“COPAL does fantastic work on behalf of the Latino community in Minnesota, a community that has brought vibrancy and economic vitality to Lake Street over many years. The Latino Center for Community Engagement is another great step in the right direction for what this area needs. Not only will it fill a space that has been vacant for years, it will help revive the beauty and energy of Lake Street, and boost surrounding businesses.”

“The LCCE is exactly what our neighborhood needs. The site COPAL chose is the perfect location for a new community center. The current building has been vacant and in disrepair for almost 4 years (attracting trash & crime) and has been in dire need for someone to come in with a vision for the future. The beautiful new building and green space COPAL will build will not only be a huge visual improvement but also largely benefit our wonderfully diverse community as a whole. COPAL has gone above and beyond into taking into account the neighbors ideas and concerns during the process. The organization is an example of how thoughtful an entity can be when coming into a neighborhood to make sure there is thoughtful dialogue and respect with the existing neighbors to ensure a happy and peaceful transition for the neighborhood. We could not be more excited about the addition to our neighborhood. We plan to donate to the cause and cannot wait for building construction to get on its way.”

“Our state depends on the success of diverse communities. The Latino Center for Community Engagement gives Latines in Minnesota the resources to grow in their educational, professional and personal lives - all in one place. The importance of this center being on Lake Street, an area that has gone through severe trauma and healing over the past few years, cannot be understated. COPAL's commitment to Minnesota's Latine communities is already evident in the work they do every day. This center will allow them to expand their impact and further meet the needs and dreams of Latine families in our state.”

“About six years ago, we founded COPAL. When we began, our most significant assets were - and still are - our dreams, our creativity to address social challenges, our immense desire to live a decent life, and a growing number of people believing in our work and their continued support to succeed. We are making history. We took to heart a quote from Eduardo Galeano to guide our work: ‘Many small people, in small places, doing small things, can change the world.’ We are part of the social fabric of Minnesota, and we keep co-creating the building of an inclusive state.”

“This center is a testament to the values of inclusivity and community, forging a path where we can thrive and have a dignified life. It's not just a physical space; it's an investment in dreams, resilience, and the boundless potential especially for the youth. Together, we are shaping a future where every voice is heard, every dream is possible, and every individual can contribute to the rich tapestry of our community.”