Catholic Social Services (CSS) hosted a welcome luncheon for newly arrived individuals and families to the United States who have been served through its Immigration Service Programs. Approximately 125 guests were in attendance including an estimated 105 newcomers as well as program supporters, staff, and volunteers.

The event included games, raffles, and light refreshments. In addition, CSS staff connected families to various resources.

Kathy Bevenour, Assistant Director of CSS Community Based Service Division, was one of several CSS staff members present to connect families to various resources.

“Over 100 participants attended the event celebrating the diverse families and cultures that have recently come to the United States through the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops seeking a life free from war and persecution,” said Bevenour. “Families from Ukraine, Venezuela, Columbia, Syria, Afghanistan and Haiti attended. CSS will help these families to get jobs and enroll their children into school in Philadelphia and its surrounding counties.”

CSS provides comprehensive assistance to refugees, evacuees, and asylum seekers emigrating to the United States and specifically to the Philadelphia region. Services provided include housing resources, assistance with benefits, employment searches, cultural orientation, and connection to mental health resources.

For more information on Catholic Social Services’ Immigration Service Programs, please visit https://welcomethenewcomer.org/.