Change is all around us these days. The human story has one thing in common across the generations … change, and within that is newness, growth, loss, and rebirth. Like the four seasons, Caminando Juntos has been in a season of exciting change. As of June 1, 2025, it has become its own independent non-profit organization. 

Over twenty years ago, the Presentation Congregation responded to the unmet needs of newly arriving Latino migrants in the Sioux Falls, SD area. Caminando Juntos was founded to “welcome the stranger” and has impacted Latino migrant’s lives in eastern South Dakota that goes beyond one generation’s lifespan. The ministry’s welcoming hospitality continues and the Sisters could not be more proud.

The new Board of Directors has been established and is deeply committed to the work ahead as they look to maintain the sustainable vitality of the ministry, as
the mission remains at the heart of their decisions.

The staff at Caminando Juntos is working to uphold the ministry’s core values, and current programming will remain central to its mission: supporting clients in becoming fully acclimated in their new culture. They continue to walk alongside newly arrived as well as established Latino community members, maintaining their distinctiveness, and carrying forward the ministry of accompaniment, always seeking appropriate ways to respond to the current needs of the Latino community.

“The goal of apostolic ministry done well is to empower the ministry to become self sufficient. We are now seeing the fruition of this hope in Caminando Juntos. Our prayers and support will continue to be with this ministry and the people they serve.“ – Sister Mary Thomas, Congregational President

We welcome your continued partnership and support of Caminando Juntos as they continue the legacy of welcoming the stranger. Your prayers and financial investment will be significant in their work of both hospitality and justice. With you, the ministry will thrive and provide the opportunity for positive change in many people’s lives, a change for a new life and a new beginning.

Services Offered at Caminando Juntos

 

Educational Programming

As the only fully bilingual and bicultural adult education program in the state, we offer several daytime and evening English classes, focusing on a combination of basic literacy skills, speaking, listening, and writing skills; 1:1 tutoring sessions are available and we are the only Spanish GED program in the state, assisting adult learners to finish their high school degree.

 

 

 

Community Service / Advocacy & Outreach

We offer basic needs and provide a list of locations where one may receive additional items/assistance. We continue to assist with referrals and in filling out applications that are only offered in English. Our focus remains on supporting our clients to achieve long-term independence.

 

 

Immigration Legal Services

As we congratulate Sister Janet Horstman on her retirement, we welcome Shelley Johnson, Immigration Legal Services Program Director, and Maria Fernanda Puente, Immigration Legal Services’ Legal Assistant, to our Immigration Legal Services team where we represent immigrant clients in a variety of humanitarian-based immigration cases. Over the past 20 years, the ministry has assisted thousands of individuals and families with primarily family-based immigration cases, reuniting families and changing their lives through these services. We will continue to assist individuals and families in the future.

 

Caminando Juntos Mission:
We create a welcoming
presence and respond to
the needs of Latino migrants
so that they may thrive and
flourish in a new place.

 

Caminando Junto Ribbon Cutting

“I have been blessed that the Presentation Sisters have always been part of my life. Since my childhood, they have had a profound impact on me and my view of the world. I am honored the Sisters would think of me as a board member. What a privilege it is to be able to be part of a ministry focused on families and living the  Gospel.”
– Richard Molseed, Board Chair

Board Members:
• Andre Adams
• Jeanie Conzemius
• Father Kristopher Cowles
• Sister Vicky Larson
• Richard Molseed
• Brandy Nielsen
• Kristen Townsend