesota Newsletter 5/09
Here's a newsletter from One Voice Minnesota: http://sites.google.com/site/onevoiceminnesota/Home If you're interested in this and would like more newsletters and information please check out this website. Thanks, Milo
Thank you for being a part of the One Voice Minnesota (OVM) Network! The OVM network is a networking tool for individuals and organizations across Minnesota working to combat bias, promote education, and create welcoming communities. If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions, please contact Becca Riedell atonevoiceminnesota@gmail.com or 612.341.3302 x119. Keep your eyes on your mailbox for a copy of this newsletter.
In this addition of the monthly newsletter you will find:
1. Mark your Calendars: World Refugee Day is June 20th
2. Upcoming Events
3. Successful Event: Cake Decorating at LSS-Minneapolis
4. Take Action: The Faribault Welcome Center Seeks Your Help
_________
1. Mark your Calendars: World Refugee Day is June 20th
Submitted by Alexis Walstad
Come celebrate the nearly 90,000 refugees that have made Minnesota their home since 1976. In 2000, the United Nations General Assembly established June 20 as World Refugee Day. Since 2001, people around the world have celebrated the day with events that honor the world’s 31.7 million refugees and others in comparable situations and raise awareness about refugee issues.
This is the third annual large-scale World Refugee Day event in the Twin Cities. Last year's event at Minnehaha Park drew about 2,000 participants, double the previous year's celebration, and this year's event will build on that success. Staff of local refugee- and immigrant-serving organizations have come together to plan for June 20, 2009, which will feature an immigrant resource fair, a variety of cultural music and dance performances, ethnic foods and vendors, children’s activities and speakers from different refugee groups.
For more information, visit: www.tcworldrefugeeday.org
_____
2. Upcoming Events
May 13th 6:30pm-8pm- State of Students of Color & American Indian Students Forum
What:
Minnesota Minority Education Partnership Inc (MMEP) will convene a research-based forum centered on the academic achievement of students of color and American Indian students. Components of the evening will include highlights from MMEP’s 2009 State of Students of Color & American Indian Students Executive Summary, an interactive discussion amongst attendees, and an introduction of the “Minnesota Covenant for Education Equity with Excellence”
Where:
Willmar Arts Education Center
611 5th Street SW
Willmar, Minnesota
Free and open to the public.
____
May 20th 7pm-9pm- Spice and Slice of Asia: Looking for Asian America
What:
Get a glimpse of how cultural heritage influences the daily living and work of Asians and Asian Americans. Celebrated photographer and author Wing Young Huie will present images an stories that both mirror and contradict popular stereotypes of Asian Americans
Photo exhibit runs May 4-31
Where:
Ridgedale Library
12601 Ridgedale Drive
Minnetonka, Minnesota
Free and open to the public.
____
May 27th 6pm-8pm- Cultural Orientation through the Eyes of a Refugee in Dadaab
What:
Presented by the International Institute of Minnesota’s Refugee Mentoring Program. What do you know about the U.S.? What do refugees know about the U.S. before coming here? What are their hopes and fears? What do they expect when they get here? A presentation by Robinson Cook will attempt to answer these questions.
Where:
International Institute of Minnesota
Hall of Nations
1694 Como Avenue
St. Paul, Minnesota
Free and open to the public, however pre-registration is required. Contact Sarah Lazarewicz at slazarewicz@iimn.org
____
May 28th 6:30pm-9pm- Spice and Slice of Asia: Looking for Asian America
What:
Get a glimpse of how cultural heritage influences the daily living and work of Asians and Asian Americans. Local Hmong artist and authors will show slides and discuss how their bicultural experience plays a part in their work and lives.
Art exhibit runs May 4-31
Where:
Brookdale Library
6125 Shingle Creek Parkway
Brooklyn Center, Minnesota
Free and open to the public.
