Catholic Centre for Immigrants: Upholding the Dignity of Refugees in Ottawa
July 5, 2024
Amidst the current conflicts that force many to depart their homelands, The Catholic Centre for Immigrants (CCI) Ottawa partners with The Congregation of St. Basil to successfully assist hundreds of refugees arriving to the capital each year.
Since 1954, the Catholic Centre for Immigrants has been welcoming newcomers to Ottawa, offering social services and crucial support to refugees. Handling approximately 12,000 individual cases, the organization provides services such as counselling, settlement support, and job placement, as well as providing living space and a sense of community.
The Basilian Fathers actively support organizations that mirror their vision of peace and justice through the Basilian Human Development Fund, amounting to $200,000 being awarded to support programs that challenge inequality, empower the poor and uphold the dignity of the marginalized.
CCI Ottawa is a recipient of The Basilian Human Development Fund, which aids the functions of these services, and contributes to CCI’s Pastoral Sponsorship Program.
“The program allows individual Ottawa Catholic parishes to obtain the necessary logistical support to be considered sponsors and become refugee hosts. The Basilians have contributed a great bulk to making it a success.” said Jim McIntyre, the Fundraising Manager for the CCI.
As of 2023, 11 parishes in the Ottawa region brought 39 refugees to Canada as part of the program.
Fr. Bob Holmes, CSB, has been a dedicated supporter of CCI’s efforts since 2015.
Despite Canada’s housing challenges, CCI remains hopeful and optimistic in the success of its mission. Newcomers often know of CCI Ottawa through word-of-mouth, as well as the strong, well established relationships with local school boards and partnerships with other organizations working to help newcomers. As of 2024, CCI has a waiting list of over 400 sponsors and 700 volunteers.
CCI Ottawa continues to be a crucial support system for refugees, helping them rebuild their lives and contribute to the community.
Categories
Discerning, a Vocations BlogGeneral News
Stirrings
Uncategorized
Fr. Morgan Rice CSB: A Reflection on St. Patrick
Happy St. Patrick’s day! Fr. Morgan Rice, CSB, talks about how faith isn’t something to be forced—it’s something to be discovered. Just like St. Patrick helped others see God in their everyday […]
Read MorePresident Dr. John Cappucci Receives King Charles III Coronation Medal
Assumption University proudly announced that its president, Dr. John Cappucci, has been awarded the prestigious King Charles III Coronation Medal. This national honor recognizes Canadians who have made significant contributions […]
Read MoreBasilian Schools Make History: Catholic Central and St. Thomas Raise Over $2 Million for Tuition Assistance
Two Basilian schools—Detroit Catholic Central (Novi, MI.) and St. Thomas High School (Houston, TX.)—have made history, each surpassing the $1 million mark in their respective tuition assistance fundraisers. These remarkable […]
Read MoreBasilians Worldwide Celebrate Ash Wednesday
From schools to parishes to universities, from Colombia to Houston, Detroit and Toronto, Basilians around the world begin the Lenten journey together. Ash Wednesday is a time of reflection, repentance, […]
Read MoreA New Sacred Space at St. Anne: The Rev. Jay Walsh, CSB Memorial Rosary Chapel – Houston, TX.
A touching ceremony led by Fr. David Zapalac and Dcn. Thad Kudela was enhanced by a performance delivered by St. Anne School Choir, while the St. Anne School Ambassadors handed […]
Read More