Press Releases

Catholic Charities Dallas Receives Grant to Provide Free Immigration Representation for Foster Children in Dallas County

DALLAS, TX — November 15, 2024—Catholic Charities Dallas (CCD) has received a $15,000 grant from the Texas Bar Foundation, which will fund vital immigration representation services for children in foster care across Dallas County.   Since its inception in 1965, the Texas Bar Foundation has awarded more than $28 million in grants to law-related programs. Supported by members of the State Bar of Texas, the Texas Bar Foundation is the nation’s largest charitably funded bar foundation.   This [...]

Atmos Energy Donates $4 Million to Energy Assistance Agencies

Funding Helps Customers Settle Past-Due Debt, Pay Utility Bills DALLAS – Oct. 22, 2024 – Atmos Energy is helping its customers prepare for the winter season by allocating $4 million to energy assistance agencies across the eight states it serves. Distributing these funds in partnership with various assistance agencies and nonprofit organizations will provide relief for Atmos Energy customers who need assistance paying their natural gas bills, past-due debt, deposits, and service charges. The company reminds customers whose [...]

Catholic Housing Initiative and Catholic Charities Dallas Announces Grand Opening of St. Jude Center-Vantage Point

Dallas, TX — October 23, 2024 - Catholic Housing Initiative (CHI), together with Catholic Charities Dallas, is proud to announce the grand opening of St. Jude Center-Vantage Point in North Dallas. Permanent supportive housing and services is provided at the new facility to address homelessness in the city. St. Jude Center-Vantage Point is a home for 136 residents ages 18 and older. CHI acquired and renovated the former hotel property, transforming it into a safe, welcoming community. [...]

Learn About Resources for First Time Homebuyers at February Event

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 [...]

Catholic Charities Dallas offers financial assistance for winter storm victims

Media Contact: Jeremy Bermender Catholic Charities Dallas 469-907-8401 jbermender@ccdallas.org DALLAS – May 3, 2021 – During the Winter storms in early 2020, Catholic Charities Dallas (CCD) launched a relief fund for individuals and families impacted by the crippling winter storm that hit Dallas in mid-February and subsequently caused significant damage to homes and businesses due to long-term power outages and burst pipes. CCD has raised $500,000 from private donors and grants from Toyota Motor North America, Catholic [...]

Catholic Charities Dallas receives $20,000 grant from Texas Bar Foundation to help with low-income DACA applicants

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEMedia Contact:Jeremy BermenderCatholic Charities Dallas469-907-8401jbermender@ccdallas.orgDALLAS – April 28, 2021 – Catholic Charities Dallas (CCD) has received a $20,000 grant from the Texas Bar Foundation to provide free or reduced-cost legal aid to those seeking initial or renewed Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status.Since its inception in 1965, the Texas Bar Foundation has awarded more than $22 million in grants to law-related programs. Supported by members of the State Bar of Texas, the Texas Bar Foundation [...]

Local Nonprofits Manage Donations and Volunteer Support for Migrant Children

For Immediate Release: U.S. Department of Health & Human Services’ Office of Refugee Resettlement directs all donations for migrant teens to Buckner International and Trusted World, while volunteer support is coordinated by Catholic Charities of Dallas. DALLAS (March 29, 2021) – The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Refugee Resettlement is utilizing North Texas nonprofits to manage donations and volunteer support for the migrant children sheltering at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in [...]

Catholic Charities hosts mega food drop with Dallas Love Field to help more than 1000 families

Media Contact: Jeremy Bermenderjbermender@ccdallas.org469-801-8133 office FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE DALLAS – MARCH 4, 2021 – Catholic Charities Dallas (CCD), in collaboration with Dallas Love Field, North Texas Food Bank, and Hope Supply Company, will be serving more than 1000 families by providing over 50,000 meals and diapers to needy families in and around Dallas. The event will be hosted at Love Connection Parking Lot (6814 Harry Hines Blvd. Dallas, TX 75235) from 11am to 3pm on March 12th, 2021. [...]

Catholic Charities Dallas Receives SNAP Grant Renewal From Walmart Foundation

Funds to increase access to SNAP Program, healthier food for low-income households DALLAS (December 1, 2020) – Catholic Charities Dallas (CCD) has received a $10,000 grant renewal from the Walmart Foundation, in partnership with Catholic Charities USA (CCUSA), for a region wide outreach effort to make residents aware of the Federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and to provide enrollment assistance to eligible low-income families and individuals, including seniors. SNAP is the nation’s largest domestic hunger safety [...]

