The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops/Migration and Refugee Services and Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc. will honor programs and individuals in the following categories at the Awards Banquet on Wednesday, July 30th.

Archbishop Silvano Tomasi Award- Presented to:

Rev. John Jamnicky, Airport Chaplaincy, Archdiocese of Chicago, IL

Rev. Callist Nyambo, African and Multicultural Ministry, Diocese of Petersburg, FL

This award is presented to individuals within the Pastoral Care for Migrants, Refugees and Travelers and the Asian and Pacific Affairs networks who have demonstrated exemplary and long-term service in pastoral care on a national, diocesan or parish level.

Best New Immigration Program - Presented to Catholic Charities Community Services of Northern Nevada

This award is presented to a program initiated in 2007 that provides excellence in legal immigration services.

This award is presented to agencies that have strengthened the service capacity of CLINIC and MRS network programs through new program development, outreach, legal and/or programmatic training, technical assistance, and diversification of resources and funding.

Capacity for Diversity - Presented to Catholic Charities Community Services, Diocese of Phoenix, AZ.

This award is presented to an agency that has developed a diverse caseload of refugees from different nationalities and ethnic groups.

Excellence in Match Grant Self-Sufficiency Outcomes - Presented to:

Diocese of Harrisburg Refugee Resettlement Program

This award is presented to refugee resettlement agencies that have demonstrated excellence in producing high self-sufficiency outcomes for match grant cases.

Excellence in Services to Undocumented Children - Presented to:

Diocese of Phoenix

Archdiocese of Seattle

This award is given to a program that demonstrates heroic service to migrating children through its leadership and dedication in meeting the needs of such children who are among the most vulnerable people in the world.

Outstanding Community Support - Presented to Joel Lobozzo, Diocese of Rochester, New York.

This award is presented to a program that has developed outstanding support of its services to refugees, immigrants, and people on the move from community stakeholders.

Outstanding Volunteer - Presented to:

Mary English, Diocese of Rockford, IL.

Immigration & Refugee Services/St. Elizabeth Center, Diocese of Rockford, IL.

This award is presented to individuals and programs who have provided exemplary service, significant commitment, outstanding contributions and have demonstrated extraordinary dedication to refugee resettlement and immigration programs.

Outstanding Parish - Presented to:

St. Matthew's Parish, Diocese of Charlotte, NC.

Catholic Social Services, Diocese of Charlotte, NC.

This award recognizes a parish that has answered the call to “welcome the stranger” through it dedicated and generous ministry to assist in the resettlement of newly arriving immigrants and refugees. The program has strengthened resettlement capacity through the development, use, and management of parishes and engaged in sustained efforts to serve refugees and immigrants.

Pastoral Care for Migrants and Refugees Distinguished Service Award - Presented to:

Sister Gabriela Williams, Migrant Ministry, Diocese of San Bernadino, CA

Paule Verdet, Phd., Hmong Ministry, Archdiocese of Boston, MA

This award is presented to individuals who have demonstrated outstanding service in their pastoral ministry with immigrants, refugees, migrants and people on the move.

Pro Bono Service Award - Presented to Eric Singer, Esq.

This award is presented to private attorneys or law firms that have provided pro bono services to immigrants in need.

Public and Administrative Advocacy  - Presented to Joanne Welter, Office of Catholic Social Mission, Diocese of Tucson, AZ.

This award is presented to agencies that engage in effective advocacy on behalf of immigrants and refugees with government agencies, non-governmental organizations, affected communities, the print and broadcast media, and the general public.

Recognition for Years of Service

Recognition is given to individuals who have dedicated 30+, 20+ or 10+ years of service to immigrants, refugees, asylees, and people on the move.