Karen Organization of Minnesota

Free Tax Clinics at KOM
2020-02-20 17:00 - 20:00, 2020-02-13 17:00 - 20:00, 2020-02-06 17:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | Karen Organization of Minnesota, 2353 Rice Street, Suite 240, Roseville, MN, 55113, United States
KOM is hosting free tax clinics during the month of February! Experts from the Minnesota Department of Revenue staff will be filing the returns. Interpreters will be available for Karen, Karenni, and Burmese.
Schedule
Every Thursday evening in February (2/6, 2/13, 2/20, 2/27) from 5-8pm. Check-in begins at 4pm.
Services are on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Contact
For questions, please contact our receptionist, Eh Gay Htoo So
What to Bring
What you MUST bring for all family members who you plan to include on your taxes:

SSN cards
ID cards

Common items you may have to report include:

W-2s from all employers any tax member worked at in 2019
Unemployment benefit tax statements
County benefit/MFIP statements
SSI benefit statements
CRP or property tax statements
gambling winnings

Celebrate 2759 Karen New Years
2019-12-26 09:30 - 20:30 | Washington Technology Magnet School, 1495 Rice Street, Saint Paul, Minnesota, 55117, United States
Join us on December 26th at the Washington Technology Magnet school to celebrate Karen New Years!
The celebration lasts the whole day, however, you can come and go as needed! The main program goes from 9:30am-12:00pm, with the entertainment continuing from 12:00pm-3:00pm. From 3:30pm to 8:30pm there will be the opportunity to hear from some of Minnesota’s most famous Karen singers.
There will also be a volleyball tournament during the day and activities for kids! Each year, over 1,000 people from St. Paul have attended Karen New Years, you won’t want to miss out!

Contact

If you have any questions about the event, please contact:

Saw Nay Htoo: 651-592-5066
Eh Tah Khu: 651-560-0668
Saw Million: 651-442-3351
Hsar Hin Htoo: 651-206-9801
Marner Saw: 651-468-6375

Opportunities for Sponsorship

If you are interested in sponsoring the 2759 Karen New Year, the deadline to submit a sponsor form and payment is Friday, December 20th. Your sponsorship will show your agency’s support for the Karen community and keep this event free and accessible for all community members. More information about the sponsor packages can be found here. To sponsor, complete this Sponsor Registration Form then mail payment to KOM.
To pay online, please fill out our form here.
Thank you for your support!

Karen Culture Presentation - CANCELED
2019-12-06 15:30 - 17:00, 2019-10-18 15:30 - 17:00, 2019-08-16 15:30 - 17:00, 2019-06-14 15:30 - 17:00, 2019-04-12 15:30 - 17:00, 2019-02-15 15:30 - 17:00, 2018-12-07 15:30 - 17:00, 2018-10-05 15:30 - 17:00 and 1 more date | Karen Organization of Minnesota, 2353 Rice Street, Suite 240, Roseville, MN, 55113, United States
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have decided to cancel our Karen Culture Presentation for June 19th, 2020. We are in the process of gradually bringing our staff back to the office, but that won’t begin until June 29th. We plan to host our next presentation in August and will share updates about whether it will be virtual or in-person. Thank you for understanding.
Are you interested in learning more about Karen culture? Join us for our next bi-monthly Karen Culture Presentation. During this presentation, participants with learn about the Karen history, culture, and resettlement in the U.S. We will explore the history of the Karen and how they became refugees, and discuss how the Karen have adapted to life in the U.S. We will also give a brief overview of Karen culture, covering everything from food, to clothing, to family, to communication styles, and more. Come with open ears and any questions. Attendance is limited to 25 people. Please RSVP by registering for a ticket on Eventbrite.
*Suggested donation of $5 at time of event

The Work of the Karen Weavers' Circle
2019-11-09 15:00 - 18:00 | East Side Freedom Library, 1105 Greenbrier St, St. Paul, MN, 55106, United States
Join us at the East Side Freedom Library to view our weavers demonstrate traditional Karen back-strap weaving! If you have wanted to experience the weaving process, but never had a chance this is a great opportunity! There will be items available for purchase as well as refreshments.
Karen women, Aye Lwai (cq), left, and Rosie Say talk while Lwai weaves a bag at the East Side Freedom Library in St. Paul on Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2016. In Burma/Myanmar women and men would weave intricately patterned cloth on backstrap looms, which would be used to make sarongs, shirts and other clothing. (Pioneer Press: Jean Pieri)

This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.

