Welcoming Padua Michiana: The First Mission Site

On April 23, Padua Michiana served its first client, officially marking the launch of Padua’s first Mission Site. While that day was a milestone for the entire Padua community, it was made possible by years of thoughtful, behind-the-scenes work by partners and leaders across organizations.

Throughout the preparation phase, Claire (right), Padua Michiana’s Program Manager, led the charge alongside Erin and Sara, coordinating the many moving pieces needed to bring Padua Michiana to life. The Goodwill Industries of Michiana team invested deeply in the work, helping ensure Padua was not just launched, but firmly grounded in the local community—and even celebrating the milestone that night at Goodwill’s Little Black Dress fundraising event.

This effort was closely supported by Padua National and the Catholic Charities Fort Worth team, who provided training, guidance, coaching, and steady partnership—translating years of Padua experience into a model ready to take root in a new place.

Because of that collective preparation and intensive training, the Padua Michiana Case Management Team—Vincenzo (center), Case Manager, and Breanna (left), Case Worker—were able to step confidently into client services on April 23, meeting their first client in person for their very first Discovery Session.

We’re proud of Padua Michiana as our first Mission Site—and deeply grateful to everyone who carried Padua to this moment.

This first client marks the beginning—not just for Padua Michiana, but for what’s possible as Padua grows through national partnerships.