Who We Are
At Catholic Charities of Central Florida, we embrace all those in need with hope, transforming their lives through faith, compassion, and service. We need people who, regardless of their own faith background, want to help us preserve the dignity of human life, alleviate hunger, prevent homelessness, care for immigrants and refugees, and provide access to healthcare.
What We Do
Comprehensive Refugee Services provides care and compassion to eligible refugees living in Orange, Osceola and Seminole Counties through programs designed to help them integrate into the community and achieve self-sufficiency.
Care for Immigrants and Refugees
• We provide programs and services designed to meet the specific needs of the Central Florida immigrant and refugee community. Our services include:
o Immigration Legal Services
The legal services provided by Comprehensive Refugee Services include assistance with obtaining Employment Authorization Documents (EAD), permanent residency applications, and other employment-related immigration status issues.
o Refugee Youth Services The Refugee Youth Program provides assistance in addressing the educational, language, and employment needs of vulnerable refugee/entrant youth who may be at risk of dropping out of high school, not meeting high school graduation requirements, or are in need of alternatives to a traditional high school education, with an overall goal of employment and integration.
The program provides guidance and assistance in accessing community and school resources to support the academic and career goals of refugee youth at risk during the fist years of living in the United States.
o Comprehensive Refugee Services
Case Management provides assistance to new-comers with referrals and follow-ups to Adult Education, Legal Services, Youth and Family Services, and Employment Services (clients must have an Employment Authorization Document). Case management also refers clients to partners including: the Florida Department of Children and Families, the health departments in our tri-county zone, and 4C/child care services.
o Refugee Employment Services
The employment services team helps clients get suitable employment based on their skills, education, transportation, and language and mediates between employers and employees. Clients are also provided with employability preparation such as job interviews and practice, mock applications, resumes, and translation services. Job coaching is also available to help them complete necessary paperwork—including assisting both the employee and employer with the I-9 form.
o English as a Second Language Classes
English as a Second Language (ESL) is a free, 8-week English language learning program for adults with limited English skills. The classes are designed to help students learn how to read, write, speak, and comprehend in English. Students wishing to enroll in the ESL program are required to take the CASAS (Comprehensive Adult Student Assessment Systems) placement test.
Vocational Education is a free program for adults 18 years and older who have acquired the English skills necessary to begin a technical training program. Its purpose is to assist clients in meeting their educational and career goals. Clients can continue their education through training offered by Orange Technical College–a partner of Catholic Charities of Central Florida.
