Catholic Charities in Tennessee got its start in 1962 with a program to resettle Cuban children during intense political conflict in that country.
Refugee and Immigration Services is now one of the largest Catholic Charities programs with a third of the Catholic Charities staff working in this area. Catholic Charities also has a number of AmeriCorp volunteers supporting refugees and immigrants.
The Latest on Afghan Refugee Assistance
Catholic Charities anticipate helping 300 individuals and families relocate to Middle Tennessee.
Read more about the latest efforts and how you can help
Tennessee Office for Refugees
Tennessee Office for Refugees is a department of Catholic Charities designated and funded by the federal Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) to administer the state refugee resettlement program.
Through contracted services, technical assistance, and administrative support, the Tennessee Office for Refugees partners with refugee resettlement agencies, clinics, and other agencies that provide direct services to refugees, Asylees, Cuban and Haitian entrants, victims of trafficking, Amerasians, and Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) holders who make Tennessee their home.
Visit Tennessee Office for Refugees website
Refugee Services
In 2019, refugee resettlement assisted 41 new refugee households with a total of 140 individuals. In total, the program helped more than 3,000 clients in 2019. In addition to new refugee arrivals, the department serves a large number of immigrant families and individuals that have been granted asylum or humanitarian entry or who are victims of human trafficking.
In 2020, much of the work for refugee resettled was slowed because of the pandemic and travel restrictions.
Immigration Support Services
Immigration services currently helps individuals navigate citizenship, work authorization, and family reunification.
Catholic Charities Immigration Services provides counseling and assistance with completing immigration forms to individuals seeking assistance in most immigration matters. Our immigration services are an affordable alternative to attorney fees and our coordinator is accredited by the Department of Justice and qualified to help with any immigration need. Our office continuously receives updated materials related to all immigration laws and procedures.
Immigration Services provides counseling, assistance in completing immigration forms to individuals seeking assistance in most immigration matters.
The Refugee Elders Program provides support services in a group format to assist newly resettled older adults as they adjust to life in the United States.
Helping refugees reach their goal of self-sufficiency through employment.
The Refugee Resettlement Program provides core resettlement services to newly arrived refugee individuals and families.
Youth services is comprised of multiple programs designed to support and prepare newly arrived refugee, asylee, and migrant youth for success in the United States.
From Judy K. Orr, Executive Director: As our new fiscal year began last month, we simultaneously embraced a bold, new vision for our work: “By 2029, Catholic Charities will be the leader in Middle Tennessee in assisting people in need to achieve persistent self-reliance.” This vision is at the heart of our new five-year strategic plan, […]
Our Youth Programs are designed to support and empower newly arrived refugee, asylee, and migrant youth in achieving their educational and employment goals. Youth: 9-17 years Youth Adult: 15-24 years Did you know that our refugee neighbors who have a mentor have better mental and emotional health? Help us make Nashville’s future brighter! Requirements: Must […]
Catholic Charities has funding available to assist Ukrainians who have come to the United States while fleeing war in their home country. We can help individuals and families with housing, utilities, healthcare, employment assistance, education for school-aged children and a host of other services. This funding is available immediately but will expire on Oct. 31. […]