ROCHESTER, MN – Today, COPAL hosted a community celebration to mark the opening of its new Southeast office in Rochester. This is COPAL’s third office in Minnesota, joining the existing spaces in Minneapolis and Mankato. By strategically establishing an office in Rochester, COPAL will be able to offer resources and support for hundreds of Latines in the Southeast region of the state which covers Olmsted, Winona, Goodhue, Steel, Wabasha, Mower, Rice, and Dodge.
Local community members and COPAL representatives and members came together to celebrate this significant milestone at the site of the new office. The event featured a program presented by COPAL, highlighting the anticipated impact of the office on the people it serves. Serving as a dynamic hub, the office will provide resources, support, and advocacy, including guidance on organizing and leadership, health and wellness initiatives, as well as employment and career services.
“I am so thrilled to see the expansion of COPAL to our Rochester community,” said state representative Kim Hicks. “COPAL’s organizing of the Latino Power throughout Minnesota is unmatched. From their experience during the pandemic helping support safety and health among the Latino community, to their advocacy to ensure workers are treated fairly, the organization has impacted many lives. The expansion in Rochester is another step to supporting Minnesota’s vibrant Latino community.”
COPAL has already laid the groundwork in Rochester. For the last four years, the organization has built connections with Latines who live in the area and has worked to address the specific needs of those Southeast communities.
The Rochester center is located at 1210 ½ 7th St NW and is open Monday through Saturday. For more information on the center, visit COPAL’s website.
COPAL Minnesota is a 501(c)(3)nonprofit organization leading social impact initiatives that drive political, social, and economic changes to improve the lives of Latine families in Minnesota. For more information, please visit www.copalmn.org.