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 Catholic Charities in the Tar River Region. Growing out of a longstanding Hispanic women’s group,… Read More
This summer, Centro Para Familias Hispanas (CpFH) proudly led another joyous week of their popular children’s summer camp, Pequeños Gigantes, or Little Giants in English. Hosted at St. Raphael Catholic School and supported by the dedicated volunteers and teachers from St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, almost 60 children spent a week in July exploring creativity, teamwork, and faith‑centered values through lively class rotations and energetic games. The classes ranged from music, dance, arts and crafts, reading, and Faith in Action. Arts and crafts was a popular activity where campers… Read More
In North Carolina, spring and summer bring with them a special anticipation for gardeners across the state. There’s a unique kind of excitement that comes with watching something take root, not just in the soil, but in a community. The Tar River Regional Office is celebrating this gardening season by expanding their gardening efforts through “Lettuce Love,” a fresh initiative under the Nourishing Our Neighbors (NoN) campaign. Lettuce Love is an expansion of their gardening efforts that began in 2022, but it takes community gardening a step further by allowing… Read More
The Women’s Conference, Mujer Preparate, was held on Saturday, May 2nd from 1–5 PM, and welcomed 150 Latina women from across the region into a curated space filled with soft pink tones, fresh flowers, and a warm sense of unity. Many of the participants were wearing their best business casual as staff, volunteers, and speakers all wore white, creating a bright and uplifting atmosphere for the day. Hosted by Centro para Familias Hispanas, Mujer Preparate para el Exito (Women, Get Ready for Success) is a conference that seeks to empower… Read More
Service begins when someone chooses to show up for a neighbor. Across central and eastern North Carolina, Catholic Charities volunteers make that choice every day. They sort food, assist after disasters, offer a welcoming presence to immigrant families, and help meet local needs that look different from one community to the next. Their service is practical, personal, and deeply meaningful. “Volunteers are the heart of our mission,” said Jazzmin Wainright, Office Manager in the New Bern regional office. “Every volunteer brings something unique to our work, but they all share… Read More
Matthew 25:35: “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in.” Catholic Parish Outreach (CPO) is a place that welcomes and serves our neighbors in need four days a week, year after year. They share a space with our Immigration Legal Services as well as the Centro para Familias Hispanas (CpFH) program, and every so often they are a magnificent third space for the community to gather over a roasted pig. What started 14 years ago as an opportunity to show folks the inner engine of the fine-tuned machine that CPO is, has turned into a full-on fest in… Read More
Every day in Wilmington, people wake up carrying the weight of homelessness, an experience defined not only by the absence of shelter, but by the constant struggle to maintain dignity. According to the most recent point of data count, the Cape Fear Continuum of Care estimates that 506 individuals experience homelessness in Wilmington, with 53% being unsheltered (CoC – Homeless Data | Cape Fear Council of Governments). The Catholic Charities Cape Fear Regional Office, all too aware of the need within their community, decided to think outside the box to… Read More
Nestled in North Raleigh, just minutes from RDU Airport, sits a beloved local gem: Westgate Wine. Known for its extensive selection of wines and spirits, Westgate Wine also hosts regular tastings. With a heart for the community and a desire to give, Westgate Wine generously welcomed Catholic Charities Diocese of Raleigh for our first ever Gather to Nourish: Hope Uncorked wine tasting event. On Friday, March 27, 2026, community members came together for an evening that blended fellowship, compassion, and exceptional wine, all in support of the Catholic Charities Nourishing… 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 necessary repairs and accommodations, a home that once offered comfort and stability can begin to… Read More
For most high schools around the country, volunteering is a requirement to graduate, and an important opportunity for students to see their community through different eyes. For the Durham Community Food Pantry (DCFP), youth volunteers are valued visitors, from Duke students to high schoolers from surrounding schools. Highlighted this quarter is our growing partnership with the Cristo Rey Research Triangle High School (CRRTHS). As part of Cristo Rey’s Corporate Work Study Program, students spend part of their school week supporting DCFP’s operations; bringing energy, reliability, and a commitment to service… Read More
