A heavy downpour outside could not dampen the enthusiasm inside the St. Jude Center-Park Central on March 7 as a crowd gathered for a ribbon-cutting ceremony and blessing of a new client-choice food pantry in the Diocese of Dallas. Read the full story here.
Camila and Alejandro* were only one and three years old when their parents traveled from Cuba to the United States to find greater opportunities and a better life for their family. The children stayed in Cuba with their grandparents who loved and cared for them. However, they missed their parents and yearned to be a family again. After making the extremely perilous journey alone through several countries, the now 11 and 9-year-old Alejando and Camila arrived [...]
Catholic Charities Dallas, in partnership with North Texas Food Bank, opened a new client-choice food pantry in North Dallas on Thursday. The pantry will serve St. Jude residents and people experiencing food insecurity in nearby communities. Read the full story here.
Monica touched upon the tilma, a blessed cloak that the Mater Maria’s volunteers wear and have spiritual graces. She recalled the first mothers she met in the home when she started three years ago; mothers from different backgrounds and with different stories. Because she had no children of her own, Monica found it fulfilling to be part of this safe haven where mothers who need care can provide for their new babies. Her call began when she and [...]
Who We Serve What is international foster care? We provide long term foster care placement, Supervised Independent Living, and holistic wrap-around services to unaccompanied refugee and immigrant youth. Our top priority is reunifying children with their families as quickly and safely as possible. When this is not an option, we seek permanent and supportive relationships for our youth and equip them with the skills needed for successful lives in adulthood. How old are the youth you [...]
Jane* had been homeless and living at the Austin Street Shelter when she was introduced to Catholic Charities Dallas for the first time. After spending more than three years in shelters and on the streets, Jane was overjoyed with the opportunity to move into St. Jude Forest. St. Jude Center Forest Lane opened in August 2018. The center has 104 efficiency, residential units for individuals who are 55 and over. Jane was among the first residents to [...]
I think my journey to Mater Maria began with my mother – my mom was an amazing woman with a strong commitment to her faith and a devotion to our Blessed Mother, but I didn’t learn how strong her faith really was until it was tested. On August 26th, 2007, after a relatively minor diagnostic procedure, my mother was left paralyzed from her waist down. In my eyes, that day changed everything for her – she loved [...]
My experience at Mater Maria was a lot to learn from regarding my personal and spiritual life. I moved into the house on June 3rd, 2017; I was just four months pregnant with difficulties when I moved in, and I had my baby on November 21st, 2018. When I moved in, I met the director in person - Marthalicia Burkle. She’s indeed a mother/Grandmother; she made me feel good by praying with me the very first day [...]
When I was referred to the home, I was attending Winfree Academy Charter School. I had only a handful of credits to complete before I accomplished my high school diploma. Shortly after I found out I was expecting, I spoke with my school counselor. I expressed to her that the home I was living in was not suitable for my unborn baby, although I was with a loving and supporting family member. I knew I could give [...]
Dariana registered at her community school in January 2022. However, since English was her second language and she struggled with reading, she was enrolled in kindergarten instead of first grade with other students her age. At the end of the school year, Dariana had not progressed as she should and needed to repeat kindergarten. After seeing her daughter's challenges in the classroom, Dariana's mother began looking for an after-school tutoring program. Dariana started attending CCD’s After School [...]
At Catholic Charities Dallas, we know from experience that even the smallest act of true generosity can change a life. Our clients’ incredible stories are proof of the impact generosity has on the lives of individuals, families, and our entire community. Click the button below to read the latest issue of our Mission Moment! Read the Mission Moment
Omid grew up in Afghanistan and lived with his father, stepmother, and extended family. He never imagined leaving, but when the Taliban took control of Afghanistan in August 2021, 14-year-old Omid decided to flee to escape the turmoil and upheaval in the country. Omid and his friends were able to board an outgoing plane during the evacuation, which took him to Qatar. He stayed on a military base there for 15 days before coming to the United [...]
PLANO - "I got here when I was six months pregnant," said Angeles Noriega. Noriega and 10-month-old Elian Daniel are about to set out on their own. Her life is stable enough now. She's making room for the others here: Other young women expecting babies but have no place to care for them. This east Plano house is known as Mater Maria. It is a designated, dedicated living space for homeless pregnant women. For the past [...]
