Catholic Family Center Awarded Grant to Expand Naturalization and Citizenship Services

Rochester, NY… Catholic Family Center (CFC) has been awarded a Citizenship and Assimilation Grant by US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for the 2018-2020 fiscal years. CFC is one of 40 organizations funded for this cycle, and is one of only two organizations funded in upstate New York. This support will allow CFC to provide low-cost legal services for lawful permanent residents (“green card holders”) seeking citizenship, as well as free English language instruction and citizenship test preparation services.

CFC to partner with RCSD’s OACES, BOCES and other education programs in Monroe County
This grant allows CFC to partner with the Rochester City School District’s Office of Adult and Career Education Services (OACES), Monroe 1 BOCES, and Monroe 2-Orleans BOCES to offer free daytime and evening classes in Rochester, Fairport, and Gates. These classes will help adult students improve their English language skills and learn American history and civics, with the goal of becoming US citizens. Students will have the opportunity to take field trips to local locations of civic importance, to hear from expert speakers on topics such as American law, government, and immigration, and to have individual screenings for citizenship eligibility.

Catholic Family Center’s Immigration Services served over 1,000 individuals in the Rochester area each year during 2018, with needs ranging from naturalization to citizenship to sponsorship of family members.

“USCIS anticipates that approximately 25,000 LPRs will receive citizenship preparation services by Sept. 30, 2020, as a result of the fiscal year (FY) 2018 awards issued through the grant program. An additional 12,500 LPRs will be served under the ongoing FY 2017 program, which continues through Sept. 30, 2019.” (from USCIS.gov)

About Catholic Family Center: Catholic Family Center (CFC) is Greater Rochester’s largest provider of comprehensive family services. Each year we assist tens of thousands of our neighbors, relatives and friends as they work to remain or become healthy, productive, participating members of our community. We serve all people—regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, age, ability or gender. Our programs work together to address the many issues of human need across all stages of life.