Dr. Olga Lucia Villar's job dealing with the mental health of immigrants is difficult, but she does not shrink from the challenges.

“I am part of a process where hope is being renewed, where lives are being renewed,” she told Catholic Extension.

 Villar is director of formation at The Southeast Pastoral Institute (SEPI). She works with the Hispanic ministry in the Diocese of Jackson, supporting immigrant families, including many who are facing deportation.

“I have the blessing of coordinating the mental health program for immigrant families… I get to hear the healing process of these amazing and resilient people,” Villar told Catholic Extension.

Coping with deportation is traumatic, Villar said. Her job is to support immigrant families who are coping with the trauma of uncertainty and fear. 

“I came asking for comfort because I felt desperate and afraid to face the situation,” one father told Catholic Extension.  “The counselor patiently attended me and made me regain hope.”

Villar offers spiritually uplifting counseling that facilitates healing. The process allows healing to happen, she told Catholic Extension. 

ICE raids in Jackson, Mississippi last year saw more than 700 families separated from children and loved ones. Catholic Extension’s Trauma Intervention Program provides support and counseling to families who are trying to cope, Villar said.

During June and July, Villar is traveling around the state to work with immigrant families. Catholic Extension is in the process of raising $150,000 to fund the effort. The families need some financial help, she said, but they also need “a sense of communion and support.”

“The process that these families are being offered is allowing for healing to happen, even during a time of pandemic,” Villar told Catholic Extension. “Old destructive habits are being transformed into new life-giving behaviors. Families are learning to plan together, to pray together and to be there for each other."

Because of COVID-19, Villar is creating videos to discuss spirituality and emotional health. The videos also discuss safe practices to use in cases of infection. Villar learned that many young children have suffered when their schools closed. Families do not have tablets and devices for remote learning. As a result, Villar is part of a campaign to provide used devices for families. 

“We have launched a fundraiser of used tablets, iPads or laptops that might be of help as a bridge between the children and online learning. That will also open new possibilities for online counseling, and summer programs,” Villar told Catholic Extension. 

Catholic Extension and SEPI encourage people to support this critical outreach effort to these vulnerable people. Gifts made through Aug. 7 will be matched dollar-for-dollar. Your gift will bring critically needed mental health care to families in crisis, Catholic Extension says.