Newcomer Network
The Newcomer Network is dedicated to helping newcomers to our country become more stable, empowered and connected to their communities. It works with newcomers to identify goals and make many services available to them in a convenient referral system.
About the Program
Created with a generous investment from the A. James & Alice B. Clark Foundation, the headquarters for the Newcomer Network is located at the Catholic Charities Center in Silver Spring. In bringing services to where people live and work, its focus is on Montgomery and Prince George’s counties, where 40 percent of immigrants to the area live.
The network recognizes the link between strong legal outcomes and strong social outcomes. Changing the legal status of an immigrant can have long-lasting positive effects — better jobs, increased access to public benefits, security and the ability to participate in the community without fear. The Newcomer Network includes immigration legal services and case-management services. Navigator Program case managers work with newcomers to set goals, access resources, and overcome barriers to achieving goals.
The Immigration Legal Services program serves those across the Washington area, while the Navigator Program serves newcomers living in Montgomery and Prince George’s counties. To schedule a virtual immigration legal consultation or to seek assistance from the Navigator Program, call the Newcomer Intake Call Center at 240-858-0958 on Mondays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., on Tuesdays or Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., or on Wednesdays from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Or, use our online scheduling tool to set up a virtual legal consultation.
The Newcomer Network can assist those with or without a legal path to permanent residence.
An Array of Services
Intake specialists ensure clients accessing legal support know about other Catholic Charities’ and partner services. Newcomers accepted into the Navigator Program are assigned a case worker who assists them in connecting with services beyond legal, including:
- Employment
- Nutrition
- Education, including English as a Second Language classes
- Medical care
- Mental health care
Catholic Charities has partnerships with parishes and other social services providers to assist newcomers with services that it does not offer.
Contact Information
- 12247 Georgia Ave. Silver Spring, MD 20902
Additional Information
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To schedule a virtual immigration legal consultation, call the Newcomer Intake Call Center at 240-858-0958 on Mondays from 1-5 p.m., on Tuesdays or Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., or on Wednesdays from 3-7 p.m.
Newcomers who live in Prince George’s and Montgomery counties should call the above number to seek assistance from the Navigator Program.
Changing Lives in Maryland
The Newcomer Network welcomes the stranger by providing hope and help that lasts, not just a one-time handout.
Staff
Sister Sharlet Ann Wagner, CSC
Executive Director
Juan Aznaran
Partnerships Manager
Jacqueline Rishty
Director, Immigration Legal Services
Get Involved
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Need Help? We Are Here For You
Our services are available to anyone regardless of race, religion, orientation or status. We offer access to food, a warm place to rest and attention to physical and mental needs through eight areas of care:
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