Catholic Charities-sponsored ministry lifts Hispanic, immigrant families through food aid, educational assistance, family support
PONTIAC — For years, La Casa Amiga has opened its doors and heart to immigrants, families and community members seeking a better life.
A ministry of Catholic Charities of Southeast Michigan, La Casa Amiga — translated as "Friend's House" — serves predominantly Hispanic individuals and families in the Pontiac area through practical and impactful services, including a food pantry, assistance for pregnant women and new mothers, financial education, legal aid, adult education programs and workforce development initiatives.
On July 13, Detroit Archbishop Edward J. Weisenburger toured the facility, accompanied by La Casa Amiga's director, Luz Acosta, and Fr. David Buersmeyer, ombudsman for the Archdiocese of Detroit and chaplain of Strangers No Longer, a local immigrant rights support group.
Following the tour, Archbishop Weisenburger shared a meal with La Casa Amiga staff and asked them questions about the ministry's work.
“Wow, I was incredibly impressed with the ministry and work at La Casa Amiga in Pontiac,” Archbishop Weisenburger said afterward. “I had heard about them, but seeing them in action was incredible.”
La Casa Amiga has 20 people on staff, plus a team of volunteers who organize the food pantry, school supply drives and legal services for clients with cases in immigration court.
Many of La Casa Amiga's employees began as volunteers in the ministry, who later went on to work for the ministry, the archbishop noted.
“Their impact on helping as well as changing the lives of their clients is profound, and the foundation they create for employment, assistance, and eventual independence is exceptional in every way,” the archbishop continued. “It's the kind of place that makes all of us so proud to be Catholic!”
La Casa Amiga provides a wide array of social services to the area's predominantly Hispanic community — Acosta estimates 90% of its clientele is Hispanic — from tutoring programs for students to liaisons who accompany parents to parent-teacher conferences and provide translation.
"We also provide parenting classes for the Spanish-speaking community, and we support (Catholic Charities') Project Hope program by providing support for pregnant moms through items like Pampers, wipes or high chairs, as well as providing nutrition classes, training and resources they might need to help them with their babies. We also help in other areas such as financial stability programs and adult education," Acosta said.
During the tour, La Casa Amiga staff explained their roles and involvement in the ministry, sharing an overview of the programs and services that benefit underserved individuals in the area.
Acosta also highlighted La Casa Amiga's GED preparation program in Spanish, as well as its English as a Second Language (ESL) classes to help those of all ages, from elementary school to adults.
"We also have job skill specialist classes, where we provide clients with job readiness, help participants create a resume, and hold mock interviews with them to build up their confidence when working with different workplaces as job seekers, so they will be ready to get a good interview and get a job," Acosta said.
Acosta said Archbishop Weisenburger was particularly impressed with La Casa Amiga's food pantry, which is open five days a week, in particular on the first Tuesday of the month, when the center serves 70 pounds of food to approximately 180 families who line up in their cars in the center's parking lot.
"I think the food pantry is one of the biggest food pantries here in Pontiac, where we are open the whole week for anyone who needs food," Acosta said. "Also, I think he was really proud of the work we're doing to help pregnant moms with our Project Hope initiative."
After the tour, Archbishop Weisenburger spoke with La Casa Amiga staff, who shared stories about their interactions with clients through the center's various ministries.
"It was a blessing having him here," Acosta said. "We talked to him and explained what we have been hearing from the community and what the most requested needs are. He spoke with us and encouraged us to keep doing what we are doing in providing our services to the community. The staff were really excited to share their clients' stories and offer support or advice about how they can make their clients' lives better."
The work of La Casa Amiga closely aligns with Archbishop Weisenburger’s vision of supporting and uplifting immigrant communities, Acosta added.
“It was a great pleasure to welcome Archbishop Weisenburger and Fr. Buersmeyer to La Casa Amiga to see for themselves the work we do,” Acosta said. “Our staff and volunteers work every day to serve immigrant and underserved families in Pontiac, and having them here to see that work firsthand — and to share a meal and conversation with our team — means a lot to all of us. We’re grateful for the support and for the chance to strengthen our shared commitment to this community."
La Casa Amiga
For more information about Catholic Charities of Southeast Michigan and La Casa Amiga, visit https://www.ccsem.org/services.
