Thank you, businesses
March 9, 2026 ─ We want to take the time to thank all the businesses and organizations near and far who stepped up during these times of crisis when our immigrant and refugee community needed us the most. All your contributions through donations, in-kind gifts, group volunteering events, and more, have given us the opportunity to support to our clients by expanding our legal services, delivering groceries, offering rent assistance and more. As time goes by, this continued support will be imperative for the success and recovery of our clients.
We have received words of encouragement from these businesses and organizations which has lifted our spirits in our fight against the hate that unfolded in our state. This generosity showed us how passionate people are in supporting and protecting our immigrant and refugee community. Here are some of the messages we received from them:
“As a seasoned worker, I’ve participated in many mutual aid efforts, none have ever generated so much support, compassion, and generosity. Thank you for welcoming immigrant and refugee families in MN. We in Duluth have your back- yesterday, today and tomorrow.
“We know it’s a small gesture in this time of great need, but we want you to know that you have friends in MI that are thinking of you and supporting your work.”
“Thank you for all the important work you do for Minnesotan communities.”
We also want to take this moment to emphasize the importance of showing support to local immigrant businesses. They faced significant losses and hardships during Operation Metro Surge and Operation PARRIS. These operations caused short and long-term effects to many local businesses who lost customers, employees, and revenue. As they work towards recovery, we encourage you to support your local immigrant businesses as they make strides in keeping their doors open.
List of businesses/organizations who contributed to the Institute
Thank you again for standing with New Americans so they can find safety, stability, and success.
Positively 3rd Street Bakery
Boreas L.L.C.
Prior Lake Rotary Foundation
SafeGenerations
BlackStack Brewing
Evans Transportation Services
International Institute of New England
Blaze Credit Union
Ladies Community Church Fellowship
Health Advocates
Affiance Financial
Agricultural Investment Associates Inc.
ESG Architecture & Design, Inc.
Platinum Technologies, LLC
The Book Nook
Aurie Consulting
Parkway Pizza Company
Cinematicalism
Beth Tikvah Congregration
Great River Psychotherapy
Apiary Market
CRUDE Personal Care
La Marea
Beck’s Books
Kamajit Tree
Shine Wealth
Bethel’Bethany United Church of Christ
Blue Health Intelligence (BHI)
Versa Business Partners LLC
3:1 Corporate HPM Solutions
Olfactory Obsession
Prideletics
First Presbyterian Church of Lubbock, Texas
PeopleFirst Clinic PLLC
GEN Financial Management, Inc.
Hoistad Counseling
Wit and Delight
BlueHub Capital
Bloom Arts Strategy
Cedarwood Counseling
Chatterboxmali
Ardaigh Suas Academy of Irish Dance
Sarah Rose Miller, LLC
Soggy Meadows Farm
Grease Pole Prints
Dandelion Acres Buddhist Retreat Center
NCMIC
True Artists Agency, LLC
Story & Teller
Artings and Such
About the International Institute of Minnesota
For over half a century, the International Institute of Minnesota has successfully welcomed more than 26,000 refugees to our state. Founded in 1919, the International Institute of Minnesota offers New Americans quality services that support their journey to stability and success. The Institute’s comprehensive offerings include refugee resettlement, English education, workforce and leadership development, college preparation and immigration and citizenship assistance. The Institute is recognized as Minnesota’s leading charitable organization dedicated to helping New Americans rebuild their lives while pursuing their personal and professional goals.
How to Help
Contributions to the International Institute of Minnesota help us fund and provide services during times of uncertainty. The Institute is grateful for the community’s support in standing with New Americans so they can find safety, stability and success. Our mission will remain possible because of the community’s generosity.