Community Heroes

Community Heroes: Local Businesses Empowering Immigrant Families

At the Ethio American Foundation, we believe communities thrive when people, organizations, and businesses stand together in service of opportunity, inclusion, and shared purpose. Our Community Heroes are local businesses in Minnesota and beyond who partner with us to uplift immigrant families—especially those from Ethiopian and broader East African communities.

These businesses go beyond commerce. They make community impact visible. They host donation boxes, raise awareness, support events, and invite their customers to join a movement that bridges cultures, builds community, and empowers futures.

Why Community Heroes Matter

Minnesota is home to a vibrant East African population of over 85,000, including more than 37,000 Ethiopian‑Americans, alongside Eritrean, Somali, and other East African families. While this community is rich in talent, culture, and entrepreneurial spirit, many families still face barriers to education, economic stability, and culturally responsive services.

Our Community Heroes help remove those barriers. Their support directly channels community generosity toward programs in:

  • Youth Development & Mentorship
  • Economic Empowerment & Job Readiness
  • Education Access & Scholarship Support
  • Cultural Celebration & Storytelling
  • Community Advocacy & Resource Navigation

By supporting the Ethio American Foundation’s mission, these local businesses help transform goodwill into action—impacting real lives and strengthening community bonds.

Meet Our Community Heroes: Local Businesses Making a Difference

Community Heroes Spotlight: CHS Inc. – Powering Opportunity in Our Backyard

At the Ethio American Foundation (EAF), we believe lasting change begins locally — and bold partners help make it possible.

We’re proud to recognize CHS Inc. as a Community Hero, whose Backyard Giving Grant is accelerating our vision to uplift East African immigrant families across Minnesota through youth leadership, wellness, and opportunity.

Fueling the Future, One Grant at a Time

CHS Inc.’s investment directly supports:

  • Safe field rentals and training spaces
  • Essential wellness equipment for youth programs
  • Community outreach and volunteer coordination
  • Program logistics aligned with CHS’s core giving priorities

These funds power real outcomes — empowering youth, strengthening families, and deepening cultural pride across generations.

Project Impact: Bridging Opportunity

CHS’s support enables EAF to launch:

  • Youth empowerment programs
  • Culturally grounded mentorship
  • Community-led planning and listening sessions
  • Volunteer infrastructure to scale impact

Together, we’re not just addressing needs — we’re building futures.

Why It Matters

Minnesota is home to over 85,000 East Africans, including 37,000+ Ethiopian-Americans. With CHS by our side, we’re turning grassroots ideas into high-impact programs that foster equity, resilience, and community leadership.

Community Hero: CHS Inc.

  • CHS Inc., a leading farmer-owned cooperative based in Minnesota, supports EAF through its Backyard Giving Program. Their funding helps us provide youth field rentals, wellness gear, and volunteer support—strengthening East African families and future leaders in our community.

Thank You, CHS Inc.

Your partnership helps us move from possibility to progress — one young leader, one program, one community at a time.

Join the movement. Be a Community Hero.
📩 Email: amare@ethioamericanfoundation.org
Phone 612-282-3200

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