Share Your Story
This page is a celebration of the incredible stories that have unfolded within the walls of Catholic Charities. We invite you to be a part of this tapestry of hope and transformation by sharing your own personal journey in the box provided. Your story is an invaluable thread that weaves together the fabric of our collective mission to inspire, uplift, and create lasting positive change.
If your life has been profoundly touched by the services of Catholic Charities, or if you have had the privilege of serving as a volunteer, staff member, or former staff, we wholeheartedly encourage you to share your story with us here. Your personal experiences are a testament to the incredible impact that Catholic Charities has had on individuals and communities, and we warmly invite you to add your unique voice to the narrative of compassion and transformation. |
For the past 78 years, Catholic Charities has been a compassionate presence in the lives of countless individuals, offering help and support in times of need. Our organization has had the privilege of assisting people from all walks of life, each with their unique set of challenges.
We have stood by immigrants who had to leave their homelands due to war or poverty, providing them with a helping hand as they navigate a new chapter in their lives. We have embraced those who escaped violence and torture, offering them a safe space to heal and rebuild. Our commitment extends to the homeless population, as we tirelessly work to find them secure and comfortable housing options. Catholic Charities has also opened its arms to refugees, coming from far and wide, extending a warm welcome and providing essential resources to help them settle and thrive in their new communities. We firmly believe in the power of education and have been proud to offer comprehensive adult education programs, enabling individuals who never had the opportunity to learn to achieve their dreams. 
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Discover below a collection of compelling narratives from dedicated volunteers, esteemed clients, committed employees, and valued collaborators. These individuals have graciously shared their experiences, highlighting the transformative impact that Catholic Charities has had on their lives.
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MELIA CHITTENDEN
Melia Chittenden Volunteer My name is Melia Chittenden and I am a rising senior at Princeton University studying Public & International Affairs, with a focus on Arab culture/history and immigration. I had the pleasure of interning for Catholic Charities, NM during the summer of 2020. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I had to cancel my original plans to intern abroad. Thankfully, I was able to help Catholic Charities with communications, outreach, promotion of the 2020 Census, and volunteer activities. My experience with Catholic Charities was very unique due to the limitations of COVID-19, but I learned a lot and loved that I was able to help during this especially difficult time. One of my favorite projects this summer was working on increasing participation in the 2020 Census among hard-to-count populations. Carolina, Daniel, and I worked on finding small local businesses in hard-to-count communities and partnered with them to provide $10 gift cards to the first 50 customers who showed that they had filled out the Census. I enjoyed visiting these businesses myself and interviewing the employees to create promotional videos for social media. I also really enjoyed working at the In-Kind Donation Center with Kathy Freeze collecting backpacks and school supplies from generous donors to distribute to refugee families and their children. When I was not working, I absolutely loved exploring Albuquerque and New Mexico. After self-quarantining and testing negative for COVID-19, I was able to go for runs along the beautiful Bosque, hike the gorgeous Sandia trails and Petroglyph National Monument, watch drive-in movies at the Balloon Fiesta Park, and explore the rest of the city. On weekends, I drove down to White Sands National Park and up to Santa Fe and Taos. Growing up in Los Angeles, I never imagined the myriad of landscapes and excursions that New Mexico has to offer. Just like its residents, this state is an incredible mosaic of diverse experiences. Thank you so much to Catholic Charities for this amazing opportunity, I look forward to continuing to work with the organization (remotely) throughout the fall! ROBERT WILSON
Robert Wilson Senior Driver I drive in the Senior Transportation program for Catholic Charities in Albuquerque, NM, and have done so for 7 years or so. It is very rewarding to know that if not for me accepting a CC assignment, one of our elders may have to cancel a doctor’s appointment or not be able to get their medical prescriptions or food that week. Besides the warm glow that I feel when helping, I also get to meet and chat with a variety of people, hear their life stories – past and present – and tell them my own. It’s amazing how often I find that we have things in common; places we’ve lived or visited, what we like about Albuquerque and New Mexico – or what we don’t like, our medical histories (although that conversation can go on forever!), our families, and more….. So, when I drove Lucy Charles (not her real name) recently, for the 3rd time, the conversation inevitably came around to where we grew up and went to school. She told me that she grew up in New York State, and I replied that I did as well, and asked her what town. Lucy replied that it was just a small town, down state, about 30 miles north of NYC, and that she was sure I hadn’t heard of it. When she said Shrub Oak, I nearly ran the car off the road! That was where I went to high school as well! We both laughed in amazement, but then I had to ask what year she graduated, and wouldn’t you know, we were in the same class! “Lucy” told me her unmarried name, but with a graduating class of over 300, it was not surprising that I didn’t really remember her. Nevertheless, we were able to swap stories about our school, our teachers, and our classmates and our town, for some time after that. I have decided to continue to drive for Catholic Charities during the coronavirus pandemic, using social distancing guidelines, masks, and thorough cleaning of surfaces, and I hope to be able to continue to do so. It is an extremely rewarding part of my life in retirement. CHRIS SPAHN
In 2016 I applied to be a Catholic Charities volunteer after retiring from a seventeen year ministry as a pastoral associate at a local parish. I wanted to do hands-on, non-administrative work and that's what I was assigned: taking refugees to the post office, doctor's and pharmacy, registering children for school, and familiarizing folks with the ABQ bus system, libraries, and laundromats. Because of the language challenges of assisting people from many different countries, I sometimes had to be inventive, but so were they, and it was a joy to aid people whose courage and resilience were so evident. Later I organized a team to work with a recently arrived Muslim family of six from Iraq. We visited at least once a week and responded to the needs and concerns voiced by family members. They learned from us and we learned from them! During the Companions on the Journey effort, I was a co-coordinator of the Hospitality Team. It was sometimes exhausting work, but team members served so generously that we were buoyed up by each other. And it was a privilege to offer a welcoming smile and all the comforts we could give to people who had suffered so much. These days, I'm doing clerical work, filing, data entering, etc. -- sometimes a little tedious but extremely necessary. It's a way to support the many wonderful works of Catholic Charities, and I'm most grateful. Chris Spahn Refugee Support and Asylum Seeker Effort Volunteer ELENA TURRIETTA-OATES
