WICHITA FALLS, Texas (KAUZ) – Catholic Charities has partnered with Goodwill Industries of Michiana to bring its Padua Program outside of Texas for the first time to the Northern Indiana region, aiming to support families in long-term stability.

The case management Padua Program model will be replicated by Goodwill Industries of Michiana for the first time in the nation to establish a Padua Mission Site, pairing individuals with dedicated teams to support them in areas like housing, employment, education and health.

Catholic Charities states that the Padua Program was tested for effectiveness through a Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) at the University of Notre Dame. Results showed that participants in the program were “25% more likely to achieve full-time employment, earned 46% higher incomes, and were 60% more likely to secure stable housing — while also reporting significant improvements in overall health and well-being.”

“Padua shows what’s possible when evidence, dignity, and partnership come together,” said Jim Sullivan, Co-Founder and Director of LEO. “We have evidence this program works, and replicating it through trusted partners like Goodwill Michiana is how that evidence can improve lives far beyond where it began.”