_____
3. Successful Event: Cake Decorating at LSS-Minneapolis
Submitted by Elizabeth Lock
Lutheran Social Service- Minneapolis
LSS had its third successful cake decorating training in connection with Hockenberg Newburgh during the last week of April. This training combines 3 days of customer service soft skills training at LSS with five days of cake decorating training at the Hockenberg Newburgh training facilities in Eden Prairie. During the training clients learn both the basics of how to ice a cake, as well as slightly more difficult decorating techniques such as bordering and creating a variety of flowers. Although it is too soon to determine for our most recent class, historically we have had a placement rating of approximately 1/3 of the clients who completed the class in a position with Cub Foods. We finished up on May 7th with a graduation ceremony where clients received a certificate of completion and got to look at all of the photos that were taken over the course of the week at class. Over all it was a very fun training to take part in and all of the participants learned a lot.
_____
4. Take Action: The Faribault Welcome Center Seeks Your Help
Submitted by Bob Kell
Faribault Welcome Center
Immigrant and refugee residents of Faribault have come to find the Welcome Center as a resource for resettlement. Whether they need assistance with a form or with food, with ESL or employment, with contact with immigration or unemployment, the Center has tried to assist. Other efforts such as the Community Garden and Sharing Circles have promoted integration and inclusion, calling upon everyone to work together to
build a respectful, welcoming community. Yet, as with many non-profits, the funding to provide such services has become harder to find. We were able to delay a crisis by donor generosity and advances on expected funding, but a challenge faces us in these coming months. If anyone has ideas for possible foundation or government grant support, or if anyone would like to share personally in our mission, please contact us at welcome@hickorytech.net or 507-333-5036. Good luck with your work and thanks for your support!
Thank you for being a part of the One Voice Minnesota (OVM) Network! The OVM network is a networking tool for individuals and organizations across Minnesota working to combat bias, promote education, and create welcoming communities. If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions, please contact Becca Riedell atonevoiceminnesota@gmail.com or 612.341.3302 x119. Keep your eyes on your mailbox for a copy of this newsletter.
In this addition of the monthly newsletter you will find:
1. Mark your Calendars: World Refugee Day is June 20th
2. Upcoming Events
3. Successful Event: Cake Decorating at LSS-Minneapolis
4. Take Action: The Faribault Welcome Center Seeks Your Help
_________
1. Mark your Calendars: World Refugee Day is June 20th
Submitted by Alexis Walstad
Come celebrate the nearly 90,000 refugees that have made Minnesota their home since 1976. In 2000, the United Nations General Assembly established June 20 as World Refugee Day. Since 2001, people around the world have celebrated the day with events that honor the world’s 31.7 million refugees and others in comparable situations and raise awareness about refugee issues.
This is the third annual large-scale World Refugee Day event in the Twin Cities. Last year's event at Minnehaha Park drew about 2,000 participants, double the previous year's celebration, and this year's event will build on that success. Staff of local refugee- and immigrant-serving organizations have come together to plan for June 20, 2009, which will feature an immigrant resource fair, a variety of cultural music and dance performances, ethnic foods and vendors, children’s activities and speakers from different refugee groups.
For more information, visit: www.tcworldrefugeeday.org
_____
2. Upcoming Events
May 13th 6:30pm-8pm- State of Students of Color & American Indian Students Forum
What:
Minnesota Minority Education Partnership Inc (MMEP) will convene a research-based forum centered on the academic achievement of students of color and American Indian students. Components of the evening will include highlights from MMEP’s 2009 State of Students of Color & American Indian Students Executive Summary, an interactive discussion amongst attendees, and an introduction of the “Minnesota Covenant for Education Equity with Excellence”
Where:
Willmar Arts Education Center
611 5th Street SW
Willmar, Minnesota
Free and open to the public.
____
May 20th 7pm-9pm- Spice and Slice of Asia: Looking for Asian America
What:
Get a glimpse of how cultural heritage influences the daily living and work of Asians and Asian Americans. Celebrated photographer and author Wing Young Huie will present images an stories that both mirror and contradict popular stereotypes of Asian Americans
Photo exhibit runs May 4-31
Where:
Ridgedale Library
12601 Ridgedale Drive
Minnetonka, Minnesota
Free and open to the public.
