Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

National Domestic Violence Month

October 14, 2026

A workshop on Domestic Violence was presented at Cabrini Immigrant Services-Dobbs Ferry (CIS-DF) in honor of Domestic Violence month in the US. The workshop was presented by Talytta Silvestre-Deoliveira and Delia Polanco Jimenez, both social work interns at CIS-DF.

The workshop presented information about the different types of domestic violence that can occur. It addressed some of the causes and warning signs leading to the abuse. The discussion helped those attending to understand that abuse is about power and control and that no one deserves to be mistreated. The group also spoke about the effects of domestic violence on the individual, on children, families and communities. Also covered were the concerns and challenges that may prevent someone from reporting abuse because of immigration status.
The participants were very grateful to receive a folder filled with information about domestic violence that they can share with others. By increasing awareness, we can help to prevent the violence.

Angels Watching Over You

October 14, 2026

The Knitting/Support Group at Cabrini Immigrant Services – Dobbs Ferry (CIS-DF), has completed another project. The group decided to try a new craft, working with plastic canvas. Despite this being something new, they created 130 ‘angel wings’ which will be given to parents who lost their child either during pregnancy or at birth. The angel wings will be a reminder to them of their little angel who is with God. The group said a special prayer and blessed the angel wings before they were donated to a health organization in Westchester County.

Each angel wing was made with love and prayers. We pray that these angel wings will help the parents feel comfort in knowing that someone prayed for them and their child.

Celebrating Migrants, Refugees, and Hispanic Culture!

October 1, 2026

Last Friday, Cabrini Immigrant Services – New York City (CIS-NYC) held an event in recognition of National Migration Week and World Day of Migrants and Refugees.

We were joined by the families we serve, allies, current and former clients, neighbors, and advocates who support us.

Together we celebrated our culture and contributions and prayed, led by Sr. Yolanda Flores, MSC, for vulnerable children who are detained or in transit to new destinations. We enjoyed a variety of foods from Latin America and we danced. Thank you so much to everyone who joined us!”

Getting the School Year Off to a Great Start!

September 23, 2026

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) is observing National Migration Week from Monday, September 21st through Sunday, September 27th. The theme of the week is, “Even just one of these children.”

To start off National Migration Week, Cabrini Immigrant Services – Dobbs Ferry (CIS-DF) distributed much needed school supplies to many of our children. The Mission Integration Advisory Committee at St. Cabrini Nursing Home held a ‘Mission in Action’ project. They chose to collect school supplies to benefit our Cabrini Kids. What a beautiful way to honor our children.

We received an amazing number of supplies. The children and their parents were so happy and relieved to receive them. There were so many smiles on their faces. Fr. Ron Galt, Vice President of Pastoral Care and Mission, visited CIS-DF to help distribute the supplies. He blessed the supplies, each child, their families and the staff of CIS-DF. He also blessed each individual family and prayed that they would have a very good and safe school year.

Thank you to all who donated to the Mission in Action project. We are so grateful for all your prayers, love and support.

Creating a Truly Rich Life

September 2, 2026

On August 21st, Cabrini Immigrant Services – Dobbs Ferry (CIS-DF) held a workshop entitled: “Una Vida Verdaderamente Rica: Estrategias para vivir bien con menos (A Truly Rich Life: Strategies for Living Well on Less). Betsy Suarez, a licensed mental health counselor, presented the workshop.

Betsy spoke about how a fulfilling life is not measured solely by the things we buy or own. Everyone agreed that the cost of living has created significant challenges for individuals and families. Betsy discussed that financial stress affects everyone. It can affect sleep, mood, concentration and relationships. She emphasized the importance of asking for help rather than trying to manage everything alone. Sharing responsibilities with others can help reduce stress and create a healthier lifestyle.

One strategy that she spoke of was cutting back without sacrificing your quality of life. She stated that you need to look at the essentials first, housing food, health care, insurance, etc. before spending on ‘secondary needs.’

Betsy also discussed the importance of self-care and taking time to engage in activities that can help relieve stress. Various behavioral activation strategies and activity-planning techniques were presented. She emphasized that it is okay—and important—to take time for “YOU.” Prioritizing self-care can help a person better manage the demands of everyday life.

Family Fun at Cabrini Immigrant Services NYC

September 2, 2026

On July 25th, the Cabrini Immigrant Services of NYC Social Services Department hosted their second annual Family Field Day, welcoming over 150 families and community members for a day filled with sunshine, laughter, bouncy houses, face painting, tug-of-war, lunch, and so much more!