2019 Annual Gala
2019-10-10 17:00 - 21:00 | Hamline University – Anderson Center, 774 Snelling Ave N, Saint Paul, MN, 55104, United States
The Karen Organization of Minnesota will hold our annual gala on Thursday, October 10th, 2019, at the Anderson Center at Hamline University.

Join us for a social hour with a cash bar, a silent auction, plated dinner, and a short program highlighting young leaders in the Karen community and KOM’s new strategic direction. Proceeds from the gala will support our programs helping refugees thrive in Minnesota.

Meet Our Speakers
We are excited to hear from Gay Ka Mwee, Neymu Tor, and Ser Nai Htoo, three influential young adult leaders!

Gay Ka Mwee is originally from Myanmar, previously known as Burma. She is among the 70,000
Karen refugees who have resettled in the United States. Gay Ka Mwee came from Nu Poe Refugee Camp to the United States in March 2011 with her family at the age of 11. She says, “My family escaped war, oppression, human rights violations, and unstoppable conflicts between the Karen and Myanmar militaries to seek a better life, freedom, and opportunities.”
Gay Ka Mwee is currently attending Metropolitan State University majoring in Human Services (BS). Because of all the civil wars, oppression and persistent killings in Myanmar she has seen and experienced, she has “always dreamed of becoming an ambitious, influential, inspirational and successful 20-year old Karen leader. That way I can help stop the human rights violations in Myanmar and change Myanmar into a new and free nation with a true democracy that includes liberty and justice for all.”

Neymu Tor was born in Burma. His parents moved to Mae Ra Ma Luang refugee camp in Thailand when he was about eight years old. Neymu came to the United States in 2010 and graduated from East Kentwood High School in Kentwood Michigan in 2013. After graduating from high school he worked at “Ranir Inc” as a machine operator. He also worked as an interpreter at Bethany Christian Services and Refugee Center in Grand Rapids Michigan for a few years.
Neymu says he “came to live in Minnesota to continue my education, to learn about the Karen community, and to work. Currently I am studying at Century College, and in the future as a human services student I hope to work in a community and help people – especially Karen people – to solve problems and improve their lives.”

Ser Nai Htoo was born in a refugee camp in Thailand after his parents fled from civil war in Myanmar. Ser Nai says, “I came to the U.S with my family in 2009, and I was 19 years old at the time. I was fortunate enough to finish High school and go to college. I graduated from Century College with an Associate degree in Law Enforcement in 2017. I’ve been working with St. Paul Police Department as a Community Liaison Officer since 2016.”
Ser Nai’s goal is to further his education and to become a valuable resource for people who are in need. He is now married and has one beautiful daughter.

REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED!
If you already registered, check your email this week for updates and information about the event. Thank you!

2019 Annual Gala Ticket Prices

Individual Tickets: $70/ticket ($55/ticket for students and seniors age 65+)
Sponsorships: Download our Sponsor Letter for more information on sponsorship benefits. Donations due Sept. 20th.
Silent Auction: Download our Silent Auction Letter for more information on how to donate. Donations due Sept. 27th.
Reserve your tickets

To pay by check: Mail your completed individual registration form or sponsor registration form to KOM, or bring it to our office during business hours.
To pay by credit card: Register online using our secure form. (REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED)

69th Anniversary of Karen Martyr's Day
2019-08-10 - 2019-08-11 | Hazelwood Park, 1663 County Rd C E, Maplewood, MN, 55109, United States
Join us and the whole Minnesota Karen community to celebrate the 69th Anniversary of Karen Martyr’s Day on Saturday, August 10th and Sunday, August 11th, 2019. There will be a main ceremony on Saturday morning, sports competitions throughout both days, plenty of food vendors, and more!
This year, the event will be held at Hazelwood Park in Maplewood, MN.
Karen Martyr’s Day is officially on August 12 and commemorates the anniversary of the death of Saw Ba U Gyi (the first president of the Karen National Union) in 1950. Others who have fought for the Karen are also honored in remembrance of the Karen resistance.
More detailed information in the flyer below:

Parking information:
There are two parking lots to the park. One on the North side and the other on the South side of the park. Another parking lot is located at Community Dental Care. (See the photo to the right)
Please keep in mind that event parking is $10. Cash accepted only. The event itself is free.
Parking at the 1st Evangelical Church is for volunteers only.
Volunteers please be aware that on Sunday there is no parking at the church from the morning until 1pm CT.

