Office of Multi-Cultural Services

In 2000, Hennepin County established an Office of Multi-Cultural Services (OMS) to respond to the increased need for culture- and language-specific services. OMS provides a central point of access for county services to refugees and immigrants. The office has developed close ties with community-based organizations and county departments, and works with them to enhance culturally and linguistically accessible services; to improve staff cultural competency; and to expand bilingual and bicultural employment opportunities.

The goal of this program is to provide culturally and linguistically appropriate services for the residents of Hennepin County.

OMS has a budget of $1.8 million, and employs 10 interpreters and 32 cultural liaisons at community centers. It is able to meet the needs of approximately 26 different ethnic and linguistic communities. In March 2000, Hennepin County conducted an assessment of the Limited English Proficiency (LEP) population and the availability of services, language interpreters and translated documents for this population. It developed The Hennepin County Limited English Proficiency Plan, which establishes policies and procedures for ensuring access to linguistically appropriate services, providing staff training, and displaying signage in health and human services offices. The county is currently seeking to develop a common pool of interpreters and to expand the number of bilingual and bicultural staff in various county positions.