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Catholic Charities refugee resettlement program in mid-Missouri to close after 14 years

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21 hours ago

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missouriindependent.com – Hannah Taylor – 2025-03-20 10:00:00

Catholic Charities refugee resettlement program in mid-Missouri to close after 14 years

by Hannah Taylor, Missouri Independent
March 20, 2025

The Central and Northern Missouri chapter of Catholic Charities will end its refugee resettlement program March 31.

In an email to supporters, Executive Director Litz Main said the nonprofit had to end the program due to the lack of federal funding.

“We deeply appreciate your partnership and shared commitment to serving those in need,” Main said in the email. “As we navigate this transition, we welcome opportunities to collaborate in new ways to continue supporting refugee families in our region.”

The cuts come from a federal level, after President Donald Trump suspended the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program and halted all funding for agencies that support refugees. Although the executive order was blocked by a federal judge in February, local resettlement programs still face a lack of federal funds.

There is no indication when the program will resume, and the case is expected to face an appeal from the Trump administration.

Catholic Charities has provided food assistance, disaster relief and family services for refugees for 14 years through the program. The program stopped accepting new refugees earlier this year because of uncertainty about the future, according to an emailed statement.

The organization has worked with partner agencies to have those groups take over providing support to refugees. That transition will be complete by March 31, according to the statement.

“We are proud to have welcomed and walked alongside so many who now call Missouri home, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to supporting these families through our partner agencies,” Main said in the statement Wednesday. She was not available for additional questions.

Catholic Charities said in the statement it will continue to focus on its mission to support those in need in the Diocese of Jefferson City.

City of Refuge, a refugee-focused nonprofit in Columbia, said in an email to its supporters Tuesday that one of the largest federal grants it receives will no longer be given to nonprofits. The funding will end Sept. 30. City of Refuge was not available for comment.

This story originally appeared in the Columbia Missourian. It can be republished in print or online. 

Missouri Independent is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Missouri Independent maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Jason Hancock for questions: info@missouriindependent.com.

The post Catholic Charities refugee resettlement program in mid-Missouri to close after 14 years appeared first on missouriindependent.com

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Some St. Louis County residents still unable to work after last week's storms

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9 hours ago

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March 20, 2025

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www.youtube.com – KSDK News – 2025-03-20 22:07:30

SUMMARY: Residents in St. Louis County are still struggling to work one week after devastating tornadoes struck the region. Many local businesses face extensive damage, with some owners uncertain about when they will reopen. For instance, heart Automotive in Florissant may require complete reconstruction after suffering severe destruction. Employees at affected businesses, like a barber shop and restaurants, are temporarily unable to work, impacting their financial stability. Community support has helped some establishments begin cleanup, but the situation remains critical for many. A crisis cleanup hotline is available for those in need of assistance with storm recovery efforts.

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Friday’s storms impacted not only homes, but also the ability for many people to make a living. In north St. Louis County, some businesses aren’t sure when they’ll be able to reopen.

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Officers cleared in fatal shooting of chainsaw-wielding man at Illinois nursing home

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13 hours ago

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March 20, 2025

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fox2now.com – Gabriel Castillo – 2025-03-20 18:04:00

SUMMARY: An investigation into a fatal police shooting in St. Charles, Illinois, has cleared officers of wrongdoing. The incident occurred on December 21, 2024, when 41-year-old Daniel Escalera, wielding a chainsaw, was confronted by police at a senior living facility. Despite multiple warnings, Escalera refused to drop the chainsaw and charged at officers. After a series of interactions, including a Taser deployment and Escalera’s charge, officers fatally shot him. The Kane County State’s Attorney concluded that the officers acted within the law, believing deadly force was necessary to protect themselves and others. Escalera’s toxicology report showed methamphetamine intoxication.

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Memaw Brigade training program helps first responders treat seniors

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15 hours ago

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March 20, 2025

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www.youtube.com – FOX 2 St. Louis – 2025-03-20 15:37:59

SUMMARY: The Memaw Brigade training program at New Perspective Senior Living in Weldon Springs focuses on enhancing the skills of paramedics by fostering connections between seniors and younger responders. Seniors like 81-year-old Sophia Backs and 90-year-old Vito O’Donnell share their life experiences to help train paramedics in effective communication with geriatric patients. The program emphasizes practicing different emergency scenarios to cultivate calmness in tense situations. This unique initiative not only bridges generations but also equips paramedics with valuable wisdom, strength, and compassion, ultimately improving their ability to serve the elderly community better.

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