Catholic Charities of North Louisiana

WHO WE ARE:
Catholic Charities of North Louisiana is a 501(c)3 founded in 2010 by the Bishop of the Diocese of Shreveport covering 16 civil parishes from TX to MS. There are three offices: Shreveport, Monroe and Lake Providence. CCNLA is governed by an 18-21 person, elected board of directors that is overseen by a Members board appointed by the Bishop. We aim to serve those in our community through our hallmark Family Strengthening program.

WHAT WE DO:
CCNLA's primary goal is to keep families together. We work towards that goal in these ways:
1) We help those struggling financially stay in their homes with their utilities on, through our Money $chool® program, teaching financial literacy and budgeting BEFORE awarding assistance with rent or utilities.                                                                                                                                                       

2) We assist new parents through Gabriel's Closet, by offering parenting classes in exchange for baby supplies.  

3)  We assist individuals and families' complete applications for SNAP benefits.                                   

4) We work directly with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services as well as Homeland Security to assist individuals in understanding the immigration requirements, legal documentation and proceedings. allowing for immigrant families to successfully and LEGALLY live in our community.     

5) Our NEW HUD Housing Counseling Program guides clients through the process of qualifying to purchase a home or to retain their current mortgage.                   6) We are an active member of VOAD (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster) to help with Disaster Relief. 

HOW WE DO IT:
• We educate people by providing classes and resources in financial education, parenting, well-baby, English as a Second Language (ESL) HUD Housing Counseling.
• We help people in our community facing emergency situations by providing financial assistance for rent and utility payments, and other basic necessities to improve the life of themselves and their families.
• We serve as advocates for people in our community who are vulnerable by providing a legal pathway to citizenship through our immigration integration services for those who seek help.
• In times of disaster, we assist communities through financial and physical resources.

WHY WE SERVE:
We at CCNLA firmly believe in providing a hand up and not a handout. We know that by teaching people English, financial best practices, or how to care for their child, we aren't just helping them right now. We're setting them on a path toward greater success and helping them for the rest of their lives.

*We do not require clients or potential clients to pray or follow a particular doctrine or religion in order to receive services.

Testimonials

"The help I was provided was more than monetary, it was a blessing to my heart that God knew I needed. NOW, I have a job! Thank you from the bottom of my heart Ms. Jean and Catholic Charities."   Beverly ~ 10.2022

"Carl and The Money School changed my life. I had been struggling every week to make ends meet, but after I went to the Money School class, I saw what I was doing wrong and what I could do to change my spending habits. Now I save every month and make smart choices before I spend my money." Monica ~Money School attendee

"There are many feeling in our hearts, but the strongest is the appreciation we have for God and this nation. Thank you to Catholic Charities for helping us become United States citizens." Jose and Maria

"Gabriel's Closet helps us as a family. It's a good place. I am a living witness that Catholic Charities changes people's lives in positive ways." Courtney