LINDENWOLD – The Camden Center for Law and Social Justice recently hosted a picnic for about 50 unaccompanied minors and their families at Lindenwold Memorial Park to offer important resources for young migrants making their way in the United States.
Referring to those 21 and younger, unaccompanied minors have come to the United States without a parent, or in some instances were separated from them shortly after arrival, said Jeffrey DeCristofaro Esq., executive director of the CCLSJ, which provides services to immigrant communities and the working poor throughout South Jersey.
To the Diocese of Camden, these minors come primarily from Central and South America, from such countries as Honduras, Guatemala and Mexico. Some have also arrived from Africa, Haiti and Turkey.
These youth who flee to America and South Jersey are seeking a better life, leaving their homeland for reasons such as escaping gang violence; rejoining family; seeking opportunities to advance their education; or finding work to support their families back home who are unable to work or trying to survive in crippling economies, said Gina DeCosmo, CCLSJ’s program coordinator for Youth Legal Services.
Being separated from their families, and the hazardous journey they take to get to their final destination, can make these youth vulnerable to human trafficking, exploitation and abuse. For these reasons, the work of the CCLSJ is much-needed, DeCristofaro added.
“We’re going to where people are, [those] who need this information to stabilize their lives,” he continued.
He and the CCLSJ’s staff of lawyers, paralegals and social workers – most of whom were present at the July 12 event – have taken on more than 100 youth clients, helping them find school placement, health insurance and other social services.
Further identifying the needs of its community, the organization invited Orly Martinez, community outreach specialist for the State of New Jersey’s Department of Human Services, Office of New Americans, to speak about the state’s Cover All Kids programs. Aiming to reach all uninsured children in the state who are younger than 19, regardless of their immigration status, Cover All Kids helps youth receive access to doctor’s visits, lab tests, dental services, food assistance and more.
Representatives for the Mexican Consulate in Philadelphia were also present to answer questions and provide resources to families on issues such as passport and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) renewals.
The afternoon, which included lunch and an ice cream truck, concluded with a raffle for gift cards, and youth being sent home with gift bags full of coloring books, supplies, snacks and fidget spinners.
Noting the 50 youth and adults who attended despite the stormy skies and summer heat, DeCristofaro noted the turnout was “a testament to the work this team does, and the need for this in the community.”
“We’re eager to get the word out and reach every unaccompanied migrant youth in South Jersey,” DeCosmo said.
She further explained CCLSJ’s desire to help these youth, and the words of Jesus that are its guiding philosophy. “The Camden Center for Law and Social Justice’s mission comes from Matthew 25:35 and the words of Jesus: ‘I was a stranger and you welcomed me.’ We want to help these youth find a pathway to establishing themselves and becoming productive members of our society.”
The Camden Center for Law and Social Justice’s main office is in Camden, with additional offices in Bridgeton and Atlantic City. For more information, visit www.camdenlawandjustice.org, or call 856-583-2950.
at the bottom and then tap “Add to Home Screen”