Elena Turrietta Receptionist MANTRA? He walked in, a quiet, very polite, stately but visibly heavily burdened young man – perhaps late twenties to early thirties. As receptionist, I welcomed him as any other Refugee arriving at Catholic Charities (CC) for the first time, expecting he would be very friendly, like his parents. His parents had arrived earlier, and they were generally somewhat serious but very engaging, gracious and generous. He simply nodded and responded w/a sad smile. Somewhat puzzled, I contacted his case manager who responded she would come to the lobby shortly. Reliably the case assistant showed up and began with a lively greeting, anticipating she would lead him to her office to attend to the purpose of his appointment. I do not recall precisely what the triggering word was, but suddenly, without warning, he began sobbing inconsolably. Providentially no one else was in the lobby. There was no time to head to her office, and she began immediately to quietly, gently calm him, repeating, “Dios nunca se equivoca; Dios nunca se equivoca.” Almost unable to get words out because of non-stop sobs, he explained how, through quite a few errors by authorities along the way, he had mistakenly ended up at Guantanamo Bay Detention Camp. Uncomfortable and embarrassed to give many details, he disclosed some of the torture and horrific treatment he and fellow prisoners had endured. I kept trying to choke back my own sobbing. He revealed the only thing that had saved him was holding on to his rosary, prayer and praying the rosary every night. Eventually, as the case manager kept repeating, “Dios nunca se equivoca” he was able to compose himself, and he and his case assistant proceeded to her office to begin a plan for acclimation and healing. Time went by, his case manager had completed her assigned time with him, had relocated to another state, and he rarely came to the office. When he did stop at the office I could see the gradual, steady progress as his life showed more and more signs of normalcy, and eventually he moved out of state. Some years later, I happened to come to CC (now at the Bridge location) on a Saturday afternoon, had unloaded what needed to be brought to the office, and my husband and I were heading to our car. Some of our teachers were holding classes, and a gentleman was cooking delicious food on a grill outdoors. The client was in Albuquerque, visiting his parents, and was driving by, could see several cars in our parking lot so unexpectedly drove in. He practically ran to get closer to me to give me a warm, grateful hug. He had a firm, lively handshake for my husband and excitedly introduced us to a lovely, young woman, his wife. They appeared so very happy! As they approached their car to leave, he turned, smiled (a great, free, wholesome smile now) and called back to us, “Dios nunca se equivoca!!” Dios nunca se equivoca God never errs! ANDY NAJAR
Andy Najar Case Manager About ten years ago I got a new family to work with. A single mother and three children. The oldest was Cailon; he was eight years old. I did the intake with his mother. I could tell he was so excited about having his own room. He said I’m going to watch TV, play X box, and have a bowl with some gold fish in it. Two days later the family came back and Cailon had mapped out his new room and future. He drew a new pillow and blanket he lying on his new bed. He drew a window so he could look out into his new neighborhood he and family will be living in. Cailon also wanted a big dresser for his clothes.I was nice to see the plan Cailon had for himself and the hope he had for his future. That is what Catholic Charities has been doing for 75 years. Building Hope for the Future in our Community. And making dreams come true for families. DOLORES NUNEZ
Dolores Nunez Chief Administrative officer I began volunteering at Catholic Charities at the suggestion of a friend and board member, Lori Muller, after ending a long career in banking. From the first moment I entered the buildings of Catholic Charities nearly five years ago, I knew I belonged here. There was this spirit of giving that permeated throughout each room I entered and from each person I met. The desire to help the most vulnerable in our community was being lived out in action. Four months later, a position in the Development Office opened and I moved from volunteer to employee. Working in the Development Office and as Chief Administrative Officer has allowed me to be a part of the work that happens at Catholic Charities because of the AMAZING STAFF that works here and the volunteers and donors who support our work! Soon I will "retire" from Catholic Charities and begin a new chapter in my life, but I will forever be touched by the work, the people and especially by those we serve. It is a blessing to be a part of the Catholic Charities community. YOSBANI LÓPEZ- MANRESA
Mr. Lopez-Manresa Retreat Healthcare New Mexico Mr. Lopez-Manresa’s journey began in Cuba, where he earned his M.D. and worked as a doctor. The Cuban government sent him to work in Venezuela in 2004, where he stayed for seven years. In 2011, a friend in the United States told him about the Cuban Medical Professional Parole (CMPP) Program. Under this program, Cuban doctors or other medical professionals who had been sent to work in a third country could apply for a visa for themselves and their families to the United States. In July 2012, Mr. Lopez-Manresa arrived in Miami with his wife and seven-year old daughter. When they arrived, they were received by a Catholic Charities worker who took them from the airport and helped them find food and accommodations. Catholic Charities assisted them with their paperwork, helped cover the cost of traveling from Miami to Albuquerque, and helped with the first few months of rent. “Imagine, we get here with nobody and nothing, I didn’t have a job or anything [...] they helped us with paperwork, with English classes, and even with finding a job at Retreat Healthcare.” Mr. Lopez-Manresa talked about how he was a bit afraid when he first came to Albuquerque with his wife and daughter because they had no family or friends nearby. But all the help he received from Catholic Charities was wonderful. “If we hadn’t had that help, it would have been very hard, I don’t know what would have happened to us.” When asked about the biggest challenges of resettling in the United States, he said, “when we got here, thank God I knew a little bit of English. But we needed the basic things - housing, food, clothing, the paperwork...it was wonderful that Catholic Charities was able to help us with all of this.” Today, Mr. Lopez-Manresa is working as a nursing assistant at Retreat Healthcare, and is working towards getting his American Physicians Board certification. SHAELYN KALUS
