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.
Our Pregnancy, Parenting, & Adoption team prepared Kelly for her motherhood journey.
Mother finds confidence to parent with Pregnancy, Parenting, & Adoption team
Kelly was shocked to find out she was pregnant last year. At 46, she had already raised four children. She was also vulnerable after a rocky end to a relationship.
When Kelly came to Catholic Charities Dallas (CCD), she sought someone to talk with about her options. She had briefly considered adoption but said the idea of it took her breath away.
“I really needed someone to talk to because, at that point, I just felt lost, confused, and shocked,” Kelly said.
Kelly shared that speaking with our counselor for the first time was a relief.
“It was nice to have someone who did not judge me,” Kelly said. “She walked me through my options, and she could tell that I wanted to be a parent. She could tell that adoption was not what I wanted.”
Kelly shared that even though she wanted to be a parent, making that decision brought new challenges. She was living with a roommate, but that relationship was complicated, and she was unsure of her future living situation.
CCD helped Kelly find additional housing options and connected her with the resources she needed to transition back into motherhood. Kelly shared that the most significant benefit was attending the pregnancy support group.
“I thought I knew everything about being a mom because some things are the same and you have the instinct,” Kelly said. “But things have changed so much over the years, and the group refreshed my memory.”
Kelly also enjoyed being around other expecting mothers and hearing their stories. She also takes comfort in knowing she could come back to CCD at any time.
“They gave me the tools I need to be a good mom,” Kelly said. “And I know I could come back here at any time if I need to talk to someone.”
Additional pregnancy support group sessions will be offered later this year. For more information, please visit https://www.ccdallas.org/services/children-family-senior-services/pregnancyparentingandadoption/.
Shirley loves any opportunity she gets to be creative.
Art therapy offers outlet for St. Jude residents
In October 2023, Shirley moved to St. Jude Park Central after being homeless for about a year. Although Shirley had some support from her sons and daughter-in-law, she missed having her own home. With the help of her family and the Veterans Affairs office, Shirley was able to move into an apartment at St. Jude Park Central.
Since moving to St. Jude, Shirley has been able to be more self-reliant, which was one of the things she missed the most while homeless.
“It feels good knowing that I don’t have to depend on other people,” Shirley said.
She has also taken advantage of the weekly activities. St. Jude provides residents with various activities, including Bible studies, game nights, art classes, support groups, and more. Her favorites are Bible study and the art classes.
“I’m a Christian, so I really enjoy attending Bible studies and sharing my experiences,” Shirley said. “God has brought me through so many hardships in my life. If it wasn’t for Him, I’d be dead.”
Recently, St. Jude Park Central began offering art therapy classes once a month. Emma, the volunteer who hosts the classes, shared art therapy is an opportunity for residents to release expectations about what art should look like and to just take the opportunity to be creative.
Shirley loves to be creative whenever she has the chance. She used to knit and sell scarves, hats, and headbands for many years, but painting has always been one of her favorite activities. During art therapy, Shirley painted a butterfly to remind her of her mother.
“Whenever I see butterflies, I always think of her. It’s nice to see the butterflies around my apartment and have that reminder of her.”
Shirley said attending the activities at St. Jude helps her feel more at home, which is part of the goal of offering them to residents. If you want to host an activity at one of our St. Jude Centers, please contact volunteer@ccdallas.org.
Susana is looking forward to using what she learned in TWB to help her children grow and learn.
Together We’re Better helping mother, children thrive
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) to ensure a healthy and positive parent-child relationship. TWB works with families to establish a solid foundation for early literacy and school success.
While she has only been a part of the program for a few weeks, Susana said she is looking forward to learning how to be a better parent for her children. Susana shared that with her first child, she did not know much about being a parent and how to engage with her son. Because of that, he spent a lot of time watching television.
Thanks to the Together We’re Better program, Susana said she better understands the importance of being present in her children’s learning. Now, she has developed a routine with her children. They sit down together to read every evening after dinner.
Even though her children may not know all the words, Susana said that her TWB teachers taught her that her children can still learn a lot from the illustrations and hearing the story. Susana shared that while she has learned much from the program, it has also brought her family closer.
“I feel more connected with my children because of the time I spend with them,” Susana said.
Susana looks forward to completing the program and taking what she has learned to help her children continue to grow and learn.
For more information about Together We’re Better, please visit https://www.ccdallas.org/services/education-services/.
Julieta said she is excited to apply what she has learned to her business.
Next Gen Wealth Academy provides business boost for couple
Julieta and her husband initially came to Catholic Charities Dallas in 2023 to take the First Time Home Buyers course offered by Next Gen Wealth Academy. At the end of the course, Julieta was excited to learn about the year-long coaching program and signed up to participate.
