Since the airlift of the Vietnamese in 1975, the Diocese of Jefferson City, and now Catholic Charities, has provided a safe and hopeful refuge for those forced to flee their homelands.  Over the years, we have welcomed people from countries in Asia, Africa, Eastern Europe, and Latin America regardless of their color or creed.  This same welcome has been extended to non-refugee immigrants seeking legal status and family reunification.

Our staff works hard to ensure culturally competent services to our clients, offering refugees initial housing; provision of furniture, clothing, household goods and food; orientation and initial needs assessment; education placement of children in the appropriate school; introduction to government and community service providers; and extensive case management services.  Many families are also provided with a support network of individual volunteers.