When the Cedar-Riverside Opportunity Center opened its doors in March 2017, its mission was clear: provide neighborhood residents opportunities to join the workforce and access resources that could transform their lives.

Around that time, 55% of Cedar-Riverside residents were living below the poverty line, and 17% were unemployed, double the state average. 

The Opportunity Center sought to address these challenges directly by connecting residents with training, job placement and educational resources.

The Center’s approach is collaborative. 

EMERGE Community Development, a non-profit community development organization in North Minneapolis and Cedar-Riverside, provides intake, assessment, career exploration, employment counseling, job placements, and remedial education referrals for youth and adults seeking work. During the first half of 2025, EMERGE provided services to 1,247 participants.

The city of Minneapolis also partners to support businesses that offer employment.

“The city of Minneapolis has done a marvelous job bringing enterprises into the city to the Cedar-Riverside area,” said Saeed Bihi, who manages the center. “We have lots of small office buildings and businesses that are coming to Cedar-Riverside and employing many of our residents, which is a deal.”

Since opening the Opportunity Center, the unemployment percentage in Cedar-Riverside has reduced, Bihi said. He did not say by how much

Halima Ainte, 74, has been at the heart of these efforts. As the community ambassador for eight years, Ainte welcomes residents to the center, advising them on entry-level jobs that match their skills and guiding them through available programs.

Many residents in Cedar-Riverside come to Ainte for assistance when they are looking for jobs, relying on her experience and guidance, she said.

“They are always coming to me,” Ainte said. “Whenever they need help finding jobs, they ask me because I have lived here for a long time.”

Before coming to the United States in 2014, in 2012, Anite was awarded refugee woman of the year in Uganda because of her devoted work to help other refugees. 

For residents without a resume, Ainte and the Opportunity Center’s staff help create one from scratch. From there, residents can use those resumes and references to apply for jobs such as hospitals, retail, warehouse or airports, Ainte said 

Ainte said helping residents find the support they need during a stressful time gives her a sense of fulfillment and peace of mind.

“My favorite part is to bring the people here,” Ainte said. “I feel very happy and comfortable helping them.”