New partnership expands the reach of the life-changing, poverty-ending Padua® model to the Greater Chicago community

CHICAGO, Ill. / FORT WORTH, Texas (June 17, 2026) – Goodwill Greater Milwaukee & Chicago and Catholic Charities Fort Worth (CCFW) announced a new partnership to bring the groundbreaking Padua® program to Chicago, with an initial focus on the greater Englewood community. The collaboration will expand access to CCFW’s proven, poverty-ending case management model, helping individuals and families achieve long-term self-sufficiency.

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 a client-led, long-term, and research-driven approach. The program was rigorously evaluated through a Randomized Controlled Trial conducted by the University of Notre Dame’s Lab for Economic Opportunities (LEO), which found that participants:

<ul> <li>Were <strong>25% more likely</strong> to achieve full-time employment</li> <li>Earned <strong>46% higher incomes</strong></li> <li>Were <strong>64% more likely</strong> to secure stable housing</li> <li>Reported significant improvements in overall health and well-being</li> </ul>

“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 that 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 leader in workforce development, will adopt the Padua model as it continues providing specialized services that meet the needs of local job seekers. The partnership reflects both organizations’ commitment to data-driven solutions and comprehensive support that empowers individuals and families to thrive.

“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, Chief Mission Officer at Goodwill Greater Milwaukee & Chicago. “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 life-changing results to more individuals and families in need. By expanding the program to new communities, 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.

Mission: Connecting people to work. Preparing people for life.

Learn more at goodwillgreatermc.org.

About Catholic Charities Fort Worth

Catholic Charities Fort Worth relentlessly ends poverty through holistic, research-based solutions. Founded in 1910, CCFW serves tens of thousands of people each year throughout North Texas and across the nation.

To learn more about Catholic Charities Fort Worth and the Padua® program, visit www.catholiccharitiesfortworth.org/Padua.