Catholic Charities and Catholic Housing Initiative Open New Facility for COVID-Impacted Individuals and The Homeless

Media Contact: Jeremy Bermender jbermender@ccdallas.org 469-801-8133 office FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE DALLAS – December 22, 2020 –Catholic Charities Dallas (CCD) and Catholic Housing Initiative (CHI), in collaboration with Dallas County and the City of Dallas, have leveraged CARES Act funds to open a new facility that will address the urgent need for housing for both COVID-impacted individuals and families, as well as the homeless. St. Jude Center-Park Central (SJC-PC) opened Tuesday, December 15 in the former Gateway Hotel, [...]

Catholic Charities Dallas Will Hold Annual Christmas Distribution for Families in Need

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE DALLAS (December 7, 2020) – Catholic Charities Dallas (CCD) will be hosting their annual Christmas Distribution at Cardinal Farrell Community Center (321 Calumet Ave. Dallas, TX 75211) on Saturday, December 12, 2020 beginning at 8 a.m. where a total of 526 families in need will receive free Christmas gifts. The Angels of Charity and Archangel Men’s Network – auxiliary groups of CCD – will be heading the distribution alongside CCD staff and Jesuit College [...]

Catholic Charities Dallas to Significantly Expand Food Distribution Capacity with $700k in Community Support

Media Contact: Jeremy Bermender jbermender@ccdallas.org 469-801-8133 office FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE DALLAS – November 11, 2020 – Catholic Charities Dallas (CCD) has received nearly $700,000 in support from long-time collaborator North Texas Food Bank (NTFB) and local philanthropists Joe and Chris Popolo, Jr., to fund the capital purchase and operations of a new mobile community pantry truck and new refrigerated box truck. The new, custom vehicles will allow CCD to significantly expand its food distribution capabilities and better [...]

Catholic Charities and Catholic Housing Initiative Collaborate to Create New Housing Inventory for Homeless and Housing Insecure Families

Hotel to Pandemic Response to Housing Solution Media Contact: Jeremy Bermender jbermender@ccdallas.org 469-801-8133 office FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE DALLAS – October 20, 2020 – Catholic Charities Dallas (CCD) and Catholic Housing Initiative (CHI) have unveiled plans for a new project to address housing insecurity and homelessness in Dallas, on the heels of the second anniversary of their first collaboration, St. Jude Center - Forest, a highly successful permanent supportive housing community for chronically homeless seniors. As with the [...]

Catholic Charities Dallas Administering Cares Act Funds

CCD Partnering with area counties, cities to administer financial relief programs DALLAS – August 3, 2020 – In response to the continuing financial hardships caused by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Catholic Charities Dallas (CCD) has partnered with a number of counties and cities in North Texas to administer their emergency financial relief programs. Counties and cities throughout the U.S. received federal funding from the CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security) Act to distribute to [...]

Mary Vares Joins Catholic Charities Dallas as CFO

DALLAS – June 18, 2020 – Catholic Charities Dallas (CCD) has announced the appointment of Mary Vares, CPA, to the position of Chief Financial Officer (CFO), effective June 1, 2020. Vares has nearly 20 years’ experience in executive leadership and financial oversight for non-profit organizations and private industry. Most recently, she served as financial controller for the Dallas Arboretum, managing and overseeing the annual budget process, external audits, and policies and procedures, in addition to financial reporting [...]

Catholic Charities Dallas Named to Prestigious List of 2020 Best Nonprofits to Work For

DALLAS – April 2, 2020 – Catholic Charities Dallas (CCD) was recently selected as one of the 2020“Best Nonprofits to Work For.” The NonProfit Times, the leading national business publication for nonprofit managers, has partnered with Best Companies Group to identify nonprofit organizations where leaders have excelled in creating quality workplaces. This survey and awards program is designed to identify, recognize and honor the best employers in the nonprofit industry, benefiting the industry's economy, workforce and businesses. [...]

Catholic Charities Dallas Receives $10,000 Walmart Foundation Grant in Support of Hunger Alleviation

Funds to increase access to SNAP Program, healthier food for low-income households   DALLAS (March 19, 2020) – Catholic Charities Dallas (CCD) has received a $10,000 grant from the Walmart Foundation, in partnership with Catholic Charities USA (CCUSA), for a region wide outreach effort to make residents aware of the Federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and to provide enrollment assistance to eligible low-income families and individuals, including seniors.   SNAP is the nation’s largest domestic hunger [...]

