The Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary and Centro Corazón de MaríaBoard of Directors have appointed Alma Alegria the new Executive Director of Centro Corazón de María.
Alegria brings a wealth of experience in program administration, operations, case management and counseling to the position. Previously, she worked with the Rockville Centre Diocese Catholic Charities Immigrant Services, Fidelis Care, and as Social Service Coordinator at Centro Corazón.
“I’m excited to return to Centro Corazón de María. Working with the staff, who are immigrants like me, we will continue to carry out Centro Corazón’s mission of delivering services to the immigrant community on the East End of Long Island,” stated Alegria.
She earned a B.A. in Community Health & Human Services from St. Joseph’s College in Patchogue, NY, and her M.S. in Human Services Leadership from St. Joseph’s University in Patchogue, NY.
Assuming the role on March 20, she will manage day-to-day operations, including program planning, grants administration, community outreach and connecting with clients, community organizations and other stakeholders. “The entire board of directors is pleased to welcome Alma back to Centro Corazón de María in the leadership position. Her exceptional skills, energetic personality, and passion for the cause of new immigrants will help bring the organization to new heights,” said Patricia McKee, president of Centro Corazón de María’s board of directors.
Alegria succeeds Mary Beth Moore, SC, a Sister of Charity, Halifax, who is retiring. Sister Mary Beth has been with Centro Corazón for almost 13 years, serving as Executive Director since 2018. During her tenure, especially during the pandemic, she met the challenge of providing continued and expanded services to the immigrant community of Hampton Bays. “Having worked with Alma for three years, I know her creativity, hard work and deep commitment to the immigrant community. Together with an excellent staff and board, she can bring Centro Corazón into its third decade of service with confidence,” said Sister Mary Beth.
Centro Corazón de María, founded in 2002 by the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary, is a place of welcome and hope for underserved immigrants living on the East End of Long Island. Its mission is to provide education, social services, emergency assistance, and advocacy to help newly arrived individuals and families become independent successful contributors to the community.
The Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary is an international congregation of women religious whose mission is: “to know and love God, to make God known and loved; to proclaim that Jesus Christ has come in order that all may have life.” (RSHM Constitutions #7) Each sister wears a cross that reads Ut Vitam Habeant, “so that all may have life.” Their lives are built around the common understanding that everyone deserves a life of dignity. Through various ministries, the sisters cultivate a care for the most vulnerable and a care for creation.
Thank you so much for the great write up on Alma Alegria as she takes on her new role. I know she will bring life to our immigrant brothers and sisters on the East End of Long Island. The best of wishes to you ad your staff.