Program areas at Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston Houston
Strengthening family services assists individuals and families who are currently struggling to access adequate food, clothing, and long-term housing as well as financial assistance. In addition, families and individuals are able to maintain stable homes through financial assistance for rent and utilities, and thousands of families receive emergency food assistance through a network of food pantries. While covid-19 affected nearly every impact area in different ways during the fiscal years 2023 and 2022, the largest financial impact is recorded in this area due to a significant increase in food, financial, and rental assistance.
Nurturing and caring for children services assists young parents and their families during pregnancy and the baby's first five years of life by providing medical referrals, education, counseling services, parenting, and life skills coaching. the agency provides a nurturing home environment for unaccompanied refugee children and youth in the homes of foster families where they are provided with education, medical care, life skills, english classes, ongoing family tracing, and legal assistance. In addition, the agency works with the u.s. office of refugee resettlement to reunite children, who have entered the country lacking proper documentation and have been detained by immigration offices, with relatives in the u.s. or in their country of origin.
Immigration and refugee services provides help to government-approved refugees to become self-sufficient by providing education, housing, food, financial assistance, cultural orientation, job development, and family reunification services. the agency provides a range of legal services, including education, assessment, counseling, representation and advocacy for immigrants, refugees and victims of human trafficking, and other violent crimes. St. frances cabrini center for immigration legal assistance is dedicated to providing high quality, low-cost, and pro bono legal services to immigrants and refugees who would otherwise not be able to obtain legal representation. the arrival of afghan refugees has increased refugee assistance in fiscal year 2023.
Disaster relief and response provides support to all those in need with a priority focus on low-income populations, including seniors and those living at or below the poverty line in the wake of disasters such as floods and hurricanes. the agency provides a variety of disaster recovery services including:-distribution of donated goods such as household items, cleaning items, grocery and gas cards, diapers, etc. ;-intakes and needs assessments for disaster victims ;-basic needs services such as food distribution, temporary and emergency shelter assistance, rental assistance, and medication assistance;-home repair assistance;-relocation and furniture/household good replacements;-short-term and long-term case management, including assistance with registering for and receiving federal disaster assistance and other assistance programs; and-mental health services for victims of disaster.
Seniors, veterans, and other vulnerable adult services provides support for seniors.the agency supports seniors in their efforts to stay healthy and active, volunteer, build friendships, and live independently for as long as possible. Mamie george community center is a place where fort bend seniors can meet new friends, socialize, learn, and enjoy activities that promote healthy living. the agency serves free lunch daily for enrolled seniors over the age of 60, and provides other programs for low-income seniors and families.the agency assists women veterans and their young children who are in need of stable housing and case management services to rebuild their lives after facing the challenges of homelessness, domestic violence, and other life-changing events.