This year, CCCTX, like many nonprofits, felt the impact of federal funding uncertainty. Even after announcements that the funding freeze would be lifted, delays in receiving critical funds for our refugee program forced us to make difficult operational adjustments. To protect the financial health of our organization, in February 2025 we made the difficult decision to suspend the majority of our refugee services. 

Despite this challenge, we are deeply proud of the lives we touched while the program was active. In FY25, we assisted 674 refugees, helping families find safety, stability, and hope as they rebuilt their lives in a new country. 

Vocational Training for Refugees
One shining example of the impact of our Refugee Resettlement Services program was our vocational training initiative. In partnership with Austin Community College, a group of our refugee clients were given the opportunity to earn HVAC technician certifications, building skills that open doors to stable careers and the ability to provide for their families. These refugees stayed committed, attending multiple classes each week. We were overjoyed to celebrate their graduation in March 2025. 

“This achievement will have an impact because it’s why we came here: to excel, to integrate into American society, to fulfill our dreams, and to give our children a future,” said one of the graduates.

“My family and I are very grateful you helped me fulfill my dreams of being able to live in a country like the United States with a good job,” shared another graduate. “Thank you to all the people who give to those who need help, and to Catholic Charities, who was there to help us when no one else was.”

This vocational training initiative is a perfect example of who we are at Catholic Charities: helping people thrive and creating opportunities that change lives for the better.

Refugee Giving Day
While our refugee program was indefinitely suspended, we refused to let these families feel forgotten. In response, we quickly organized a special “Refugee Giving Day,” inviting impacted clients to shop for essential items from our donation center and surprising each family with a grocery gift card. Our goal was simple but profound: to ease the burden of costly essentials, offer the dignity of choice, and remind these families that they are not alone.

In just four hours, we helped 563 refugees, providing immediate relief in a moment of uncertainty. The resilience of these families moved our entire team. Many expressed heartfelt gratitude, and their hope in the face of hardship reminded us why our mission matters.

While this experience was difficult, it showcases the heart of who we are at Catholic Charities: an organization that stands with people when they need it most, that refuses to turn away in the face of great need, and that finds ways to make a difference. Thank you for standing with our mission in the face of this challenge. Your support shows that even in the most difficult times, our community can come together to make a real difference.