What is Project FINE?

Project FINE (Focus on Integrating Newcomers through Education), is a local, private, non-profit organization that has been serving refugees and immigrants in Winona County since 1990. It is a safe home for refugees and immigrants, where they can feel comfortable voicing their concerns, and can find help getting connected to area resources. Staff and volunteers guide newcomers through community systems, help fill out job applications, provide job coaching, give information, make appointments, and interpret at various medical, business and employment, social service, financial or government appointments. As a result, newcomers are able to integrate into the community and voice their needs despite the language barrier. Many have found jobs, and families who used to be on welfare have been able to come off public assistance. People are learning the U.S. banking system, buying their own homes, and becoming American citizens. Project FINE provides communication and friendship, and helps to keep the hopes and dreams of newcomers alive. In turn, the economy of our community is enhanced, our lives are enriched, and The American Dream continues.

Mission Statement

To strengthen and enrich our community by facilitating the incorporation of people who are ethnically diverse

Vision Statement

To create a respectful and sensitive community

Project FINE Facts

• Started in 1990 with a grant from the University of Minnesota Extension to serve at-risk youth from non-English speaking families.
• Project FINE is the only organization in the Winona area with a primary objective of serving newcomers with limited English proficiency.
• The organization operates with an 18-member volunteer Board of Directors, three full-time and one part time staff, two VISTA volunteers, interpreters and volunteers from the community.
• Our funding comes from language services revenue, grants, private donations, and other service-based fees. Over 90% of our funds are spent on programs and direct service.
• We provide or participate in hundreds of hours of educational programming each year.
• Project FINE has the only credentialed medical interpreter service in Winona that is recognized by the state of Minnesota for third party reimbursement.
• We maintain a roster of 50 interpreters for 19 languages.
• Over 130 individuals in more than 40 locations are served each month by Project FINE.
• 80% of Winona County newcomers are Spanish-speaking
• 15% are ethnically Hmong
• 5% Laotian, Russian, Chinese, Ukrainian, Bosnian, Korean, Vietnamese