Category: Family Resource Centers

Positive Change, New Beginnings & Healthy Neighbors: September News

Posted on by Jenny Barker

As we approach the official end of the New Americans program on September 30, we want to take a moment to recognize the team who embodies our holistic love, hope, and healing service model. By providing the entire range of services from housing and basic needs to employment services, this group has had an incredible impact on our neighbors and on the agency.

We’re proud to share that over a dozen staff members have been re-employed in other Catholic Charities programs, while many others have moved on to wonderful new roles at nonprofits and businesses throughout the city. The skills and expertise they gained at Catholic Charities made them highly attractive employment candidates.

On a July Saturday, the team enjoyed a celebratory international potluck and made plans for an annual reunion. The camaraderie, professionalism, and deep commitment to service that defined this team is an inspiration to us all. Note our matching t-shirts!

Family Resource Center at C.E McGruder Almost Ready! 

After 18 months of working out of boxes during Metro Nashville’s renovation of C.E. McGruder, we are excited to share that our family resource center team is officially moving into their new offices!

You may see a few boxes (and more than a little office clutter) as staff settle in, but we couldn’t be more thrilled to open our doors and welcome our neighbors to our updated spaces, including an enlarged food pantry and a welcoming gathering area.

We are re-invigorated in our mission to give a hand up to local communities, especially the historical area of North Nashville, where multi-generational homeowners live alongside newcomers to the city. Our one-stop hub is host to a plethora of other nonprofit partners, all working together to help those in need.

Please watch for our open house date and time, to be announced soon!

FRC Renovation at C.E. McGruder

 

Partnering with the American Heart Association

Many barriers can keep folks from finding sustainable employment, not the least of which is chronic health care concerns.

We’re proud to announce a new collaboration with the venerable and highly respected American Heart Association , who will bring health education, blood pressure screenings, and CPR/AED awareness directly to the communities we serve.

As we focus on expanding services in our family resource centers, in a post-resettlement environment, we are thrilled that our reputation for quality work has enabled us to form new partnerships with a variety of community nonprofits.

AHA is installing blood pressure stations and will provide training at the following Catholic Charities locations:

  • C.E. McGruder: Near our food pantry, which serves many older adults.
  • Casa Azafrán: In our office suite (location to be finalized).
  • Loaves and Fishes at Holy Name Catholic Church: In the dining hall, along with hands-only CPR training for our community.

This collaboration is rooted in a shared commitment to better health for all. Research shows that life expectancy can be shortened when there is lack of easy access to healthcare, healthy food, and education. We are eager to take these steps alongside AHA to improve lives.

We will continue to share other collaborations as they come to fruition.

Make a gift today to support our Family Resource Centers (FRCs)

P.S. We are grateful to our longtime partner, Nashville International Center for Empowerment (NICE), for taking over several clients who needed ongoing services. NICE will honor Catholic Charities and the Tennessee Office for Refugees with their New Arrival Award at their 20th Anniversary Gala Sept. 18, to celebrate our many decades as local leaders in this field.

Catholic Charities Executive Director Judy Orr Announces Retirement Plans

Posted on by Paola Beltran

Catholic Charities, Diocese of Nashville announces that Executive Director Judy Orr will retire in 2026 after more than six years of dedicated service. Orr has led the agency since May 2019. She shared her plans with the Board of Trustees on August 29, 2025. Her retirement date will be determined once a successor is hired and a transition plan is in place.

Under Orr’s leadership, Catholic Charities has experienced unprecedented growth and expanded its role as one of Middle Tennessee’s leading nonprofit service providers. Highlights of her tenure include:

  • Revenue growth and donor support: Contributions have more than tripled, from $574,753 in FY18 to $1,697,479 in FY25, with projections to exceed $2M in FY26.
  • Expansion into new counties: Orr championed the diocesan goal of opening family resource centers, leading to four successful locations across the region.
  • Navigating crises: She guided the agency through the March 2020 tornado, followed immediately by the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 Christmas Day Bombing, and recent federal funding cuts.
  • Community impact: Catholic Charities now serves more than 25,000 individuals annually through eight locations, supported by nearly 100 staff and countless volunteers.
  • Organizational innovation: Orr oversaw a rebranding initiative, strategic planning, enhanced professional development for staff, and improved financial transparency.