Susana has always believed in helping her children learn and grow. She is the mother of two young children and is expecting another child. Susana was thrilled to learn about the Together We're Better (TWB) program several months ago and immediately signed up to participate. Together We're Better is a mobile 16-week program that equips parents of children under five with the necessary parenting tools, hands-on literacy experiences, case management, and free basic needs (diapers and food) [...]
The Community Health Clinic (CHC) has provided compassionate and high-quality health care to vulnerable and underserved families in Collin County for nearly 20 years. Last spring, CHC and Catholic Charities Dallas (CCD) formed a strategic alliance to allow for the sharing of administrative resources, expertise, and personnel, creating economies of scale while also increasing access for both organizations’ clients. Juanita is one of the clients CHC has served over the years. When Juanita's husband passed away, her [...]
New partnership, named “Mater Maria,” will provide additional resources for expectant homeless women while providing expanded access and resources DALLAS (JANUARY 9, 2024) – Mater Filius Dallas (MFD) and Catholic Charities Dallas (CCD) have formalized an agreement that will continue the unique and loving services established by Founders Marthalicia and Javier Burkle nearly ten years ago under a new name, Mater Maria. Operating out of two homes in Collin County, Mater Maria will continue offering housing, [...]
Aida faced a challenging situation when she arrived in the United States from Cuba while eight months pregnant. She needed to find care for herself and her baby quickly. Luckily, she learned about Catholic Charities Dallas's Parenting in Action classes in October 2023 and began attending them. Aida was also eligible for services through our Refugee Health Promotions Program (RHP). This program teaches clients how to navigate the healthcare system, including how to apply for health insurance, [...]
Dave Woodyard | Email: dwoodyard@ccdallas.org Give Hope for the Holidays The most joyous season is here, and we find ourselves incredibly grateful for the many blessings bestowed on us by many generous supporters like you! With your support, we have counseled tens of thousands, housed hundreds, provided thousands of meals, lifted seniors out of isolation, educated children and parents alike, created new families, provided critical medical services, and responded [...]
Lilian was traveling to the United States from Honduras when she was separated from her mother and siblings in October 2022. After being separated, Lilian gave birth to a baby girl. She and her daughter, Gisselle, were placed under the care of the Office of Refugee Resettlement before coming to the International Foster Care program with Catholic Charities Dallas in the spring of 2023. Lilian and her daughter were placed with a foster family with young children. [...]
After battling cancer for a second time, Lisa struggled with her bills. She was behind on her rent and was looking for support to help her get her finances back on track. In May 2023, she found Catholic Charities Dallas and began attending financial coaching sessions through Next Gen Wealth Academy. Next Gen Wealth Academy helps people thrive by creating a positive relationship with money through coaching, education, and personal development. CCD offers personalized financial coaching, including [...]
When Vivian Bustamante found out she was pregnant at 17, she shared that it was like entering a new world that she did not know much about. Vivian started attending weekly parenting classes at Catholic Charities Dallas to prepare herself to become a mother. "I wanted to understand about my baby and how they develop so I could be a better parent," Vivian said. Vivian shared that when she first started participating, getting diapers and other items [...]
Dallas City Council approved joining a housing project for the homeless with St. Jude on Wednesday during its first council meeting back from its month-long summer recess. Council members unanimously voted in favor of allocating $3 million alongside Dallas County for the project. The item passed as part of the meeting’s consent agenda. The homeless housing project known as St. Jude Center – Vantage Point will be located at 9019 Vantage Point Dr. and funded by both the City of Dallas [...]
Six years ago, Bianca fled a traumatic situation in Guatemala, and came to the United States as an unaccompanied refugee minor. From the minute she entered the U.S., CCD’s Children’s Services team has provided her with support. The first step was placing Bianca with a foster family through our International Foster Care program. CCD’s International Foster Care (IFC) program provides short- and long-term foster care placements for unaccompanied refugee and immigrant youth. A range of holistic services [...]
