Our Current Outreach in Gilroy/South County
Catholic Charities joined other organizations at the Ohana Health Fair, Glen View Elementary in Gilroy in August.
As we celebrate 60 years of service in Gilroy/South County, here are our current programs that serve the area:
EMPLOYMENT NETWORK
In 1994, the Focus for Work program held its grand opening in Gilroy, a satellite office of our main employment services in San Jose. Pre-employment preparation and job placement support for individuals referred through mental health providers continued in South County, eventually expanding in 2016 to include the Santa Clara County Reentry Center. The Re-Entry program, also operating in San Jose, serves individuals impacted by the justice system. Additionally, our new Pathfinder program is accessible to all individuals seeking employment support.
PARISH ENGAGEMENT PROGRAM
Continuing our longtime relationship with St. Mary’s Parish in Gilroy, Catholic Charities’ Parish Engagement staff began working earlier this year with the St. Joseph’s Center located at St. Mary’s to support the social needs of individuals and families in the Gilroy community. St. Mary’s is one of five parishes throughout Santa Clara County partnering with our Parish Engagement Program to support and meet the unique needs of each parish community and the surrounding neighborhoods.
FAMILY RESOURCE CENTER
Our 12th Family Resource Center opened in Gilroy in April 2022, joining our existing network of “FRCs” throughout the county that serve as community-based hubs. Families of all income levels and backgrounds are welcome and appointments are not required. Based on unique community needs, Gilroy services continue to expand, including literacy and digital literacy, college and career prep, supporting leadership development, and connecting clients to available resources.
IMMIGRATION LEGAL SERVICES
While our Immigration Legal Services program has served South County residents through Catholic Charities’ San Jose office since its accreditation in 1976, a Gilroy branch was opened and accredited in 1988 plus a second location in 2019. Catholic Charities’ staff help individuals understand immigration laws and their rights under the law. We assist clients on a sliding-scale fee basis in residency documentation, applying for family reunification, applying for citizenship and other legal processes.
