A WIN-ing Ministry

Thank you to congregational members, and friends of Winona Immigration Network in the Winona area, who attended, "A Taste of Latin America," to raise funds for our families from Colombia and Nicaragua.  Your support, and that of partnering congregations, has made this ministry possible and we are very grateful!  

WIN is currently assisting six adults and four children, ages 2,9,11 and 13 from Colombia, and two adults from Nicaragua.  After a long wait, Alex and Veronica recently received their Social Security numbers and Employment Authorization Cards.  We know you share their joy!  They went right to work at Fanatics where Julio and Jazmina are also working.  Edelber works at Behrens Manufacturing.

Now that school has started, three of the children are back in their classrooms.  Carlos Thomas and Jeronimo are attending Winona Middle School.  Dylan Mathias attends the Spanish Immersion Program at Jefferson.  We have worked with Project Fine, Ready Set School and the Winona School District in finding ways to assist them as they continue their education and become accustomed to school in the United States.    

The immigrants that are working are responsible for most of their day to day expenses.  Legal expenses, car repairs and medical bills often remain beyond their means.  Your continued prayers and support of this ministry are appreciated. We recently met with each of the WIN families to find out how things are going for them, and to discuss their long and short term goals.  The WIN families say they are "very happy" in Winona.  They say, "People are so nice here" and also that they "feel safe" here.  We're so happy they feel that way.  We thank you for your generosity and kindness to them.  Donations are always welcome by mailing a check made out to Central Lutheran Church with "WIN" on the memo line.  Mail to Central Lutheran Church 259 W. Wabasha St. Winona MN 55987.

Blessings!

Denise Bernatz and Judy Davis co-chairs of WIN