Conexiones

Conexiones is a registered non-profit organization based in Morris, Minnesota. It is our vision to create stronger, more united communities by providing immigrants with the resources they need to enable success and a feeling of community connectivity. Conexiones strives to build connections and bridge cultural divides in Stevens and Swift County.

We appreciate the community support and our work would not be possible without donors like you.

Check out our website, www.conexionesmn.org,  to learn more about Conexiones and our work. 

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2025 A Year of Collaboration & Connection

At Conexiones, we are grateful for another year in the books and for everyone who supported us in carrying out our programming in 2025. We want to take this opportunity to highlight the year’s accomplishments and share our vision as we look ahead to 2026.

Collaborating for Community
Throughout 2025, one theme stood out clearly: collaboration. We partner with schools, emergency service providers, community organizations, and families to create opportunities for connection and learning.

We collaborated with more than 20 organizations in 2025, including KMS Schools, Stevens and Swift County 4-H, RUSC Kinship Mentoring, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, UMN Morris, and Horizon Public Health, among others. Through these partnerships, we created opportunities for learning, connection, and shared experiences. Each event, whether a bilingual parent night, a summer program, or an outdoor adventure, deepened the relationships that make our communities stronger.

Connecting to People
We began the year with our Familias Fuertes (Strong Families) event, where participants reconnected with themselves and their peers through music, reflection, and art to support well-being and manage stress. Events like this help families build community support networks.

Our largest event of the year, the annual festival we call Connections Day, featured music and dance, food vendors, and activities for all ages. It created a welcoming space where new and longtime residents could join together to celebrate culture and community. 

We launched Verano en Acción (Summer in Action), a 12 session program for mothers and children in Stevens and Swift Counties. Many immigrant women report feeling isolated as they adjust to a new country and culture and this program offered a space to connect and build friendships. In total, 21 mothers and 32 children participated across our two counties. 

Connecting to Place
We help families put down roots and feel at home in Minnesota by creating opportunities for people to explore and connect with their surroundings. 

Our collaborations with local 4-H programs provided families with hands-on experiences at local farms, wetlands, and with recreational activities like archery.

We also hosted a camping weekend with the Minnesota DNR at Lake Carlos State Park. For many, it was their first time camping or visiting a state park. Families learned to canoe, fish, build a campfire, and set up a tent, all while exploring the great outdoors.

Connecting to Systems

Adjusting to life in a new country means learning to navigate systems like healthcare, housing, and education, which can feel unfamiliar and overwhelming. We organize activities that familiarize families with these systems. 

Our Community Night Out event brought together safety and health agencies, like local clinics and the fire department, to connect with families in a friendly, approachable setting. We also reinstated bilingual hospital tours through our partnership with Stevens Community Medical Center to help families learn how to access care.

To support students and parents, we launched Puentes al Futuro (Bridges to the Future), a college preparation series for families with students in 7th–12th grade. Over 40 people attended each session. They learned practical information on college applications, finances, and navigating higher education in the U.S.

Looking Ahead

This year, we undertook internal strategic planning to guide our work in the years ahead. What remains clear is that our mission, and the passion that fuels it, will continue to drive our long-term success.

We have learned that collaboration multiplies impact. We will carry that lesson forward by working hand in hand with community partners and families to make our communities a better place for everyone.

Thank you for believing in this work, for supporting our mission, and for walking alongside us as we continue to form connections across our communities.

With gratitude,

The Conexiones Leadership Team