FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 7, 2020

ARLINGTON, Va. - Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Arlington has renamed its “Hogar Immigrant Service Education” program “Education and Workforce Development.” The new name signifies an expansion of its previous mission, in which the program provided education and workforce training to immigrants and refugees, to now offer this service to anyone seeking assistance in changing jobs or navigating today's competitive job market.      

“We will continue to provide the excellent education and workforce training programs we have offered to refugees and immigrants, but, simultaneously, want to ensure we make every effort to expand these critical services to other individuals and families in need,” said Art Bennett, President and CEO, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Arlington. “This expansion will help men and women struggling to find their first job, or a better job, in an effort to improve life for themselves, their families and their communities.”

The unemployment rate going into 2020 is at just 3.5 percent, among the lowest the country has seen in almost 50 years. With full employment and a rapidly changing economy, the challenge continues to be ensuring booming fields have enough skilled workers and jobseekers are trained to secure jobs and excel in the workforce. Additionally, many individuals in lower wage jobs are looking to ascend in their professions and secure higher wages to better meet their needs, the needs of their families and plan for the future.

Catholic Charities is responding by building upon its existing workforce training program, expanding eligibility to trainings and hiring three new full-time staffers. The expansion will allow Catholic Charities to explore other workforce related class opportunities, additional parish or offsite locations throughout the Diocese as well as  family literacy, GED and computer classes. 

Catholic Charities has offered morning and evening classes to immigrants and refugees in the Northern Virginia area at various locations since 1981. To accommodate busy adults, classes are offered at various times in Manassas, Sterling, Springfield, Woodbridge, and Falls Church. The low-cost classes and trainings include:

• English for Speakers of other Languages (ESOL)
• Citizenship preparation
• GED preparation
• Computer literacy
• Employment counseling
• Job development
• Employment training
• Interview and resume skills
• Assistance in connecting with other Catholic Charities services, including emergency financial assistance, immigration legal aid, counseling, and health care

For more information or if interested in volunteering, visit www.ccda.net.

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Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Arlington serves the poor and vulnerable who live within the 21 counties and seven cities of the Diocese of Arlington, which is led by Bishop Michael F. Burbidge. Catholic Charities provides food for the hungry, a free medical clinic for adults including prenatal care, adoption services, transformational housing for the homeless, mental health counseling, emergency financial assistance, prison ministry, workforce development and immigration and refugee services. Catholic Charities serves all, regardless of faith.www.ccda.net.