When I moved to Santa Fe just a few short months ago, I was eager to get involved with the community, and applying for a job with Catholic Charities seemed to be a brilliant opportunity for me to be able to do just that. Taking on the position of the program coordinator for Partnering for Seniors during the time of the COVID-19 Pandemic proved quite challenging, but fulfilling nonetheless. The additional challenge posed by the pandemic allowed me to become even more acquainted with the local community as I was required to be a bit more creative and persistent in my volunteer recruitment efforts and spreading word about the new program. Fortunately, I was welcomed into my position by some wonderfully helpful colleagues that had already established a strong foundation for the program and made crucial community connections. Now that the program has taken off, I have been blessed to witness the joy and gratitude of the organizations and clinics that we offer our services to, as well as the many seniors we have been able to serve thus far. Not only have our program volunteers and I been able to provide individuals with much needed transportation services, we have also been able to engage in conversation and relationships to combat the isolation that is far too commonly experienced within the senior community during this time of the COVID-19 Pandemic. I am grateful for our courageous volunteers, as well as the opportunity I have been given to participate in the work of Catholic Charities - both have allowed me to connect with my new community and my neighbors in need in a real and meaningful way. ELLIE
Ms. Ellie has been a registered rider of Catholic Charities Senior Transportation Services for almost ten years. After a heart attack grounded her, she had to stop driving. While she sometimes misses the freedom to jump into her car for a spontaneous quick errand, she prefers to focus about the blessings in her life, her family! Ellie’s face beams as she speaks about her two sons, four grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren who shower her with love from all across the country. Through our Senior Transportation Services, Ellie is able to attend her therapeutic regimen twice a week, which helps her remain a lively and loving presence in her family’s lives. She has additionally been blessed with an extended family of sorts born from her friendships with her volunteer drivers and their families. Ellie tells us, “I am still a happy person as I have lived a wonderful life and continue to keep busy and stay connected with family and friends.” MARIA
Maria is a mother of 11 adult children and grandmother to many grandchildren. Her family is spread throughout the U.S. and Mexico. She currently lives with one of her sons in Albuquerque along with his wife and their two children. Maria cooks almost every day for her family. Despite her disability, Maria walks to the bus stop to attend her ESL classes at Catholic Charities. Her instructor Laura Nunez says, “She always has a sunny disposition during every class and she is an inspiration to all students at Catholic Charities. I am very fortunate to have her as my student!” LARISSA
Larissa (Catholic Charities Student) Larissa was born and raised in Albuquerque. In her senior of high school, she ran into curve balls that prevented her from graduating. After a few years, Larissa was ready to go back to school to better her future. She began Catholic Charities’ HiSET program in the fall of 2018, determined to finish as soon as possible. With the support of her instructor Carlos Vasquez, Larissa was able to pass all of the HiSET exams after her first term. “I walked out of my test with tears of happiness in my eyes because I knew taking this big step could help me better my future in so many ways,” says Larissa. This summer Larissa plans to start studying business at CNM. She dreams of helping people achieve their fitness goals in her own personal training or gym facility, possibly even studying nutritional science to further help people with their nutritional goals. CHRIST SPAHM
For nine months last year, I had the delightful opportunity to be a part of the Abbey Refugee Team under the Catholic Charities umbrella. Our team, comprised of my sister and myself as well as one other woman and one man, worked with a newcomer family from Iraq to support their transition into life in Albuquerque. The women on the team saw our primary task as aiding the mother in learning and practicing English. Her struggles with a difficult pregnancy limited our sessions. We also helped drive the children to school until they moved to an apartment within walking distance of the school. Our male team member’s main task was to advise the father about a number of issues that were helpful in navigating American and local Albuquerque systems. The baby was born on November 25th and our match with the family has formally ended. However, my sister and I hope to continue supporting the family. We wish to do this not only because there are still many ways the family can use our help, but also because they help us. We find fulfilment in welcoming newcomers to our country in a tangible way and we enjoy learning about Iraqi culture and Islamic faith. And the mother still owes us a baklava making lesson! Ultimately this has always been so much more than a client-service provider relationship; it’s a growing friendship that we wish to continue JOHN CUNNINGHMAN
John Cunningham Catholic Charities Volunteer After retiring as a computer software engineer three years ago, John Cunningham began looking for ways to give back to the community when he found our call for a computer savvy volunteer. John’s work was recognized nationally by Catholic Charities USA. John was selected from more than 300,000 volunteers who dedicate their time and talents to Catholic Charities across the country each year as one of six national finalists for their 2018 Volunteer of the Year Award. John’s contributions include: Replacing outdated senior transportation scheduling spreadsheet with a database Introducing a barcode system for volunteer sign in/sign out, creating a paperless method of recording volunteer hours Upgrading our method of matching in-kind donations to families in need The real treasure is the spirit in which he shares his talents. When John comes to our office, he lights up the room. “I have not had this much fun since I retired,” John tells us. ISABELLA ESTRADA
