Catholic Charities Fort Worth and Goodwill Michiana Launch First Padua Mission Site

Historic Partnership Expands Proven Poverty-Ending Model Beyond Texas

Catholic Charities Fort Worth (CCFW) and Goodwill Industries of Michiana are proud to announce a groundbreaking partnership that will bring CCFW’s Padua Program to the Northern Indiana region— marking the first-ever Padua Mission Site in the nation. 

This milestone represents a significant expansion of Padua’s research-backed, holistic approach to ending poverty, extending its reach beyond North Texas to empower more families on their path to lasting stability. 

Created by Catholic Charities Fort Worth and named after St. Anthony of Padua — the patron saint of the poor — Padua has redefined traditional case management through its client-led, long-term, and research-driven approach. The program was rigorously tested through a Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) by the Wilson Sheehan Lab for Economic Opportunities at the University of Notre Dame (LEO), confirming its transformative impact:

• Participants were 25% more likely to achieve full-time employment,
• Earned 46% higher incomes, and 
• Were 60% more likely to secure stable housing — while also reporting significant improvements in overall health and well-being.

“Padua was built with a vision to meet people where they are — a client-led program that honors human dignity, builds emotional resilience, and delivers real results,” said Brendan Perry, Director of Padua National at Catholic Charities Fort Worth. Taking this research backed model beyond Fort Worth for the first time marks a major step in our mission. Goodwill Industries of Michiana brings the vision, the heart, and the community trust needed to expand Padua’s impact. Together, we’re opening new doors for families to achieve their Bigger, Brighter Futures.” 

Goodwill Industries of Michiana, a respected leader in workforce development and community services, will be the first organization in the nation to replicate the Padua model, expanding its comprehensive, people-first approach to families across the region.

“We are excited to launch the nation’s first Padua Mission Site right here in our region. This partnership empowers families with personalized support so they can build lasting stability, independence, and truly achieve their most abundant lives,” said Debie Coble, President and CEO of Goodwill Industries of Michiana. 

Padua pairs each client with a dedicated two-person Navigator team who provides personalized, judgment-free support in areas such as housing, employment, education, and health. Unlike traditional programs, Padua has no time limits — Navigators walk alongside clients for as long as it takes to reach stability and independence. 

“Padua shows what’s possible when evidence, dignity, and partnership come together,” said Jim Sullivan, Co-Founder and Director of LEO. “We have evidence this program works, and replicating it through trusted partners like Goodwill Michiana is how that evidence can improve lives far beyond where it began.” 

The launch of the Padua Mission Site in Michiana underscores a shared commitment by Catholic Charities Fort Worth and Goodwill Industries of Michiana to advance proven, compassionate solutions that empower individuals and families to achieve Bigger, Brighter Futures. 

About Catholic Charities Fort Worth 

At Catholic Charities Fort Worth, we relentlessly end poverty through holistic, research based solutions. Founded in 1910, CCFW serves tens of thousands of people in North Texas, and across the nation, each year. For more information, visit www.CatholicCharitiesFortWorth.org. 

About Goodwill Industries of Michiana 

Goodwill Industries of Michiana strengthens communities by empowering people to achieve their most abundant lives through education, training and job placement. The organization serves 19 counties in Indiana, Michigan and Illinois and operates 24 retail locations, along with charter high schools for adults, a maternal-child health program, a career and technical training academy and workforce development programs. For more information about Goodwill, visit www.Goodwill-NI.org.