During her time as executive director, Catholic Charities’ total revenue more than doubled—from $11.4M with 90 employees to $27M with 200 employees.

In sharing her decision, Orr reflected on both her professional journey and personal commitments, including the joy of welcoming two additional grandchildren locally and caring for her husband Jay in his journey with Parkinson’s Disease. She emphasized her dedication to ensuring a smooth leadership transition and positioning the agency for long-term success.

The Board of Trustees will soon begin a search process for the next executive director. Orr will remain in her role until a successor is on board and transition plans are complete.

Healing, Growth, and New Opportunities at Catholic Charities

Posted on by Paola Beltran

Camp Marymount: Healing in the Tennessee Hills

This summer, Catholic Charities clinical staff supported campers and counselors at Marymount—easing homesickness, encouraging young leaders, and helping children through tough moments. It was great to join forces with a sister diocesan program. “I could see the kids growing more confident each day,” Ryan, one of our therapists, reflected.

This new layer of support was made possible thanks to a financial gift from Peggy Kelly, a long-ago Marymount camper herself, and a friend of Catholic Charities. Peggy and her family have attended the Nashville diocese’s camp for generations, and she wanted today’s children to experience the same joy and growth her family has cherished.

“Marymount gave me some of my happiest childhood memories,” Peggy shared. And yet she saw the need for mental health resources for kids away at camp. “Supporting this program is my way of giving back so that today’s campers can feel the same joy and belonging my family has experienced for generations.”

Thanks to her generosity, Marymount is now even more a place where children can thrive in body, mind, and spirit.

The Job Bus Brings Opportunity

The American Job Centers’ 35-foot mobile unit visited Catholic Charities on August 8, offering resume help, job search support, and training information. Initially planned to assist staff impacted by recent layoffs due to federal funding cuts, it also welcomed clients from various programs — helping neighbors and even departing staff take the next step toward meaningful employment.

Welcoming Anna Notestine: Our New Grant Manager

Anna recently transitioned from her long-time role in the New Americans program, most recently as associate director, into her new role as grant manager. While she coordinates all agency grant applications, she also oversees critical basic needs programming, including hunger relief and housing stability. Anna holds a Master’s in Social Work from University of Tennessee.

This integrated approach is unique: a hands-on program manager has insights into how resources directly impact our community and translates that knowledge into powerful, effective applications for financial support. As a result, Catholic Charities fundraising has growing momentum, having secured nearly $200,000 in new grants from foundations and funders recently.

Mandela Washington Fellowship: Learning from Global Leaders

Neyra Arguello, our South Nashville Family Resource Center Program Manager, was invited by Conexion Americas to be a panelist with Tennessee State University during the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders. This program brings outstanding leaders from across sub-Saharan Africa to the U.S. for academic and leadership training.

During their visit to Casa Azafrán, the group explored models of community impact through nonprofit programs and collaboration. A Q&A at the end gave participants the chance to engage directly with these emerging leaders, fostering a meaningful exchange of ideas and perspectives to take back to their communities in Africa.

Planned Giving: Your Faith. Your Values. Your Legacy.

Recently, we were blessed to receive two significant planned gifts that will make a lasting difference. If you’ve considered leaving a legacy gift, we invite you to learn more about how your generosity can sustain our mission for generations to come.

Kaleidoscope Event Returns June 14 to Celebrate Nashville’s Diversity

Posted on by Jenny Barker

Family-friendly celebration joins national effort to unite communities across differences

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (May 14, 2025)—Catholic Charities, Diocese of Nashville, invites the public to its second annual Kaleidoscope celebration on Saturday, June 14, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Catholic Pastoral Center, 2800 McGavock Pike. The free, family-friendly outdoor event serves as a powerful symbol of unity, bringing together Middle Tennessee’s vibrant cultural and ethnic Catholic communities, along with a growing network of interfaith and service organizations.

