Committee heads and members of Apex Austin met Thursday to celebrate their accomplishments over the last three years and develop a plan for the future.

From discussion and brainstorming, education surfaced as probably the greatest need for the community.

Within education, two needs were identified -- teaching tolerance and acceptance of other cultures to the general community and teaching organizational systems and processes to the immigrant community.

John Morrison, business agent for Local 9, said it is the role of businesses and organizations in Austin to provide the means, through training and programs, for acceptance of members of the immigrant community. He said there is too much separation between cultural groups.

"We've got to facilitate the breaking of the shell," he said.

Glenn Baker, chairman of the Apex Austin transportation committee, said positive leadership is key.

"We have to promote and help the minority population take a role in the community," he said.

He also said educating people in decision-making positions, such as the city council and school board, is important part of helping promote cultural diversity in the community.

Nitaya Jandragholica, the county's multi-cultural programming coordinator and court interpreter, said many immigrants are simply not aware of differences between laws and processes in America and the ones in their countries of origin.

"They just learn it when they're in front of the judge, which is not the place to educate anyone," she said.

The ideas discussed will be organized into a clear focus so future programs through Apex Austin and the Hormel Foundation can address these needs.

The meeting also provided a chance for Apex Austin to show some pride in the things they have accomplished over the last three years.

Members from each of the departments went over the steps that have been taken to help meet needs such as child care, transportation and housing. Programs in schools such as Families and Schools Together (FAST) and organizations like the Catherwood Home and the Welcome Center were highlighted.

Matt Merritt can be reached at 434-2214 or by email at matt.merritt@austindailyherald.com