MONTEREY – Assemblymember Dawn Addis (D-Morro Bay), announced that Catholic Charities of the Central Coast will receive $1.5 million to expand immigration services across the region.
The $5 million allocation, secured through SB 104, and signed by Governor Newsom, was led by Assemblymembers Dawn Addis and Esmeralda Soria as part of a statewide effort to strengthen legal service infrastructure in underserved regions, after earlier funding reached only a handful of organizations throughout the Central Coast and the Central Valley.
The new funds will help strengthen legal representation, rapid response efforts, and community education for immigrant families facing increasing federal enforcement, with Catholic Charities of the Central Coast serving as a recipient to expand services in the region.
"As the federal government terrorizes communities with illegal raids across the nation, California is taking proactive steps to protect our communities," said Addis "I'm proud to announce that I secured $1.5 million for Catholic Charities' immigrant legal services on the Central Coast. Immigrants keep our communities and economy strong by building businesses, contributing to our workforce, and helping our region thrive. This funding strengthens our commitment to defend Californians, safeguard families, and ensure that every Central Coast resident receives full and fair representation.
Founded in 1984, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Monterey is a faith-based, non-profit social service agency providing aid to individuals and families throughout Monterey, San Benito, Santa Cruz, and San Luis Obispo Counties.
"I am deeply grateful to Assemblymember Dawn Addis who advocated for this funding to be dedicated to our agency and region," said Angela Di Novella, Executive Director of Catholic Charities Dioceses of Monterey. "We are honored to receive this support from the State, which recognizes the critical importance of the work we're doing across Santa Cruz, Monterey, San Benito, and San Luis Obispo counties. For over 40 years, we have been a trusted source of support for families and individuals in need. This investment affirms our commitment to make a lasting impact and expand our reach at a time when so many of our neighbors, who are the backbone of our community, are facing urgent and growing challenges."
Dawn Addis was elected to the California State Assembly in 2022 to represent the coastal 30th Assembly District, which includes San Luis Obispo, Monterey, and Santa Cruz Counties. She is the Chair of the Assembly Budget Subcommittee 1 on Health.
CONTACT: Alexis Garcia-Arrazola, (831) 649-2832