CCS employee recognized for 20 years of service to Utah's immigrant community

Courtesy photo/ Rosario Corona

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SALT LAKE CITY — When Rosario Corona arrived in the United States 33 years ago from Mexico, she fought to make a living for herself. After studying and working hard, she landed a job as a receptionist at Catholic Community Services of Utah. Now, 20 years later, she is a Board of Immigration appeal representative for CCS’  immigration program.

“As an immigrant I always wanted to help people that were in the same situation that once I was,” Corona said.

The opportunity came when Aden Batar, the director of CCS’ Immigration and Refugee Resettlement program, saw that Corona spoke Spanish and was avid to learn.

“I trained her … and she immediately started helping employees and myself. She has been a very great addition to our immigration department,” Batar said. “She is one of the best employees we have at our immigration department. She is always caring for clients and anyone coming here. She is always available, without hesitation.”

Others agree. A few weeks ago Corona was recognized for her 20 years of working with immigration programs at CCS. The recognition came from by CLINICS, a partner of CCS in Tucson, Ariz.

“I am very grateful to Aden Batar for giving me the opportunity to start working in the immigration department,” Corona said. “He trusted me, had lots of patience and taught me a lot, and that meant the world to me.”

Corona now is supervised by Alyssa Williams, an attorney who coordinates the immigration program. On May 31, Williams was presented with the inaugural Moroney Legal Service Award by Holy Cross Ministries of Utah in recognition of her  commitment and dedication to underserved communities.   

“It is a great honor to see how she helps our community,” Corona said.

CCS’ immigration program is intended “to provide full legal representation to immigrants and refugees when they submit applications to ‘legalize’ or upgrade their immigration status,” according to their purpose statement.

“Sometimes we have cases where there is nothing to do and it breaks my heart, but also there are times that I can jump for joy when we can help. … It is amazing  how a piece of paper can change people’s lives 180 degrees,” Corona said.

About her recognition for her years of service, she said that she hopes she can have many more years to keep on serving the community.

“I tell people to never lose hope. There is always help for us. God is always helping us. He is always with us. The road might be super hard but there is always a light at the end of the tunnel,” she said.

Batar said he is thankful to Corona and proud to see how she has made the lives of CCS clients better.

“All the clients that we have served [in the immigration department] Rosario has contributed a lot to,” he said.