When Cecilia “CeCe” Cruz completed her first year at East Carolina University, she reached a milestone no one in her family had achieved before. Her path to college was shaped by hard work, determination and the steady encouragement of her mother, Amalia Velasquez. It was also guided by a community that had been walking alongside their family long before college was part of the conversation. That community is Circle of Parents, a parent-led program of… Read More
For many older adults across the New Bern region, aging at home is more than just keeping to familiar routines. It is about staying in a place where each wall tells their story, and they maintain independence and dignity. As physical needs change, that independence can begin to slip away. A step becomes difficult to climb. A bathroom is no longer safe to navigate. An HVAC unit falls into disrepair. Without the ability to make… Read More
Catholic Charities welcomed current and former board members and key donors on November 19, 2025, for a special gathering to bless and launch Savor, the new social enterprise created to strengthen funding for mobile food pantry services throughout central and eastern North Carolina. The evening began with a special blessing from the Very Reverend Michael Burbeck, Vicar General of the Diocese of Raleigh and a scripture reading by Board Member Melissa Yeazel that set a… Read More
In the heart of downtown Raleigh, more than 260 guests gathered Saturday evening at Market Hall for the Catholic Charities 12th Annual Gala of Hope, an event that blended celebration with purpose, raising critical funds to support neighbors across central and eastern North Carolina. The evening opened with a lively cocktail reception before guests were welcomed by WRAL anchor and former Catholic Charities board member Ken Smith, who served as master of ceremonies. “Tonight, you’ll… Read More
