Eight years ago, Joyce’s life changed overnight. When Child Protective Services moved to place her five grandchildren in separate homes, Joyce stepped up to take custody so the children could stay together. The youngest was just 5½ months old, the oldest 8 years.

“I basically became a new mother to five children overnight,” Joyce said. “I went from thinking about my own future to planning theirs. My life had changed overnight, and it felt overwhelming.”

Faced with the unexpected addition of five little ones to her home, Joyce’s savings began dwindling fast. She needed to purchase a larger car to transport her family, daycare costs added up, and she missed paychecks staying home when one of the children got sick.

That’s when Catholic Charities stepped in. Joyce received diapers, formula, and gift cards for groceries, along with rent assistance for an entire year. Her case manager worked with her on her budget. Joyce also benefitted from our parenting classes, where she built a community of support with other caregivers.

“Month after month, Catholic Charities was there, making sure we had a roof over our heads,” she recalled. “They saw me and my family as people—not just another case file. They treated me like family.”

Although she received support eight years ago, Joyce never forgot the help she received from Catholic Charities because it changed the trajectory of her life and her grandchildren’s lives. Joyce was so moved by the compassionate support she received that she chose to share her story at our Creating Hope in Central Texas event. In her testimony, Joyce served as a living example of how compassionate support can lift up a family and create hope for the future.

Today, Joyce’s grandchildren are thriving. Her oldest granddaughter is president of her high school and dreams of becoming President of the United States. One of her grandsons has a goal to work hard one day so he can “take care of Granny.”

“They are safe, stable, and loved,” Joyce said. “We wouldn’t have that hope without Catholic Charities.”