Consistent with the origins of the Association, its members amd its primary responsibility to care for the sick and poor of Cuba, the Association has established a program of funding projects operated through thirty four parishes and other institutions of the Catholic Church in Cuba.
In this fashion, it funds the delivery of over 750,000 meals each year for the elderly. It also funds a portion of the operating budget of the Seminary and of the old age home for Cuban priests. Legal Clinic.
The Blessed Gerard Legal Clinic was established in partnership with Catholic Charities Legal Services of the Archidioceses of Miami.
Catholic Charities Legal Services focuses exclusively on immigration related matters while the Order’s volunteer attorneys help with other legal issues, including landlord/tenant and debtor/creditor issues. The Legal Clinic serves over 1,500 clients each year.
When fully operational, the Center intends to add the following services:(i) food, clothing and medical distribution to the needy, (ii) psychological counseling, and (iii) financial advice (assistance with managing consumer debt).
St. Ann’s Mission
Located in the agricultural section of Miami-Dade County, St. Ann’s Mission ministers to the migrant worker community of South Florida. Similar to Our Lady of Philermo, it tends to the material and physical needs of its community as well as ministering to its spiritual needs. The Order assists with the medical needs of the community by conducting semi-monthly medical missions into the migrant camps. It also conducts a Health Fair twice per year.
Medical Missions to Latin America
The Order’s doctors conduct medical missions to the Dominican Republic and other countries in Latin America and the Carribean. Typically, the team consisted of four to nine doctors, an equal number of nurses and physicians assistants, and several non-medical personel that help to distribute materials and medicines. All medicines are given free of charge. A typical mission which is conducted over a three-day weekend will serve between 700 and 1,000 patients resulting in over 1,500 patient visits and the distribution of medications exceeding $100,000 in value.
Financial Grants
In addition to providing its personal services, the Cuban Association has established a program of financial assistance to projects in South Florida, Cuba, the Caribbean and Central America. In order to be approved, a project must be sponsored by a member of the Association and be consistent with the charisma of Order. Some of the projects which the Association sponsors financially on an annual basis include:
Fundación San José Obrero:
Based in Choluteca, Honduras, thisFoundation operated by the
Catholic Church in Honduras provides needed social services as well as employment to the community.
The Association assisted with the renovation of the maternity ward in the clinic and periodically sends materials, medical equipment and financial assistance.