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Central Minnesota Community Empowerment

Together for Lasting Impact

Central Minnesota Community Empowerment Center provides Education Training, Housing Support, Career Advancement, Economic Empowerment, Youth Development & Business Development.

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Person Person Person 10K+
People Served Annually
CMCEO Volunteers
100+ Active Volunteers
About US

Who We Are

Central Minnesota Community Empowerment Center (CMCEO) was founded with a vision to create lasting positive impact in the lives of refugee and immigrant communities in Central Minnesota.
Since our inception, we have grown from a small grassroots organization to a comprehensive community empowerment center, serving hundreds of families through our diverse programs and services

Our Mission

CMCEO's mission is to support and empower Central Minnesota Refugee and Immigrant Communities through service and advocacy.

Our Vision

We envision a community where immigrant populations are fully integrated through economic stability, equity, cultural preservation, and advocacy.

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What We Do

Comprehensive Services for Community Empowerment

Education and Training Education
Education and Training

Building foundational skills through ESL/ELL classes, GED preparation, digital literacy training, and adult education programs that create pathways to success.

Research Research
Research

Using data and community-based research to drive effective programming, policy advocacy, and evidence-based community development.

Housing Support Housing
Housing Support and Advocacy

Ensuring stable, affordable housing through our La Cruz community program, housing search assistance, tenant rights advocacy, and emergency support.

Community Empowerment Advocacy
Advocacy and Community Empowerment

Amplifying community voices through organizing, policy advocacy, civic engagement, and leadership development that creates lasting systemic change.

Economic Empowerment Economy
Economic Empowerment

Building financial independence through entrepreneurship support, small business development, financial literacy training, and economic advocacy.

Youth and Workforce Youth
Youth and Workforce Development

Empowering young leaders and connecting individuals to meaningful careers through our award-winning Take Ten program, job placement services, and career training.

Small Business Support Business
Small Business Support & Economic Empowerment

Supporting entrepreneurs and building economic independence through business development, microloans, mentorship, and market access opportunities.

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Donate Now

Support CMCEO Group by Raising Valuable Donations

Raised : $25,000 Goal : $30,000
Our Core Focus

Four Pillars of Community Empowerment

Education & Training

Education & Training

ESL classes, GED prep, digital literacy

Housing Support

Housing Support

La Cruz housing, tenant advocacy

Career Development

Career Development

Job placement, workforce training

Community Advocacy

Community Advocacy

Policy work, civic engagement

Success Stories

Transforming Lives Through Community Programs

These flagship programs showcase CMCEO's commitment to evidence-based solutions and community-driven change. Each initiative addresses specific needs while contributing to our holistic approach to community empowerment.

Take Ten Program - Youth Leadership
Award Winner
Youth Development

TAKE TEN Program

Award-winning interpersonal and conflict resolution training program delivered by trained college students to high schoolers in District 742. Recognized with the prestigious District 742 Partners in Education Award.

500+ Students Trained
8 Years Running
La Cruz Housing - Affordable Housing
Housing
Housing Support

LA CRUZ Housing

Comprehensive affordable housing initiative providing 104 apartment units in South St. Cloud for families at or below 60% area median income, with specialized advocacy and referral services for Somali and East African immigrants.

104 Housing Units
300+ Families Served
Cultural Bridges - Community Gardening
Community
Community Leadership

CULTURAL BRIDGES

Community-led initiative addressing food security, education, and health through integrated programming including sustainable community gardening, ESL/ELL courses, and COVID-19 relief services.

Sustainable Food
ESL Education
Health Services
Stories Vector Stories Vector
2023 Annual Impact

Measurable Change, Lasting Impact

Our data-driven approach demonstrates real results in Central Minnesota's immigrant and refugee communities. These numbers represent lives transformed, families empowered, and futures brightened through comprehensive support services.

Community Services
10,000+

Community Members Served

Comprehensive support services including housing assistance, legal aid, and emergency support reaching thousands annually.

Community Support
Youth Programs
500+

Youth Development Participants

Award-winning programs like TAKE TEN building leadership skills, conflict resolution, and academic success for young people.

Youth Empowerment
Career Development
2,000+

Career Advancement Success

Job placement services, workforce development training, and entrepreneurship support creating economic stability.

Economic Empowerment
Making a Difference

Transforming Lives Through Action

CMCEO's comprehensive approach has created lasting change in Central Minnesota's immigrant and refugee communities through evidence-based programs and community partnership.

Community Services
10,000+ Annual Reach

Community Services & Support

Comprehensive support services reaching over 10,000 individuals annually through our community centers, providing essential resources for refugee and immigrant families.

Education Programs
500+ Students Served

Youth Development Excellence

Award-winning programs like TAKE TEN serve over 500 youth annually, building leadership skills and creating pathways to academic and personal success.

Career Development
2,000+ Career Placements

Economic Empowerment Success

Over 2,000 individuals supported through job search and placement services, creating sustainable career pathways and economic independence for families.

Impact Vector Impact Vector
CMCEO Volunteers
100+ Active Volunteers
Get Involved

Make a Difference in Your Community

Join CMCEO's mission to empower Central Minnesota's immigrant and refugee communities. Your skills, passion, and commitment can help transform lives and build stronger communities together.

Create Meaningful Impact

Work directly with community members to provide essential services like ESL classes, job training, housing support, and youth mentorship. Your contributions directly improve lives and help families achieve stability and success.

Develop Professional Skills

Gain valuable experience in community organizing, cultural competency, program development, and social services. Build leadership skills while working alongside experienced professionals and community advocates.

Join a Diverse Community

Become part of a vibrant, multicultural community committed to equity and justice. Connect with fellow volunteers, community leaders, and families from diverse backgrounds while building lasting friendships and professional networks.

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Community Voices

What Our Community Says About CMCEO

Real stories from community members whose lives have been transformed through CMCEO's comprehensive support services and programs.

"CMCEO helped me find stable housing through La Cruz and provided job training that led to my current position. The support I received was comprehensive and culturally sensitive. They understood my background and helped me navigate systems while preserving my dignity."

Community Member

Ahmed M.

La Cruz Resident & Program Participant

"The TAKE TEN program gave my daughter confidence and leadership skills I never imagined possible. CMCEO doesn't just provide services - they build community and empower young people to become leaders in their own right."

Parent

Fatima S.

Parent of TAKE TEN Participant

"CMCEO's ESL classes and workforce development program changed my life. I went from working minimum wage jobs to starting my own small business. Their support didn't stop at education - they helped with business planning and connected me to resources."

Entrepreneur

Maria G.

Small Business Owner & ESL Graduate

"As a District 742 educator, I've seen firsthand how CMCEO's programs transform not just individual students but entire communities. Their evidence-based approach and cultural competency make them an invaluable partner in education."

Educator

Jennifer L.

District 742 Educator

"Volunteering with CMCEO has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. This organization doesn't just serve the community - they empower it. Every program is designed with dignity and cultural respect at its core."

Volunteer

David K.

CMCEO Volunteer & Community Advocate