Isabella Estrada Volunteer Community involvement I began driving for Catholic Charities Senior Transportation Services last summer and I am so happy that I decided to be involved in this particular service. Many times our elderly population is forgotten or pushed aside in a time in their lives that they need the most help. This is a sad but harsh reality in our country today. This is why I wanted to be a part of this particular service; I watched my grandparents grow to a ripe old age and helped them when I could, and I treat all my riders as my own grandparents, helping them with rides when I can. One woman in particular that I just love giving rides to is Ms. Figg. Ms. Figg is a spunky lady who is not afraid to speak her mind. Every time I pick her up for her various appointments she walks out of her house with the biggest smile on her face. This in turn lights up my mood and turns my whole day around. There is never a dull moment when this woman is in my car. She makes me laugh with her stories and makes me proud to know I am helping a person in need. Ms. Figg is not the only person who has touched my heart while volunteering for Catholic Charities, but all of the seniors whom I give rides to have given me knowledge and perspective that are priceless. I know that what I am doing may not seem like much, but without these rides, these seniors would not be able to make their doctors’ appointments or be able to go grocery shopping. We all need help in life, especially our elderly, and what better way to give back to the community than by helping those who have shaped our community and have made it what it is today. This is my thanks to them, and am so proud to be a senior transportation driver. SHANA NEWLAND
It has been a privilege to be a participant in Catholic Charities Housing Assistance Program. I first had contact with your office in August of 2015, was accepted mid-month, and secured an apartment with Catholic Charity funding during the first week of September. Having officially graduated as of April 2016, I would like to offer feedback about your program and the tremendous support your staff offered me in rebuilding my life. To begin at the beginning, my contact with Catholic Charities occurred after a major illness brought my once-busy life to a crashing halt. During my convalescence, everything went wrong that could have. I lost my safety net and my home. Between March and September, 2015, I was homeless. I stayed with friends early on, but spent the bulk of my nights in the car under the bright lights and security cameras at the Academy/Wyoming Walmart. Still, I persevered. I went to my doctor appointments and attended twice-weekly counseling sessions to keep my head on straight. My health was improving slowly and I worked part time, but I never received the hours I needed to get close to self-sufficiency. My acceptance into the Catholic Charities program brought an immediate change for the better. From the day of the group meeting, I knew I was in good hands and hearts. I can’t begin to convey what it was like for me to be the only the homeless person sitting at the big table, and for you and Tim to take me aside and tell me you would be meeting with me the following Monday morning to make arrangements for housing. I felt worthy – even special – for the first time in a long time. It meant so much to know I mattered! Edgar Leal, my Case Manager, began working with me as soon as I entered the program. In our monthly meetings, we discussed a wide range of self-sufficiency issues, including income, financial planning, work goals and health management. Edgar was always fully engaged and present in our discussions. He was directive when it came to the specific tasks I needed to complete for program compliance. He was receptive to my concerns, listened well and responded in compassionate ways. When I was facing obstacles, Edgar shared resource ideas and potential solutions to remedy difficulties. His suggestions were always helpful and right on point. Frequent communication was a key element to our success as a case manager-client team. My best compliment to Edgar is that I always enjoyed coming to our appointments and providing updates by email. I knew he genuinely wanted my situation to improve in all of the ways it needed to. He encouraged me at every meeting to be patient, flexible and accepting of my circumstances even though I never felt I was progressing quickly enough. When I was standing in a blind spot, Edgar didn’t berate me because I couldn’t see. He walked with me to a new vantage point. He always acknowledged my strengths and successes. When I felt small and invisible, Edgar let me know he respected me. Dignity and respect are fragile and can’t be taught. Edgar carries this knowledge in his heart. There are so many dimensions of the rehoming/life rebuilding process that cannot be put easily into words. Homelessness affects all life areas, especially relationships. We see ourselves and others see us differently. Trust is difficult when we are failing to thrive. In U.S. culture, people are instinctively fearful of homelessness and romanticize self-sufficiency. We have, as a people, lost our commitment to care for each other. Many people attribute good things that happen beyond their reach to “God,” or an invisible, outside force who magically and deliberately plucks them out of difficulty. This belief gives recipients of good fortune confidence in their own worthiness and allows them to feel safe in a world where people can be uncaring and dismissive. Trust me when I tell you it was absolutely clear to me throughout my participation that your program and staff were providing the help I needed to begin my life again. You accepted me, gave me back my worth and safety, held me in care and restored my faith in humanity. In the future, when I’m asked if I believe in Jesus, I’ll tell enquirers that I met him at Catholic Charities. UNM SOCCER TEAM
In summer of 2014, I was searching for volunteers to help at our World Refugee Day. We wanted to provide a variety of fun activities for the kids to make this a memorable day for all. As I reviewed the volunteer roster, seeking volunteers listed under “special project’, I came across a volunteer, James, who listed “soccer’ as a special skill. A light bulb moment! Maybe, James could come out and kick a few balls around with the kids. I contacted James with my idea. He replied quickly. Unfortunately he would be in Canada on that date, but he would ask a couple of his teammates to come out and help. True to his word, a few days later Luke contacted me. He is the Sports Coordinator for the UNM Men’s Soccer Team. Holy Cow! James told me he played soccer, he didn’t tell me he was on the UNM Men’s Soccer Team. So imagine my surprise when the UNM soccer Coordinator contacted me about specific expectations for the players. I don’t know anything about NCAA regulations, but all was approved. On World Refugee day Luke and six soccer players, dressed in their team uniform arrived promptly at 11:30 a.m. When the young children in the community room heard the word “soccer” they all raced out to the fi eld. The players set up a mini soccer camp for the young refugee children. It was fun to watch these young men, running the kids through various drills and engaging them in conversation. They brought small soccer balls which they passed out and signed autographs. The young men were friendly, well mannered, and very respectful of the diversity of cultures represented at the event. They undoubtedly are the type of role models we want our youth to emulate. Thank you, Luke, Mathew, Patrick, Nicholas, Lucas, James and Patrick for sharing your time and talent so generously with these children, which clearly made this a very special day for them. Thank you to Coach Fishbein for encouraging your team to make a difference in the community. And thank you James Rogers, for getting the ball rolling on this, literally. Have a Super Season. Go Lobos! YACIEL YELLES TOLEDO