Kaleidoscope is part of the Team Up Project, a groundbreaking national bridge-building initiative launched in 2022 by Catholic Charities USA, Interfaith America, Habitat for Humanity International, and YMCA of the USA.

The effort aims to build a stronger sense of belonging and connectedness in local communities by promoting empathy and understanding across cultural, ethnic, religious and ideological divides.

“Our differences should never divide us — they should enrich us,” said Judy Orr, executive director of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Nashville. “Kaleidoscope is more than a festival. It’s a grassroots response to the polarization we’re all experiencing. It’s about neighbors, families, and communities coming together around shared values — compassion, care for one another, and joy.”

Kaleidoscope features cultural booths, live performances, artisan vendors, and ethnic food offerings from Nashville’s diverse communities. Last year’s inaugural event saw vibrant music and dance from across the globe, food trucks, bounce houses, face painting, and activities that engaged children and adults alike. Organizers expect even greater participation in 2025.

In a time of heightened political division and growing fear among immigrant and foreign-born populations, Kaleidoscope provides a space to celebrate heritage and create lasting bonds across cultures and faith traditions.

“Kaleidoscope celebrates what we all have in common instead of what makes us different,” Orr added. “Having fun with our families on a beautiful Saturday is something we all share — no matter where we come from.”

Faith, cultural, and community organizations are invited to participate by hosting booths highlighting their heritage, sharing food or handmade goods, and offering opportunities to connect. Groups interested in participating can register at www.cctenn.org/kaleidoscope.

About Catholic Charities, Diocese of Nashville

Founded in 1962, Catholic Charities, Diocese of Nashville, provides a wide range of programs focused on emergency assistance, emotional support, and employment services that help people build a pathway to self-sufficiency and dignity. Services are provided to individuals and families in need, regardless of background, faith, or circumstance. The organization serves more than 26,000 neighbors annually in Middle Tennessee. For more information, please visit www.cctenn.org.

Ashley’s Journey: A Mother’s Fight for Stability and Hope

Posted on by Paola Beltran

Ashley came to our Family Resource Center in Coffee County in crisis. Exhaustion and desperation were evident on her face as she walked in. She had lost custody of her older child after struggling with addiction and was finding it difficult to care for her newborn on her own. Her baby was not properly secured in its carrier, reflecting how overwhelmed she felt. She was seeking anything—food, rental assistance, guidance—that could help her find stability.

 

That’s when she met Penny, one of our dedicated caseworkers, who enrolled her in the MIHOW (Maternal Infant Health Outreach Worker) program, which serves low-income families, pregnant women, and mothers with young children, providing them with vital support to foster healthy child development and family stability. Through home visits and peer mentoring, mothers like Ashley receive guidance on parenting, nutrition, child health, and personal well-being, along with connections to essential resources that promote self-sufficiency and a brighter future for their children.

 

 

While Ashley didn’t talk about her struggles with substance abuse at first, she gradually opened up to Penny about her parenting fears and her battle with addiction. After this turning point, Penny helped Ashley enter Renewal House’s residential recovery program for mothers in Nashville, where she is receiving the care and structure necessary to heal while caring for her newborn.

 

The road ahead is not easy. Ashley still faces the challenge of maintaining stability while in recovery and carrying the pain of being separated from her older child. With no close family nearby, her support system is limited—but through the love and guidance she has found, she is learning to stand on her own.

 

Penny continues to check in with Ashley regularly, offering encouragement and reminding her she is not alone. With every step forward, Ashley is proving her resilience and determination. She is working toward creating a stable, loving home for her baby and hopes to reunite with her older child one day.

 

Ashley’s journey is one of courage, transformation, and the power of love, hope, and healing. We are proud of her progress and will continue walking alongside her as she builds a brighter future.

Georresha’s Journey: From Crisis to Career Stability

Posted on by Paola Beltran

Georresha first came to our Family Resource Center in December 2023, seeking assistance with food. She had recently moved to Tennessee from another state, leaving behind an abusive relationship to protect herself and her children.

At the time, she was working as a DoorDash driver to make ends meet and had just found a place to live. Despite her struggles, Georresha spoke of her determination to improve her circumstances. She mentioned she had a few job interviews lined up and asked about counseling services for herself and her children.

