CASA San Jose – Pittsburgh – First UU Share the Plate for September 2025

Casa San José, founded in 2013 by Sister Janice Vanderneck, now features a team of 35 staff and 100 volunteers to create a welcoming space for Pittsburgh’s growing Latino population. Casa San José serves as a vital bridge for Latinos in Allegheny County, connecting them to essential social services that promote their well-being and support their integration into the community.

Due to the extreme circumstances of ICE interactions, CASA San Jose has established a Rapid Response Team of volunteers who respond by recording video arrests, and provide help to family members, etc. To join this team, call 412-736-7167, which is the CASA San Jose Emergency Hotline. The need is great!

· Case Management Services ensure that the Latino community – individuals and families- have the support they need to navigate challenges and build a stable foundation for their future including supportive and emergency housing assistance, basic necessities like food and clothing, school enrollment, and child welfare needs.

· Immigrant Services and Connections -helps bridge the cultural and linguistic gap between the Latino community and service providers in the region. We offer information, referrals, and hands-on short-term assistance through our bilingual community workers, supporting clients to navigate essential services independently. Our work ensures that Latino immigrants understand their rights and have access to culturally and linguistically appropriate support.

· Naciendo Justos -provides expecting Latino mothers by providing essential resources, education, and a strong sense of community

· Mental Health Support ensures that individuals and families can access mental health support regardless of their circumstance. We also offer workshops tailored to Latino mothers and youth, fostering well-being and resilience in our community.

· Community Health Clinics – provide health clinics – vision, dental, pediatric, and adult medical care clinics. No insurance required.

· Youth Programs – support Latino youth with in-school programs, after-school programs, college readiness, and leadership opportunities from early childhood through high school, including summer camps.

· Education and Professional Development Services -Provides the community with digital literacy, caregiving training, and English as a Second Language (ESL) classes, equipping individuals with skills for better opportunities.

· Community Organizing Program -collaborates directly with our community to advocate for the Latino community including legal referrals, community campaigns, and Know Your Rights workshops.