Mission Moment March 2026

Did you know our fiscal year ends in June? If you didn’t catch it on our social media platforms, here are all the great things we’ve done this past fiscal year!

Curtis Lane, a 53‑year‑old Dallas native, has lived a life marked by resilience and transformation. After losing his longtime barbershop during the pandemic and facing the collapse of his marriage, he found himself homeless in 2021, living in his car, and donating plasma just to survive. When shelters were full, he was eventually referred to St. Jude, where doors opened to a new beginning.

From that first Christmas, the outpouring of care left him in awe. Curtis felt seen again. He began rebuilding his life, taking on jobs, and receiving support each time he had to overcome an obstacle. Staff helped him refocus and regain stability. His journey wasn’t without setbacks, such as unexpected challenges and paused plans, but with housing support, food, rent assistance, and encouragement to pursue education, he began rediscovering his purpose.

Now enrolled in college and preparing for a new career in maintenance, Curtis is proud of the growth he’s achieved and is motivated by a desire to someday work for Catholic Charities and give back what was given to him. “I’ve watched St. Jude grow, and I’ve grown with it,” he reflects. Though he knows he’s not yet where he wants to be, he is steadily moving in the right direction and deeply grateful for the doors that opened when he chose to set aside his pride and ask for help.

Kelvin, a disabled veteran from the Beaumont–Houston area, spent years fighting battles that didn’t end when his military service did. After decades of struggling with alcohol, drugs, and declining health, he found himself homeless, financially unstable, and trapped in what he describes as “a hopeless state of mind.” For more than 33 years, addiction pulled him in and out of jobs, including his time working at the VA. Even when he gained periods of sobriety, starting over again and again left him exhausted.

His turning point came during a moment of clarity, an inner awakening that arrived quietly, alone in his room. He realized he was tired of losing himself, tired of restarting, and tired of watching his health fall apart. He knew he needed help.

Through the Veterans Administration Housing Program, case managers helped him navigate benefits he didn’t know how to access. Property managers and front desk staff made him feel welcome and safe from the moment he walked in. The housing, food pantry, and daily support gave him something he hadn’t felt in years: security.

Community events such as Bingo nights, meals provided by churches and local organizations, and volunteers who showed up simply to care, had helped him reconnect with people from all walks of life. It became a peaceful place where everyone learned to adjust, understand, and grow together.

Since arriving, Kelvin has gone from 50% VA disability to 100%, and even more importantly, he has learned to accept himself. He volunteers around the community, encourages others in their recovery journeys, and stays committed to his health and sobriety. His family now sees the change in him, and are proud to know he finally “woke up… and moving towards something positive.”

Most of all, Kelvin is grateful. Grateful for God allowing him to live, grateful for the people who poured into him, and he is eager to pour back into others.

Huma is a single mother of two children under the age of five. She enrolled in the Employment Program in October 2025 seeking support. Originally from Afghanistan, she was living independently without family or other support. She was unemployed and facing significant challenges with balancing her work opportunities with the full-time care needs of her young children.

The employment team partnered closely with Huma to explore job placement options, but due to her children’s age and her need to care for them full-time, traditional employment was not a feasible option. Huma received all available program financial assistance but was not eligible for additional Refugee Service financial programs. To support her housing stability while trying to obtain a stable income, the employment Team referred her to DFW Outreach, where she received one month of rental assistance.

Recognizing Huma’s strengths and unique needs, the team supported her in starting her own home-based childcare business, allowing her to earn income while caring for her children. Staff assisted her with completing the childcare licensing application, including registration with Child Care Regulation. Through the Vocational Training program, Huma received coverage for her licensing fee, background check fee, and the required Safe Sleep online childcare training, which she successfully completed and earned her certification for.

In 2026, Huma obtained her official childcare license. She is now operating her own licensed home childcare business, providing stability for her family and a sustainable path toward self-sufficiency. This achievement reflects her determination and the collaborative support provided through the Employment Program.

A heartfelt and sincere thank you to Tickets for Kids for their incredible generosity! They donated 26 tickets to the Dallas Mavericks vs. Houston Rockets game last month, creating an unforgettable experience for so many in our community! Foster parents, foster youth, and some of our young adults in Supervised Independent Living were able to come together for an evening filled with excitement, joy, and connection.

Dave Woodyard, Catholic Charities Dallas’ CEO, speaking at the 2026 Bishop’s Gala

This year we celebrated the 28th Bishops Gala, a milestone marked with laughter, meaningful conversations, uplifting music, and a shared sense of purpose. This year’s Bishop’s Gala showed the extraordinary impact we can make when we come together as a community to care for those in need.

Every attendee, donor, volunteer, committee member, and sponsor played a vital part in showcasing what compassion in actions truly looks like. Moments like this remind us how when we all come together, real and lasting changes become possible.

Hope Starts Here is an informational tour of our Central Service Center that offers a firsthand look at the heart of our work. You’ll walk through our building, learn about our 11 missions and 35+ programs, and see how we meet people where they are—whether they’re facing homelessness, navigating a crisis, or building a better future through education and support.

It’s a powerful reminder that hope starts with all of us. Whether you’re a donor, volunteer, or simply curious about getting involved, this experience shows how your time, gifts, and prayers make a real difference in the lives of those we serve. To learn more and register, please click here.

The Angels of Charity invite you to attend the 25th Annual Angels of Charity Mass & Luncheon.

Join them for an inspiring morning beginning with Mass celebrated by the Most Reverend Edward J. Burns at the National Shrine Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe, followed by a luncheon at the Meyerson Symphony Center featuring keynote speaker, Allena Bangs.

The event will be benefiting Mater Maria, one of CCD’s newest programs. Mater Maria offers housing and case management to pregnant women who find themselves unhoused without any means of support. Rooted in Catholic tradition, Mater Maria welcomes expectant mothers regardless of their martial or socioeconomic status, race, or religion.

To learn more and purchase sponsorships & tickets, please click here.

Save the date! The Archangels are excited to be hosting the 5th Annual Archangel’s Cup at the Golf Club of Dallas on Monday, May 11, 2026!

The tournament directly supports critical efforts to provide food assistance and nourishment to individuals and families in need throughout our nine-county community of need. In the past three years alone, the Archangels Men’s Network has provided over 1.5 million meals, ensuring that no neighbor goes hungry.

To register for the tournament, please click here.

We are always looking for volunteers!

Join us in serving and sharing hope with the Dallas community from providing meals at our mobile community pantry sites to facilitating game nights with our Brady Center seniors. Click here to view our current volunteer opportunities.

Conveniently located in North Dallas, Catholic Charities Dallas’ Co-Work and Coffee is the perfect spot for a meeting, interview, or even a full-time office with a variety of membership and workspace options catered to your individual or business needs. Click here for more information.