Carmel Capati and Steve Maurice - CMCRefugees and immigration have been in the news because of the war in Ukraine, the US departure from Afghanistan, and the ongoing southern border issues. Steve and Carmel shared the history of the Center, the range of services offered, interesting volunteer opportunities, and the profound complexities of the government's obstacles to aiding families in need.
Originally called St. Martin House, the Center has been open since 1946. The current building opened in 2002. Their focus on immigration started in 2009 and as an organization, they shifted their relationship from The Diocese to the Our Lady Queen of Peace parish. All denominations are served in the eleven counties of the Diocese. As Executive Director Steve explained when asked about their association with the church and the families they serve, “We don’t serve them because they are Catholic. We serve them because we are Catholic.”
Carmel, the lead attorney, shared revealing statics: the Center has helped people from more than 70 countries, she and her staff of one paralegal and an additional attorney have 600 open cases, and of 189 cases files only 133 have been approved. Sadly 85% of the cases nationwide are not approved. If you missed it, here is the video: https://youtu.be/XjpRo2IDHD0