____
May 27th 6pm-8pm- Cultural Orientation through the Eyes of a Refugee in Dadaab
What:
Presented by the International Institute of Minnesota’s Refugee Mentoring Program. What do you know about the U.S.? What do refugees know about the U.S. before coming here? What are their hopes and fears? What do they expect when they get here? A presentation by Robinson Cook will attempt to answer these questions.
Where:
International Institute of Minnesota
Hall of Nations
1694 Como Avenue
St. Paul, Minnesota
Free and open to the public, however pre-registration is required. Contact Sarah Lazarewicz at slazarewicz@iimn.org
____
May 28th 6:30pm-9pm- Spice and Slice of Asia: Looking for Asian America
What:
Get a glimpse of how cultural heritage influences the daily living and work of Asians and Asian Americans. Local Hmong artist and authors will show slides and discuss how their bicultural experience plays a part in their work and lives.
Art exhibit runs May 4-31
Where:
Brookdale Library
6125 Shingle Creek Parkway
Brooklyn Center, Minnesota
Free and open to the public.
_____
3. Successful Event: Cake Decorating at LSS-Minneapolis
Submitted by Elizabeth Lock
Lutheran Social Service- Minneapolis
LSS had its third successful cake decorating training in connection with Hockenberg Newburgh during the last week of April. This training combines 3 days of customer service soft skills training at LSS with five days of cake decorating training at the Hockenberg Newburgh training facilities in Eden Prairie. During the training clients learn both the basics of how to ice a cake, as well as slightly more difficult decorating techniques such as bordering and creating a variety of flowers. Although it is too soon to determine for our most recent class, historically we have had a placement rating of approximately 1/3 of the clients who completed the class in a position with Cub Foods. We finished up on May 7th with a graduation ceremony where clients received a certificate of completion and got to look at all of the photos that were taken over the course of the week at class. Over all it was a very fun training to take part in and all of the participants learned a lot.
_____
4. Take Action: The Faribault Welcome Center Seeks Your Help
Submitted by Bob Kell
Faribault Welcome Center
Immigrant and refugee residents of Faribault have come to find the Welcome Center as a resource for resettlement. Whether they need assistance with a form or with food, with ESL or employment, with contact with immigration or unemployment, the Center has tried to assist. Other efforts such as the Community Garden and Sharing Circles have promoted integration and inclusion, calling upon everyone to work together to
build a respectful, welcoming community. Yet, as with many non-profits, the funding to provide such services has become harder to find. We were able to delay a crisis by donor generosity and advances on expected funding, but a challenge faces us in these coming months. If anyone has ideas for possible foundation or government grant support, or if anyone would like to share personally in our mission, please contact us at welcome@hickorytech.net or 507-333-5036. Good luck with your work and thanks for your support!
Saturday, April 11, 2009
A real live Easter Story in Northfield
At a weekly group meeting this morning Pastor Keith Holmstad told us story that happened this week at a grocery store in Northfield, I asked him to send it to me so I could share a real live Easter Story.
Happy Easter, Milo
I had an early lunch, so by 3:00 p.m. I needed a pick up. Couple of ‘end of the day’ Danish and a coffee – only the super duper mega market was out of hot coffee! And not a clerk in sight! Bummer. So I grabbed the rolls and a pint of milk and headed for the check out, thinking unkind thoughts about store clerks.
The short line had a young woman ahead of me, and an old woman ahead of her. The young woman had already put all of her stuff on the belt and had her coupons at the ready. The old woman was just getting checked out as I walked up. Then, something happened. She leaned over slightly and said something to the clerk, who nodded and took back a loaf of white bread. The scanner bleeped and he said something to her. It was noisy in the line and I couldn’t hear any of the conversation.
She was tall, snow white hair, pretty pink complexion, blue eyes that seemed rather tired and sad. There were some dollar bills in her left hand. She leaned toward the clerk once again. The conversation continued. He was ethnic Chinese and young enough to be her grandson. His face was a model of courtesy as he nodded, took back another item, the scanner bleeped again and he said something to her. Her face fell as the conversation continued. He then took back a small bag of green onions, undid the twister, took out one of the bunches of onions, redid the twister, scanned it once again, and spoke to the old woman.
