ST. PAUL (WJON News) -- A St. Cloud-based immigrant and refugee charity has reached a settlement with the Minnesota Attorney General's Office to improve compliance in its governance.

The settlement, known as an Assurance of Discontinuance, requires the organization to take numerous actions including ensuring board review and approval of all officer and director compensation, stopping paying individuals as independent contractors, ensuring the entire board has transparency into accounting and assets, and obtain sufficient training under Minnesota and federal laws.

The Central Minnesota Community Empowerment Organization has received more than $1.4-million in contributions and grants since 2022.

The organization supports refugee and immigrant communities through activities like after-school programming, job training, advocacy, housing support and business development.

LOOK: Stunning vintage photos capture the beauty of America's national parks

Today these parks are located throughout the country in 25 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The land encompassing them was either purchased or donated, though much of it had been inhabited by native people for thousands of years before the founding of the United States. These areas are protected and revered as educational resources about the natural world, and as spaces for exploration.

Keep scrolling for 50 vintage photos that show the beauty of America's national parks.

Gallery Credit: Alexander Raeburn

LOOK: 25 must-visit hidden gems from across the US

From secret gardens to underground caves, Stacker compiled a list of 25 must-visit hidden gems from across the United States using travel guides, news articles, and company websites.

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LOOK: The history behind all 63 national parks in the US

The National Parks System manages 63 national parks. Stacker analyzed NPS info to compile the history and features of each. 

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