Community and Culture Connections opens doors for everyone in Kossuth County.

When Jennifer Davis stepped in to interpret a wedding for two Cuban immigrants in 2022, she had no idea it would spark the creation of a movement. “It became very clear that we were all experiencing some of the same things,” said Jennifer, executive director of Community and Culture Connections. “The language barrier has caused a lot of issues for everyone.”

Formally launched as a nonprofit in 2023, Community and Culture Connections grew from a grassroots initiative to a full-fledged organization focused on helping immigrants thrive in Kossuth County. “We really need them here,” Jennifer emphasized. “If we were to lose either a large majority or all of our Latino population, it’s possible our industries could close.”

From interpreting courthouse forms to organizing English classes and cultural dinners, the organization works to eliminate barriers for newcomers while celebrating their contributions. “They contribute not only to the economy and to our job market, but they do want to serve,” said Jennifer. “They want to contribute to our community. We’re just trying to help them find a way.”

According to Jennifer, many in Algona have accepted its immigrant community, which can be felt by newcomers, including Robin and Yudi, whose wedding spurred the beginnings of the organization. “After arriving in the town of Algona, we thought that the journey would be very difficult, but thank God we met people with loving souls and a desire to support us but also our Latino community.”

One of the most impactful new efforts is the Community Connections Center, which offers space for job-skills workshops, English classes, arts programming, and more. “This center should reach all of not only Algona, but the county,” said Jennifer. “We welcome everyone in the community.”

The center was made possible in large part by a $28,000 grant from the Kossuth County Community Foundation. “It means the world to me and to the organization,” Jennifer said. “Without this grant, I don’t think I could put together enough funds to be able to do something like this.”

For Jennifer, this mission is deeply personal. “My mother was born in Japan and experienced rejection when she came to the U.S. and eventually to Iowa after World War II,” she said. “She taught me that we grow when we open our hearts and our minds to other people.”

She believes the community can grow stronger through that same openness. “If we can see and appreciate our differences and learn from them—what an amazing community we can be.”