Levi was already a very charismatic and sociable child when he joined the Together We Learn (TWL) program in 2022. Even though he seemed mature, his teachers found his language and cognitive skills were delayed for someone his age. However, Levi quickly adapted to the program and loved all the activities that his teacher planned for him and his classmates. By the end of Levi's first year of TWL, his language and cognitive delays were remedied, and his [...]
At this time, Mater Maria has a need for the following items: Household Items Ink cartridges Storage bags Light bulbs Napkins Small Trash bags Hand sanitizer Towels Reusable water bottles Toothpaste Hand soap Clothing Nursing bras (variety of sizes) Postpartum underwear (variety of sizes) Maternity leggings (variety of sizes) Maternity tops Maternity pajamas Maternity dresses Slippers Cleaning Supplies Shower squeegee Rain-X Water Repellant Daily shower cleaner Lysol All-Purpose Cleaner Concentrated floor cleaner Glass and window cleaner Laundry detergent [...]
At this time, the Senior Services mission has a need for the following items: SocksScarf, hat, and glove setsWord search booksAdult coloring booksYearly plannersMagnifying glassReading glassesLaundry detergentFabric softenerToilet paperPaper towelsDishwashing liquidToothpasteMouth washBody soapDeodorant (men’s and women’s)Trash bags To make an in-kind donation, or for questions regarding an in-kind donation that is not listed, please contact 469-283-0945 or inkind@ccdallas.org. In addition to the items above, we have created an Amazon wish list. To [...]
At this time, the Refugee Services mission has a need for the following items: Laundry detergent Fabric softener Toilet paper Paper towels Dishwashing liquid Disinfecting products Plates Bowls Cups Cutlery Pots and pans Toothpaste Mouth wash Body soap Deodorant (men's and women's) Children's clothing (for fall/winter weather, all sizes) Shoes (for men - sizes 6 - 11, women - sizes 6 - 9, and children - sizes 3c - 6) Diapers (all sizes) Wipes Trash bags Trash cans [...]
At this time, the Pregnancy, Parenting, & Adoption mission has a need for the following items: Infant Essentials Infant car seats (must be new) Pack-n-playsNew or gently used baby and toddler clothing (sizes newborn to 4T - no stains or holes) Clothing for adults - all sizes (Must be new or gently used - no stains or holes) Baby Care Products Baby body wash Baby wipes Lotion Feeding Supplies FormulaBaby bottles and nipples Bottle sterilizer or cleaning supplies [...]
At this time, the Next Gen Wealth Academy mission has a need for the following items: Bus passes Gas gift cards To make an in-kind donation, or for questions regarding an in-kind donation that is not listed, please contact 469-283-0945 or inkind@ccdallas.org. In addition to the items above, we have created an Amazon wish list. To shop for a specific program, search the list by mission name. Please use the "Add to [...]
At this time, the Immigration Legal Services mission has a need for the following items: Gas gift cardsGrocery store gift cards To make an in-kind donation, or for questions regarding an in-kind donation that is not listed, please contact 469-283-0945 or inkind@ccdallas.org. In addition to the items above, we have created an Amazon wish list. To shop for a specific program, search the list by mission name. Please use the "Add to Cart" [...]
At this time, the Hunger Services mission has a need for the following items: Non-perishable Food Items: Peanut butter and jellyCanned protein (tuna, chicken, beans - with pop-top)ApplesauceCooking oilsCanned fruit (with pop-top)Bottled waterCereal Toiletry and Personal Care Products: Toothbrushes and toothpasteShampoo and conditionerSoap and body washDeodorantFeminine hygiene productsRazors and shaving creamToilet paperHairbrushes or combsHair ties Household Supplies: Laundry detergentDish soapMulti-purpose cleanerPaper towelsTrash bagsBrooms and dustpansMopsDishcloths and sponges Health SnacksGranola bars Nuts and trail mixDried fruitcrackers Frozen Meat [...]
Adopt a Room at St. Jude Vantage Point Our first residents are getting ready to move into St. Jude Vantage Point, but we need assistance stocking their rooms! Help us welcome our residents by providing supplies for their apartments. We need the following items to fully stock a room: Bathroom Supplies Shower curtain Curtain rings Bath towel Wash cloth Hand towel Toilet paper Shampoo Conditioner Bar soap Toothbrush/toothpaste Shaving cream Safety razors Box of [...]
