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Last August, just as children were returning home from their first day of school in Jackson, Mississippi, the largest statewide ICE raids in U.S. history were taking place. Hundreds of families were left in chaos, as nearly 700 immigrant adults were separated from their children and spouses and detained.
Catholic Extension Society’s Holy Family Fund assists families in the United States who are financially dependent on a parent that has been detained or deported for immigration reasons. Now, with the help of our donors, we are going a step further—providing the emotional and spiritual support needed to heal from these tragic experiences.
The Trauma Intervention Program addresses the long-term suffering caused by a system where parents are forcibly removed from their children.
I came asking for comfort because I felt desperate and afraid to face the situation, and the counselor patiently attended me and made me regain hope.”
A community member affected by the ICE raids
Watch the video below to hear from one of the families struggling for survival after the raids.
Healing together
In partnership with The Southeast Pastoral Institute (SEPI) this program provides skilled, critical psychological support for families ripped apart. These resources include:
- Retreats, classes, and webinars for families (now online)
- Group and individual counseling (now online)
- Support for community and parish leaders
Families are learning to plan together, to pray together, to play together, to spend time together.”
Olga Lucia Villar, Ph.D | Program leader