MONTICELLO, NY — Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York, in partnership with Catholic Charities of Orange, Sullivan & Ulster, will host a community immigration information session and legal clinic from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, July 27 at St. Peter’s Church. There is no charge to attend, but appointments are required.

“The path to lawful status can be a long, difficult and complicated journey,” said Shannon Kelly, CEO, Catholic Charities of Orange, Sullivan & Ulster. “Through these outreach events, we strive to clear some of the confusion, dispel rumors and provide accurate information and resources for immigrant families who are trying to navigate their way through the process.” 

At the clinic, volunteers will meet with attendees to gather background information and understand an individual or family’s needs. Catholic Charities’ team of attorneys will evaluate the information, provide individual legal consultations and determine the next steps to be taken. 

The day will also include a “Know Your Rights” training program to help immigrants understand what they can and should do if they are contacted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), safety planning strategies, benefits and services information and guidance on how to report and protect against fraud. Other topics will include how to obtain a driver’s license, workers’ rights information and DACA and green card renewals.

“We are grateful to Fr. Bob Porpora and St. Peter’s Church and our immigration legal services colleagues for working with us to bring these important legal clinics free of charge to the newest members of our Sullivan County community,” said Kelly. 

Community partners will have tables at the clinic to help attendees learn about other resources, including food and shelter assistance, medical care and behavioral health services.

Anyone interested in volunteering at the clinic should contact evelyn.rodriguez@catholiccharitiesny.org . While all help is appreciated, speakers of Spanish and other languages are especially needed.

St. Peter’s Church is located at 10 Liberty St. in Monticello.

To schedule an appointment, call 347/921-0631 or email cccscommclinics@gmail.com. If you know someone who needs assistance and can’t attend, you can call the Catholic Charities Office of Immigration Services office at 845/562-4736, or call Catholic Charities’ Office for New Americans Hotline at 800/566-7636. Help is available in more than 200 languages.

To find out more about volunteer opportunities with Catholic Charities, visit www.catholiccharitiesnyvolunteer.org.