Immigrant families began moving to West Central Minnesota in the early 2000s, many to work in local agricultural and manufacturing companies. As the number of immigrants increased over the years, the changes inspired a need for new and long-time community members to create connections. Conexiones was founded in 2016 to support new families as they learn how to navigate a new country and to bridge cultural divides within Stevens County and Swift County communities. The ultimate goal of this work is to build a stronger, more united community.
With support from the Together We Thrive Grant, Conexiones, in partnership with KMS Community Education, organized three family centered activities during summer 2024. This included an outing to Glacial Lakes State Park, a family bus trip to Country Blossom Farm and a community pool night.
“We had a wonderful summer hosting activities that brought families from all walks of life together. These events offered opportunities for community members to build lasting relationships and a sense of community,” said Conexiones Executive Director Autumn Macias. “One participant, who had been in the U.S. with his family for just three months at the time of our trip to Glacial Lakes State Park, summed it up perfectly: ‘Truly, it was a great experience because it really helped us connect with more people.'”
About the grants
In fiscal year 2024, our Together We Thrive Grants helped bring people together to find solutions that benefit the entire region, because we believe we’re better together. To do good work together, we awarded nearly $60,000 in grant funding to 17 partners across the region who help create belonging by: providing a strong foundation for youth to develop essential skills and resilience; fostering thriving communities by empowering them to prioritize mental wellness; and creating a sense of belonging through collaborative projects that bring together individuals from diverse backgrounds.
