Community Spirit The Difference You’re Making for Neighbors in Need
Spring 2026
BECAUSE OF YOU,
Loved Ones Are Laid to Rest with Dignity As the need for burial assistance has grown and costs rise, the Piedmont Triad office recently found its burial budget fully depleted. Yet the need had not stopped. Thankfully, because of the Kathleen A. Troy Memorial Endowment Fund, help was still possible. When Dan created an endowment to honor his late wife Kathleen, and support the work of Catholic Charities, he wanted to ensure their generosity would live on—serving families not just today, but
for generations to come. An endowment is a gift that is invested, with only the earnings used, allowing it to provide ongoing support over time. That foresight made all the difference. Thanks to the endowment, the Piedmont Triad office was able to help Carolina bury her sister, whom she had cared for full-time for many years due to a brain tumor. After her sister’s death, Carolina feared she would not be able to lay her sister to rest with dignity. She had lost her income, and the insurance policy would not cover the full cost. Around the same time, Kathy, a daughter still recovering from a serious accident and unable to return to work full-time, faced the sudden loss of her father, Adam. Already in a difficult financial situation, she was overwhelmed by the cost of laying her father to rest and THANK unsure how to move forward. YOU! Continued on page 2
This issue fea tures stories of live s that have been im pacted thanks to you r generosity!
Strengthening Families, Building Communities, Reducing Poverty
BECAUSE OF YOU, Loved Ones Are Laid to Rest with Dignity Continued from front cover
You helped carry Hilda’s burdens when they felt too heavy to bear alone.
Restored Sonia’s Business
Because of the Kathleen A. Troy Memorial Endowment Fund, both families received the support they needed to honor their loved ones with dignity and care.
THANKS TO YOU,
Carolina shared that when she learned Catholic Charities could help with the cremation costs, she felt a deep sense of relief,
“It was hard at the beginning, especially when you are alone, like me,” Hilda shared.
“My sadness was still there, but the stress was gone.” This is the power of an endowment— quietly and faithfully meeting needs when other funds are no longer available. Donors like you have the opportunity to create this kind of lasting impact— either by establishing a named endowment or supporting one that is already in place—ensuring that families are cared for with dignity today and for years to come. Your compassion brought Carolina comfort in a time of grief and worry
YOUR SUPPORT
Hilda Found Safety and Hope
After experiencing domestic violence, Hilda was facing overwhelming challenges and an uncertain future. A friend encouraged her to reach out to Catholic Charities. Because of your kindness, Hilda found the support she needed to move forward with confidence. Working alongside her case manager, she began setting goals—starting with what mattered most: finding safe and secure housing. Through Catholic Charities’ holistic approach, she received the care she needed to rebuild her life. Whether it’s housing, food, counseling, or financial stability, your kindness reaches the whole person— body, mind, and spirit—reflecting Christ’s call to care for those most in need. Today, Hilda is on a path toward a brighter future. In her own words:
“They have changed my life and my faith, and I have no words to say how thankful I am.” Like Simon of Cyrene, you help carry the cross for those who cannot carry it alone. This is what your compassion makes possible—restoring safety, renewing hope, and reminding our neighbors in need that they do not have to bear their burdens alone.
Full recovery after a disaster takes time— but because of supporters like you, it isn’t impossible. Independent business owner Sonia lost her income and career when Hurricane Helene flooded her salon, ruining nearly everything inside. The financial loss was devastating. In an effort to save her business, she made an incredible sacrifice—selling her home to finance repairs. But it wasn’t enough. When she contacted Catholic Charities, she asked only for help with her roof. But when the team arrived, they discovered a moldfilled, mud-soaked basement and damage far beyond her initial request. Thanks to your generosity, help was there when Sonia needed it most. Because of your support—and the hard work of volunteers, Catholic Charities staff, and strong community partners—Sonia’s dream salon was restored. Today, Sonia has fully reopened Corte and Cut Beauty Salon and is once again serving her community. This is what your generosity makes possible— helping neighbors rebuild their lives and move forward with hope. Thank you for answering Christ’s call to serve those in need.
YOU HELPED
Because of you, an empty apartment became a place that felt like home.
a Dream Take Root When the Martinez family first reached out to Catholic Charities, they were struggling to make ends meet, even with both parents working. Because of your generosity, they began building a path toward lasting stability through thoughtful planning, guidance, and support. With a strong entrepreneurial spirit, they developed a business plan to grow their small garden into a working farm—providing fresh vegetables and eggs to others while building a more stable future for their family.
In a beautiful act of gratitude, the Martinez family donated part of their first harvest to their local Catholic Charities food pantry in Winston-Salem, sharing their blessing with others in need. This is what your faith in action makes possible: planting seeds of hope, nurturing dignity, and helping families build a future rooted in stability and purpose.
The challenge? They lacked the initial investment to take the next step. At this critical moment, an anonymous family stepped forward—living out Christ’s call to care for those in need by providing the resources to help the Martinez family turn their dream into reality.
The donor’s only request was simple: that prayers be offered for all who will one day benefit from the fruits of their labor.