Even amid her challenges, Georresha had an incredible smile. Her children, equally resilient and smiling, played with the toys in our lobby. During that first visit, we shared information about a long-term case management program we offer, which includes counseling, employment training, goal setting, and other forms of support. She agreed to enroll in the program, and we were able to provide her with food that day. Georresha and her children left with full hearts and big smiles.

Taking the First Steps Toward Stability

In January, Georresha officially joined the program. Her main goals were clear: improving her mental health and finding stable employment to better provide for her family. To help ease her immediate financial burden, we provided rental assistance while she continued working as a DoorDash driver. We also referred her to a partner agency for free counseling, which she began attending regularly.

By mid-January, Georresha had secured a job at Wendy’s and began her counseling sessions. The impact of therapy was immediately visible—each time we saw her after a session, her smile seemed brighter, and her confidence grew. While Wendy’s provided temporary relief, she knew the position wouldn’t fully meet her family’s financial needs or align with her long-term goals.

A Vision for a Better Future

Over the following months, Georresha worked hard to improve her situation and her children’s. They thrived in school, receiving evaluations and Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) tailored to their needs. Meanwhile, she attended our financial literacy workshop and learned essential budgeting skills.

In April, Georresha expressed her desire to pursue a career in healthcare. Inspired by the idea of a stable and meaningful profession, she enrolled in a phlebotomy program through one of our community partners. This decision required significant sacrifices, but Georresha was determined to create a better future for her family.

By September, she completed her classes and began an externship, which meant she had to quit her job temporarily. When asked how she planned to manage her expenses, she confidently explained that the budgeting skills she learned in our workshop enabled her to save enough money to support her family during this transitional period.

A Year of Transformation

After completing her externship, Georresha found a position at a daycare while continuing to apply for jobs in the medical field. Just a few weeks ago, she excitedly texted us to share the news: she had been hired at a hospital.

Georresha’s journey over the past year is a testament to resilience and determination. She came to us seeking food and support during one of the most challenging times of her life. Today, she has a stable job in healthcare, a safe home, and children who are thriving academically and emotionally.

Her story exemplifies the transformative power of comprehensive support and unwavering determination. Through her commitment to improving her mental health, advancing her education, and providing for her family, Georresha has become a role model for her children and an inspiration to us all.

 

From Homelessness to Hope: How Catholic Charities Helped Transform Blue’s Life

Posted on by Paola Beltran

One year ago, Blue was homeless and uncertain about his future. He felt lost, weighed down by a cloud of uncertainty, and the road ahead seemed impossible. Like many facing similar struggles, he came to Catholic Charities’ Family Resource Center at C.E. McGruder looking for food. But what he found was far more than just a meal—it was a lifeline.

At the time, Blue had little hope. He was struggling with addiction and felt trapped. While  access to food boxes was his entrée, he soon discovered the many other resources Catholic Charities had to offer and began to regain control over his life.

“The staff here played a crucial role in my change,” Blue says. “They guided me, helped me refocus, and supported me in ways I didn’t even know I needed.” Through their encouragement, Blue first considered the job training programs available at the center. He had no idea that something as simple as a computer class would become a turning point in his life.

Blue quickly realized that learning these skills was not only empowering but essential for survival in today’s world. He had never imagined that a computer class could provide such a strong sense of accomplishment.

“This center is a pillar of the community, a cornerstone offering opportunities for growth and development,” he says.

By utilizing the new Rip Patton transit center nearby, Blue can ride the bus to the center any day of the week. The transformation he experienced has motivated him to volunteer his time before and after his classes, helping others who are in the same place he once was.

“I’m so grateful for everything Catholic Charities at C.E. McGruder has done for me,” he shares. “I want to contribute to the place that helped me escape from a dark period in my life. Without this place, I don’t even know where I’d be—I’d still be lost, alone, and afraid to try anything new.”

Today, Blue is working on building his resume and enhancing his skills to secure a better future. He’s found not just resources, but hope for a brighter tomorrow. The journey that started with a food box has evolved into a life-changing opportunity for Blue to rebuild his life and, in turn, help others rebuild theirs.

