In this recent interview, Executive Director Judy Orr reflects on the 2026 Festival of Hope and shares insight into one of the most challenging periods in Catholic Charities’ recent history. She discusses the loss of federal refugee resettlement funding, the resulting staff reductions, and the strong support the Nashville community provided in response.

Judy also highlights the breadth of Catholic Charities’ work across 38 counties, including disaster relief, counseling, hunger relief, and workforce development, and shares her plans to step down after seven years of leadership.