The Impact of Our East Region Office

Our East Region office is located in downtown Fort Wayne and serves Adams, Allen, Huntington, Wabash, Wells, and Whitley County residents. See how we are living out our mission to serve all those in need as Christ calls us to do.

From Setback to Strength: Mark’s Story of Transformation

When Mark was referred to Catholic Charities’ Journey Home program in December 2023, he was emerging from homelessness and newly sober after treatment for alcohol addiction. Recovery was still a daily struggle, and soon after moving into his own apartment, he relapsed.

But Mark didn’t give up. With the support of his Catholic Charities’ Homeless Transitional Specialist (HTS), he returned to rehab and committed to getting well. Because our program helped hold his apartment during treatment, he had stability waiting for him when he came back.

This time, Mark began to thrive. He secured a sponsor, regularly attended AA meetings, and found a full-time job through a job fair recommended by his HTS. Seeking to build a stronger foundation, he also enrolled in Catholic Charities’ Thrive Life Skills Course. Over 10 weeks, Mark learned to budget, set financial goals, manage stress, foster faith, and strengthen relationships—all while building hope for the future. At graduation, he received both practical skills and a stipend to support his next steps.

Today, Mark is sober, employed, and planning ahead with confidence. His story is one of courage and transformation—proof that with support, structure, and faith, lasting change is possible.

Growth of Refugee Support Services

In January, the government put a 90-day suspension on the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP), meaning no new refugees could be resettled. During that time, our national USRAP sponsor, the USCCB, ended its contract with the federal government for all resettlement sites. 

With the pause in new arrivals, we have enhanced our Refugee Support Services (RSS) program for those we previously resettled and secondary arrivals who relocated to Fort Wayne. In RSS, case managers assist clients with job development, preventative health, healthy lifestyle, and English skills. 

We branched out to include new ESL partnerships, made a more robust job development class, added a healthy cooking class, and provided additional health education opportunities. 

The Need for Immigration Legal Services

During this time of national immigration reform, Catholic Charities remains committed to walking alongside the growing number of clients as they navigate complex legal processes. The population we serve is here legally, and our work both fulfills our Catholic mandate to welcome the stranger and respects the laws of our country. Our accredited staff provides trustworthy guidance on legal status, family reunification, naturalization, and work authorization, ensuring families are not left behind but empowered to build safe, stable, and hope-filled lives.

Expanding Mental Health Resources for Parishes

Our Director of Clinical Liaison and Diocesan Mental Health Ministries, Dr. Melanie Williams, Psy.D., is focused on building parish mental health ministries. Dr. Williams provides certified Mental Health First Aid trainings and other presentations focused on skills to recognize and respond compassionately to mental health challenges. Groups learn how to offer support and guidance in alignment with Catholic values of care and empathy.

If your parish or ministry is interested in learning more, email mwilliams@ccfwsb.org.