Celebrating 20 Years of Resilience, Connection & Impact
For 20 years, Hispanic Outreach of Goodhue County (HOGC) has worked alongside Hispanic individuals and families, connecting them to resources, creating opportunities, celebrating cultural heritage, and strengthening our community.
What began as a small community initiative in 2006 has grown into an organization providing essential services, education, youth programs, and opportunities for meaningful community connections.
As we celebrate this milestone, we honor the people, partnerships, and experiences that have shaped our journey.
Our Journey Through the Years
Every milestone in HOGC's history represents the dedication of individuals, families, volunteers, staff, and community partners who believed in our mission.
Honoring Those Who Made a Difference
HOGC's 20-year journey would not have been possible without the commitment, generosity, and leadership of many individuals and organizations. As part of our anniversary, we are recognizing 23 Legacy Honorees whose contributions helped shape our organization and strengthen opportunities for Hispanic individuals and families.
Their stories reflect the spirit of service, partnership, and community that continues to guide our work.
Laying the Foundation
Ken Besetzny-In Memoriam Joanne Pohl Adriana Thuerauf
Helped bring outreach Founding board chair who Early Executive Director who
services to Red Wing in 2006, provided leadership, developed strengthened community
laying the foundation for what partnerships, and helped establish relationships and helped
would become Hispanic Outreach HOGC's early financial support. establish the foundation for
of Goodhue County. foundation for HOGC's student
programs.
Dianne Aisenbrey LaVoie House
Early bird leader and advocate who helped. Dedicated volunteer who has tutored and
elevate immigrant voices and strengthen mentored HOGC students for more than community understanding. 16 years.
Early Board Recognition
Recognizing Our Early Board Members
Jack Norgaard (In Memoriam) • Lowell Schafer • Pastor Kristin Schlauderaff
We honor these early board members whose leadership, dedication, and belief in HOGC's mission helped guide the organization through its formative years. Their
contributions helped establish the foundation for the work and community partnerships that continue today.
Historical Partnership
Church of St. Joseph
An essential early partner that provided fiscal sponsorship, office space, and administrative support, helping HOGC establish its presence in the community.
Building Partnerships
Jones Family Foundation CARE Clinic Elaine O'Keefe
Longtime philanthropic partner Trusted community partner Community partner who helped
whose generous support has helped that has helped Hispanic create welcoming opportunities
sustain and strengthen HOGC's families access healthcare for Hispanic families and programs and services. and mental health services, supported HOGC's fundraising
including the Hispanic Family efforts.
Therapy Program.
Strengthening Our Community
Dr. Jane Lorentzen Kelly Hassemer Yaneth Santiago
Dedicated advocate who Bilingual educator and former Community leader, board
helped expand mental health board member who advocated member, and parent volunteer
resources and strengthen support for Hispanic students and families who has supported HOGC's
for immigrant families. and expanded educational programs and Hispanic Heritage
opportunities. Festival.
Yanelis Jinete Julie Brunkhorst Kristin Scott
Former client and board member Community partner who Dedicated supporter and Board
whose journey reflects the power of strengthened HOGC's relationship Chair who has helped bring joy
community involvement, leadership, with United Lutheran Church and to families through HOGC's annual
and advocacy. supported Friends of Immigrants. Christmas giving program.
Investing in Future Generations
Marilyn Nelson Neal Newman
Dedicated volunteer tutor whose patience Longtime volunteer who has supported
and encouragement help students build students through tutoring, mentoring,
confidence and a love of learning. scholarships, and community service.
Sustaining the Mission
Dane Petersen Jo Seton Rick Hassemer
Faithful monthly donor for more than Dedicated grant writer whose expertise Former Board Chair who strengthened
16 years whose generosity has helped has helped secure essential funding to sustain organizational leadership and built
sustain HOGC's mission. and expand HOGC's work. valuable community partnerships.
Juana Pastor
Former client, volunteer, and now staff member
who has spent years connecting Hispanic families
with resources and opportunities.
Our Legacy Continues Through Our Families
We also recognize the Hispanic individuals and families who have trusted HOGC, shared their experiences, and helped shape our work. Their resilience, determination,
and contributions remain at the heart of our mission.
Read the Full Legacy Honoree Collection
Explore the stories of the individuals and organizations who have helped shape 20 years of resilience, connection, and impact.
20 Years Through Our Voices
The story of Hispanic Outreach is best told by the people who have been part of its journey. Hear from board members who share their reflections on HOGC's mission, growth, and impact over the years.
Our 20th Anniversary Celebration
On November 12, 2026, HOGC brought together supporters, partners, volunteers, staff, board members, and community members to celebrate two decades of resilience, connection, and impact.
This special evening recognized our shared history, honored those who helped shape our journey, and celebrated the community that continues to inspire our work.
Photos and more coming soon...
With Gratitude
For 20 years, HOGC has been strengthened by the generosity, dedication, and commitment of community partners, donors, volunteers, board members, and staff.
We are grateful to everyone who has contributed to our journey and helped make this milestone possible.
Photos and more coming soon...
Our Journey Continues
As we celebrate the past 20 years, we also look toward the future. The needs of our community continue to evolve, and so does our commitment to connecting families with essential resources, creating educational opportunities for students, celebrating cultural heritage, and strengthening community connections.
Together, we can continue building a community where Hispanic individuals and families have the resources and opportunities to thrive.