WE LOVE OUR CLIENTS: Teaching Children How to Read Is Just The Beginning…

Posted on May 2, 2012 by

Luis is 5 years old only child and will be going to Kindergarten in the Fall. Luis’ parents are low-income, hard-working, Spanish speaking, married, involved and dedicated to provide Luis with the best education possible in order for him to be successful.

Luis is in the Pre-Kindergarten classroom at the Mary R. Saner Child Development Center of Catholic Charities of Dallas and is doing exceptionally well. Luis has been learning about “Earth and Sky” this month. The other day, he was reading a book about deserts in his classroom library. The children have opportunities throughout the day to read books at their leisure.

After reading the book, he approached his teacher and said “is this book about deserts?” His teacher, Ms. Rosales, happily said “Yes Luis!, how did you know that?”

Luis calmly replied, “Because I read it and it’s about deserts.” Ms. Rosales said “Luis, how wonderful! You are reading!” Luis was smiling from ear to ear.

The staff at Mary R. Saner are dedicated to the education and growth of all their students, and stories like these warm all of our hearts and encourage all of the staff that their work changes the lives of these children!

Find out more about our Mary R. Saner Child Development Center at www.CCofDallas.org/Saner or read more clients stories right here on our blog!

Posted in Children & Adoption Services and Community Outreach, Mary R. Saner Child Development Center | Leave a comment

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT: Jesuit Rangerettes Spend Some Time with CCD Adoption Program at SPRING FLING Event

Posted on May 2, 2012 by

The Adoption Program was so thrilled to have such an amazing group of volunteers from the Jesuit Rangerettes this past weekend who volunteered their time to assist staff at the Spring Fling celebration! The group assisted with setup and take-down as well as provided cakes for the traditional “cake walk” that everyone loves to take part in each year!

A big thank you to those who assisted CCD staff, which included Abby Karol, Larissa Spies, Zorianna Spies, Edna Burciaga, Alexa Burciaga, Bria Burciaga, Beth Wilcox, Stephanie Wilcox, Ashley Madonna, Natalia Gonzales, Mary O’Brien, Sheila Patrick and Sydney Kobel.

Check out some more photos from the event on our Facebook page – click here!

Looking to put together a volunteer group of your own? We always have something for groups of any size to volunteer for, so contact us to begin planning today! Call (214)520-6590 ext. 123 or email mdunlap@ccofdallas.org for more information.

Posted in Children & Adoption Services and Community Outreach, Events, Latest News, Maternity & Adoption Program, Volunteering | Leave a comment

SPRING FLING: Past & Present CCD Adoption Program Families Gather for Annual Celebration

Posted on May 2, 2012 by

Thank you to all of the past and present Adoptive families who came out for the annual “Spring Fling” celebration this past weekend at the Children’s Medical Center park. 

Among the group of about 30 attendees were Nick Burgess & daughter Isabella (pictured above) who adopted through the Catholic Charities of Dallas Adoption Program and mingled with fellow families who happily started, grew or completed their family through the services the program provides adoptive couples looking to adopt.

Check out more pictures of the celebration below and on our Facebook page – click here!

Posted in Children & Adoption Services and Community Outreach, Events, Latest News, Maternity & Adoption Program | Leave a comment

WARM MOM’S HEART THIS YEAR: Honor Your Mother While Impacting the Lives of Other Mothers in Need…

Posted on May 1, 2012 by

Still looking for that perfect, unique Mother’s Day gift? Look no further – you can honor your mother and impact the lives of other incredible mothers served by Catholic Charities of Dallas! Donate to this year’s Mother’s Day Campaign and change the lives of mothers in need by giving them the tools needed to strengthen their own family. A donation in honor of your Mother or special maternal presence is a truly unique gift to give her that will truly warm her heart!

Posted in Events, Latest News, Mother's Day 2012 | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

ANGELS & SUPPORTERS: Last Chance to Purchase Tickets to 11th Annual Angels of Charity Spring Luncheon 2012 at Meyerson Symphony Center – May 2, 2012!

