Other Information and Resources for Immigrants

Home Study/Post-Release Services (HSPRS)

For many years, Catholic Charities Diocese of Arlington (CCDA) has been helping and supporting youth from Central America who are reunifying with their families. The youth come to the United States in search of hope for the future and a better quality of life. They have often faced significant trauma in their home countries. Some youth are fleeing violence and extreme poverty, physical and mental abuse, gang violence, and other traumatic experiences; our mission is to support these children as they reunify with families in the United States.   

How are we funded?

HSPRS is funded by the Office of Refuge and Resettlement (ORR), through a grant given to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), and CCDA – Newcomer Services Ministry being a sub-grantee. Newcomer Services Ministry provides services to children and is one of two agencies authorized by the U.S. Department of State to resettle unaccompanied refugee children. Newcomer Services Ministry serves as a leader in protecting unaccompanied, refugee, and immigrant children by providing family reunification services.

Who do we serve? 

The majority of the population we serve comes from Central America. In the past year, we have had the opportunity to work with unaccompanied minors from Afghanistan. Our program aims to welcome the youth and provide the information necessary for an successful transition. Even though our program works with minors, the whole family benefits from the community resources.  

How do clients come to us? 

HSPRS works closely with USCCB/MRS. USCCB assigns cases that might benefit from the community resources in the area where they have arrived. Also, the sponsor/adult can call the ORR hotline at 800- 203-7001 and request services. Our program provides services to the Northern Virginia and the surrounding area. 

What services are provided? 

The family reunification program offers services based on community resources. We work with other non-profits local organizations to connect families with the following services: 

• School Enrollment
• Medical and Mental Health
• Dental
• Legal Services
• Job fairs
• Adult Education / GED/ Computers/ ESL classes. 

How can people help? 

There are different ways to contribute to our program. Volunteers and interns are the most valuable. The other way is by donations. During the year, we have workshops, food distribution, clothes and backpack distribution, and a wish list for the youth. Amazon wishlist - https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2CRMR2OLP4JA0?ref_=abls_nvfly_swy

What are the needs of our clients? 

• New clothing 
• Personal hygiene products, especially dental
• Backpacks/school supplies 

If you have any questions about Family Reunification, please reach out to newcomer.services@ccda.net