We are Southeast Minnesota Cares!
When the economic system deprives some of the "right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness," it is the duty of government to fulfill these obligations to all people. Hence, we, the people of Southeast Minnesota Cares, are compelled to promote social justice and the dignity and worth of all persons.

In 2003, people in Rochester came together to form Southeast Minnesota Cares. They were concerned about the impact that state budget cuts were having on families in Rochester and decided to work together to do something about it. They wrote letters to the editor, held a forum in the spring of 2004, talked to their legislators, and supported each other.

Families still struggle with affordable housing, cuts to childcare assistance and early childhood education, increased health care costs, and low wages, inadequately funded early childhood education, lack of affordable housing, hunger, just wages, and support for low-income families.

Through this group, people from various backgrounds and organizations—faith communities, service organizations, labor unions, and concerned citizens—are coming together to stay informed, support each other, and move to action.