Mission Statement
CAPI’s mission is to guide immigrants and refugees in their journey toward self-determination and social equality. Key organizational values are rooted in equity, inclusion and accessibility and organization goals (facilitated through programming) have centered on meeting basic/foundational needs, increasing income and wealth, and elevating voices with decision-makers to advance the social and economic position of immigrants and U.S.-born populations of color.
Impact and Programs
Accomplishments
BASIC NEEDS: CAPI’s Food Shelf served 1,927 households and 7,253 individuals (with some duplication). CAPI launched new monthly home delivered food to 120+ seniors. CAPI’s MNsure collaboration completed 670 enrollments in a health plan. CAPI’s Benefit Enrollment Center enrolled 141 clients in public benefits. CAPI’s Hmong Seniors and Caregiver Program supported to 67 Hmong seniors and 58 adult caregivers.
ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT: This unit served 1,158 individuals in employment (774), financial and housing services (83) and VITA services (301). Highlights included 124 job placements; 76 earned an industry recognized credential; 62 received financial coaching with 70% indicating advancements (i.e., increased savings, improved credit scores, etc.); 51 completed homebuyer workshops; 51 received homebuyer counseling with 65% making advancements toward home purchasing and 5 purchasing homes; VITA services yielded $577k in Federal, State and Property tax refunds and approximately $75k in tax preparation fee savings.
CIVIC ENGAGEMENT: CAPI facilitated $123k in sub-grants to 14 Ignite MN Asian Power (IMAP) Coalition member agencies. Key outcomes included: 277 voter registrations; 121 absentee ballot assistance; 25,792 households called pre GOTV; 63,109 households called during GOTV; and 5,599 census pledges secured.
THREE NEW COVID-19 INITIATVES: CAPI’s COVID Relief sub-granted $105k to 6 BIPOC agencies to provide phone-based navigation to critical services. Over 6,500 people were reached; CAPI’s COVID Community Connectors (in collaboration with new Millennium Academy) provided COVID outreach, case management and testing assistance to the Hmong community; CAPI’s Emergency Housing administered $84,000 in direct emergency housing to people behind in their rent, mortgage, and utility payments.
Current Goals
CAPI’s 2021 Programmatic Goals include:
1. Provide in-person services in all programs by the 3rd quarter of 2021 (while continuing to provide virtual services in instances where it can be demonstrated that service accessibility is enhanced).
2. Develop, implement and evaluate in-person outreach efforts leading to increased enrollments in the following programs/services: Hmong Caregiver Support, MNsure, Benefits Enrollment Center, COVID-19 Community Connector, Career Pathways, Financial Opportunity Center, Homebuyer Services, VITA services, and Housing Advocacy.
3. Develop new employer partnerships leading to increased job placements at $15+/hour plus benefits.
4. Develop new referral partners (leading to increased enrollments) with MNsure, Benefits Enrollment Center and Homebuyer Services.
5. Develop a new Career Pathways training in addition to CNA and Manufacturing.
6. Develop, implement and evaluate new Public Policy initiatives.
7. Develop new health-related programming leading to the Immigrant Opportunity Center becoming known as a health and wellness center.
Community or Constituency Served
Immigrants, refugees and U.S.-born populations of color living in Hennepin County.
Geographic Area Served
CAPI operates two multi-service centers in Hennepin County (Immigrant Opportunity Center in Brooklyn Center and East Lake Street Center in South Minneapolis). Our primary service area includes Minneapolis and Northwest Hennepin suburban communities. While CAPI does serve some individuals in other counties, the overwhelming majority of people served are Hennepin County residents.
