Guadalupe Social Services of Catholic Charities has served the rural community of Immokalee, FL for more than 35 years. Immokalee has long been a region of poor migrant workers. Half of the population lives at or below the poverty level. Over the years, more families have chosen to make Immokalee their permanent home and work in low- incomejobs such as landscaping, the hospitality industry, and restaurant work along with in the fields and at the packing houses. There is an extreme culture of poverty that exists in the town of Immokalee.

Guadalupe Social Services aims to alleviate the suffering in Immokalee with compassion, integrity, and empathy. By empowering the people through assistance provided the them, the main goals are to ensure human dignity and enhance the quality of life for all individuals served. Guadalupe Social Services focuses on offering the basic needs of food, shelter, clothing, household items, stability, and education.

- Direct Assistance: In order to prevent homelessness, financial aid is available to qualified individuals and families.

- Casa Maria Soup Kitchen: With the help of volunteers, Catholic Charities provides free hot lunches for homeless individuals and migrant workers Monday through Friday at the Casa Maria Soup Kitchen.

- Food Pantry: As a certified USDA food pantry location, Guadalupe Social Services has developed a list of staples for the migrant worker population. Approximately half of the food items for the pantry are supplied from the Harry Chapin Food Bank along with regular donations from churches, youth groups, civic, and social organizations. Once a month, qualified individuals can receive a bag or two of food depending on the number of family members in their residence.

- Clothing Room and Shower Program: The Clothing Room is open to anyone in the community to shop once a month from items that have been donated to Guadalupe Social Services. The Shower Program serves the chronically homeless or individuals living in substandard housing. Clients received a change of clothes, hygiene products, a towel, and access to clean showers.

- Immigration Services: Certified immigration services are offered to help immigrants achieve self-sufficiency and stability in the United States through assistance with family reunification, employment authorization, legal permanent residency, citizenship, and other services.

- English School: In partnership with Collier County Public Schools, Guadalupe Social Services has been providing English as a second language classes to needy mothers and their children. Classes are free of charge and the mothers and their children are provided a nurturing and safe environment in which to learn.

- Undy Sunday: Underprivileged students receive assistance through an annual initiative that provides underclothing, socks, and school supplies distributed so parents

- Holiday Food Distribution: During the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, hundreds of low-income families are given special food items.

- Crib and Stroller Program: Portable cribs are provided to families to ensure newborn children have a safe place to sleep. Strollers also are distributed so parents can transport their children around town without harm.

Monetary donations as well as donations of nonperishable food, clothing, and household goods are always needed at Guadalupe Social Services. Seasonal donations are necessary for Back to School items, Thanksgiving, and Christmas food distributions.

For more information, please contact:

Guadalupe Social Services of Catholic Charities

211 South 9^th Street
Immokalee, FL 34142

Guadalupe Social Services - Map

239-657-6242

Program Director - Peggy Rodriguez

peggy(at)catholiccharitiescc.org

Catholic Charities - Website