by changer | Apr 13, 2015 | Family Resources, feature, fundraising, Home and More News, Immigration, Legal Services, More News, News
On Wednesday, April 8th, Joe Crowley, Vice Chair of the Democratic Caucus, and NYS Assembly Member Francisco Moya hosted an immigration forum in Jackson Heights, Queens. During this meeting leaders and experts on immigration discussed the status of President Obama’s executive action on immigration, the future of the NY DREAM Act, fraud prevention, the Central American Minors program, and different benefits and services available to immigrants in New York. This meeting provided members of the local community an opportunity to receive information and ask questions on the various programs that effect immigrants. CMS Immigration Counselor Marisol Canales was a member of the panel, she discussed CMS’ role in empowering immigrant communities and providing valuable resources and services. Other participating organizations included the American Immigration Lawyers Association, Legal Aid Society, SCO Family of Services, International Rescue Committee, Make the Road New York, Emerald Isle Immigration Center, FWD.us, Queens Community House, and CUNY Citizenship Now. New York State Senator Jose Peralta also joined the meeting held by Crowley and Moya.
by changer | Mar 10, 2015 | Legal Services, News
CMS staff member Mariam Magar led an Arabic presentation on March 8th at St. George Coptic Orthodox Church in Long Island City. She discussed CMS services, our Immigrant Tenant Advocacy Program, and housing law. Arabic-speaking representatives from Catholic Charities and Fidelis Care were also there to present and answer questions. Over 50 people attended this presentation. Following the presentation Mariam conducted consultations for around 15 people. Many people expressed gratitude for CMS presenting and serving the community. This programming is made possible in part by the support of New York City Council Member Jimmy Van Bramer.
by changer | Feb 10, 2015 | Immigration, Legal Services, Parish Outreach, Workers' Rights
On Sunday, Feb. 1, CMS staff Rebecca Rybaltowski and Lorena Lopez conducted outreach at St. Benedict Joseph Labre Parish in South Richmond Hill. They discussed CMS programs and the different services we offer after both an English and Spanish mass. In total there were around 150 attendees, after mass Rebecca and Lorena distributed materials to parishioners and answered questions. CMS will be continuing parish outreach throughout the remainder of winter and into the spring season.
by changer | Nov 20, 2014 | Immigration
CMS is hosting a free Citizenship Application Assistance Workshop on Saturday, December 6th at Our Lady of the Angelus in Rego Park, Queens.
If you are a Lawful Permanent Resident interested in applying for U.S. citizenship, please call (646) 597-8797 for more information and how to register for this event.
When: Saturday, December 6th, 2014
Time: 11:30 am – 5:30 pm
Where: Our Lady of the Angelus
63-63 98th Street
Rego Park, NY 11374
(take M or R Train to 63 Dr – Rego Park)
You will need to bring the following information and documents:
- Your green card, driver’s license (or state ID) and all passports you have
- Your addresses and job history for last five years
- If you have ever been arrested, court dispositions for all arrests
- If you receive public benefits, budget letter from agency (in English)
- Information about your children (name, birthdays, A numbers, address)
For more information on our citizenship services, please call Zachary Shultz, the
CMS Naturalization Coordinator, in our Brooklyn office at 718 236-3000.
by changer | Oct 31, 2014 | Legal Services
On October 28th, community members gathered for the Queens Tenant Monthly Meeting. Over 100 people participated in the event and several CMS partner organizations were present such as the Riis Settlement House, Catholic Charities, Fidelis Health Care, and JASA.
We were joined by two presenters: Joby Thovalil, the campaign organizer from the New Economy Project, spoke in regards to passing legislation that prohibits employers from running a credit check on potential and current employees. Bitta Mostofi, the director of the Municipal ID Outreach Campaign, discussed the new Municipal ID program. This program provides a form of photo identification for every New York City resident, despite immigration status. Residents can apply for a Municipal ID beginning January 1, 2015.
