Catholic Charities Community Services, Archdiocese of New York (Refugee Resettlement Department) serves approximately 700 people annually. The work in Refugee Resettlement is filled with challenges. In New York City we struggle with clients who are facing a housing market that is very expensive. In general clients are doubled up with friends or family while they are preparing to find employment and get on their feet.
Catholic Charities Community Services, Archdiocese of New York (CCCS) seeks to uphold the dignity of each person as made in the image of God by serving the basic needs of the poor, troubled, frail, and oppressed of all religions. We collaborate with parishes and Catholic and non-Catholic partners to build a compassionate and just society. Through a network of administered, sponsored and affiliated agencies, Catholic Charities delivers, coordinates and advocates for quality human services and programs touching almost every human need.
Our agency serves some asylees who have spent significant time in immigration detention centers. Many are released with nothing but their clothing and have to start at zero in terms of basic needs – like clothing and toiletries. Our agency receives donations such as clothing, shoes and toys, but storing the items is a challenge due to space constraints.
Despite the difficult climate for refugees over the past several years, we persevere because we are deep in the daily work. People who have recently been granted asylum call or walk-in every day and we continue to serve and orient people, so the work itself keeps us engaged and fulfilled. Some special moments in particular give hope and keep us going such as when family members are reunited after being separated for many years, and when clients celebrate successes – like a new job, or being accepting into college.
We never doubt that as ugly as our world can be, it can be a hundred times more beautiful when people are kind and generous to one another.