Catholic Charities Fort Worth – Striving to end poverty, one family at a time

“Our financial confidence was not good, but Catholic Charities played a big role in making sure that we were set up for success and knew how to budget.”

“When we got off the plane, we were scared, but we saw a caseworker for Catholic Charities Fort Worth. He took us to our apartment, helped my mother get a job, helped us learn English, and helped us with naturalization classes.”

“Without Catholic Charities, I honestly don’t know if I would have finished my program. And if I hadn’t finished, I don’t know where I would be. Today, I’m working at United Regional as an operating room nurse. It’s so rewarding to be a part of somebody’s story and help them in the ways I can.”

One of the largest community service nonprofits in North Texas, Catholic Charities Fort Worth, has built its 100-plus-year-long legacy with a large number of stories of hope like these. Founded in 1910, the organization helps thousands of students, veterans, refugees, and families live a better life every year. 

“Our vision is to relentlessly end poverty through holistic, evidence-based solutions,” said Michael Iglio, President and CEO at Catholic Charities Fort Worth. “Using our signature style of case management, we walk alongside our clients as they overcome challenges and find stability. We work with them throughout several key pathways that contribute to poverty — from emotional resiliency to resource stability.”

“From students, refugees, and pregnant women to employees at local businesses, we have a wide range of programs that cover individuals and families of all cultures and backgrounds.”

Iglio also said that in the last decade, the organization went from having more than 40 programs across a broad spectrum of needs, including crisis services, to partnering with third-party researchers to launch several pilot studies in case management and education.

“We are proud of the thousands of individuals we have served deeply in this capacity who have ended poverty in their lifetime,” Iglio added. 

Catholic Charities Fort Worth has been supported by more than 140 active volunteers across its programs and services. Community Engagement Manager Allie Phillippi mentioned in 2022, 395 volunteers served an astounding 23,004 hours.

“Without our volunteers, we would not be able to serve all the families that need help,” Phillippi said. “1,700 students last year would have been at risk of not completing their educational goals. 155 mothers would have walked their journeys alone and afraid. More than 3,000 of our friends and neighbors would have been unable to travel to work, get a life-saving medical appointment, or go to school.”

As the organization continues to create a bigger and better impact year by year in the communities, the leadership at Catholic Charities Fort Worth is committed to expanding the services while enjoying their roles and responsibilities. For Iglio, hearing the stories about the hurdles the clients are overcoming is an inspiration that energizes him through each day, whether challenging or successful.

“One of the best things about working here is that we’re continually given the opportunity to learn and challenge ourselves to do better,” said Cindy Casey, Head of Client Services. “Every client’s pathway out of poverty is different, and being able to serve them holistically and meet them where they’re at is one of the things we’re most proud of.” 

The leadership also makes the community aware that the organization serves individuals and families from all backgrounds even through it is a Catholic nonprofit. The vision is to fight against poverty in any form. Chief Operating Officer Peter Hicks believes any member of a community should accept the responsibility to break down the myths around poverty and contribute towards making the community a better place for all. 

“Knowledge is power, and the power is necessary to end poverty,” Hicks said. “We would like our community to embrace what we do, no matter their faith, and support our efforts with their time, talents, or financial support.”

“Catholic Charities is a great place to reach out to for help if you’re ready to put in the work,” Casey said. “If you’re tired of things being the way they’ve always been, being unable to pay bills, living paycheck to paycheck, living in fear. If you’re ready to make changes in your life, CCFW is here to help.”