Mission/History
Catholic Social Services of Laredo, Inc. (CSSL) is a non-profit organization under the auspices of the Diocese of Laredo. As a multi-program human services agency, CSSL is a community based organization that has been serving the people of Laredo and the Texas-Mexico areas of Webb, Zapata, Starr, Maverick and Jim Hogg counties since the 1970's. CSSL was originally established as Laredo Family Counseling Services, with the objective of providing counseling for emotional and/ or psychological problems affecting Laredo families. Since that time, CSSL has grown to become a leader in providing various direct services to individuals and families who live in economically distressed areas. The mission of Catholic Social Services of Laredo is to strengthen and empower families through its diverse programs and social services. Services reflect the needs of the area's population and the demographic make-up of the South Texas border. Its wide range of programs and resources enables CSSL to meet the unique needs of the community and its people. All program services are provided without regard to religion, race, income, disability, or sexual orientation. Services and Programs
General Fund Welfare Assistance Program is a City of Laredo funded program that provides low-income families experiencing a crisis or dire hardship with rental assistance, utility assistance, medical transportation, ambulance and prescription medication. Assistance is limited to City of Laredo Residents.
o Rental Assistance
o Utility Assistance
o Medical Transportation
o Prescription Medication
o Ambulance Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is a program that provides assistance to individuals experiencing crises. The program provides assistance with rent/mortgages, utility assistance, mass feeding, and mass shelter. This program is awarded to Webb County under the Emergency Food and Shelter National Board. Program assistance is open to all residents that live in Webb County.
Rental Assistance
Utility Assistance
Immigration Service Program provides services in the preparation and legalization of immigrants. Consultations and processing of applications are subject to fees based on a sliding scale.
Consultations
Document Translation
Low cost Immigration Preparation & Processing United States Repatriation Program in partnership with International Social Services/American Branch, assistance is rendered to American Citizens stranded in a foreign country without funds. Services include transportation, medical attention, food, clothing, etc. Services are rendered on a loan repayment agreement.
Transportation
Lodging
Meals
Clothing
Medical Attention Adoption Program is a state licensed child placing service that serves South Texas children, birthmothers, and prospective adoptive parents. Adoption services include preparation of adoptive social studies, placement and supervision of children in placement, social services to birthmothers experiencing unplanned pregnancy, and post adoptive parents. Funding for this program is generated from fees to the adoptive parents which are based on a sliding scale.
Social Studies
Child Placement
Supervision & Post Adoption Services Location
1919 Cedar Ave. (corner of Cedar Ave. / Fremont St.)
Laredo, Texas Hours of Operation
Monday - Friday 8:30 am - 5:30pm
Board of Directors
BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2008-2009
Pat Hearn, Board President
Fernando Montemayor, Vice President
Elizabeth Martinez, Secretary
Lourdes Martinez, Diocesan Fiscal Officer
Mike Kazen, Member
David Cardwell, Member
Sr. Marian Aguilar, Member
Daniel Martinez, Immigration Specialist
dmartinez@csslaredo.org Myrna Gonzalez, Immigration Attorney
mgonzalez@csslaredo.org Roberto Garza, Bookkeeper
rgarza@csslaredo.org Elida Garcia, Caseworker- Emergency Assistance
egarcia@csslaredo.org Olga Saenz, Receptionist
osaenz@csslaredo.org | 