YOUR SUPPORT
Welcomed Veteran Davis Home After nearly three years of experiencing homelessness, Veteran Davis received the keys to his own apartment. But an empty space is not yet a home. Because of your generosity—and your deep care for those who have served our country—Davis received the furnishings needed to transform his apartment into a place of comfort and stability. When the last picture was hung, the bed made with fresh linens, and the kitchen set in place, one more special thing happened—he was welcomed home by the volunteers who furnished his apartment. He shared, “The support I received made me feel loved, seen, and encouraged.”
He described the volunteer team as humble, caring, and genuinely committed. When they realized there was one more item that could make his home more complete, they returned to the warehouse to bring it back for him. For Davis, this was more than furniture. He recognized this moment as a significant turning point in his life. This is what your compassion makes possible: restoring dignity, creating belonging, and helping our neighbors take the next step toward a brighter future.
Robert and Elaine Did Not Go Hungry, Thanks to You Sometimes, it only takes one unexpected expense to put everything at risk. Recently, Robert and Elaine came to Catholic Charities seeking help after Robert’s insurance costs increased significantly, leaving them without enough money to buy groceries. Because of your generosity, help was there when they needed it most. Through our food pantry, they received the groceries they needed, bringing relief and reassurance in a moment of uncertainty. They shared with our team member Jessica, “We didn’t know what we were going to do. We didn’t have enough money to buy food.”
ESTABLISH A LEGACY THAT REFLECTS THE MANY BLESSINGS GOD HAD GIVEN YOU For more information on how you can support Catholic Charities with a legacy gift, please contact: Gina Rhodes, Director of Planned Giving 704-370-3364 | gmrhodes@rcdoc.org
Jessica reflected,
“Moments like this remind us how quickly someone can find themselves in need—and how much even a small act of support can mean.” Thank you for making moments of kindness, compassion, and care like this possible— and for living out our shared call to care for those in need. Because of you, our faith is put into action— ensuring that no one has to face hunger alone and that families in our community are met with dignity, care, and hope when they need it most.
Our Regional Catholic Charities Offices Charlotte* 1123 S. Church St. Charlotte, NC 28203 P 704-370-3262
Murphy 27 Hatchett St. Murphy, NC 28906 P 828-835-3535
Asheville* 50 Orange St. Asheville, NC 28801 P 828-255-0146
North Wilkesboro 201 Tenth Street North Wilkesboro, NC 28659
Lenoir 328-B Woodsway Ln. NW Lenoir, NC 28645-4356
Salisbury 601 Mocksville Avenue Salisbury, NC 28144
Greensboro 2311 W. Cone Blvd. Suite 230 Greensboro, NC 27408 P 336-288-1984
Winston-Salem* 1612 East 14th St. Winston-Salem, NC 27105 P 336-727-0705
xt e N r u o Y Gift to a Change Life The stories in this newsletter happened because compassionate people like you stepped forward when a neighbor needed help. Today, another family is waiting for food, counseling, and a helping hand. Your gift can make sure they are not alone. Make your next gift today to change a life by scanning the QR code or visiting ccdoc.org/NextGift
* Food pantry distribution at this location. Call to make an appointment or learn more.
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@CatholicCharitiesDioceseofCharlotte @CatholicCharitiesDioceseofCLT @ccdocharlotte
110 homes damaged
14,729
6,685+
in securing stable hou
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2025
224 people received mental health 2,424 cou nseling
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1,059 refugees
Volunteers gave
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108
443
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hours of service
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people served
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Annual Report
TOP participants rece ived personalized services to overcome poverty
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113
immigrants received legal services
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families in need received holiday assistance during the holiday season
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people participated in social concerns educational and adv ocacy programs
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139 Veterans were aided
clothing and baby item
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Greensboro
western North Carolina
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1,220 families received
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received emergency and long-term services in the aftermath of Hurric ane Helene
Winston-Salem
Charlotte
Locations 7 thro ughout
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households have
people
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See how you have helped your neighbors in our Annual Report
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1,805
North Wilkesboro Lenoir Asheville Murphy
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1123 South Church Street Charlotte, NC 28203 ccdoc.org
by Hurricane Helene repaired, rebuilt, or replaced
pounds of ever yday essentials were provided to
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413,666 6,099
pounds of food and
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1,005 Para nuestros leer este olderlectores adults participateden español, puede Ge t Involved in Elder Ministr y edu cati ona l informe visitando www.ccdoc.org/Español-SPR26-COM • • • • • • •
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The love of Christ imp els us (II Cor. 5:14) in need (Mt. 25: 31to serve our neighbo 46) – we cannot do rs otherwise (Deus Car itas Est, no. 25)
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Go to ccdoc.org to learn more about the impact of Catholic Charities and you can help a neig how hbor in need by volunteeri ng or making a donation today. Ever y gift of time , talent, and treas ure helps strengthe n families, build comm unities, and reduce poverty across the 46 coun ties served by our local offices. ccdoc.org
INSIDE THIS ISSUE: The Difference You’re Making for Neighbors in Need
Spring 2026
Because of You, Loved Ones Are Laid to Rest with Dignity Because of You, Hilda Found Safety and Hope Because of You, Sonia’s Business Was Restored Help Families Lay Their Loved Ones to Rest with Dignity *Some names and images have been changed to honor our participants’ privacy