Her face lit up! She handed him her money, he punched a few buttons, handed her the change and her receipt, and gave her a slight bow as the transaction was completed.
The young woman swept through the scanner in a matter of less than three minutes. Dozens of items, a small handful of coupons, all of it moved like a mountain stream flowing downhill through the scanner. As he worked I glanced down at the small pile of items the store clerk had removed from the old woman’s purchases – a loaf of white bread, a small package of luncheon meat, and a half bunch of green onions.
I felt like a fool that I had had the nerve to grumble to myself when I couldn’t find a store clerk to complain about an empty coffee urn. In retrospect my complaint looked very small and self serving. For all I knew the guy that takes care of the coffee urn was the young Chinese clerk who was helping an old woman preserve some small shred of dignity in her poverty as he treated her with courtesy and professionalism, even as he removed from her bill the simple items she couldn’t afford. And his small bow showed his respect.
“Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you, homeless and give you a place to stay, or sick and come and visit you?” And Jesus said, “I tell you, when you did it to one of the least of these, my brothers and sisters, you did it to me.”
I have no idea whether or not that was on the mind of the clerk – or the old woman. But it’s sure been on my mind. And now, maybe it’s on yours too.
--
Peace,
Keith
Rev. Keith E.O. Homstad
Happy Easter, Milo
I had an early lunch, so by 3:00 p.m. I needed a pick up. Couple of ‘end of the day’ Danish and a coffee – only the super duper mega market was out of hot coffee! And not a clerk in sight! Bummer. So I grabbed the rolls and a pint of milk and headed for the check out, thinking unkind thoughts about store clerks.
The short line had a young woman ahead of me, and an old woman ahead of her. The young woman had already put all of her stuff on the belt and had her coupons at the ready. The old woman was just getting checked out as I walked up. Then, something happened. She leaned over slightly and said something to the clerk, who nodded and took back a loaf of white bread. The scanner bleeped and he said something to her. It was noisy in the line and I couldn’t hear any of the conversation.
She was tall, snow white hair, pretty pink complexion, blue eyes that seemed rather tired and sad. There were some dollar bills in her left hand. She leaned toward the clerk once again. The conversation continued. He was ethnic Chinese and young enough to be her grandson. His face was a model of courtesy as he nodded, took back another item, the scanner bleeped again and he said something to her. Her face fell as the conversation continued. He then took back a small bag of green onions, undid the twister, took out one of the bunches of onions, redid the twister, scanned it once again, and spoke to the old woman.
Her face lit up! She handed him her money, he punched a few buttons, handed her the change and her receipt, and gave her a slight bow as the transaction was completed.
The young woman swept through the scanner in a matter of less than three minutes. Dozens of items, a small handful of coupons, all of it moved like a mountain stream flowing downhill through the scanner. As he worked I glanced down at the small pile of items the store clerk had removed from the old woman’s purchases – a loaf of white bread, a small package of luncheon meat, and a half bunch of green onions.
I felt like a fool that I had had the nerve to grumble to myself when I couldn’t find a store clerk to complain about an empty coffee urn. In retrospect my complaint looked very small and self serving. For all I knew the guy that takes care of the coffee urn was the young Chinese clerk who was helping an old woman preserve some small shred of dignity in her poverty as he treated her with courtesy and professionalism, even as he removed from her bill the simple items she couldn’t afford. And his small bow showed his respect.
“Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you, homeless and give you a place to stay, or sick and come and visit you?” And Jesus said, “I tell you, when you did it to one of the least of these, my brothers and sisters, you did it to me.”
I have no idea whether or not that was on the mind of the clerk – or the old woman. But it’s sure been on my mind. And now, maybe it’s on yours too.
--
Peace,
Keith
Rev. Keith E.O. Homstad
Sunday, March 01, 2009
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Thoughts about Martin Luther King, Jr. Day 2009
Thoughts from Bob Kell,
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, 2009
It was beautiful to watch the pre-inauguration celebration on the Washington Mall. The beauty of our country’s diversity was so apparent. People there believe the promise that this country has a place for all. While much work remains to be done, there are signs of hope, reminding us of what we can be as a country.