Yaciel Tellez Toledo has been involved in several of Catholic Charities’ Centers of Excellence, first as a participant and now as a volunteer in the Center for Educational Opportunity. Yaciel came to the U.S. by boat after fleeing the harsh economic and political conditions in Cuba in October of 2010. In Cuba, he completed two bachelor degrees, became fluent in English, and had been teaching in a university. Upon his arrival to the U.S., he became a participant in Catholic Charities’ Center for Refugee Settlement and Support and also received his Lawful Permanent Residency through the Center for Immigration and Citizenship Legal Assistance. Shortly after, received his Master of Business Administration degree through the University of Phoenix. Now, after working in a local elementary school, at UNM Hospitals, and receiving two types of teaching licenses in New Mexico, he works with the New Mexico Public Defender’s Office as a Windows Systems Administrator. Yaciel is currently working toward his PhD in Management Information Systems with Northcentral University and enrolled in the Albuquerque Christian College to become a minister. In his free time, Yaciel volunteers with the Center for Educational Opportunity to assist students enrolled in citizenship classes in the preparation of taking their naturalization exams. Yaciel said he decided to volunteer with Catholic Charities because, “It was time for me to pay back to Catholic Charities [for] all they did for me when I came to this country.” He also enjoys helping the students because of his interests in teaching and assisting those in need. |
SANDRA STEWART
Sandra Stewart Volunteer When I retired a couple of years ago, I wanted to find a volunteer “home.” I could have given time here and there but wanted to get to know an organization and hoped to have an impact. Well, I got that and more! Catholic Charities was much in the news at the time because of the many asylum seekers looking for respite in our country. Their companions on the journey program piqued my interest, but I knew that they had a lot of wonderful volunteers stepping up to help. My skill set was more in administrative support, so I filled out an application online and pressed send. Within ten minutes my phone rang, and I was asked how soon I could come in for an interview! And thus, my own journey began. I worked a bit with senior transportation and housing, but then found myself a scanning queen in human resources. I spent some time there and, in the process, learned the names of all the employees. It was always fun to finally meet the people behind the names! Somehow, I began helping in the development department and that became my home base. I actually did a short stint as a part-time employee! I started learning more about the programs of Catholic Charities and was really impressed with their breadth of services to the community. Although I am missing my “people” during this time of COVID, I have found myself staying involved by being on a few committees. I get to see folks on zoom calls and stay informed with all that Catholic Charities continues to do in these challenging times. Still have my “home!” ELIZABETH ZIERS
I'm not Catholic. I'm not even religious. But it was with awe and wonder that I watched Catholic Charities swing into action last spring to help migrants new to this country. I was but a tiny cog in a well-oiled machine. Migrants were being dumped in the streets of El Paso by ICE. So Catholic Charities stepped up to help them get to their destination. I was very busy because there were so many families who needed help, but sometimes I just had to step back and watch as so many volunteers filled their roles with such proficiency. From the moment the migrants stepped off the bus, they were attended to by volunteers providing them with a hot meal, clean clothes, a sparse but clean room, medical aid, language interpretation, and most importantly, communication with friends/family in distant cities. As the numbers of new arrivals increased, Catholic Charities increased their aid even as they reached out to other community services and charities to pitch in. The aid came to a rapid halt due to ICE effectively tearing up the U.S. policy of asylum. I'm glad I volunteered when I did and met so many selfless Burquenos. CAROLINA ROMERO
Caroline Romero Parish Outreach Liaison It all started with a friend calling me to ask if I could volunteer for the asylum seeker effort. Catholic Charities was looking for Portuguese speakers to assist the Brazilians that were arriving in the buses that ICE was dropping off in Albuquerque in February 2019. By the arrival of third bus, I was already working part time to help coordinate the effort that welcomed over 1,100 adults and children to our country. It was amazing to see how the City of Albuquerque opened their arms to so many people arriving hungry, scared and tired from their long journey to request asylum in the US. Over 500 families that pass through our city but only two stayed in New Mexico. The other families traveled by bus or by plane to meet their loved ones. During their 2-5 day stay in our city, over 300 volunteers assisted with medical assistance, in-take and flight and bus reservations, supplies, clothes, warm food and big smiles. Once the effort ended, I continued as a full time employee as programmatic outreach liaison to increase the collaboration with other organizations and to improve our services to the community. This journey continues with different needs as I am assisting Catholic Charities with additional tasks in communications, website design, translation and other needs but the goal remains the same: to improve the way we serve and build community. KILEY YUTHAS
Kiley Yuthas Executive Assistant When I first started volunteering for Catholic Charities of Oregon, I didn't imagine that I would end up as an employee at Catholic Charities of New Mexico! My first experience with Catholic Charities began in college, where in my freshman year I attended a presentation from an employee in Oregon who oversaw their refugee welcome program. She told us about how she and her team welcomed new arrivals at the airport, brought them to their newly set up apartment, and welcomed them with their favorite meal and a bottle of water. She and her team would help then support families in identifying their resources and adapting to life in a new county. I knew after hearing her talk that I wanted to volunteer with her organization. My placement was in Kateri Park, a community of recent arrivals to Portland. Every week, I got to hang out with a room full of kids and do crafts for a few hours; we had so much fun being creative and silly with all kinds of art supplies. Thanks to the amazing guidance and support of the team of volunteers and Catholic Charities employees, we were able to foster a welcoming community that encouraged fun, collaboration, and creativity. I looked forward every week to coming back to hang out with my friends at Kateri Park! I moved to other opportunities after a while, but never forgot the way that CC of Oregon was able to empower and honor the diverse experiences of recent arrivals, and consistently create a fun and welcoming environment for kids of all backgrounds. Memories of having fun at Kateri Park encouraged me to apply for a job at Catholic Charities when I moved to Albuquerque 5 years later. I was lucky enough to get the job, and have been welcomed with the same spirit of community and fun that I loved at Catholic Charities back home ELISABETH LOYA
