Casa de San Juan is a 24-hour care facility under contract with the United States Marshals Service. The Program began operations in July 1982, providing care to unaccompanied juvenile males ages 8 to 17.
As of January 1985, women and their children are also housed at Casa de San Juan. The program began because of the need for housing for undocumented material witnesses in the custody of the US Attorney.
Vision
As a program of Catholic Charities, Casa de San Juan will become a safe haven for undocumented persons referred to our program, where each individual's value to society will be reinforced.
Mission
Casa de San Juan exist to provide housing in a home like setting, treating its residents with dignity and respecting individuals cultures while creating an environment that gives hope.
Principles
- To offer semi-independent living in a benign environment with basic custodial care and supportive services.
- To offer personal enrichment through socialization, educational and recreational activities.
- To provide an environment that recognizes and respects individual needs and cultural differences.
- To be supportive of an individual during a time of crisis.
- To maintain an environment which emphasizes meaningful life values and the importance of spiritual resources.
Participants
Undocumented persons apprehended by the Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforecment, either for administrative proceedings (such as deportation, expedited removal or asylum) or as material witnesses.
- 14 beds for juvenile males
- 19 beds for adult women and children
Basic Services
- Clean, safe, secure environment
- Three meals and one snack per day
- Medical screening
- Medication
- Clinical services (Medical & Dental)
- Assistance with transportation
- Clothing/Laundry services
- Telephone calls
- Hygiene supplies
- Educational programs
- Religious needs
- Facilitate the legal process
- Legal Assistance through Casa Cornelia Law Center with Focus on asylum and domestic violence cases.
Statistics
Length of stay:
Varies depending on the type of case and place of origin. Average could be from 15-30 days.
Clients served during May 2004:
We served a total of 49 unduplicated clients
- Unaccompanied juvenile males: 2
- Accompanied adult females: 6
- Accompanied children: 7
- Unaccompanied adults: 34
The above numbers reflect only new arrivals for May.
Countries of origin:
Brazil, China, Colombia, Cuba, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, and a US child accompanied by his undocumented mother.
Program Update:
Casa de San Juan wants to recognize the stars working there and their special sparkle.
The "Shining Star of the Month Award" was created to acknowledge staff and their great work.
This month's Shining Star Award was presented to Maria Carmen for her exceptional work, strong work ethic, and commitment to the program.
Special thanks to Miguel, candidate in the Diocesan Deaconate Program, who with his charismatic and happy attitude brought hope and joy to CSJ residents going through a difficult time in their lives.
Miguel celebrated a weekly prayer service with the residents. He will be going to another site but will continue to join for Mass with the residents once a month and to visit us periodically. He will be greatly missed!
Welcome to Kristin, teaching ESL to the adult female residents.
Welcome to Eduardo, also from the Deaconate Program, who will be coming to celebrate a weekly prayer service with the residents.
