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  • (320) 774-1328
  • (320) 237-4621
  • info@cmceogroup.org
  • 2719 W Division St Ste 124, Saint Cloud, MN 56301
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Cmceo Group

About us

✦ Cmceo Group

Who We Are

The Central Minnesota Community Empowerment Organization (CMCEO) is a BIPOC-led and BIPOC-serving community organization dedicated to transforming lives through comprehensive support services. Since 2015, we have been a beacon of hope and empowerment for refugee and immigrant communities in Central Minnesota, providing the essential resources and advocacy needed to build thriving, sustainable futures.

Our Mission

CMCEO's mission is to support and empower Central Minnesota Refugee and Immigrant Communities through service and advocacy. We believe that every individual and family deserves access to the tools and resources necessary to achieve economic stability, personal growth, and community integration.

Our Vision

We envision a community where immigrant populations are fully integrated through economic stability, equity, cultural preservation, and advocacy. Our goal is to build bridges between communities, fostering understanding, collaboration, and mutual support that strengthens the entire Central Minnesota region.

Our Impact

CMCEO serves as a bedrock of economic wellness, health, and social empowerment that creates lasting positive change throughout our community. Our integrated approach addresses the interconnected challenges faced by refugee and immigrant families, providing comprehensive solutions that lead to meaningful, long-term success.

Nearly 10,000 people supported annually​

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Since 2015, we have been providing vital community services

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Thousands of individuals helped with career building and community engagement

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What Makes Us Different

Our strength lies in our integrated service model that recognizes the complex, interconnected needs of the communities we serve. Rather than addressing issues in isolation, we provide comprehensive support that includes:

Economic Empowerment

Youth Empowerment

Housing Support

Workforce Development

Education and Training

Advocacy

Our Community Programs

Take Ten Program
Our Take Ten program provides crucial training on interpersonal and conflict resolution skills, delivered by trained college individuals to high school students in School District 742. This innovative program was recognized with a District 742 Partners in Education Award, highlighting its effectiveness in building essential life skills among young people.
Cultural Bridges Program
Led by a highly educated and talented team of community leaders, Cultural Bridges delivers vital services across multiple areas: Sustainable Food through community gardening initiatives Education via ESL/ELL courses Health including COVID-19 relief efforts This program operates in St. Joseph, MN, creating lasting connections and support networks.
La Cruz Community Program
La Cruz provides 104 affordable apartment units in South St. Cloud for individuals and families at or below 60% of the area median income. Beyond housing, this program offers comprehensive information, referral, and advocacy services for diverse families, with particular focus on supporting immigrant Somali and East African communities.

✦ CMCEO Group

Our Commitment

We understand that successful integration and empowerment require more than just individual services—they require a community-wide commitment to equity, understanding, and mutual support. We are dedicated to not only serving our immediate community but also advocating for systemic changes that create lasting opportunities for all Central Minnesota residents.

Through our work, we strive to ensure that every refugee and immigrant family has access to the resources, support, and advocacy they need to not just survive, but thrive in their new home. Together, we are building stronger, more inclusive communities that benefit everyone.

Board of Directors

CMCEO is governed by a dedicated Board of Directors comprised of community leaders, professionals, and advocates who are deeply committed to our mission. Our board provides strategic oversight, ensures fiscal responsibility, and guides our organization's long-term vision for community empowerment.

Our board members bring diverse expertise in areas including nonprofit management, community development, education, healthcare, business development, and immigrant services. This diverse leadership ensures that CMCEO remains responsive to community needs while maintaining the highest standards of organizational excellence.

For current board member information and bios, please contact our office.

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To learn more about our current leadership team, please visit our offices or contact us directly.

Leadership

CMCEO's leadership team consists of experienced professionals who are passionate about community empowerment and have deep roots in the communities we serve.

Our leadership brings together expertise in program development, community organizing, cultural competency, and nonprofit management. Our leadership team understands firsthand the challenges faced by refugee and immigrant communities, and this personal connection drives our commitment to providing culturally responsive, effective services. We believe in community-led solutions and ensure that the voices of those we serve are central to our decision-making processes.

History

Our Beginning (2015)

CMCEO was founded in 2015 in response to the growing needs of refugee and immigrant communities in Central Minnesota. Recognizing that existing services were often fragmented or culturally inaccessible, community leaders came together to create an organization that would provide comprehensive, culturally competent support.

Growth and Development (2015-2020)

In our early years, we focused on establishing core services including housing support, basic education programs, and advocacy. As trust grew within the community, more families began accessing our services, and we expanded our programming to meet emerging needs.

Expansion and Recognition (2020-Present)

The past few years have seen significant growth in both our impact and recognition. Our Take Ten program received the District 742 Partners in Education Award, and our La Cruz housing program has provided stable homes for over 100 families. Today, we serve nearly 10,000 people annually across multiple program areas.

Looking Forward

As we continue to grow, CMCEO remains committed to our founding principles: community-led solutions, comprehensive support, and advocacy for systemic change. We are constantly evolving our services to meet the changing needs of Central Minnesota's diverse communities.

Main Office

Address: 2719 W Division St Ste 124, Saint Cloud, MN 56301

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Community Service Center

Address: 1546 6th Ave S #63 Saint Cloud, MN 56301

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Office Hours

We welcome visitors daily during business hours. Our offices are designed to be welcoming, accessible spaces where community members can access services, attend programs, or simply connect with others.

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