The Mexican Consulate came to Rochester to help people with legal documents and health screenings.

(ABC 6 News) – Inside the doors of the St. Francis Assisi Church in Rochester, many waited in line patiently, awaiting their chance to get legal documents sorted out with help from representatives of the Mexican Consulate.

The purpose of a consulate is to provide services to a country’s citizens abroad. Representatives from the consulate worked alongside members of the Alliance of Chicanos, Hispanics and Latin Americans (ACHLA) to put on an event where access to the consulate’s resources were at people’s fingertips.

Executive director for ACHLA, Miriam Goodson was running around the church, often with papers in hand, making sure all questions were answered and everything was running according to plan.

“It’s an energy that I don’t know where I get it from, but sometimes it’s just a wonderful opportunity,” Goodson said.

The premise behind the event, according to Goodson, was to make the resources of the consulate available at a time, place and location that was convenient for those living in Southeast Minnesota.

“It’s very hard to lose a whole day to go and get documents from Mexico,” Goodson said. “When we bring them here, we save the community lots of time.”

Much of the information delivered at the event was in Spanish, which made many feel more comfortable seeking the resources provided. Board president for ACHLA, Daniel Goodson, said the comfort people felt is part of the trust ACHLA has built within the community.

“With that trust, people are more likely to show up, want to listen, want to get integrated in that way too,” Daniel Goodson said.

Community coordinator for St. Mary’s Health Clinics, Rosalinda Alle said it’s often tough to receive clear information on legal documents and healthcare needs, given the number of barriers working families face.

But, folks were able to get flu shots, covid vaccines and screenings for diabetes with some extra information from experts all in one place.

“We try to bring as much education, there is a lot of misinformation on the vaccines,” Alle said.

For anyone hoping to learn more about ACHLA, click here. Staff from ACHLA also recommend attending a Day of the Dead event on Oct. 26, click here for more information.

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