Elisabeth Loya Donor Relation Manager I was raised in Las Cruces by my mom, who grew up in Santa Fe. Her parents were from northern New Mexico, but settled in Santa Fe after marrying. They raised four children in the Catholic faith, and all four are still practicing Catholics. Faith was very strong in their family, as it continues to be. Their lives were devoted to prayer; both the quiet contemplative prayer that most people think of, as well as the active prayer of service to others. As I grew up around my mom, grandparents, aunts, and uncles, learning about Catholic social teachings wasn’t a topic of conversation, it was a way of life. Always giving, always serving, the adults closest to me embodied the same values as Catholic Charities: Faith, Love, Caring, Integrity, Inclusivity, Collaboration, and Respect. The years came and went, and after going through school and starting my career, I found myself living in Bernalillo and commuting to Santa Fe with my husband. During that time, my grandfather passed away peacefully in the Santa Fe home where I’d shared so many memories with him and the rest of my family. Not long after that, the time came to look for a new job, and I saw an opportunity at Catholic Charities. It wasn’t until I had accepted the job that I learned about my grandfather’s support of the organization years before. Given the similarities between my grandfather’s beliefs and the organizational values it shouldn’t have been a surprise, but he was so active in so many aspects of Catholic life, it was hard to keep track of which clubs and businesses he had a connection with. Though he didn’t get to see me work here, finding out about that connection made me feel like I had one more thread between his life and mine; one more connection in an already close relationship. Not long after I started at Catholic Charities, I was proud to announce that I was pregnant with my first child. Through those months of pregnancy, my work family was just as supportive as my relatives, and just as happy for me when I finally gave birth to a son. My husband and I named him after my grandfather. Now, my son attends the Children’s Learning Center and loves it there. I don’t believe it’s a coincidence that years after my grandfather supported Catholic Charities, his granddaughter and great-grandson are thriving because people like him saw the good work that Catholic Charities did and continues to do. Though the organization has changed a lot in its 75 years, the values have stayed the same. And for us, a connection that spans four generations has a common thread in Catholic Charities.! LENA ERNST
Lena Ernst Retreat Healthcare New Mexico Dr. Lena Ernst and Retreat Healthcare have worked with Catholic Charities for several years in order to foster community connection and mutual support. About a decade ago, Dr. Ernst began talking with Catholic Charities about providing recently resettled immigrants and refugees with employment opportunities at Retreat Healthcare. Since then, Retreat Healthcare has employed several immigrants and refugees. Catholic Charities assisted in the employment process, helping immigrants and refugees to obtain background checks, medical checks, and the credentials needed to work at Retreat Healthcare. Some refugees and immigrants arrived in the United States with a medical background and worked with Retreat Healthcare, honing their medical abilities and improving their language skills while studying to obtain a U.S. medical license. Others have stayed at Retreat Healthcare for several years, providing invaluable care and expertise. Retreat Healthcare has also hired recently resettled immigrants and refugees to work in dietary areas, housekeeping, and environmental services. These occupations also provided immigrant and refugee employees with an opportunity to build their resume in healthcare, improve their English language capabilities, and find support in a safe community. Additionally, they provide patients at Retreat Healthcare with quality care and aid. In Dr. Ernst’s words, the immigrants and refugees who have worked for Retreat Healthcare have been “eager, hardworking, and committed to making their employment a successful part of their life." MARIELA RUIZ ANGEL
Ms. Ruiz-Angel is the coordinator for the Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs (OIRA) in Albuquerque. Catholic Charities has worked closely with OIRA in developing the office and helping with community engagement. In 2019, there was a large migration of asylum-seekers coming through the south and up into Albuquerque. Catholic Charities played a key role in housing and hosting many of these families. The moment that most stands out to Ms. Ruiz-Angel, was the work that Catholic Charities did during this time. She explains how, as a city office, they are sometimes limited in the ways they are able to help, but Catholic Charities was able to help and fill the gaps time and time again. She describes how OIRA and Catholic Charities employees worked day in and day out for several weeks to assist about four thousand asylum-seekers, sometimes working 72 hours straight to help find housing, food, blankets, and donations. Ms. Ruiz-Angel talked specifically about a mother and her young son who had fled Honduras and were trying to join family in New York. After finally getting two tickets on a red-eye, Ms. Ruiz-Angel drove her to the airport, but was not able to get her through customs. She called Catholic Charities to ask if they could take care of the mother and her son until they could get on the next flight a week later. Catholic Charities took in the mother and son, found them a place to stay, and even spoke with customs and helped get their paperwork in order. “Catholic Charities was compassionate, kind, welcoming, and knew how to handle hard situations. Catholic Charities will always hold such a special place in my heart when I think about that experience.” GABRIEL
Growing up, Gabriel’s only expectation for his future was a life of incarceration. Eventually he found himself a single father of seven children. After his own mother suffered a stroke and was no longer able to help, Gabriel realized he needed to make a change for himself and his family. He became clean and sought to find a stable home for his children. His journey put him in contact with Catholic Charities Center for Self-Sufficiency and Housing Assistance. Within a few weeks, Santana, his Catholic Charities case manager, found him a home large enough for his whole family, just in time for the holidays! She also brought Christmas presents for all seven children. “We got to spend the holidays together as a family. It was one of the best times of our life,” Gabriel says. In less than a year, Gabriel graduated our La Luz Housing Program, which provides up to 24 months of housing assistance and case management to families with dependent children in Bernalillo and Sandoval Counties. After housing the family, Catholic Charities assisted him with achieving self-sufficiency including acquiring necessary documentation, enrolling the kids in school, providing a class on how to fix his credit, and finding a job as a welder. The kids are now thriving under a stable home with a routine. Gabriel loves watching his kids experience things missing from his own childhood. “Catholic Charities really came through for us. I stepped up for myself and my family and they stepped up for me.” JOSEFINA
