MARIANAS Variety sits down with Lauri B. Ogumoro as she reflects on Karidat’s journey through nearly half a century in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. As Executive Director, she has witnessed how a single vision has transformed into an enduring legacy of service.
1. The birth of a mission (1980)
“The incorporation of Northern Marianas Catholic Social Services was on May 5, 1980, by then-Monsignor Tomas A. Camacho and nine community members who understood his vision for implementing a new service of the Church to help the people cope with the inevitable changes confronting their total well-being.”
These founding members recognized a growing need. “While there are members striving to walk in the light of the Gospel, still many of our poor brothers and sisters are caught by the cultural impact of changes. The individualistic types of philosophy, lack of sense for the spiritual, the tension placed on marriages and family life due to drugs and substance abuse, domestic violence, gambling, and the negative influence of the mass media called for a solution to help individuals cope with their problems.”
Faced with these challenges, “the group accepted the challenge and offered their commitment to serve as catalyst for the Church’s new venture.”
2. Strengthening family foundations (1981)
Just one year after its founding, Karidat implemented the Family Services Program to promote strong and healthy families. This cornerstone program provided family and marriage counseling, emergency clothing, food and rental assistance, advocacy, and information and referral services.
The program addressed not just immediate needs but worked to build resilience within families navigating rapid cultural and economic changes in the Commonwealth.
3. Championing the vulnerable (1984)
“In 1984, Karidat implemented the Protection and Advocacy Program for the disabled and mentally ill members of the community.” This groundbreaking initiative gave voice to some of the Commonwealth’s most marginalized residents.
The program’s impact proved so significant that in 1993 the Protection and Advocacy Program moved out of Karidat and incorporated itself as the Northern Marianas Protection and Advocacy Services Incorporated, or NMPASI, creating a lasting institutional legacy.
4. Ensuring basic needs (1985)
Responding to economic hardships, Karidat implemented the Emergency Food and Shelter Program in 1985 through funding from the United Way to assist families with food and rent.
This vital safety net program continues to serve families in crisis, providing breathing room for households facing unexpected financial challenges.
5. Standing against violence (1989)
A pivotal year for Karidat came in 1989, when the organization took bold steps to address domestic violence by implementing the Victim Advocacy Program to assist victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and other crimes with temporary restraining orders, counseling and other services.
This program marked a significant shift in how the Commonwealth addressed family violence, bringing hidden suffering into the light and offering practical pathways to safety.
6. A voice in crisis (1989)
That same transformative year, Karidat implemented the Victim Hotline, the first confidential crisis line in the CNMI for callers to get information about domestic violence and information and referrals.
This 24-hour lifeline became an essential first step for many survivors seeking help, ensuring that assistance was available whenever someone found the courage to reach out.
7. A name that reflects the mission (1991)
In a significant evolution of identity, “Northern Marianas Catholic Social Services officially changed its name to Karidat, which denotes the organization’s true mission as well as its non-discriminatory stance for providing assistance.”
This name change reflected both cultural roots and an expanding vision of service to all community members regardless of background or belief.
8. Supporting guest workers (1995)
Recognizing a vulnerable population within the Commonwealth’s growing economy, Karidat implemented the Guest Worker Assistance Program, with funds from the U.S. Department of the Interior under the Protective Services Grant.
This innovative program provided emergency food assistance and one-month rental assistance to guest workers who had no means of support because they filed a labor complaint, ensuring that those seeking justice could do so without facing hunger or homelessness.
9. A sanctuary of hope (2001)
In a landmark development for victim services, Karidat opened Guma’ Esperansa, the first permanent shelter for victims of intimate partner violence and human trafficking in the CNMI.
This safe haven transformed the landscape of protection services in the Commonwealth, offering not just immediate safety but a foundation for rebuilding lives shattered by violence.
10. Nourishing the community (2021)
Even as the organization approached its fifth decade, Karidat continued evolving to meet emerging needs. In 2021, Karidat received a grant from Northern Marianas Housing Corporation to expand the Karidat Food Pantry and provide meaningful food packages to eligible individuals and families.
This expansion reflected Karidat’s ongoing commitment to addressing food insecurity as a fundamental component of family stability and dignity.
This is Karidat at 45: not just an organization but a covenant with the Northern Marianas—that for as long as there is suffering, there will be hands to heal it; for as long as there is darkness, there will be those who bring light.
