ABOUT CAPI

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OUR MISSION

Our Mission is to advance prosperity for immigrants.

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OUR VISION

We envision a Minnesota where not only the immediate needs of individuals are met, but a place where all people have access to the best opportunities to develop flourishing, prosperous communities.

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Our Values

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  • CAPI believes that all people are important members of our community and should therefore be welcomed with dignity and respect.

  • CAPI is stronger, wiser, and more connected to our community when we are made up of people from around the world.

  • CAPI recognizes the value of each individual and culture, intentionally cultivating relationships to collectively make an impact in our communities.

  • CAPI is committed to improving and refining social systems to advance the welfare of the entire community, especially those with less influence and resources.

  • When you’re starting over in a new country–or just trying to stay afloat in a system that feels like it wasn’t designed for you–every step forward can feel like pushing against the tide.

    CAPI provides comprehensive support services for immigrants and refugees in the Twin Cities. By addressing immediate needs and long-term goals, CAPI partners with individuals and families to achieve self-sufficiency and build thriving lives.

    Through holistic support, culturally grounded programs, and community-driven initiatives, CAPI connects individuals and families to the resources, opportunities, and advocacy they need to build lasting stability and generational impact.

    We serve more than 10,000 immigrants and refugees living primarily in Hennepin County. Approximately 67% are Asian, 14% are Black/African-American, 8% are Middle Eastern, 7% are Latinx, and 5% are White/Other. Over 84% of the people we serve are living at or below the federally designated poverty level.

  • 75% of our leadership team identifies as immigrants or children of immigrants. Participants can expect to interact with professionals who understand their culture and language, ensuring deep trust and connection.

  • CAPI exists to meet people at the hardest points in their lives–with food when the fridge is empty, guidance when the paperwork is in a language they don’t speak, and opportunity when the doors seem permanently closed. We don’t just offer services. We offer trust. We offer a hand that doesn’t point down, but reaches across. And from that first moment of connection, we begin building something stronger together. Because we know that real change doesn’t come from quick fixes, it comes from community.

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History

CAPI was founded as The Centre for Asian and Pacific Islanders in 1982 by a coalition of church groups helping Southeast Asian refugees settle in Minnesota in the aftermath of the Vietnam War. This, then food shelf, was the only culturally-specific f

CAPI was founded as The Centre for Asian and Pacific Islanders in 1982 by a coalition of church groups helping Southeast Asian refugees settle in Minnesota in the aftermath of the Vietnam War. This, then food shelf, was the only culturally-specific food shelf in the state of Minnesota.

Not long after, it was soon evident that the needs in the community were much greater. CAPI adapted its services to embrace new refugees and immigrants from all over the world, expanding the programming offered and support given.

Not long after, it was soon evident that the needs in the community were much greater. CAPI adapted its services to embrace new refugees and immigrants from all over the world, expanding the programming offered and support given.

In 2008, the organization changed its name to CAPI USA to reflect this increasingly multicultural focus and diverse population of participants.

In 2008, the organization changed its name to CAPI USA to reflect this increasingly multicultural focus and diverse population of participants.

Today, CAPI annually serves over 10,000 individuals through culturally respectful programming and support.

Today, CAPI annually serves over 10,000 individuals through culturally respectful programming and support.

In June 2018, CAPI opened our new Immigrant Opportunity Center (IOC) headquarters in Brooklyn Center, maintaining our second location on East Lake Street in Minneapolis.

In June 2018, CAPI opened our new Immigrant Opportunity Center (IOC) headquarters in Brooklyn Center, maintaining our second location on East Lake Street in Minneapolis.

“CAPI cares about the people they are helping. They are consistent about reaching out and asking me what they can do to help me.”

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— CAPI Participant

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