Josefina was born in Milwaukee, WI. When she was three years old, her parents took her back to their native country of Mexico, where she eventually she married, had four children, studied computer engineering, and worked in social development with the municipal government. About three years ago, she came to Albuquerque and began caring for two-year-olds at Precious Moments Daycare, eventually being promoted to Pre-K Lead Teacher. She also enrolled in ESL and HiSET classes with Catholic Charities while concurrently taking early education credits at CNM. Within two semesters at Catholic Charities, she completed all of her requirements for HSE graduation and is now working on attaining her associate’s degree in early childhood education. Her instructor Juan Sanchez remarks that she has proven to be a natural leader and helps her peers to maximize their own learning potential. PERLA
Perla was born in Anahuac, Chihuahua, Mexico, where she studied through the 9th grade. Her family struggled with poverty, and she had to take a full-time job at age 14 rather than attending high school. In 1999, she found herself as a single mother hoping to secure a better future for her son. She came to Denver where she met her current husband and had three more children. Later her family moved to Albuquerque where she managed her own cleaning business for 11 years. Three years ago, she was required by immigration services to return to Mexico. After two years of separation from her family as she waited for her immigration case to be resolved, she finally received her permit to legally reenter the U.S. After returning to Albuquerque, Perla enrolled in HiSET classes at Catholic Charities. ”Rarely have I met a student with such firm determination to learn,” remarks her instructor Juan Sanchez. After a total of 35 weeks of class, she passed 4 out of 5 HiSET exams and is currently working towards passing the final exam. After obtaining her HSE diploma, she intends to take ESL courses and to pursue a certification in phlebotomy. JOCELYN SOLANO
Jocelyn Solano (Catholic Charities Student) On her first day in my fall 2017 citizenship class, Joselyn Solano told me it was her dream to become an American citizen because her daughter and grandchildren are American, but she was afraid to take the citizenship test. She found the task of memorizing 100 civic questions very daunting. Joselyn had come to Albuquerque from the Dominican Republic to join her family. I encouraged her to start studying little by little and she was a very proactive student. Her hard work paid off six months later on March 16th, when Joselyn received her Naturalization Certificate and realized her dream of becoming a citizen of the United States. I am so proud of her and thrilled to see her dream come true. As a teacher, it is incredibly gratifying to be a part of her journey as well as the Center of Educational Opportunity team which is devoted to the success of our immigrant community. KATHLEEN
Kathleen Catholic Charities Client I have known about Catholic Charities for some time now as we used to take donations to their In-Kind warehouse on Osuna. As my vision began to deteriorate, I knew it was only a matter of time before I could no longer drive. This really concerned me because I care for my 92 year old mother. More and more I was taking taxis to necessary appointments, which I had to prioritize because of the expense. One day a worker at the Osuna warehouse told me about Catholic Charities Senior Transportation Services. I looked into it for my mother and found that I too qualify for the service as I am 71 years old. What a blessing! I have used the service already and found the drivers are wonderful, dependable, and well mannered. It brings great peace of mind to know mother and I are in good hands.” - Kathleen LILA
I was diagnosed with breast cancer and was facing great difficulty getting to my daily radiation treatments over a month and a half period of time. I believed that everything medical would be taken care of by the capable physicians, but transportation was a major problem as I would be unable to drive myself on a daily basis. I reached out to Catholic Charities for transportation assistance and I was put in contact with Cathy Aragon-Marquez who diligently worked with me and put together a schedule to help me get to my radiation treatments. I want to sincerely thank Cathy, all of the drivers and everyone at Catholic Charities for alleviating some of the worry of getting to my treatments during this very difficult time. Their kindness and support was greatly appreciated. It is comforting to know that there is an organization like Catholic Charities that is willing to assist others in their time of need. Again, please extend my sincere appreciation and gratitude to these individuals for their assistance. May God bless them and this wonderful organization.” (Catholic Charities Rider) SARA AND BEN
When 90 year old Sarah inquired about registering for Senior Transportation Services, her main concern was that her 68 year old son, Ben, be permitted to accompany her. She also wanted to register him for the service and would accompany him to his appointments. She explained that as a young man Ben was in an accident that left him with a brain injury. They have been inseparable for 47 years. Our drivers report that they are pleasant, happy riders and “momma” as Ben calls her, has limited vision, but is very attuned to her son’s needs. Last week their assigned driver, Mike, reported that he had been unable to confirm the trip assignment because their phone appeared to be off the hook. After numerous attempts, I resorted to calling the emergency contacts listed on their file, to no avail. I drove out to their home and Ben answered the door with a worried look on his face. When I inquired about Sarah, he said she was in the hospital and added quickly, “Can you take me to see her?” I probed a little further as I was concerned that he was now alone and due to his brain injury, needed some supervision. I asked if he was able to care for himself and he answered, “I don’t know, my momma takes care of me.” Then as if he had a “light bulb moment,” he disappeared into his house and came out with a large piece of cardboard with names and phone numbers listed on it. He pointed to the place Sarah had been taken; an assisted living facility. I jotted down the information as I wanted to make certain Ben would be cared for if Sarah cannot come home. I spoke with the health care worker at the assisted living facility and learned Ben has a case manager, a part time caregiver, home delivered meals and a health service manager. She assured me they have a long term care plan for Ben. Yes, his momma will be caring for him from afar as she has resources in place for him. Ben had me point out our name and number on his card to make sure he has someone to take him to visit his “momma.” He said, “I will forget who you are by the time you leave but someone will know to call you to take me to see her.” ESTHER
