James’ Story
James, a single father from Ranger, Texas, found himself at a crossroads. With two children to care for, he was struggling to make ends meet. Life had dealt him a tough hand – faced with the daunting challenges of unemployment, limited child support from his children’s mother, and the looming threat of eviction, he turned to St. Rita’s Church in Ranger, Texas, for help.
St. Rita’s referred James to Catholic Charities Fort Worth (CCFW), where, initially, he received a food basket. Recognizing that Mike needed more than just immediate relief, our team enrolled him in our long-term case management program in February 2024. Through this program, Mike received not only financial assistance but also the tools and guidance necessary to regain his footing.
Dina, his Navigator, worked with James to first address the immediate needs of his family, providing emergency assistance with rent and ensuring they had enough food. But beyond that, Dina and James created an actual budget, allowing him to see where his money was going. Together, they crafted a personalized spending and savings plan to help him regain control over his finances. By carefully analyzing where his money was going, Dina helped James see his financial situation more clearly and develop a realistic spending and savings plan.
“Sometimes he would call me crying,” Dina recalls, “but I felt like those were breakthroughs for him because he had somebody to at least, you know, confide in and not judge him. I think it gave him confidence and courage to know that somebody was there with him, walking that path with him.”
Once James’ budget was under control, it was time to find employment. With the help of CCFW, he secured a job as a manager at a local fast-food chain. This achievement not only stabilized his financial situation but also empowered him to take control of his life and provide a better future for his children.
James’s journey didn’t stop there. When his father passed away, he left James his trailer home. With the financial skills he learned from CCFW, James was able to take on the mortgage payments himself. He even made arrangements with the utility company to pay off an overdue water bill. These accomplishments were significant milestones, reflecting the progress James made in managing his finances and securing his family’s future.
Through financial coaching, James learned valuable budgeting skills that have set him on his pathway out of poverty. He now has the tools and knowledge to manage his finances, pay his rent, utilities, and transportation costs, and continue to provide for his children.
James’s story is a testament to the power of support, guidance, and determination. With the help of Catholic Charities Fort Worth, he turned a difficult situation into an opportunity for growth and success, ensuring a brighter future for himself and his family.