She and her husband have been participating in the program for about a year, which has been helpful for their personal financial goals. However, Julieta and her husband also had their own business, and they dreamed of improving it, so they also decided to attend business classes through CCD.
CCD partnered with Truist Bank to offer classes to business owners and other individuals interested in starting their businesses. The courses covered topics such as applying for a commercial credit card, setting up an LLC, the loan process for businesses, separating personal bank accounts from business accounts, and more.
Julieta shared that one of the best parts of the classes was interacting with others taking the course. She said it was helpful to share information and learn from the instructor.
Two years ago, Julieta and her husband started a taco stand called “Tacos El Pichon.” Julieta named the business after her brother, who passed away in October 2022.
Julieta shared that she and her husband started the business after struggling to find tacos they liked in the area.
“We were both born and raised in Mexico, and it was difficult to find the tacos we like,” Julieta said. “My family has a taco business in Mexico, and my husband also used to work at a taco stand.”
Now, the couple is applying the knowledge they learned from the class to their business.
“We wanted to start by educating ourselves, and attending the classes was a great start,” Julieta said.
The couple plans to continue taking classes offered at CCD as they work to grow and improve their business. For more information about Next Gen Wealth Academy, please visit https://www.ccdallas.org/services/next-gen-wealth-academy/.
Laurie says putting food on the table for her son and husband brings her a lot of joy.
Mobile Community Pantries ensure families have food on the table
Last fall, Laurie and her husband started visiting the mobile community pantry at Our Lady of Perpetual Help. Her family was dealing with health problems, and they were struggling to afford groceries. After hearing about the pantry from a neighbor, the couple decided to make the trip from Farmer’s Branch for support.
“This pantry is a blessing,” Laurie said. “It is a steady help that gets us through the week.”
Laurie said the pantry has made an incredible difference for her family. They live on a limited income, and it must be used to purchase life-saving medication for her husband, leaving no money for food.
“We don’t see a lot of joy,” Laurie said. “But this pantry brings me joy. It brings me joy to know that I can put a meal on the table for my husband and my son.”
Laurie said the pantry even means they can feed their three dogs.
While being able to get food significantly impacts her family, Laurie said the pantry’s reliability is just as important.
“I can plan and make sure we have food and money until the next opportunity to come to the pantry,” Laurie said.
She has recommended the pantry to others in her area, especially seniors on a fixed income.
The mobile community pantry at Our Lady of Perpetual Help is one of 95 mobile sites CCD visits monthly. In December 2023, CCD distributed more than 500,000 pounds of food through our mobile community sites and brick-and-mortar locations.
For more information about our mobile community pantries, please visit https://www.ccdallas.org/services/food-services/.
Omid was reunited with his family in December after more than two years apart.
Children’s Services reunifies family after years-long separation
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 States through the Operation Allies Welcome Humanitarian program.
He spent over a year in a shelter through the Office of Refugee Resettlement before being transferred to Catholic Charities Dallas’ International Foster Care program in November 2022.
While part of the IFC program, Omid received the assistance he needed to transition to life in the United States. He lived with a loving foster family and received case management services, tutoring, other educational assistance, and counseling. Omid also received legal aid for his asylum case.
The US Office of Refugee Resettlement assisted Omid’s family in finding a home in St. Louis, Missouri, this year. After more than two years apart, Omid finally reunited with his family on December 21.
Reunifying children with their families is our top priority, and it was an incredibly special and moving experience to connect Omid with his loved ones.
Mater Maria has served more than 80 mothers over the last several years.
New program joins Catholic Charities Dallas
Mater Filius Dallas is now part of the Pregnancy, Parenting, and Adoption program at Catholic Charities Dallas under a new name, Mater Maria.
For the last decade, Mater Maria has operated two homes in Collin County that offer housing, meals, transportation, education, and guidance to pregnant women experiencing homelessness. The first home is designed to prepare expecting mothers, while the second home is intended to provide a more personal space for mothers to bond with their children.
Since Mater Maria opened its doors, it has provided a warm and supportive environment for 82 mothers who have delivered 85 babies, including Angeles and her son.
Angeles was six months pregnant when she arrived at Mater Maria. She gave birth to her son ten months ago, and they are getting ready to move out on their own. Thanks to the support she received at Mater Maria, Angeles has a full-time job and can support herself and her son.
Bringing Mater Maria into the Pregnancy, Parenting, and Adoption program means it will have access to increased resources and personnel. Mothers will have access to case management services and other resources at CCD, including our weekly parenting classes and more.
It also means that CCD can offer Mater Maria as a home to expecting mothers in need. For more information about Mater Maria, please visit https://www.materfiliusdallas.org/.
Catholic Charities Dallas distributed gifts to 600 families this year.