Posted on April 25, 2012 by

We hope you will be joining us at this year’s 11th Annual Angels of Charity Mass & Spring Luncheon, May 2, 2012 at the beautiful Meyerson Symphony Center.  Share with your fellow Angels another year of service to others in need by attending the “Favorite Social Event of Spring” by a majority of our Angels!

If you have already RSVP’d — GREAT! We are so glad you are joining us! If you haven’t reserved your seat yet…there is still time! Hurry and purchase your seats online before they are sold out at www.CCofDallas.org/AngelsLuncheon.

Join together with fellow Angels and Catholic Charities of Dallas supporters to mingle, shop, eat, and celebrate 11 years of Angelic tradition. Plus, don’t miss a special prayer by Sr. Margaret Ann Moser of Ursuline Academy!

There are so many surprises in store, so don’t miss another fun-filled Angels Luncheon — Wednesday, May 2, 2012! Check out some highlights below!

Posted in Angels of Charity, Angels of Charity Luncheon 2012, Latest News | Leave a comment

Volunteer Highlight: Boston College – Ft. Worth Alumni Association & Bishop Lynch High School Volunteers Donate Some Time to CCD!

Posted on April 25, 2012 by

Thank you to our two volunteer groups of the week — a group of Boston College – Ft. Worth Alumni Association volunteers as well as a handful of generous Bishop Lynch High School student volunteers.

These individuals spent some time assisting staff with clients at a recent Citizenship Workshop put on by the CCD Immigration and Legal Services program.  The two volunteer groups assisted with everything from Spanish translation to and from clients, as well as helped staff to set up and take down the event.

These Citizenship workshop classes are a huge part of the Citizenship program in our Immigration and Legal Services division.  Teaching those seeking U.S. citizenship are given the tools necessary to learn English, familiarize with U.S. culture and most importantly – strengthen their knowledge in order to successfully pass the citizenship exam to become a U.S. Citizen.

Thank you again to our two volunteer groups of the week – Boston College – Ft. Worth & Bishop Lynch High School – for their time spent with our staff and clients. We are so fortunate to have such amazing volunteers in the Dallas community!

Interested in organizing a volunteer project for you or a group of your own? We love our volunteers, and can offer just about any type of project for any size group. Contact Maureen Dunlap at mdunlap@ccofdallas.org to plan your group volunteer opportunity today!

Posted in Immigration and Legal Services, Latest News, Volunteering | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

A CLIENT’S JOURNEY: A Struggling Family Finds Hope…

Posted on April 24, 2012 by

Teresa, a divorced single mother, cares for her blind daughter, Laura, and Laura’s 12-year-old daughter, Monica. All three daily manage diabetes. Teresa unfortunately lost her job when she had to continually take off long periods of time from work to take care of Laura.  Laura eventually required full time care after she lost her sight and her husband abandoned the family, leaving no one else to care for her other than Teresa. Laura has applied for disability, but her application is still pending.

The family needed food and financial assistance with the current water bill. The Family Assistance program of Catholic Charities of Dallas was able to pay their water bill, provide food from the food pantry as well as give her a voucher for supplemental food from the North Texas Food Bank. Laura’s daughter, Monica, received Back to School supplies and the entire family was enrolled in the Annual Christmas Gift Distribution Program.

Meanwhile, Teresa was able to successfully complete the “Money Skills for Life” financial education program, which provided her with new tools and skills to manage resources once a care-giver is found for Laura and Teresa is able to go back to work. The Case Manager provided referrals to job training/placement services and agencies that can help with Laura’s care.

“Thanks to Catholic Charities of Dallas I feel like there is hope for us,” says Teresa.

After months of seeking a full-time job providing the necessary income to provide the basic needs her family needs, Teresa finally secured full-time employment, thanks to the help of programs, classes and services provided through Catholic Charities of Dallas.

To read more stories from our clients, search the category index to the right on this blog.

Do you want to provide help and impact the lives of other families in need? Donate today at www.CCofDallas.org/Donate or get involved by volunteering at www.CCofDallas.org/Volunteer.

Posted in Elderly and Family Services | Leave a comment