KOM's 4th Annual Summer Fundraiser
2019-07-20 | Mississippi Creative Arts School, 1575 L'Orient St, St. Paul, MN, 55117, United States
Join us for our 4th Annual Summer Fundraiser on Saturday, July 20th, 2019! We will have competitive kids soccer and adult volleyball tournaments, Karen and Thai food for sale, children’s activities, and more!
Men’s & Women’s Volleyball Tournaments Information:
1st prize: $1,000
2nd prize: $700
Registration fee: $100 per team
KOM Fundraiser Men’s Volleyball Gegistration Form
KOM Fundraiser Women’s Vollyeball Registration Form (1)
Email finished forms to Ta Da at: tda@mnkaren.org
Kid’s Soccer Tournament Information:
1st prize: $500
2nd prize: $300
Registration fee: $50 per team
Interested in sponsoring our event? Contact Frank Hennick, KOM Development Associate to learn about sponsorship opportunities.
Interested in volunteering at our event? Contact Suzanne Olive, KOM Volunteer Coordinator to learn about how you can help.

FTI-UM Course Information Session
2019-04-05 10:00 - 11:00 | Karen Organization of Minnesota, 2353 Rice Street, Suite 240, Roseville, MN, 55113, United States
Are you interested in becoming a painter, drywall finisher or glassworker and want to make $16/hour or more? Then join this FREE 5-week training program offered by the Finishing Trades Institute of the Upper Midwest. You will learn the basics of commercial painting, industrial coating, drywall finishing, glasswork, and glazier work. The training will be held Monday-Friday from 8:00am – 2:00pm and it will be offered two times: April 15 – May 17, 2019 and June 10 – July 12, 2019.
Come to our information session at KOM on Friday, April 5 at 10:00am to learn more. Or, contact Rebekah Hanson at 651-202-3136/rhanson@mnkaren.org with any questions.

2758 Karen New Year Celebration 2019
2019-01-01 10:00 - 18:00 | Washington Technology Magnet School, 1495 Rice Street, Saint Paul, Minnesota, 55117, United States
Join us on Tuesday, January 1st, 2019 for the 2758 Karen New Year Celebration at Washington Tech Magnet School.
The main program runs from 10 am to 12 pm, and the entertainment continues from 12 pm to 6 pm. There will be speeches, men and women’s volleyball tournaments, a karaoke competition for kids, raffle prizes, and an improve competition.
For the past few years, the Karen New Year in St. Paul has drawn over 1,000 people. Be a part of the celebration, you don’t want to miss it!

Opportunities for Sponsorship
We are also accepting sponsors for the 2758 Karen New Year, the last day to submit a sponsor form and payment is Wednesday, December 26th. Your sponsorship will show your agency’s support for the Karen community and keep this event free and accessible for all community members. More information about the sponsor packages can be found here. To sponsor, complete this Sponsor Registration Form then make a secure payment below (via Paypal). Thank you!

Contribution Level

Toe Baw (Bronze) Sponsor $200.00 USDSay (Silver) Sponsor $500.00 USDHtoo (Gold) Sponsor $1,000.00 USDHtoo Wah (Platinum) Sponsor $2,000.00 USD

If you have any questions about the event, please contact one of the following individuals:
Nay Htoo, Event Chair Marner Saw, Event Chair Frank Hennick, Resource Fair
651-529-5066 651-202-3103 651-202-3109
sawnay@gmail.com msaw@mnkaren.org kvue@mnkaren.org

MNsure Enrollment Event
2018-11-26 09:00 - 16:00 | Karen Organization of Minnesota, 2353 Rice Street, Suite 240, Roseville, MN, 55113, United States
KOM will host a MNsure Enrollement Event with agency partners from Vietnamese Social Services and CAPI USA to assist with MNsure applications, health enrollment plans, application case statuses, and questions about MNsure.

Flu Shot & Dental Varnish Clinics
2018-11-18 10:00 - 12:00, 2018-11-11 10:00 - 12:00, 2018-11-04 08:30 - 10:30
Free Flu Shot and Dental Varnish Clinics will be held this November at three different locations. Check the flyer to find the location for each date and time. All are welcome!
Don’t forget to bring your ID for registration!