At this time, the Educational Services mission has a need for the following items: Diapers (Size 3-6 | 20 boxes of each size needed) Pull-ups (Sizes 3T, 4T, and 5T | 20 boxes of each size needed) Baby Wipes (500 packages needed) Baby shampoo (500 needed) Baby lotion (500 needed) Washable markers (Four sets needed) Washable paint sets (10 sets needed) Sentence strips (20 needed) Chubby crayons (Four sets needed) Play-dough (Six sets needed) [...]
At this time, the Disaster Preparedness & Relief Services mission has a need for the following items: Non-perishable Food Items Canned goods with pop tops (Note - food items should be "ready to eat" for immediate consumption) Granola bars and other snacks Bottled waterSoupBoxed mealsPowdered milkDry foods (rice, pasta, beans, etc.) Hygiene and Personal Care Products ToothbrushesToothpasteSoapShampooDeodorantFeminine hygiene productsClothing and Bedding New or gently used clothing (we cannot accept any items with holes or stains) New socks and [...]
At this time, the Community Health Clinic has a need for the following items: Patient Items Home blood pressure monitors (for upper arm) Home blood glucose monitors and test strips Home pulse oximeters Home thermometers Home spirometers (for use after pneumonia, COPD, etc.) All types of braces, especially knee, ankle, and wrist Pill organizers Pill splitters Clinical Items Tongue depressors and cotton tip applicators Gloves Gauze packets (2x2 or 4x4 sizes) Alcohol wipes Clorox disinfecting wipes Kleenex [...]
At this time, the Children's Services mission has a need for the following items: Rosaries MP3 players (all colors) Journals (not wire-bound) Fidget toys Craft kits for children Kinetic sand Birthday gifts for pre-teen girls Lego sets for boys (no weapons) Variety of stuffed animals (mid-size) Bluetooth speakers Bluetooth headphones (variety of colors) Tumblers To make an in-kind donation, or for questions regarding an in-kind donation that is not listed, please contact 469-283-0945 [...]
Over the last year, Catholic Charities Dallas has educated nearly 2,000 children, housed 300 formerly-homeless individuals, provided more than seven million meals to the hungry, and served tens of thousands more through over 40 unique programs. We are working effectively and efficiently to serve our nine counties of service. We are proud to share that CCD has been selected as a finalist for D CEO Magazine's 2023 Nonprofit and Corporate Citizenship Awards - Leadership Excellence Award, presented in collaboration with [...]
Catholic Charities Dallas’ Emergency Housing Voucher (EHV) program is a long-term assistance and support services program that houses chronically homeless clients. EHV provides intensive case management to support, refer, and work toward housing stability. When Antonio Moore first connected with Catholic Charities Dallas in March 2022, he had been homeless for years and was living in the Meyers Jeffries encampment in South Dallas. While living in the encampment, he met a member of the city of Dallas’ Street [...]
Catholic Charities Dallas’ International Foster Care program provides foster care and independent living placement to Unaccompanied Refugee Minors in the Children’s Services program, primarily aged 14 to 21. This week, our International Foster Care program held their Summer Life Skills Camp for unaccompanied refugee and immigrant youth in our care. The camp is a unique opportunity to provide our young adults with lessons about life skills they’ll need to become confident and independent members of our society. At [...]
Lacy de la Garza | Email: ldelagarza@ccdallas.org | Phone: 469-801-8134 June 2023 June is World Refugee Awareness Month. Refugees are men, women, and children who are fleeing war, conflict, and persecution and seeking safety in another country. Catholic Charities Dallas has the blessing of working alongside these individuals and aiding them in any way we can. Our reception and placement services welcome newly arrived refugees, asylees, and special immigrant [...]
The CCD Brady Senior Services empowers adults 60 years and older to maintain their independence by providing services that focus on health and wellness for aging adults. Located in West Dallas at the CCD Marillac Community Center, Brady Senior Services offers a safe and loving community for seniors during the week. That community and support doesn’t stop when the doors close. Our client Tim, who has participated in our senior services programs for the last six years, knows [...]