Catholic Charities Dallas Receives $10,000 Walmart Foundation Grant in Support of Hunger Alleviation

Funds to increase access to SNAP Program, healthier food for low-income households DALLAS (March 19, 2020) – Catholic Charities Dallas (CCD) has received a $10,000 grant from the Walmart Foundation, in partnership with Catholic Charities USA (CCUSA), for a region wide outreach effort to make residents aware of the Federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and to provide enrollment assistance to eligible low-income families and individuals, including seniors. SNAP is the nation’s largest domestic hunger safety net [...]

Solender/Hall Negotiates with Catholic Charities to House All Non-Shelter Services for Family Gateway

March 10, 2020, DALLAS, Texas – Family Gateway, which provides stability and life-changing supportive services to children and families affected by homelessness, has increased its capacity to serve more North Texas families through the opening of the new Simmons Family Gateway Resource Center. The Center, located at 1421 W. Mockingbird Lane, Dallas, 75247, is housed in space that Family Gateway leased from the building owner, Catholic Charities Dallas. Family Gateway’s 35-room Emergency Shelter in downtown Dallas, which [...]

Solender/Hall Negotiates with Catholic Charities to House All Non-Shelter Services for Family Gateway

Family Gateway Expands Capacity and Capabilities with New Simmons Family Gateway Resource Center March 10, 2020, DALLAS, Texas – Family Gateway, which provides stability and life-changing supportive services to children and families affected by homelessness, has increased its capacity to serve more North Texas families through the opening of the new Simmons Family Gateway Resource Center. The Center, located at 1421 W. Mockingbird Lane, Dallas, 75247, is housed in space that Family Gateway leased from the building owner, [...]

Public Charge/Carga Publica

Implementation The Supreme Court ruled on January 27, 2020 that the Department of Homeland Security, DHS, can implement its rule defining the public charge ground of inadmissibility. The final implementation date is still unknown. The affected cases include immigrant and non-immigrant visa petitions submitted to US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and Department of State. Summary Someone who is “Likely at any time to become a public charge” means that anyone who is more likely than not to [...]

Texas Instruments Foundation makes significant donation to address homelessness in Dallas

Texas Instruments (TI) Foundation has made a $200,000 grant to Catholic Charities Dallas (CCD) via the United Way of Metropolitan Dallas to support the organization’s St. Jude Center, an innovative supportive housing program for homeless seniors.  The grant to CCD was part of a $1 million commitment by the TI Foundation to address and prevent homelessness in Dallas.  Executives from the foundation presented a check to CCD on Thursday, November 14, 2019. As one of the leading social [...]

Texas Bar Foundation awards Catholic Charities Dallas paperless transition project grant

DALLAS – Catholic Charities Dallas’ Immigration Legal Services (ILS) program is the proud recipient of a $7,500 Paperless Transition Project grant presented by the Texas Bar Foundation. This grant will allow the program to initiate mobile scanners to streamline the existing case management system while increasing the efficiency and delivery of immigration services to clients. Currently the ILS program serves over 28,000 individuals annually, this project is expected to yield a 20% increase in immigration clients served. The [...]

ANGELS OF CHARITY FROM ALL OVER THE NORTH TEXAS COMMUNITY COME TOGETHER FOR A COMMON CAUSE…TO STAMP OUT POVERTY

DALLAS – Since it’s inception in 2001 Angels of Charity (AoC) women’s auxiliary group has had one mission, to improve the lives of others in their community, and they are passionate about it! With humble beginnings of just a handful of women and today over 800 members strong, AoC is changing lives in our community each and every day through volunteerism, support, and fundraising. The annual Mass and Luncheon is the group’s largest fundraiser of the year with [...]

Catholic Charities Dallas’ 21st Annual Bishop’s Gala Tops $2MM

DALLAS (SATURDAY, JANUARY 26, 2019) – This year, the spotlight and theme of the evening was “Love In Action”, displaying the power of love and caring for those in need throughout Catholic Charities Dallas’ 127 years of service. The 21st annual event was sponsored by WestPark Fund, LP and kicked off at 5:30 p.m. with a special VIP toast with The Most Reverend Edward J. Burns, Bishop of Dallas and was attended by the event’s underwriters, including some [...]

CATHOLIC CHARITIES DALLAS RECEIVES GRANT FROM TEXAS ACCESS TO JUSTICE FOUNDATION

DALLAS – Catholic Charities Dallas (CCD) is pleased to announce it has received a $46,026 grant from Texas Access to Justice Foundation (TAJF) CVCLS – LI fund. These funds will provide free victim-related civil legal services directly to eligible low-income immigrant victims of domestic violence and crime who reside in the 123 county service area of the Dallas District of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This grant will assist many families who have been victims of [...]

