The Catholic Church has led efforts to welcome and integrate immigrants into the life of the Church and society throughout American history. In 2023, Centro San Juan Diego celebrated 20 years of continuing this heritage in the Archdiocese of Denver by providing spiritual, educational and corporal care to Hispanic immigrants.

This holistic approach provides an unparalleled service to individuals and society. Not only does it assist in removing daily barriers that hinder immigrants from fully integrating into society, it also bolsters their education and faith formation, allowing them to better serve the Church and become missionary disciples. Here are some of Centro San Juan Diego’s most notable achievements in 2023.

Adult Education:

• Centro celebrated 15 new GED graduates in April and recognized over 20 new U.S. citizens during a ceremony in December!
• 346 registrations for English Language classes, a 16% increase from 2022.
• 280 registrations for GED classes, a 37% increase from 2022.
• 477 students gained basic and advanced computer skills, marking a 61% increase from 2022.
• Enrollment in U.S. Citizenship preparation classes more than doubled in 2023, with a total of 137 students who prepared for their USCIS immigration exam and interview.
• 36 students are enrolled in the university programs, actively pursuing their bachelor’s or master’s degrees through La Universidad Popular Autónoma del Estado de Puebla (UPAEP)

Faith and Family Support:

• 163 students attended faith enrichment courses, deepening their knowledge of topics like the Bible, liturgy, and the saints. Additional courses for lay leaders help students learn how to prepare and deliver talks among their parish groups.
• Centro San Juan Diego began its partnership with the Denver Catholic Biblical School to provide classroom space for the Biblical School’s newest Spanish-speaking cohort.
• 136 individuals participated in Family Support programs like Organiza tus hábitos, Escucha, Círculo de hombres and Creados para amar, all of which can help students improve their emotional, physical, spiritual, and mental health and wellbeing.

Additional Programs and Services:

• CSJD’s AARP Tax-Aide site submitted 397 tax returns on behalf of clients, generating $396,085 in total refunds for the community.
• Over 1,500 clients received free legal consultations through Legal Nights at Centro in 2023.
• Centro San Juan Diego was presented with the Colorado Lawyer’s Committee Team of the Year Award in September for its work and execution of the Legal Night program.