Catholic Charities Fort Worth and Goodwill Greater Milwaukee & Chicago Partner to Replicate Revolutionary Padua Program
Catholic Charities Fort Worth and Goodwill Greater Milwaukee & Chicago Partner to Replicate Revolutionary Padua® Program New Partnership Expands Reach of Life-Changing Poverty-Ending Model to the Greater Chicago Community
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Chicago, Illinois/Fort Worth, Texas – Goodwill Greater Milwaukee & Chicago is excited to announce a new partnership with Catholic Charities Fort Worth (CCFW) to replicate their groundbreaking Padua® program. This collaboration will bring CCFW’s proven, poverty-ending case management model to the City of Chicago, specifically the greater Englewood community, providing individuals and families with the personalized support they need to achieve self-sufficiency. The partnership marks a significant step in expanding the reach of the Padua program and advancing efforts to break the cycle of poverty in our area.
Created by Catholic Charities Fort Worth and named after St. Anthony of Padua, the patron saint of the poor, Padua has redefined traditional case management through its client-led, long-term, and research-driven approach. The program was rigorously tested through a Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) by the University of Notre Dame’s Lab for Economic Opportunities (LEO), confirming its transformative impact:
• Participants were 25% more likely to achieve full-time employment,
• Earned 46% higher incomes,
• Were 64% more likely to secure stable housing, and
• Reported significant improvements in overall health and well-being.
“We are thrilled to announce that Goodwill Greater Milwaukee & Chicago will be adopting our Padua model to bring our poverty-ending program to the Chicagoland area,” said Brendan Perry, Director of Padua National at Catholic Charities Fort Worth. “Padua was built with a vision to meet people where they are, a client-led program that honors human dignity, builds emotional resilience, and delivers real, proven results. By sharing this program with Goodwill, we are not only expanding its reach but ensuring that more individuals and families have access to the tools and resources they need to break the cycle of poverty and build their Bigger, Brighter futures.”
Padua pairs each client with a dedicated two-person Case Management team who provides personalized, judgment-free support in areas such as housing, employment, education, and health. Unlike traditional programs, Padua has no time limits. Case Managers walk alongside clients for as long as it takes to reach stability and independence.
Goodwill Greater Milwaukee & Chicago, a respected partner in workforce development, will adopt the Padua model as it continues to provide specialized services that meet the needs of local job seekers. The partnership aligns with both organizations’ commitment to data-driven solutions and comprehensive support for people looking to achieve self-sufficiency.
“At Goodwill Greater Milwaukee & Chicago, we believe lasting change starts with meeting people where they are and that every person deserves the opportunity to build a better future,” said Clayton Pryor, Goodwill’s Chief Mission Officer. “Bringing the Padua program to the greater Englewood community allows us to help individuals and families achieve long-term stability and opportunity.”
Through this partnership, Padua’s reach and impact will continue to grow, bringing its life-changing results to more individuals and families in need. By expanding the program to new areas, Catholic Charities Fort Worth is paving the way for even greater outcomes in the fight to end poverty.
About Goodwill Greater Milwaukee & Chicago
Goodwill Greater Milwaukee & Chicago enhances dignity and quality of life for all by strengthening communities, eliminating barriers to opportunity, and connecting people to valuable employment and community resources. Learn more about the nonprofit’s mission – Connecting people to work. Preparing people for life. – and find a Goodwill near you to shop and donate at goodwillgreatermc.org.
About Catholic Charities Fort Worth
At Catholic Charities Fort Worth, we relentlessly end poverty through holistic, research-based solutions. Founded in 1910, CCFW serves tens of thousands of people in North Texas, and across the nation, each year. For more information about Catholic Charities Fort Worth and the Padua program, please visit www.catholiccharitiesfortworth.org/Padua.
Media Contacts:
Catholic Charities Fort Worth
Alyse Chung | 773-350-4313 | [email protected]
Goodwill Greater Milwaukee and Chicago
Jess Owens | 414-847-4165 | [email protected]
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