At the same time, we hear stories of youth that continue to be the victims of racial slurs, of dreams that are extinguished by a system that still has no place for young people who grew up with no papers. We see a faltering economy that is finding many victims, not least among the working poor where many immigrants number themselves. The work is not yet done.
The Welcome Center and Faribault Diversity Coalition have made such work its mission. It has worked to remind us all of our call to be a community of respect, of compassion, and of empowerment. It has tried to be a place where food, clothing, assistance, and learning are offered to all who find themselves in need.
But like many in this economy, it too is struggling. Grants have been difficult to come by. Fundraising attempts have fallen short. We are facing some difficult decisions in the months ahead. The challenge is to sustain what has begun.
Looking back on 2008, what has the Welcome Center accomplished? Its Food Shelf provided 36,387 lbs of food to 1237 families in the Faribault community. It provided orientation and communication support in response to over 1200 immigrant requests for assistance. The Welcome Center organized the Community Garden where 25 families came together to grow food. International Market Day brought our community together for the third year to celebrate its diversity over Labor Day weekend, with over 400 visitors to Central Park. Sharing Circles brought people together to learn of each other as neighbors. Carpentry classes joined community mentors with new learners to pass on skills for life and work.
Telling for the coming months has been the caseload in the last month and a half. Since December 1, the Welcome Center has handled 165 appointments for assistance with forms or information. 80 of them had to do with applications for unemployment.
December was also our heaviest month for Food Shelf usage, serving 161 households with 4750 lbs of food. The Welcome Center is meeting a clear need.
We are seeking your support for 2009. We continue to seek alternative funding, but we are in urgent need of financial and volunteer help at this time. We believe we are meeting a need in the community and look for ideas and assistance that may enable us to continue our work into the future. Please consider how you may be able to help. This plea is not just for the Welcome Center, but for all the people who turn to it for help.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, 2009
It was beautiful to watch the pre-inauguration celebration on the Washington Mall. The beauty of our country’s diversity was so apparent. People there believe the promise that this country has a place for all. While much work remains to be done, there are signs of hope, reminding us of what we can be as a country.
At the same time, we hear stories of youth that continue to be the victims of racial slurs, of dreams that are extinguished by a system that still has no place for young people who grew up with no papers. We see a faltering economy that is finding many victims, not least among the working poor where many immigrants number themselves. The work is not yet done.
The Welcome Center and Faribault Diversity Coalition have made such work its mission. It has worked to remind us all of our call to be a community of respect, of compassion, and of empowerment. It has tried to be a place where food, clothing, assistance, and learning are offered to all who find themselves in need.
But like many in this economy, it too is struggling. Grants have been difficult to come by. Fundraising attempts have fallen short. We are facing some difficult decisions in the months ahead. The challenge is to sustain what has begun.
Looking back on 2008, what has the Welcome Center accomplished? Its Food Shelf provided 36,387 lbs of food to 1237 families in the Faribault community. It provided orientation and communication support in response to over 1200 immigrant requests for assistance. The Welcome Center organized the Community Garden where 25 families came together to grow food. International Market Day brought our community together for the third year to celebrate its diversity over Labor Day weekend, with over 400 visitors to Central Park. Sharing Circles brought people together to learn of each other as neighbors. Carpentry classes joined community mentors with new learners to pass on skills for life and work.
Telling for the coming months has been the caseload in the last month and a half. Since December 1, the Welcome Center has handled 165 appointments for assistance with forms or information. 80 of them had to do with applications for unemployment.
December was also our heaviest month for Food Shelf usage, serving 161 households with 4750 lbs of food. The Welcome Center is meeting a clear need.
We are seeking your support for 2009. We continue to seek alternative funding, but we are in urgent need of financial and volunteer help at this time. We believe we are meeting a need in the community and look for ideas and assistance that may enable us to continue our work into the future. Please consider how you may be able to help. This plea is not just for the Welcome Center, but for all the people who turn to it for help.
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