On Wednesday, January 25, I met with Gary Reierson -- President of the Greater Minneapolis Council of Churches, Bruce Bjork, and Sara Nelson-Pallmeyer. Sara is director of the UMCC's new Center for Families, a facility at 3333 3rd Av N that will serve all comers, but is particularly for recent immigrants from Western Africa. I was surprised to learn that some 50,000 recent West African immigrants are living in the Twin Cities, and that many live in the western metropolitan area. The Center for Families will offer a host of programs for immigrant families, as well as provide office space for various groups providing social and other services on the North Side. Dr. Reierson was interested in finding ways to link with the University -- perhaps especially in areas related to immigration law -- but we also pledged to stay in touch and see if other possibilities arise.
I was greatly impressed, and look forward to going to the Center's grand opening celebration on Sunday, Feb 12.
at January 27, 2006 10:19 PM