Latino and Immigrant Outreach
Responding to the needs of the most vulnerable in society calls us to show concern for the plight of the immigrant. Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Peoria has a long standing tradition in providing special services to diverse immigrant and refugee groups.
In 1956 services were established to help Hungarian refugee families. In the 1960’s, services were extended to Cuban refugee families. With the end of the Vietnam War, refugee work became a major effort, and between 1975-1994 as more than 5,000 persons were resettled. During this period a residential program for unaccompanied Tha Huong refugee children was also created. Change in the world brings about change in our communities and we continue to respond through the Latino and Immigrant Outreach program.
The current program has it’s origins in the diocesan sponsored, La Casa de Santa Maria. In the mid 1980’s, La Casa, as it was known in the community, became a Catholic Charities program and soon thereafter merged with the Peoria Community Area Project. Applying a model of community service, the Latino Outreach program provides for direct services, community organizing and advocacy to individuals and families in the Peoria area.
Services
For more information about Latino and Immigrant Outreach Services, please call 309.636.7809.
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