At Catholic Charities, we believe in the power of transformation. Stories like Blue’s remind us of the difference we can make in people’s lives, one person at a time. We are honored to be a part of his journey and to continue offering the programs and services that help families and individuals like Blue create brighter futures.

If you or someone you know is facing difficult circumstances, please visit one of our Family Resource Centers or contact us online. Like Blue, you, too, can find the support, skills, and hope you need to rebuild and thrive.

A new year, a bold vision for transforming lives

Posted on by Jenny Barker

From Judy K. Orr, Executive Director:

As our new fiscal year began last month, we simultaneously embraced a bold, new vision for our work:

“By 2029, Catholic Charities will be the leader in Middle Tennessee in assisting people in need to achieve persistent self-reliance.”

This vision is at the heart of our new five-year strategic plan, which reflects our deep commitment to addressing immediate needs while honoring every individual’s dignity. More than just a roadmap, this plan is an invitation to partner with us in creating lasting change.

With our strategic plan, we are committed not just to meeting material needs but to upholding the dignity of each person, recognizing that they are made in the image of God. Inspired by the teachings of Christ, we strive to be His hands and feet in the world, ensuring that our service is both a reflection of His love and a response to His call to care for ‘the least of these.

We are calling on all who share our mission of bringing love, hope, and healing to join us. Guided by a vision crafted by our committee and approved by the board of trustees, this plan will steer our efforts through 2029.

Together, we can build on our 60-year legacy, enhancing program impact, nurturing our staff, engaging the community, and raising awareness of our crucial work.

But we can’t do it alone. Your passion, support, and partnership are vital to empowering individuals and strengthening our community.

View our strategic plan

Addressing hidden homelessness

As part of our emergency services program, we assist many of our neighbors who are struggling with housing costs. “Hidden homelessness” is more common than you might think, and we are grateful to WPLN’s This is Nashville for raising awareness of this issue through its “In My Place” series.

In this recent episode, Catholic Charities’ Director of Basic Needs Kate Pooler shared insights on the often-overlooked realities of families who “double up” with other family members, live in their cars, or otherwise are in unsustainable situations on the verge of evictions.

Please give the interview with Kate a listen to learn more about our expertise in caring for our neighbors’ housing crises.

Listen to the episode

Culinary training for youth aging out of foster care

Our work in Culinary Training Academy (CTA) was amplified recently through a partnership with The Nashville Food Project and Slim & Husky’s. Our most recent cohort of graduates were youth who had recently aged out of foster care.

Of the 15 participants completing the program, 14 secured jobs and two have advanced to sous chef positions. This successful collaboration demonstrates a strong model for empowering vulnerable youth to begin a career in the hospitality industry. CTA is housed at Catholic Charities’ Family Resource Center at C.E. McGruder.

Giving back: from refugee to social worker

In our Love, Hope, Healing service model, we love to say that the best healing is when you want to give back to those who helped you.

Irakoze Bellamie is the epitome! She is completing her master’s degree in social work at the University of Kentucky. She was inspired to do her internship with Catholic Charities because her family was helped by CC when they first arrived in the U.S. in 2007, as authorized refugees from the African country Burundi. Her grandmother continues as a member of our New Americans elders program. Bella, as she is known, was 7 when she emigrated with her family.

Bella recalls the case manager (Diomede Richard, still working for CC!) who helped her family get settled in Nashville, teaching them English and how to navigate housing, schools, transportation, shopping, etc.

She says, “I want to impact people in a positive way just like social workers impacted me and my family.” Bella completed an internship in the spring at the CC Family Resource Center at Casa Azafran and is interning this semester at the CC FRC at C.E. McGruder.

Make an impact every month

Your recurring gift can help vulnerable neighbors become self-sufficient in the face of economic instability and life’s unexpected moments. By establishing a monthly gift, you increase its impact and spread your tax-deductible donation throughout the year.

Donate

P.S. Have you seen the Catholic Charities USA “We Are There” national awareness campaign? We’re excited to be featured.

 

OUR MISSION

Following Christ’s example, we recognize the dignity of all people and serve our neighbors.