CMS Visits KBI !
From May 29th to June 1st, CMS staff members traveled to the U.S.-Mexico border to visit the Jesuit-run Kino Border Initiative (KBI). (more…)
Play Ball!
On Thursday, August 14th at 5:30 PM join us at MCU Park in Coney Island, Brooklyn for a fun night supporting the vital work of CMS. (more…)
CMS Connects with Parishioners During a Mass for Immigration Reform
On Saturday May 31st Outreach Assistant Rebecca Rybaltowksi spoke to parishioners during and after the Spanish language Mass supporting immigration reform. This event was organized by El Senor de los Milagros prayer group. Approximately 100 people who attended the Mass were able to hear about CMS’ free legal services and programs . After the Mass parishioners made inquires about the processes that they could use to bring family members to the United States. Family reunification was a major theme in parishioners’ questions a theme that is also present in the call for immigration reform.
CMS and its Coalition Partners Receive Information about Housing Discrimination
On Wednesday May28th CMS and its coalition partners informed members about reporting housing discrimination and work place safety. Members also received information about a new opportunity for immigrants to share their experiences through technology.
The meeting began with Director at the New York City Commission on Human Rights, Ted Finkelstein who explained housing discrimination and the process through which tenants can report it. The NYC Commission on Human Rights protects individuals from discrimination in housing, prohibiting discriminatory practices that unfairly limit the housing choices of protected groups or individuals. The Commission on Human Rights offers free walk in services for the public to file a complaint if they have been a victim of discrimination in NYC. The office also covers employment discrimination, public accommodation discrimination, and bias-related harassment and protects the public against retaliation. Ted emphasized that landlords cannot discriminant against people with Section 8 or people who are undocumented. (more…)
CMS Demystifies Housing Court for Centro Hispano Cuzcatlan Members
Kenny answers a members questions about her rights as a tenant.
On Tuesday May 27th CMS’ Staff Attorney Kenny Minaya and Community Outreach Coordinator Virginia Thomas attended an information meeting for Centro Hispano Cuzcatlan members. During the meeting civil rights and criminal defense attorney Nasreeen F. Syed spoke about the impact of criminal records on immigration processes. Kenny informed members about their rights as tenants and what to expect if they are required to go to housing court.
The meeting was led by former Queens Housing Coalition Coordinator Ivan Contreras and Centro Hispano Cuzcatlan staff member Fabiola Arripre. Nasreen emphasized that any contact with the criminal justice system should be taken seriously and requires competent representation as a criminal case and as an immigration case as a result of the complication that may arise. (more…)
CMS Informs Brooklyn Parishioners about SCRIE
CMS’ Staff Attorney Kenny Minaya engages with a community member.
This Memorial Day weekend CMS’ Staff Attorney Kenny Minaya informed parishioners at St. Anselm in Brooklyn about the Senior Citizen Rent increase Exemption Program (SCRIE). In total over 150 parishioners were informed about the qualifications for SCRIE and they were given the opportunity to meet one on one for a free and private consultation with Kenny. During the Mass Kenny spoke about the changes coming to the household requirement for SCRIE eligibility. Currently eligible SCRIE candidates must have an annual income of $29,000 or less. On July 1st the new state provision will raise the income maximum to $50,000. This announcement generated a lot of interests from parishioners who were eager to take advantage of the new maximum annual household income for SCRIE eligibility.
For more information about SCRIE click here.
To apply for SCRIE call our Queens office at 347-472-3500 for an appointment.
Justice for Job Seekers Coalition Proposes Legislation for Tougher Regulation of Employment Agencies
On Thursday May 22nd CMS’ Staff Attorney Alice Davis and Linea Laboral Operator Benjamin Petersen attended a press conference which supported passing legislation that will protect job seekers from predatory employment agencies. The Coalition gathered on the steps of City Hall to show their support for Assemblyman Moya’s legislation that would strengthen the Department of Consumer Affairs’ ability to protect job seekers from predatory employment agencies that charge fees, and give job seekers false promises of employment. (more…)
CMS and its Coalition Partners Inform Members about SCRIE
On Wednesday April 30th CMS and its coalition partners informed members about the Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption program (SCRIE) and staff attorney Sylvia Nunez from the Jewish Association Serving the Aging (JASA) highlighted the resources that JASA provides to elderly NYC residents.
CMS staff attorney, Kenny Minya began the meeting with a presentation on the Senior Citizens Rent Increase Exemption (SCRIE). SCRIE is a program that offers eligible seniors an exemption from future rent increases. SCRIE helps tenants who are 62 years and (more…)
We’re Moving !
As of June 21, 2014, Catholic Migration Services’ Brooklyn office will be located at 191 Joralemon Street, 4th Floor, Brooklyn,NY 11201 (more…)
CMS’ Staff Assists Sunset Park Community Members Apply for DACA
Immigration Operations Manager, Frederik Stefani helps community members file for DACA.
On Saturday, April 26th Immigration Operation Manger, Frederik Stefani and Outreach Assistant, Rebecca Rybaltowski provided eligible candidates in the Sunset Park, Brooklyn community with application assistance for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Process (DACA). Individuals who have deferred action status can apply for employment authorization and are in the U.S under color law. The Arab American Association of New York hosted this event in Sunset Park High School in communion with The Door, Fifth Avenue Committee and La Union. CMS’ staff provided assistance to many community members as as result reintroduced ourselves to the Sunset Park community.
