Since 1985, CASA has evolved from focusing primarily on direct service provision to Central American refugees arriving in the metropolitan D.C. area to providing a wide range of educational, organizing, and advocacy activities designed to address the multiple conditions of poverty and disenfranchisement that control the lives of many immigrants and refugees. CASA achieves its goals through programs in areas such as leadership, organizing, women's empowerment, tenant support, employment, legal services, health, education, social services, and immigration assistance.