Catholic Charities Receives Funding to Strengthen Immigration Legal Services Across the Central Coast
Catholic Charities Secures $1.5 Million to Expand Immigration Services on the Central Coast
Catholic Charities Diocese of Monterey is proud to share exciting news that will strengthen our mission of serving immigrant families across the Central Coast. Thanks to the leadership of Assemblymember Dawn Addis (D-Morro Bay), our agency has been awarded $1.5 million in state funding to expand vital immigration services in Monterey, San Benito, Santa Cruz, and San Luis Obispo Counties.
This funding comes as part of a $5 million statewide allocation secured through SB 104 and signed by Governor Gavin Newsom. Assembly members Addis and Esmeralda Soria championed this effort to ensure that underserved regions—including the Central Coast and Central Valley—receive the legal service infrastructure they urgently need.
Supporting Families in a Time of Need
The investment will allow Catholic Charities to strengthen legal representation, expand rapid response services, and provide critical community education for immigrant families. At a time when many families are facing heightened uncertainty, these resources will help protect rights, keep families safe, and foster resilience in our communities.
Assemblymember Addis underscored the importance of this moment, stating:
“Immigrants keep our communities and economy strong by building businesses, contributing to our workforce, and helping our region thrive. This funding strengthens our commitment to defend Californians, safeguard families, and ensure that every Central Coast resident receives full and fair representation.”
A Commitment to Service for Over 40 Years
Founded in 1984, Catholic Charities Diocese of Monterey has been a trusted partner for families in need for over four decades. Through programs that provide food security, housing support, and immigration legal services, Catholic Charities serves thousands of individuals each year with compassion, dignity, and respect.
Executive Director Angela Di Novella expressed gratitude for the state’s investment:
“We are honored to receive this support from the State, which recognizes the critical importance of the work we’re doing across our four counties. This investment affirms our commitment to make a lasting impact and expand our reach at a time when so many of our neighbors, who are the backbone of our community, are facing urgent and growing challenges.”
Looking Ahead
This new funding marks an important step forward in ensuring immigrant families across the Central Coast have access to the resources and representation they deserve. Catholic Charities Diocese of Monterey remains committed to walking alongside our neighbors in need, guided by our mission of providing hope, compassion, and dignity to all.
Assemblymember Dawn Addis Press Release:
KSBY Article about the Funding:
Funding helps expand immigration services on the Central Coast
Noticias Article:
Members of our Immigration Legal Services team, joined by dedicated volunteers, at a Immigration Legal clinic in Salinas, CA.
Executive Director Angela Di Novella attending a Pajaro Valley Collaborative Event.
Catholic Charities’ Legal Team member Chris Peterson speaking at the Seaside Immigration Forum.
Summer Appeal 2025
Together, We Can Restore Hope – Learn about the Rising Demand for Our Services.
Every day at Catholic Charities, I witness powerful stories of transformation, stories of hope restored, families reunited, and lives rebuilt. These moments of grace are only possible because of compassionate individuals like you.
Today, we are facing a significant surge in need. In just the past six months, requests for our services have increased by 50–60%. Across Santa Cruz, Monterey, San Benito, and San Luis Obispo counties, Catholic Charities is doing everything we can to meet this growing demand. Through our financial stability programs, food and nutrition services, immigration legal assistance, and afterschool care, we are helping our neighbors build brighter futures, especially during their most difficult times.
But I’ll be honest: the road ahead is uncertain. Recent shifts in federal funding are weakening the social safety net, and our agency is already feeling the impact, facing reduced resources and, in some cases, the loss of critical services.
If you are receiving this letter, it is likely because at some point, someone from Catholic Charities reached out and asked, “Could you help serve our neighbors?” And you said YES.
So today, I humbly ask again: Will you help us meet the high demand of services and support our neighbors most in need?
Our mission is rooted in the belief that every person is worthy of dignity, love, and compassion. We are called to serve people in greatest need and to build bridges of hope, mercy, and justice, so that every person has the opportunity to live fully and contribute to the life of our Central Coast community.
Right now, too many of our neighbors are living in fear and poverty. These are essential workers, caregivers, and community members. They are part of our parishes, our neighborhoods, and our schools. They contribute billions to our local economy and yet, they are living in poverty and fear.
Your support today can make a real and lasting difference.
Your financial gift provides vital services for families and individuals in need. Please consider making a financial gift at this critical time for people who are already losing critical benefits or will be in the near future.
Walk with us on this journey. Together, we are building a more compassionate future.
Honoring a Founding Light of Our Mission: Father Jerry McCormick
It is with heartfelt gratitude and deep sorrow that we share the passing of Father Jerry McCormick, one of the founding members of Catholic Charities Diocese of Monterey. His dedication to service, compassion for the most vulnerable, and commitment to the teachings of Christ helped shape the mission and heart of our organization from the very beginning.
Born on April 3, 1939, Father Jerry McCormick was ordained to the priesthood in June of 1973 and spent his life in loving service to others. He served as pastor of several parishes in our Diocese, including Our Lady of the Assumption (Pajaro/Watsonville), Holy Cross (Santa Cruz), St. Francis Xavier (Seaside) and St. Angela Merici (Pacific Grove).
Fr. Jerry also served our Diocese in different administrative roles, including Vicar for Clergy, offering support and guidance to his fellow priests.
In 1984, Fr. Jerry helped found Catholic Charities Diocese of Monterey and served as an honorary board member, remaining a devoted champion for our mission to serve the most vulnerable with compassion and dignity. He led with heart, extending his care beyond our region. As a leader of Catholic Charities’ early disaster relief efforts, Fr. Jerry spearheaded fundraising and mobilized volunteers to provide both immediate aid and long-term recovery support to Hurricane Katrina survivors in Louisiana.
Father Jerry’s legacy runs deep in our community. From his pastoral leadership to his vision for Catholic Charities as a place of hope and healing, he was a guiding light to so many. His belief in the dignity of every person continues to live on the work we do every day—helping the vulnerable, supporting families, walking alongside immigrants, and nurturing communities with compassion and faith.
We invite all those who would like to honor Father Jerry or have been touched by the mission he helped build to join us in celebrating his life and ministry.
Funeral Services will be held at St. Angela Merici Church
362 Lighthouse Avenue, Pacific Grove, CA 93950
Vigil Service:
Monday August 4, at 4 pm.
Mass of Christian Burial
Tuesday August 5, at 10:30am
As we mourn this profound loss, we also give thanks for the remarkable gift of Father Jerry’s life.
May his soul rest in peace as we carry his legacy forward in love and service.