Serving Neighbors in Need
WHEN A REFUGEE OR ASYLUM SEEKER arrives in this country, the process is overwhelming. In addition to learning a new language and adapting to a new culture, they must navigate a complex bureaucracy to sign up for benefits or receive citizenship. Catholic Charities is trying to make that process easier.
Over the past year, Catholic Charities recruited 160 volunteer lawyers to work with the Afghani population seeking asylum in Wisconsin. After a year here, refugees can apply for residency, and after seven years they will lose their public benefits. “Some cultures don't have a written language, which makes the process hard for older people to learn,” says Barbara Graham, director of refugee and immigration services at Catholic Charities, which serves immigrants among its many social service programs.
The lawyers are helping refugees and immigrants through citizenship applications, benefits procurement and more, with no financial reward. “As a volunteer lawyer, you get to see the direct impact you make on someone's life,” says Graham.
Catholic Charities serves refugees, asylum seekers and immigrants from 50 countries. “There are services here that are not provided in their country, such as signing up for health insurance,” says Nancy Munoz, Catholic Charities' outreach case manager, noting that as some countries, such as Mexico, offer universal health coverage.
Volunteer tutors help children and adults study for their citizenship tests. Study sessions can take place virtually or at a local library branch. “Volunteers help them become proficient in enough English to pass the test,” says Graham.
In addition to the refugee and asylum-seeking population, Catholic Charities connects low- and no-income individuals with free counseling services, pregnancy and parenting support, hoarding intervention services and adult day care, and coordinates community resources, like food pantries, transportation vouchers, housing and more. Catholic Charities relies on donations to provide these services. “For some clients, there are barriers in getting those resources, so we try to serve as a bridge,” says Munoz. “Clients are thankful we take the time to work with them. That is knowledge they take with them.”
What We Do:
Catholic Charities assists people affected by poverty and provides culturally and linguistically competent social services for families and individuals of any religious background living in the 10 counties of southeast Wisconsin.
The organization provides services to help pregnant women, older adults, new mothers, people with intellectual disabilities, low- or no-income people, refugees and immigrants, and people experiencing emotional or financial crisis.
Where Your Money Goes:
Donations are used to fund Catholic Charities' many programs. These include free counseling and case management services; free, quality legal services for refugees and immigrants; and assisting pregnant women and adults with disabilities.
P.O. Box 070912, Milwaukee 53207 414-769-3400 ccmke.org