GRAND OPENING!

NEW PERMANANT SUPPORTIVE HOUSING FOR OVER 100 HOMELESS SENIORS OPENS IN DALLAS Project Reflects Unique Collaboration Among Nonprofit Partners What Join us at the grand opening celebration and ribbon cutting for the St. Jude Center in Dallas When Wednesday, October 10, 2018 – 3:30pm Where 2920 Forest Lane, Dallas, TX 75234 Who Mayor Mike Rawlings, City of Dallas Judge Clay Jenkins, Dallas County The Most Rev. Edward J. Burns, Bishop of Dallas Denise Schmitt, Federal Home Loan Bank [...]

Fig Loans & Catholic Charities Dallas to pilot Fig36, a Credit Building, Microlending Program

Fig Loans, a social impact startup that creates technology for underbanked Americans, partnered with Catholic Charities Dallas (CCD), one of the oldest and largest social services organizations in the Greater Dallas area, to conduct a Fig36 pilot with their financial coaches. The pilot program will be led by Parker Lumkes, CCD Financial Coach, using funds from United Way Dallas and the Credit Builder’s Alliance. This partnership is the second pilot for the Fig36 program. “We are excited to [...]

Catholic Charities Dallas honored to be the charity of choice for this year’s Festival Del Sol presented by La Grande 107.5 FM

DALLAS-July 22 - La Grande 107.5 FM hosted their annual Festival Del Sol, a free 2-day music festival featuring an all-star line-up of Tejano and Regional Mexican artists on July 21-22 at Fair Park. Catholic Charities Dallas (CCD) was honored to be chosen as the beneficiary charity of choice for this year’s event.  A big “thank you” to Entercom Communications (formerly CBS Radio) for sponsoring the booth that allowed CCD staff and volunteers to visit with over 10,000 [...]

Kathy O’Neal Appointed Chief Development Officer for Catholic Charities Dallas

DALLAS, TEXAS (October 31, 2017) Catholic Charities Dallas (CCD), one of the oldest and largest social services organizations in Greater Dallas, today announced Kathy O’Neal has joined as Chief Development Officer, overseeing strategic development, fundraising and marketing efforts supporting the organization’s 26 programs serving more than 38,000 children, families and seniors in need every year. O’Neal was formerly owner and CEO of Club, Resorts and Hospitality Consulting specializing in member enrollment, member retention and committee and board formation [...]

The Catholic Foundation Gives $100,000 for Harvey Relief

Emergency grant to Catholic Charities will help those affected by Hurricane Harvey in Texas   DALLAS – (Sept. 22, 2017) – The Catholic Foundation, a Dallas-based, lay-led community foundation, has provided a $100,000 grant to Catholic Charities Dallas (CCD) for disaster relief funding in light of the record-breaking impacts Hurricane Harvey had on Texas. Catholic Charities’ Disaster Relief program assists clients through the initial crisis with financial assistance towards temporary housing, transportation, food assistance and case management services. [...]

Catholic Charities Dallas announces its “Plan 2020” launch with the Grand Opening of their new Central Service Center

Media invited to learn about expanded services - ribbon cutting event - tour of the center DALLAS, TEXAS (August 2017) Catholic Charities Dallas (CCD), one of the oldest and largest social services organizations in Greater Dallas, today announced it is kicking off a new expansion “Plan 2020” in conjunction with the official opening of the new Central Service Center at 1421 W. Mockingbird Lane, 5:30 PM on Thursday, Sept.7, 2017. “Launching our three year strategic Plan 2020 with [...]

Important Message from Dave Woodyard RE: Hurricane Harvey Relief

An Important Message from Catholic Charities Dallas Dear Friends of Catholic Charities Dallas, Hurricane Harvey has undoubtedly touched all of us in one way or another. As fellow Texans, we have family, friends, business associates and others who are struggling with the after-effects of this terrible tragedy. The devastation in Houston, the surrounding suburbs and south Texas will have an impact on the Dallas metroplex for years to come. The reality is that the recovery will be long [...]

