As the primary multicultural human service provider in Austin Minnesota, the Welcome Center, Inc. served 815 unduplicated residents of Austin and areas around Austin. Of those served, 95% were immigrants and refugees. The Welcome Center offered three core programs during the period July 2009 to June 2010 including: • Advocacy & Client Services – this program provided greatly needed translation/interpretation, advocacy and navigation services that helped 715 immigrants/refugees connect to a myriad of resources including but not limed to housing, health, employment, childcare, education, financial services and more. 80% of those served resolved their presenting issue. • College Access Program – launched in January 2010, this program prepared 94 9th-12th grade immigrant/refugee students for post-secondary education. During the period of 1/10 to 6/30, students were taken to various college campuses, and attended many workshops. Six seniors applied for and got accepted into college. • Community Cultural Education – The Welcome Center promotes community building activities via cultural awareness presentations and trainings and various cultural celebrations. In the past year we collaborated with various organizations and participated in the Taste of Nations event. The event showcased the diversity in Austin and Mower County by bringing together people, performances, and food. Over 1,000 people attended the event.

The Board of Directors have approved the following strategic goals: 1. Find a new location for the Welcome Center 2. Diversify funding sources by expanding program funding through local, state, federal grants and other foundation support. 3. Increase the income of the Welcome Center by 50%. 4. Develop methods for evaluating services and programs as well as continuing to identify the gaps in service or emerging needs in the community that impact Welcome Center clients and actively pursue partnerships and funding to fill the known needs. 5. Work to increase our 100 Point Assessment from 79 – 95 points 6. Receive non-profit credentialing through the Charities Review Council.

New residents, immigrants and refugees with cultural and/or language barriers.

SouthEastern Minnesota with a focus on Mower County.