ISSUE

FALL 2019

HOW TO HELP

“ESPECIALLY IN THESE TIMES OF UNCERTAINTY AND ANXIETY for immigrants and refugees, the support provided by volunteers is critical,” says C. Mario Russell, director of Immigration and Refugee Services for Catholic Charities of New York. Those who wish to help can join in a number of programs sponsored by the agency.

Screeners (training provided) are needed at monthly Immigration Legal Clinics, held in locations around the archdiocese, as well as the Immigration Court Helpdesk, held in immigration court and at the Immigration and Refugee Services Division offices in downtown Manhattan. Volunteers meet with prospective clients, gather information about their life history and their journey to the United States, and work with Catholic Charities attorneys to inform immigrants about rights and legal options.

Volunteer attorneys take on pro bono cases from around the archdiocese. Lawyers who accept one of our pro bono matters are supported by expert legal training, continuous technical assistance, and in-depth mentorship, giving them the tools they need to effectively assist the most vulnerable immigrants in New York.

Bilingual volunteers are needed as interpreters at the above events and at asylum hearings; as teachers of English as a second language for immigrants; and to assist pro bono attorneys with non-legal matters related to their cases.

English-speaking volunteers are needed as conversation partners for immigrants in need of practice in the English language and to assist with résumé prep and interview skills.

To volunteer and receive training for these programs, attorneys should contact Susan Marks at susanmarks@archny.org. All others should contact Lucia Goyen at luciagoyen@archny.org. Volunteer opportunities are also posted at catholiccharitiesnyvolunteer.org. To contribute, visit catholiccharitiesny.org and click “Donate.”