Voter Education
2018-10-29 10:00 - 12:00, 2018-10-26 18:00 - 20:00, 2018-10-19 15:00 - 17:00 | Karen Organization of Minnesota, 2353 Rice Street, Suite 240, Roseville, MN, 55113, United States
Are you wanting to learn more about the positions up for election this year or are not sure how the voting process works?
Come to KOM on one of the three days listed in October to learn about the voting process and see who the candidates are in Minnesota. One big position up for election this year is Minnesota governor!
To sign up, or for more information, contact Hta Thi Yu Moo.
These voter education sessions are organized by KOM in partnership with CAPI USA.

There is no voter education on October 19th at 10AM. It is only from 3-5PM on the 19th.

10th Anniversary Gala
2018-10-25 17:30 - 21:00 | Inwood Oaks, 484 Inwood Ave. N, Oakdale, MN, 55128, United States
The Karen Organization of Minnesota will hold its annual gala on October 25th,
and this year’s event is especially meaningful: it’s our tenth anniversary!

Since 2008, KOM has worked on behalf of thousands of refugees from Burma looking to build successful lives in Minnesota. Today, they make use of our employment programs, social services, health trainings, youth activities, and much more. We’re excited to reflect on our community’s progress, look back on our programs’ highlights, and celebrate the key figures whose vision made it possible. By the end of the night, we’ll be looking forward at what we have in store for another ten years.
This year’s gala will take place at Inwood Oaks, offering easy access off of I-94 and free parking. Over 300 guests will enjoy music, a cash bar, silent auction, dinner, and a short program featuring special guests who have journeyed with us over the past decade.
We welcome businesses, partner organizations, and individuals to show your support for KOM and refugees from Burma by sponsoring a table at our annual gala. If you are interested in sponsoring this event, please contact Frank Hennick or email events@mnkaren.org for more information.
Parking
Inwood Oaks offers easy access of I-94, and parking is free in the lot.
Schedule
5:30 | Social hour, silent auction, and cash bar
6:45 | Welcome & dinner
7:30 | Program begins (silent auction closes at 7:15)
8:30 | Closing
Attire
Business or cocktail

REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED FOR OUR GALA. THANK YOU.

We appreciate your support of the growing community of refugees from Burma.
Have questions about the gala? Contact Frank Hennick at 651-202-3109 or events@mnkaren.org.

To sponsor a table at the Annual Gala:

Pay by credit card using our online registration form, or
Print our sponsor registration form (PDF). Mail your completed registration form and check to 2353 Rice Street Suite #240, Roseville, MN 55113.
Sponsor registration deadline is October 5th

To purchase individual tickets:

Pay by credit card using our online registration form, or
Print out individual registration form (PDF). Mail your completed registration form and check to 2353 Rice Street Suite #240, Roseville, MN 55113.
Individual registration final deadline is October 19th

To donate an item to our silent auction:

Contact Frank Hennick or email events@mnkaren.org.

To volunteer:
We’re also looking for volunteers to help out with the festivities! This October come over to the office and lend a hand by creating signs, writing descriptions for the silent auction prizes, and helping us plan out the details of the big event. You can also pitch in on the night of the gala: we’ll need help setting up, decorating, processing the silent auction items, and more.

Event volunteers can attend the gala for a discounted price (half-off the regular ticket price).
Please register using the individual registration form above and you can send us a check for $35 or we can send you an invoice for a card payment.
To learn more about how you can help, please contact Suzanne Olive or Frank Hennick.

We hope you will consider attending and joining KOM in celebration and unity.

Metro Transit (Bus) Training
2018-09-13 10:30 - 12:00
KOM will host a free metro transit (bus) training on Thursday, September 13th at 10:30AM.
For more detailed information, and to sign up, please contact Chrit Hen.

Karen Health Resource Fair
2018-08-25 08:00 - 19:00 | McDonough Fields, 1575 L’Orient St., Saint Paul, MN, 55117, United States
Join us at Wellshare International’s first ever Karen Health Resource Fair!
This event brings together health resources to the Karen community. Dental, physical, and mental health organizations as well as workforce development, housing, and other supporting organizations will all be in attendance.
In addition to health resources, there will be a youth soccer and volleyball tournament, poetry contest, and art contest. And do not worry about the weather, this event will take place rain or shine.

Karen Student Weaving Showcase
2018-08-22 15:00 - 20:00 | East Side Freedom Library, 1105 Greenbrier St, St. Paul, MN, 55106, United States
With the generous support of the Minnesota State Arts Board, this summer the Karen women’s weaving circle has been mentoring a dynamic group of high school students at the East Side Freedom Library.
Come and see the beautiful work they have done! Come and meet the students and their teachers.
There will be refreshments and hand woven cloth and clothing to buy.

This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.
