As we continue to adapt to the COVID-19 situation, the Catherine McAuley Center is working to expand communication and resources to our clients and community. Immigrants and refugees are often disproportionately affected in times of crisis, which is why we have been taking additional measures within our food pantry and Refugee and Immigrant Services program. 

Food Boxes

In an effort to encourage our clients to stay at home and continue social distancing, our food pantry is currently delivering supplementary food boxes. Local food pantries do great work in our community, but are not always able to provide culturally appropriate foods to immigrants and refugees. These supplemental boxes supply familiar and culturally-appropriate foods, decreasing the need for clients to leave their homes to shop.

This delivery service is entirely contactless in order to ensure the safety and comfort of both our clients and volunteers.  Volunteering takes place from 10 am – 12 pm on weekdays.  Please contact Katie at volunteer@cmc-cr.org if you are interested in volunteering with this service.

Call Center 

Our Refugee and Immigrant Services department is also expanding their Resource Navigation and Support services in order to serve individuals who speak limited English in Cedar Rapids and Linn County. For many refugees and immigrants, especially those who have settled in the United States recently, unemployment and stimulus benefits are not always readily available. 

Anyone needing assistance can call the Center at 319-731-0445 to be connected with a case manager and an interpreter who can address questions and concerns in their native language. CMC is also able to support community organizations who need assistance to help limited English speakers access their services. We are committed to meeting the needs of our clients and community, and we will continue to provide updates as we adapt our services.