Christmas Distribution shares gifts and holiday cheer with clients
Thanks to our generous donors, volunteers, and staff, we distributed Christmas gifts and cheer to 600 families across our 11 missions. Our annual Christmas Distribution is supported by the Angels of Charity, who raise money for the gift through their yearly Hope for the Holidays event. Along with the Angels, our Archangels Men’s Network and volunteers from area schools ensured the distribution days were a success!
We distributed gifts to our families over three days, including special Santa and Mrs. Claus visits! It was a blessing to see the excited families, especially the children, ready for the holiday.
Along with the Christmas distributions, several of our missions hosted Christmas parties. Children at St. Mary’s Shelter & Transitional Foster Care were surrounded by the Christmas spirit with activities, parties, treats, a Santa visit, and many presents on Christmas morning. Kids who reunified right before Christmas could take suitcases of wrapped presents home, and one little guy who arrived on New Year’s Day even had a belated Christmas.
Our St. Jude Centers celebrated with special Christmas dinners and carolers, while the Brady Center enjoyed a DJ, fitness instructor, and more. We are so grateful to the donors, volunteers, and staff who made these Christmas celebrations possible for the communities we serve.
Charitable Reach: A Monthly Spotlight
On the Horizon
Mega Homebuyer Event
Next Gen Wealth Academy is hosting the third annual Mega Homebuyer Event and Mega First Time Homebuyer class on Saturday, February 10.
If you or someone you know is considering purchasing a home, the event provides opportunities to speak with professionals including realtors, lenders, down payment assistance program coordinators, home builders, home inspectors, title companies, and more.
For more information, please click here.
St. Jude Vantage Point
Our third St. Jude Center, St. Jude Vantage Point, is nearing completion and will soon be ready to house 136 residents ages 18 and older. As we prepare for move-in, we are looking for volunteers and donors to help us welcome our residents by providing supplies for their apartments.
For a list of supplies and more information about getting involved, please visit our in-kind donation page or contact volunteer@ccdallas.org.
St. Jude Center Client-Choice Pantry
Over the last year, St. Jude Park Central has been undergoing renovations to expand programming and services in two mission areas: Homelessness & Housing and Hunger Services. To increase our Hunger Services support, a client-choice pantry was added on the first floor, and it is expected to be operation in the coming weeks.
Residents of St. Jude will be able to access the pantry, along with individuals and families from three zip codes that experience high food insecurity in the surrounding area. In addition to food, clients will also be able to access case management services if needed.
For more information about our other Hunger Services offerings, please visit https://www.ccdallas.org/services/food-services/.
Upcoming Events
Archangels Monthly Coffee | February 13, 2024
- 7:30 – 8:30 a.m.
- CoWork and Coffee (8102 LBJ Hwy, Dallas, TX)
- All Archangels and friends of the Archangels are invited to join the Archangel advisory board members for coffee and donuts at the new CoWork & Coffee space at St. Jude Park Central. This is a wonderful opportunity to stay connected, network, and see firsthand some of the great work CCD does every day.
Hope Starts Here | February 15, 2024
- 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
- CCD Central Service Center (1421 W. Mockingbird Lane, Dallas, TX 75247)
- In appreciation of your support, we invite you to join us for Hope Starts Here, a lunch-and-learn tour that highlights our programs and the many ways your involvement improves the lives of those in need. Hear directly from staff, friends of CCD, and leadership about our impact and learn how we continue to bring hope to our community together. Lunch will be provided. Click here for more information and to sign up.
An Evening with the Most Reverend Greg Kelly, Auxiliary Bishop | April 6, 2024
- Don’t miss your opportunity to enjoy a very special evening with our beloved Honorary Chair, Bishop Greg Kelly. The evening includes a private Mass, an intimate dinner reception, and engaging conversation with Bishop Kelly. Additional details to follow.
- $250 per person/$500 per couple. All proceeds benefit Catholic Charities Dallas’ newest program, Mater Maria.
- To be a part of this one-of-a-kind evening, please click here to purchase a ticket!
Save the Date
Angels of Charity Luncheon
- May 14, 2024
- 10:00 a.m. – Mass at National Shrine Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe
- Followed by a luncheon at the Meyerson Symphony Center
- More information to follow
Archangels Cup
- May 6, 2024
- 7:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
- The Golf Club of Dallas
- More information to follow
When we see Christ in our brothers and sisters in need, this is where the power of generosity begins. We recall the words of Christ,
“I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me.” (Matthew 25:35)
At Catholic Charities Dallas, we witness the life-changing power of generosity every day. The contagious excitement of a young refugee family as they receive items that transform their new house into a home. The smile on the face of a child as they learn to read alongside their parents. The relief in the eyes of a person who no longer needs to worry about what they will eat that day. Although it looks a bit different each time, the impact of generosity is undeniably present in every one of these lives. We hope these stories of the transformative power of generosity within our community resonate with you and encourage you to join us in serving, educating, and empowering all those in need. Your generosity is what makes our work possible!
