Dear CLUES Community, 

Over the past 60 days, I have had the privilege of stepping into my role as President and CEO of Comunidades Latinas Unidas en Servicio, CLUES. I have begun this journey with deep gratitude and a profound sense of responsibility to the families, partners, and community members who have built and sustained this remarkable organization. 

During these first weeks, I have dedicated time to listening and learning from the families we serve, our staff, and our partners who walk beside us in building stronger communities. 

In moments like these, the presence of trusted community institutions becomes even more important. At CLUES, our focus remains on our mission: walking alongside the families and communities we serve and ensuring they have access to trusted information, supportive services, and opportunities to move forward with dignity. 

Looking ahead, my vision for CLUES is rooted in both possibility and purpose. Together, we will continue to strengthen the systems that support Latino families, expanding pathways to education, workforce opportunities, entrepreneurship, and family wellbeing. 

During the last weeks, I have seen the human side of these realities every day; parents doing everything to protect their children; young people striving to stay focused on their education while carrying concerns about their families; workers who continue contributing to their communities even when the future feels uncertain. I have also realized that families visiting CLUES are seeking more than services. They also need clarity, connection, and reassurance that they are not alone. 

Across Minnesota, Latino families contribute every day to the economic, cultural, and civic vitality of our state. They are workers, entrepreneurs, parents, students, and leaders shaping the future of Minnesota. Yet many families are also navigating moments of uncertainty. In recent months, increased immigration enforcement activity across the metro area has created real fear and confusion in the daily lives of many families. Even at this difficult time, I have seen something powerful:  

I see resilience. 

I see neighbors supporting neighbors. 

I see a community that refuses to surrender its hope.

Looking Ahead: Our Immediate Focus

As we move forward, CLUES will prioritize: 

• Advancing workforce and economic mobility pathways, including re-employment and re-skilling support 
• Supporting micro and small business recovery and entrepreneurship 
• Deepening community navigation and crisis response services to ensure families can access resources quickly and with dignity 
• Strengthening Canasta Familiar to meet rising food demand 
• Expanding access to mental health and substance use disorder services through our behavioral health clinics

This is not just about service delivery. It is about strengthening the systems that allow families and our state to thrive. 

Because when families feel safe, supported, and connected, they thrive. And when Latino families thrive, Minnesota thrives. 

With gratitude, 

Liliana Letrán-García 
CLUES President and CEO