Regina Fonts Morris Appointed Chief Development Officer for Catholic Charities Dallas

DALLAS, TEXAS (July 13, 2016) – Catholic Charities Dallas (CCD), one of the largest social services organizations in Greater Dallas, today announced Regina Fonts Morris has joined as Chief Development Officer, overseeing strategic development and marketing efforts supporting the organization’s 17 programs serving more than 27,000 children, families and seniors in need every year. Morris, who was most recently Vice President of Resource Development and Marketing for Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas, has extensive financial, marketing [...]

Coalition of Refugee Organizations to Spotlight 2016 World Refugee Day with Two-Part, Citywide Celebration

Dallas-area public invited to attend June 11 festivities and June 18 ceremony and resource fair DALLAS – (June 1, 2016) – To welcome and celebrate the more than 3,000 refugees who flee their homes in foreign countries to escape war, persecution and other harrowing circumstances every year to start a new life here in Dallas, the Dallas Area Refugee Forum, will host a two-day, event on June 11 and June 18 in honor of World Refugee Day with [...]

David Woodyard Named Catholic Charities Dallas CEO

35-year service industry veteran brings business expertise, community commitment DALLAS (February 29, 2016) Catholic Charities Dallas (CCD), one of the largest social services organization in Greater Dallas, today announced the hiring of David Woodyard as Chief Executive Officer, overseeing the organization’s 17 programs serving more than 30,000 children, families and seniors in need every year. Most recently, Woodyard was a consultant to the service and hospitality worlds after serving as a 31-year executive at ClubCorp, the world leader [...]

Catholic Charities Dallas Invites Public to Attend 2016 Bishop’s Gala on Jan. 23 Featuring Renowned Band Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons

Proceeds to benefit CCD’s Financial Stability & Career Services program serving the 40% of families and individuals living in poverty in Greater Dallas DALLAS (October 19, 2015) – Oh What a Night! For fans of legendary band Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons who also have a desire to help people in need, Catholic Charities Dallas’ 2016 Bishop’s Gala on Saturday, Jan. 23 will be the go-to event of the New Year. The 18th annual event, which will [...]

Catholic Charities Dallas and Proyecto Inmigrante ICS to Provide City-Wide, Free Citizenship Workshop

Group to provide free consultation services and assist first 500 qualified applicants with their U.S. citizenship application process DALLAS, TX (February 26, 2015) On Saturday, March 21, Catholic Charities Dallas and Proyecto Inmigrante ICS will offer a free, city-wide citizenship workshop beginning at 9 a.m. at Mountain View College. The workshop, intended to bolster the efforts of many, Dallas-based aspiring Americans working to achieve U.S. citizenship, will offer FREE assistance with the application process for the first 500 [...]

CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF DALLAS WEIGHS IN: Judge Hanen Injunction Response – Facts, Next Steps, Information Sessions

Facts: On February 16, 2015, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas issued an opinion and order enjoining the relevant branches of the US Government from implementing the DAPA program, including the expansion of DACA set to begin tomorrow. This injunction does not affect the current DACA program that was announced on June 15, 2012. This injunction was issued by a Federal District Court. The Government can, and has indicated it will, appeal the injunction [...]

A Quick Immigration Snapshot – Where We Are Now & Key Historic Milestones Affecting Dallas

Latest Immigration News: On November 20, 2014, President Obama took executive action to reform immigration enforcement and provide relief to an estimated 5 million immigrants currently in the U.S. without authorization. Among the measures he announced, the center point is an administrative program that will allow certain people to apply for protection from deportation and for authorization to work in the U.S. What does this mean? The President announced plans to offer temporary protection from deportation, known in [...]

Catholic Charities Dallas Calls President Obama’s Immigration Relief a “Welcome, Long-Awaited Decision”; Outlines Impact for Greater Dallas

Non-profit readies to provide assistance to thousands of eligible immigrants DALLAS, TX (November 21, 2014) After years of preparing for Comprehensive Immigration Reform (CIR), Catholic Charities President/CEO Arne Nelson says the Dallas-based non-profit is ready to act to assist the thousands of eligible immigrants in North Texas who will qualify under President Obama’s new directive announced yesterday evening. Since 1975, Catholic Charities Dallas (CCD) has assisted immigrants in North Texas under many prior such programs, including the Deferred [...]

President Obama’s Immigration Actions on Nov. 20, 2014

Questions & Answers 1) What is the difference between Administrative Relief and Immigration Reform? Administrative Relief is an Executive action, a power within the President’s authority, to offer relief. Any reform to immigration law must be taken by Congress, who has the authority to make changes to immigration law. Executive actions are typically used to temporarily offer relief to a select and specific group. 2) What does “temporary” relief from deportation mean? It means that it is not [...]