At Cabrini Immigrant Services -NYC, we have been doing a Mass for the immigrant community on the last Thursday of every month. We always pray for specific intentions that we read during the Mass.

On July 30th we held in prayer many intentions for those in the immigrant community and their needs at this time.

Showtime!

July 23, 2026

Cabrini Immigrant Services-Dobbs Ferry (CIS-DF) offered a Sharing Stories! Making Movies! Summer Program. Children in Grades 3-7 attended the 3-week program. In addition to helping the students with reading and writing skills, the program helps children expand their imagination and creativity.

Parents and siblings were invited to our ‘Movie Premiere’ on the last day of the program. Each child stood up, welcomed everyone and then explained the story that they had written and then filmed. The movies were shown on a ‘large screen’ (Smart Board). After showing their movie, the children answered questions from the audience about their films. Some of the film titles were: Snowy the Penguin, My Friend Ishi, All About Helen Keller and Panky’s Pool Day.

The celebration ended with pizza and punch. What a great way to end the program!

A special thank you to our teacher, Anne Marie Santoro, who goes above and beyond to help our students learn and succeed

Our Mission Finds Life here…

July 8, 2026

Cabrini Immigrant Services – Dobbs Ferry, NY (CIS-DF) has been focusing on Mission. As we welcome our clients, we want them, both adults and children, to know who St. Cabrini is and why we are called Cabrini Immigrant Services. With the theme, ‘Our Mission Finds Life…’ we wanted to highlight how in our current times, we continue to walk in the footsteps of Mother Cabrini.

In addition to showing the movie, CABRINI, we had Sr. Bridget Zanin, MSC speak to our clients about the life of St. Cabrini. Several of our clients have created their own timelines using their personal stories and have shown how they are part of the Cabrini Mission. We had a recent visit with some Carmelite Sisters, as well. Our clients shared with them their personal stories and explained how they, too, are part of the Cabrini mission. ~ submitted by Lorraine Campanelli, Director, CIS-DF

We would like to share some pictures of our Mission Project:

Honoring Immigrant Heritage Month

July 1, 2026

In celebration of Immigrant Heritage Month, Cabrini Immigrant Services of NYC (CIS-NYC) welcomed 20 participants for a wonderful community potluck. Clients brought traditional dishes from their home countries, giving everyone the opportunity to share and enjoy a variety of cultural foods.

The afternoon was filled with great conversation, music, and a delicious multi-cultural meal. We ended the celebration with an energetic salsa dance class led by a professional instructor, Ximena Salgado, creating a fun and memorable experience that honored the rich cultures and traditions of our community.

Carrying the Cross of the Unknown

June 18, 2026

In May, Ivonne Moreno-Rodriguez, Social Work Supervisor at Cabrini Immigrant Services of NYC, joined humanitarian workers, faith leaders, and advocates in the 23rd – Annual Migrant Trail Walk through the Sonoran Desert. The seven-day, 75-mile pilgrimage honors migrants who have lost their lives while seeking safety, reunification with loved ones, and opportunities for a better future in the United States.

Despite increasingly restrictive immigration policies intended to deter migration, people continue to flee violence, persecution, poverty, and instability in search of safety and hope. Between May 2025 and May 2026, the remains of 109 migrants were recovered in the Sonoran Desert alone. Of those, only 17 have been identified.

Ivonne carried a cross bearing the word Desconocido (“Unknown”), representing one of the many individuals whose identity remains unknown and whose family members—a spouse, mother, father, children, or siblings—may still be searching for answers.

During the walk, Ivonne became ill and required medical attention. The experience led her to reflect deeply on the migrant whose cross she carried. “When I became sick, there were people around me who cared for me and made sure I received help,” she shared. “I couldn’t stop thinking about the migrant I was carrying. He may have also become sick in that same desert, but there was no one there to help him.”

After being discharged from the hospital, Ivonne was welcomed into the home of a local family who offered her a warm meal, a comfortable bed, and a place to recover. “I experienced the nurturing power of community,” Ivonne noted. “I couldn’t help but wonder what would happen if we welcomed every migrant with kindness, compassion, and respect for their dignity, rather than responding with persecution and discrimination.”

As a ministry of faith inspired by Mother Frances Xavier Cabrini, the patron saint of immigrants, Cabrini Immigrant Services of NYC remains committed to serving immigrant families with compassion while advocating for the humanity, inherent worth, and rights of every person. We honor the lives of those lost and affirm the dignity of those who continue their journey today.