Relief services don't always look the same. Whether it's housing assistance, medicine, food, or financial assistance, Catholic Charities understands that the one constant must always be a quick response. No one knows the importance of a quick response better than our client, Joseph, who was living in a motorhome in south Dallas. Last August, he found himself caught in a flood after a heavy rainstorm. "I had looked out and saw that it was very heavy rain. Over [...]
The CCD Parenting in Action classes provide an opportunity for parents in the community to learn more about different topics, including communicating with children, literacy, budgeting, and more. Material assistance, including diapers, clothing, and more, is available to parents at the end of each class. Tamica and her family began attending our Parenting in Action classes after learning about them online. She initially attended because she needed diapers; however, Tamica shared the classes are helpful and convenient, and [...]
DALLAS (MAY 4, 2023) – Community Health Clinic (CHC) in McKinney and Catholic Charities Dallas (CCD) in Dallas have formalized a strategic alliance that will allow both organizations to better serve those most in need. CHC has provided free medical care to uninsured and medically underserved Collin County residents for nearly 20 years, while CCD has grown into one of the largest social-service providers in North Texas. The alliance will facilitate the sharing of administrative resources, expertise, and [...]
Petra plays an active role in the upbringing of her seven grandchildren, including enrolling them in our Educational Services program, Together We Learn (TWL). She appreciates the program because it allows her family to learn and prepare for school. “When they go to school, they know many words, they are more advanced,” Petra shared. She also attends TWL for herself. Prior to participating in the program, Petra did not know many English words or letters. Thanks to Together [...]
THE CATHOLIC FOUNDATION - We are honored to have been recognized as the 2023 Honorary Chair of the 25th annual Bishop's Gala hosted by, and benefitting, Catholic Charities Dallas. Catholic Charities Dallas makes a tremendous impact as the service organization for the Diocese of Dallas. We're very pleased that the Foundation and our donors have provided Catholic Charities Dallas more than $8 million from more than 750 individual grants over time. Despite different missions, having the word Catholic [...]
DALLAS – On Saturday, February 11, Catholic Charities Dallas will host the second annual Mega Homebuyer Event and Mega First Time Homebuyer Class. The event will offer opportunities to speak with professionals including realtors, lenders, down payment assistance program coordinators, home builders, home inspectors, title companies, and more. The homebuyer event will be from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at 1421 W. Mockingbird Lane, Dallas TX, 75247. The First Time Homebuyer Class begins at 9:00 a.m. and [...]
Give the gift of Hope Hello, my name is Dave Woodyard, and I am the “team captain” and CEO of Catholic Charities Dallas. What a wonderful time of year it is as we prepare for Christmas and the New Year. This joyful season also prompts us to think about our many blessings and the gratitude we feel due to the incredible and gracious support we blessed to receive from you, our very generous [...]
DALLAS, November 15, 2022 – On November 9, Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson issued a proclamation recognizing November 12 to 20, 2022 as Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week. While National Hunger and Homelessness Week started in 1975 at Villanova University, now, more than 700 organizations across the country organize and participate in events highlighting how difficult it is for people experiencing homelessness to access fresh and nutritious food. This year, Mayor Johnson recognized Catholic Charities Dallas for [...]
DALLAS – November 11, 2022 – The Angels of Charity, the women’s auxiliary for Catholic Charities Dallas, helped kick off the holiday season with their annual fundraising event, “Hope for the Holidays,” on November 10. The signature Christmas gathering aims to raise money to purchase gifts for CCD’s Christmas Distribution, which helps make the holiday brighter for many. Through the generosity of our underwriters and attendees, Catholic Charities Dallas will be able to provide gifts for hundreds [...]
Laredo clothing donation - September 2022 One of our Hunger Services drivers made a special delivery to Laredo, Texas, in September to bring much-needed clothing to asylum seekers at the border. At the request of Luis Gonzalez, CEO of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul North Texas, we joined together with Goodwill, which donated ten pallets of clothing we delivered to Laredo. We are always looking for ways to [...]
