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.