Jonathan and Deisy signed up for Together We’re Better because they were concerned about their toddler, Charlotte’s, physical development.

Jonathan and his wife, Deisy, learned about CCD’s Together We’re Better (TWB) program during Sunday Mass announcements. Our mobile parenting and early learning program supports nurturing and caring parents who are focused on their children’s early education. 

They were drawn to TWB for its parenting and early literacy program and signed up because they were concerned about their toddler, Charlotte., who did not show any interest in walking. 

After completing the 16-week program, the parents shared that it was one of their best decisions because they now understand their child’s behavior and Charlotte’s physical, language, cognitive, and social-emotional needs. 

They shared that learning how their child’s brain, body, and emotions change according to age and daily experiences was amazing. Deisy realized that they were not allowing Charlotte to stimulate and develop her physical motor skills, preventing her from learning to walk. 

Additionally, Charlotte received a developmental evaluation, during which they learned about her other needs and activities to help close her developmental delays. 

The TWB program helped Jonathan and Deisy learn the importance of reading with their children daily. Deisy now uses the tips she learned in her parenting class, such as asking open-ended questions during reading time and letting their daughter manipulate the books they read. 

As a family, they have now established new habits, including a schedule with reading time each day. The TWB team is very proud of all the hard work Deisy and her Jonathan have dedicated to becoming stronger parents and helping their daughters thrive and succeed in school. 

Consuelo turned to Brady Center’s case manager to help her apply for emergency assistance.  

Consuelo is a 68-year-old senior who enjoys visiting CCD’s Brady Center. The Brady Center is a safe place for adults 60 years of age and older to build strong foundations through fitness, friendship, and community activities. We also provide nutritious meals and access to case management services.  

Recently, Consuelo turned to the center’s case manager to help her apply for emergency assistance. 

Consuelo’s son, who is the sole provider for the household, sustained an injury during surgery, leaving him bedridden and unable to work. As a result, Consuelo became her son’s caregiver and expressed that she was struggling to pay bills and transport her son to his much-needed doctor’s appointments. 

In addition to caretaking, Consuelo was having challenges accessing community resources. As a native Spanish speaker, she expressed difficulty communicating with agencies that could offer relief. 

Brady Center’s case manager assisted her in applying for relief through the Community Council of Greater Dallas (CCGD) Access and Assistance Program. Through the collaboration, Consuelo attained rental relief and transportation assistance to access medical services. 

Consuelo is incredibly grateful for the referral and the care CCGD provided to her and her family during this difficult time. Every day, the Brady Center answers the call to action to connect older adults like Consuelo with much-needed supportive services.

CCD staff have a great time at the Five Year Anniversary Carnival! 

In July 2024, Children’s Services celebrated five years with Catholic Charities Dallas. Staff hosted a fun Carnival-themed day, which included games, a water dunk bucket, fun prizes, and delicious food.   

Children’s Services, acquired by CCD from Catholic Charities Fort Worth in 2019, is a rewarding program that safely reunites youth with their families. When this is not an option, they seek permanent and supportive relationships for youth and equip them with the skills needed for successful lives in adulthood.  

“We feel blessed to be part of CCD and are grateful that CCD said ‘yes’ to taking on our Children’s Services programs,” said Children’s Services Program Director Angela Fox. “It feels amazing that we have been with CCD for five years – serving over 1,000 children! Without the agency’s support, we could not do this incredible, impactful work.”  

Children’s Services will celebrate its 15th anniversary as a program this year.   

Refugee Services programs reflect a commitment to providing practical tools and resources that enhance the well-being and self-sufficiency of the refugee community. 

Refugee Services clients recently participated in the Psychosocial Team Program, which hosted an engaging session on “Eating Healthy Food.” The program aimed to equip clients with essential knowledge on maintaining a balanced, nutritious diet, with a focus on affordable meal planning that promotes long-term health.  

As part of the program, participants visited a local food pantry where they received fresh produce, whole grains, and protein—key ingredients to support their new, healthier eating habits.   

Following the session, many clients reported increased confidence in planning nutritious meals and making better food choices. Some participants even noted a shift from fast food, opting for more home-cooked meals due to the guidance provided.  

In addition to the nutrition-focused session, clients participated in the Refugee Health Programto explore the topic of Medicaid. Through detailed discussions, they gained a deeper understanding of Medicaid’s eligibility requirements, benefits, and application process, enabling them to navigate the healthcare system more effectively.   

The training empowered clients to utilize Medicaid to meet their healthcare needs, ensuring better access to essential services.  

Both programs reflect Refugee Services’ commitment to providing practical tools and resources that enhance the well-being and self-sufficiency of the refugee community.  

Pictured: Attendees at the annual First Time Homebuyer Mega Event that occurs each May 

A small group gathers monthly in English, and quarterly in Spanish, via Zoom for a Next Gen Wealth Academy class on homeownership.   

This life-changing class is a HUD-approved housing counseling program that aims to educate the community on aspects of home ownership, including the preparation and purchasing process, as well as credit, debt, and budgeting.  

The class starts with an introduction, during which HUD Housing Counselor Carmen Juarez explains the program and its offerings. Then, professional volunteers – lenders, realtors, insurance agents, inspectors, and escrow title specialists – each present their role in the home-buying process.  

Typically, around 16 to 20 eager attendees join the class.  

“My biggest hope is that, by the end of the class, clients feel empowered, informed, and ready to take the next steps toward homeownership confidently,” said Juarez.   

It’s an exciting step toward creating a brighter, more secure future for each participant.