CCFCS to close some refugee resettlement programs due to unprecedented changes in U.S. immigration policy

Catholic Charities Family and Community Services (CCFCS) has been offering services to refugees and immigrants for more than 100 years; since 1980 alone, the agency has helped more than 15,000 refugees resettle in Rochester and pursue safe, self-sufficient lives as U.S. citizens. However, unprecedented changes in U.S. immigration policy have had a major impact on our ability to serve the community of New Americans. In January, when the federal Administration halted refugee resettlement and froze funding for refugee and immigration programs, CCFCS chose to raise funds and underwrite costs for services which were critical to our current clients. In April, our contractor agency in the work of refugee resettlement terminated their relationship with the federal Office of Refugee Resettlement. As a result, CCFCS has had no choice but to close some of our programs, including the refugee resettlement program, our migrant children foster care program, and some specialized programming for Afghans and refugee families with special health needs.  All other programs for refugees and immigrants remain in place.

“Our work with refugees is an important part of our mission at Catholic Charities,” says Lori VanAuken, President and CEO of CCFCS. “The need for services remains. CCFCS can and will continue to fulfill our obligation to serve those who are building new lives in the U.S.”

CCFCS is working to ensure that clients in the impacted programs are referred to other CCFCS department programs or external providers as appropriate. In addition, some 30 staff members are losing their positions; CCFCS has been working to absorb them in other positions inside the agency.

Despite these changes, CCFCS is still delivering a wide range of refugee and immigration services, including job preparation and placement, post-resettlement integration and self-sufficiency services, refugee health, and legal immigration services. If the federal administration decides to restart the admission of refugees to the U.S., CCFCS stands ready to resume that work as well.  The Greater Rochester region has a long history of embracing refugees from around the world.  CCFCS is proud of the role we play in this work.  As we move forward, we remain most grateful for the community’s support of our mission.