WELCOMING AND INTEGRATING NEW FAMILIES  IN OUR COMMUNITY

Through 2016, the Center for Refugee Settlement and Support welcomed approximately 300 political refugees each year through government contracts to provide resettlement services. Beginning in 2017, we stopped receiving new refugee arrivals and changed our name to the Center for Refugee Support, shifting our programs to support the many struggling refugee families already living in Albuquerque. We are dedicated to providing meaningful support to help these families achieve self-sufficiency and become integral members of our community.  ​

From Harm to Hope 

The Center has programs to support refugee families already living in Albuquerque and is dedicated to providing meaningful support to help these families achieve self-sufficiency and become integral members  of our community.  
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Our programs include  

​Team Refugee
Matches a group of trained volunteers with a family for 6 months of friendship, English practice, and general support.
​Parent engagement/Journey to success curriculum   
​Focus on different topics to help parents adapt, build community and advocate for their families and support their children.  Presenters include public school staff members, community partners, and speakers from refugee-supporting organizations in the community.
​The International Clubs - Middle and High School
​The International Clubs provide academic support to children ages eleven to eighteen in the areas of English, literacy, math and science. Operated by volunteers under the guidance of Catholic Charities employees, the program aims to improve English language skills, academic confidence and esteem in children. Activities that honor the cultures and languages of attendees are incorporated into all aspects of the program.
​Current programs at:
Van Buren Middle School  - Wednesdays, 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Sandia High School -  Thursdays, 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm
Summer Art Camp
Children interact with artists and learn social skills and other topics such as hygiene, organization, team work while making art.
​Career Readiness Camp
Build professionalism and work ethic for high school students. Opportunity to explore careers and match goals and interests.
The mission of Catholic Charities is to put faith in action to improve the lives of those in need. We provide services to promote self-sufficiency, strengthen families, fight poverty, and build community. As the local 501(c)(3) affiliate of Catholic Charities USA, we remain dedicated to finding solutions to some of the most pressing social challenges individuals, children and families face regardless of race, religion, color, country of origin, disabilities, gender, age, or sexual orientation.