Catholic Charities Fort Worth is taking its signature program that helps those in poverty with housing, employment and other needs nationally.<\/p>\n
Leaders of the Fort Worth charity announced Jan. 26 that they are banding together with Goodwill Industries of Michiana to bring the nonprofit\u2019s poverty case management program called Padua<\/a> to northern Indiana.\u00a0<\/p>\n Expanding the program beyond Fort Worth marks a major step in the charity\u2019s mission, said Brendan Perry, director of Padua National at Catholic Charities Fort Worth.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cPadua was built with a vision to meet people where they are \u2014 a client-led program that honors human dignity, builds emotional resilience and delivers real results,\u201d Perry said.\u00a0<\/p>\n The program is named after St. Anthony of Padua, known as the patron saint of the poor.\u00a0<\/p>\n Launched in 2015, Padua provides long-term case management to clients needing support while also providing coaching so they can learn skills such as planning, organizing and problem solving to maintain financial stability, according to North Texas Catholic<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n Researchers from the University of Notre Dame found that participants who enrolled in Padua between February 2015 and October 2016 spent an average time of 17 months in the program, according to the charity<\/a>. The program has no time limit, according to a press release.\u00a0<\/p>\n Goodwill Industries of Michiana offers various free programs such as a charter high school for adults, in-home nursing care for first-time mothers, training for automotive and construction certifications, and job search and preparation for individuals with criminal backgrounds, according to its 2024 report<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n The Indiana-based nonprofit will be the first organization in the nation to replicate Fort Worth\u2019s Padua model, according to a press release.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cWe are excited to launch the nation\u2019s first Padua mission site right here in our region,\u201d Goodwill Industries of Michiana CEO Debie Coble said. \u201cThis partnership empowers families with personalized support so they can build lasting stability, independence and truly achieve their most abundant lives.\u201d<\/p>\n The Michiana-based Padua program is expected to begin taking clients in April.\u00a0<\/p>\n Marissa Greene is a Report for America corps member, covering faith for the Fort Worth Report. You can contact her at marissa.greene@fortworthreport.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n