VANSE Announcements

VANSE is honored to announce new grant support that strengthens our ability to connect Haitian and other immigrant families with trusted, culturally responsive services.

Building stronger pathways for immigrant families

VANSE was created to help newly arrived immigrants navigate life in Minnesota with dignity, clarity, and practical support. These new grant awards allow us to expand our social service access work, reach more families, and respond to urgent community needs during a difficult time for many immigrant households.

Community members who need assistance can call VANSE at (612) 416-8887.

Grant Announcement

VANSE Receives Funding to Launch the VANSE Social Service Access Hub

Project: VANSE Social Service Access Hub January, 2026 – June 30, 2027 Statewide Minnesota Access Award Amount: $348,682

VANSE is grateful to receive support through the Minnesota Department of Human Services Resettlement Programs Office initiative designed to strengthen access to social services for new Americans in Minnesota.

Through this funding, VANSE will expand a tri-modal service model that includes in-person support, mobile outreach, and virtual services. The goal is simple: make it easier for Haitian Creole-speaking newcomers and other immigrant families to access help in a language and setting they can trust.

The VANSE Social Service Access Hub is expected to serve at least 200 clients each year, with a focus on individuals and families who may not have access to federally funded benefits or other public support. This includes asylum seekers, TPS holders, parolees, and newly arrived community members working to stabilize their lives in Minnesota.

“This grant strengthens VANSE’s ability to meet people where they are, whether in person, online, or through community outreach. Our priority is to help families understand their options, connect to trusted resources, and move toward stability.”

What VANSE will do through this grant

Community intake and needs assessmentWe will help families identify their most urgent needs and create a practical next-step plan.

Case management and follow-upWe will provide ongoing support so families are not left to navigate systems alone.

Legal navigation and referralsWe will help community members connect with trusted legal and immigration-related resources.

Employment readinessWe will support resumes, interview preparation, job referrals, and workplace readiness.

Healthcare and basic needs connectionsWe will help families find support for health care, housing, food, transportation, and other essential needs.

ESL and cultural orientationWe will provide learning opportunities that help newcomers understand systems, expectations, and daily life in Minnesota.

Community Response Announcement

VANSE Receives Support Through the Immigrant Rapid Response Fund

Emergency Response Immigrant Community Support Basic Needs and Recovery Award Amount: $50,000

VANSE is also honored to receive support connected to the Immigrant Rapid Response Fund, a statewide philanthropic response supporting immigrant communities affected by immigration-related enforcement and community disruption.

This funding helps VANSE respond to immediate needs among Haitian families and other immigrant community members, especially those facing instability related to employment, housing, transportation, legal concerns, and access to essential services.

At a time when many families are afraid, uncertain, or disconnected from support, VANSE will continue serving as a trusted point of contact. We will use this support to help community members stabilize, understand available resources, and reconnect with the services they need.

How this support helps the community

Emergency basic needs supportHelping families connect with food, housing, transportation, and urgent care resources.

Trusted community guidanceProviding culturally responsive information in Haitian Creole and English.

Legal and service referralsConnecting people to organizations that can help protect rights and provide specialized support.

Recovery and rebuildingSupporting families as they regain stability after disruption, job loss, or fear caused by enforcement activity.

Need help or know someone who does?

VANSE can help Haitian newcomers and other immigrant families connect with support, referrals, and next steps. Assistance is available through our community call line.

Call VANSE Now: (612) 416-8887