Intercultural Mutual Assistance Association (IMAA)

Founded as a nonprofit organization in 1984 in Rochester, Minnesota, IMAA provides culturally and linguistically appropriate support services that foster the well-being and independence of refugee and immigrant residents. An agency of the United Way of Olmsted County since 1986, IMAA's budget is funded through a combination of public grants, private grants, service fees, and individual contributions. IMAA is also supported by the efforts of active and loyal volunteers. Last year IMAA programs helped 500 refugees and immigrants find employment and helped guide over 5000 people to meet their own health, language, employment, and social needs. IMAA's programs include Interpreting & Translating, Community Health Worker, Employment Services, Resettlement Programs, Victim Services, and Community Outreach. The leadership at IMAA is committed to reflecting and responding to changes in the demographics of arriving refugees and immigrants, carefully maintaining a multi-ethnic approach to services. At least 50% of IMAA's staff members and Board of Directors are multilingual first generation immigrants and refugees who carry out the mission of IMAA -- Building bridges between cultures by empowering individuals to create a diverse, inclusive, and equitable community..

IMAA is guided by its mission "Building bridges between cultures by empowering individuals to create a diverse, inclusive, and equitable community." IMAA assists new Americans through education, training, and support -- encouraging them to realize their hopes and dreams of a better life. IMAA was established in 1984 as a community response to the needs of refugees and immigrants resettling in Olmsted County and the surrounding area.