It’s been six years since my family and I walked through the doors of Catholic Charities. I was scared. I told myself I couldn’t do this. I felt small and worthless as I sat waiting. I could hear voices of doubt in my head telling me I should leave, that they’d tell me no. The voices continued on and on until I heard my name called. I stood up and walked towards the door. “Hi my name is Andy”, he said. Something about him made me feel safe. We sat and talked, and then he said I was accepted into the program. I was happy, excited and scared all at the same time. Andy assured me that I wasn’t alone, but I was still scared. I was working part time and had no one out there but my kids. So we ended up moving into a brand new apartment with nothing but the clothes on our backs. I sat in the middle of my apartment and looked around and asked God how I was going to fill our place. The next day I went to work at my part-time job with Salvation Army. I was talking to my co-worker and told her I had gotten an apartment, but I didn’t know how I was going to afford all the little things that make a house a home. An hour later the donation truck pulled up in front of the store and my manager said “Get in, you’re going home early today.” They blessed me with a couch, table and household things. As months went by, I was able to slowly continue filling my home and the next thing I knew, I had accomplished most of the goals I had set for myself. I was going to school at CNM when Andy and the team told me I was doing so well that I could stay with Catholic Charities for one more year. They would help me continue to climb and reach my goals. For one more year, I was at peace knowing they were there for me. 2014 was a pretty good year, though I lost my grandma and that killed me. I couldn’t say goodbye or give her a hug since she was so far away. I never made it to her funeral either. I was scared to go back home because of my abusive husband, nor did I have the money. He’d had all my information and my bank accounts were wiped clean. I felt like giving up, but I didn’t. I told myself I had been running from him since 2011 and I wasn’t about to give him the pleasure of bringing me down. I had gone too far to see everything I’d worked for fall to pieces. I stood up, dusted myself off, and said “I AM A STRONG AND POWERFULL WOMAN, AND NO WALL, NO MOUNTAIN, NOTHING IS GOING TO STOP ME.” I ended up getting us a car, a better paying job and for once in my life, we were happy. Looking back on my two years with Catholic Charities, I realize I have come a long way and have grown into a very strong person; not only for myself, but for my kids. I’ve learned that if you put your mind, your heart and your soul to it, anything is possible. I could not have done this without the help of Catholic Charities and my wonderful caseworker Andy. They gave me the stepping stones and the opportunity to be more than just the beaten, battered woman who sat afraid in their lobby so long ago. I will miss and love all of you for all the help you have given me and my children. Thank you. LILIAN K. CASIAS
My name is Lilian K. Casias. I was born in Mexico and migrated with my parents to the United States of America (USA). At the age of nine, I was enrolled in a public elementary school in New Mexico. After high school graduation, I attended The University of New Mexico (UNM), where I graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. Success posed barriers, especially without a social security number (SSN). My parents struggled to pay tuition fees for both me and my sister but they assured us it would pay off. They believed that with hard work, good things come. They were honest and made their living fixing apartments while paying their share of taxes, which demonstrated that overall, there is a right way to accomplish things. Upon graduation, without a SSN, I found little to no use for my degree and could only find work in retail. Increasing university costs for a higher education degree and related citizenship requirements became overbearing. In late 2012, President Obama’s executive order of the “Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program” (DACA), provided not only a work visa but hope. I could finally work and/or do graduate research in my field of study. I began my doctorate degree/ research at UNM in January of 2013 under Dr. Sanjay Krishna, working in the Infrared Detector Laboratory at UNM’s Center for High Technology Materials (CHTM). In August of that year, I married a wonderful man that supports me in everything I do and is also an engineer. We decided to apply for my green card through Catholic Charities in 2014. With the great help of Isabel Otero, Center for Immigration and Citizenship Legal Assistance, we were able to get my application submitted and approved in just a few months. We are very appreciative. SHARON AND JACK FREISINGER
You can’t have one without the other! And we wouldn’t have it any other way. It is such a pleasure to have volunteers that bring their better half along. Especially, when the couples are like Sharon and Jack. They come to volunteer every Tuesday, like clockwork. They walk through the door with a sparkle in their eyes, a bowl full of cheer and a plate full of freshly baked cookies. The Freisinger’s bring pure JOY into the Candelaria office. You can’t help but be in good spirits when they are around. They are advocates for Catholic Charities in the community, as they are proud to be volunteers and share their experience with others. By answering the phone or driving a senior, they know that what may seem like a simple deed, may be the only time this senior can get a vital need met. It is something we all take for granted, but for the elderly who can no longer drive, it may be life sustaining. When Sharon accepts a driving assignment, we just know her passenger is going to be pampered and spoiled. She is jovial, a great listener and quite the conversationalist. She will take the time to sit and have lunch with her passenger instead of rushing the person home. Jack, a retired Major from the USAF, is very thorough when performing rider intakes. He is friendly, professional and his voice is very clear. Some of our riders comment on the man with the wonderful voice. He makes certain the person on the other end feels valued and receives all the information or resources they may need. He updates the resource list and creates various forms on his own time at home. Oh, and he tells corny jokes. They attribute their strength and blessings to their faith and proudly proclaim they are long time Parishioners of, Our Lady of Annunciation, where they learned about Catholic Charities. They are punctual, respectful, and friendly beyond words. They have an instant connection with people. After being proprietors of the Specialty Shoppe in Albuquerque, for twenty years, they retired and have chosen to give their time and talent to Catholic Charities. On April 17, 2015, Jack and Sharon Freisinger received a well-deserved Volunteer Award from Mayor Richard Berry at the Mayor’s Day of Recognition event held at the convention center. |