At Catholic Charities of Oregon, investing in our community means investing in the next generation. Through our partnership with De La Salle North Catholic High School’s Corporate Work Study Program, student interns are gaining real-world experience while making meaningful contributions across our organization. Here’s a look at the impact they’re making and the future they’re building.
At Catholic Charities of Oregon, our work is rooted in community. Not just in how we serve, but in how we grow, learn, and invest in the future.
That’s why our partnership with De La Salle North Catholic High School’s Corporate Work Study Program (CWSP) means so much to us.
Through this program, students spend one day a week, plus one Monday each month, working at partner organizations across Portland. In doing so, they gain real-world experience, build professional skills, and help fund their education.
For us, it’s more than an internship program. It’s a relationship. One that benefits our organization, our staff, and most importantly, the students themselves.
A growing partnership
While Catholic Charities has welcomed De La Salle students in years past, our current partnership has taken shape over the last few school years.
In 2023–2024, we hosted four students across Refugee Services, Food Services, and Immigration Legal Services. The following year, three students joined us in Food Services, Facilities and Administration, and Immigration Legal Services.
This year, we are proud to host three students once again. Each brings their own energy, curiosity, and commitment to learning:
- Lilibeth Castrejon Pantoja, working in Quality Assurance and Facilities
- Anais Vidales, supporting Immigration Legal Services
- Da’Vonnie Fair, also supporting Immigration Legal Services
These students are not just observing. They are contributing in meaningful, hands-on ways across our organization.
Learning by doing
One of the strengths of the Corporate Work Study Program is its emphasis on real work. Students take on tasks that are essential to daily operations, from administrative support and data entry to facilities care and client services.
At Catholic Charities, that looks different depending on the department.
Lilibeth, a freshman, splits her time between Quality Assurance and Facilities, working closely with both teams.
On the Quality Assurance side, she supports an agency-wide client paper record archive project, helping digitize and organize important records. Her work is detailed and thoughtful, and it is making a tangible difference.
“She is always willing to help in whatever area is needed,” said Rebeca Grinstead, our Quality Assurance Manager. “I am excited on the days she will be here, as she is always kind and her work is detailed and organized.”
In Facilities, Lilibeth’s work keeps things running smoothly behind the scenes. She helps with document management, mail processing, restocking supplies, maintaining shared spaces, updating signage, and supporting tenants throughout the building.
“She helps keep things organized and clean and is always ready to jump in wherever needed,” said Facilities Director Zulma Arreola.
For Lilibeth, the experience is just as meaningful.
“I enjoy doing the work at CCO,” she shared. “I work with both Rebeca and Zulma so I get double the experience. I’ve learned that this organization is open to helping people in need, and that people get the right support here.”
She especially enjoys tasks that keep her moving and engaged, like running mail and assisting with day-to-day operations.
More than work experience
For students like Lilibeth and Da’Vonnie, who both recently helped set up for our Celebration of Hope gala, this experience goes beyond building a resume.
It is exposure to a mission.
Students learn what it means to work in a nonprofit setting. They see firsthand how organizations like Catholic Charities respond to real needs in the community. And they begin to understand how their own skills and interests might fit into that larger picture.
At the same time, our staff benefit from the partnership as well.
As one CWSP partner shared in the De La Salle welcome materials, “It’s a win-win for us and for the students… they are taking care of so many necessary tasks on the back end.”
That has certainly been true for us. Our student interns support essential work that allows our teams to focus more deeply on serving clients and advancing our mission.
Looking ahead
Programs like the Corporate Work Study Program help remove barriers and create pathways for young people to access education and career opportunities. They also help organizations like ours stay connected to the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and changemakers.
We are grateful to be part of that journey.
To Lilibeth, Anais, Da’Vonnie, and the many De La Salle students who have worked with us over the years, thank you. Your contributions matter. Your presence matters. And we are better because of you.