Padua
Transforming Lives, Breaking Barriers
Welcome to the future of poverty-ending solutions
At Catholic Charities Fort Worth, we’re proud to introduce Padua, a revolutionary program designed to empower individuals and families to achieve personal and economic stability. Backed by groundbreaking research and a client-led approach, Padua redefines the way we combat poverty by meeting people where they are and walking alongside them every step of the way.
Why Padua?
Poverty is complex, but so are the solutions we provide. Padua:
- Employs low caseloads with highly skilled, two-person Case Management teams.
- Offers client-led, long-term support, free from rigid timelines or one-size-fits-all solutions.
- Equips clients with tools for emotional resilience, financial planning, and resource navigation to break the cycle of poverty for good.
Free from time-bound, transactional case management, Padua believes that clients are the experts in their own lives. By utilizing personalized, judgment-free methods, Padua empowers individuals to end their poverty for good. Whether their goals include landing a job or completing their education, Padua’s two-person teams meet clients where they are, providing emotional and financial support every step of the way.
Proven Success
With more than 800 lives transformed and results validated through a Randomized Controlled Trial by Notre Dame’s Lab for Economic Opportunities, Padua is setting the gold standard in poverty-ending programs. Key findings include:
- Higher Employment: Those offered Padua services are 25% more likely to report being employed full-time than their peers.
- Higher Earnings: Unemployed individuals offered Padua services earn, on average, 46% more than unemployed individuals offered traditional case management services.
- Increased Stable Housing: Unstably housed individuals offered Padua are 64% more likely to have stable housing 24 months after service.
- Less Credit Card Debt: Those offered Padua services experience a sharp decline in credit card debt that persists over time compared to peers.
- Better Health: Those offered Padua services are 53% more likely to rate their health as having improved or stayed “Excellent” after program completion.
What to Expect
Padua’s personalized, holistic approach goes beyond addressing immediate needs-it fosters lasting change. Whether it’s securing stable housing, gaining meaningful employment, or enhancing overall health, our program equips clients to achieve their bigger, brighter futures.
If you’re located in the Fort Worth area and need support now, you can submit a referral through our Long-Term Case Management Lead Application.
Stay Tuned
The Padua program has already transformed lives here in Fort Worth, with proven, research-backed success. Now, we’re preparing to launch Padua nationally — bringing this life-changing model to communities beyond our own. Don’t miss a single update about the national program launch and opportunities to get involved— to be added to our list for future communications, or to inquire about bringing Padua to your community, please email us at Padua@ccdofw.org. We look forward to connecting with you.
Together, we can end poverty.