Bigger, Brighter Future (BBF)

A personalized set of overarching goals that clients in Padua create to envision and work towards a more stable and self-sufficient future.

 

Case Management Team (CMT)

A team consisting of a CW and a CM who provide holistic, individualized services. They create personalized service plans and offer intensive support to help clients achieve their BBF.

 

Case Manager (CM)

Part of the CMT who helps clients cultivate a goal-oriented mentality, providing financial coaching, coping skills, and emotional resiliency. They evaluate and adapt to each

client's needs and collaborate with CW partners to support clients' resource and financial goals.

 

Case Record

A comprehensive record in Salesforce documenting all interactions, decisions, and progress related to a client's Padua journey, including client goals, service outcomes,

and insights into client motivation and barriers.

 

Case Worker (CW)

Part of the CMT who helps clients overcome barriers like employment, education, housing, transportation, and childcare by providing support and coordinating resources. They advocate for clients and maintain strong relationships with CM partners.

 

Catholic Charities Fort Worth (CCFW)

A nonprofit organization dedicated to relentlessly ending poverty within the 28-county Diocese of Fort Worth. Partnered with LEO to conduct an RCT for Padua and replicate the program to help more families achieve long-term self-sufficiency.

 

Catholic Social Teaching

A body of doctrine developed by the Catholic Church that outlines principles for building a just society and living lives of holiness amidst the challenges of modern society. It emphasizes the dignity of human life, the importance of family, the rights of workers, and the need for solidarity and the common good.

 

Feasibility Survey

A process to ensure that the MS is a good fit and fully committed to Padua replication. It involves assessing and identifying legal, cultural, and demographic specifics, as well as the specific customization needs of the MS to ensure alignment with its unique requirements. This process is conducted during the initial phases of the replication partnership.

 

Franchise for Good (FFG)

A nonprofit organization dedicated to scaling and growing nonprofit businesses via a franchise system model and best practices. Partnered with CCFW and LEO to replicate

Padua.

 

Lab for Economic Opportunities (LEO)

The University of Notre Dame's Wilson Sheehan Lab for Economic Opportunities (LEO) is a research center dedicated to rigorously evaluating and identifying effective programs to reduce poverty. Partnered with CCFW to conduct an RCT for Padua and assist with

replication.

 

Learning Management System (LMS)

A software application, known as Padua Path, used to provide the latest updates to essential resources, ensuring easy navigation and access for Mission Sites. It includes ongoing program support and direct communication channels with Padua National.

 

Mission Site (MS)

A PN replication partner location dedicated to implementing Padua’s high standards and research-based approaches to end poverty.

 

Padua National (PN)

The organization responsible for overseeing the replication and implementation of Padua across various Mission Sites. It ensures that the high standards and research-based approaches of Padua are maintained and effectively applied to help families across the nation achieve long-term self-sufficiency.

 

Padua Path

The LMS used to provide the latest revisions and updates to the Padua National Operations Manual. It includes supporting documents, other manuals, training materials, and administrative information necessary for running Padua Mission Sites confidently.

 

Personal Savings and Spending Plan (PSSP)

A financial tool, used during coaching sessions, that CMs use to help clients analyze their finances, track income and spending, and identify areas for improvement.

 

Program Manager (PM)

The front-line leader of the Padua program who supports the MS CMT, conducts structured team meetings, and performs Exit Interviews. They also build and maintain relationships with community partners, ensuring effective collaboration and comprehensive support for clients.

 

Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT)

A study where participants are randomly assigned to either the intervention group or the control group to measure the effectiveness of an intervention. CCFW partnered with LEO to conduct an RCT for Padua.

Referral Partner

An organization that refers clients to Padua for case management services, assisting clients as needed with the application process to ensure their enrollment in Padua.

 

Resource Partner

An organization that collaborates with the MS to provide services at reduced or no cost for Padua clients, sharing data and maintaining communication to ensure comprehensive support.

 

Review of Fit Call

An eligibility screening call used by Padua to determine if potential clients are a good fit for Padua.

 

Skills and Techniques

Regular training sessions held every two weeks. The training focuses on developing practical abilities, improving professional competencies, and staying updated with best practices in the field.

 

Technology Stack

A collection of required and suggested software tools, applications, and systems that are used to support and manage the operations of Mission Sites.

Participation in Padua requires engagement with foundational tools like the Financial Pulse, Resource Stability, and Emotional Resilience surveys, as well as other essential Padua documents. If a client refuses to complete these:

• First, explore the reason using trauma-informed and motivational interviewing techniques.
• Offer supportive alternatives, such as reading the survey aloud or explaining its purpose in simpler terms.
• Document the interaction and decision in Salesforce.

When introducing surveys and other required Padua documents, staff should be prepared for challenging conversations with clients. This is especially true when discussing sensitive financial or resource-related topics. Use the techniques learned in the Communication Skills session from onboarding and available in Padua Path to navigate these discussions with empathy, clarity, and professionalism.

These tools are essential for tracking progress and building a personalized service plan. Ongoing refusal may indicate the client is not ready to engage with the program. Staff difficult cases with the Program Manager or Supervisor to assess readiness and determine next steps.

Yes, staff are welcome to use external tools to support individual clients, including local resource guides, financial planning tools, or other relevant aids—as long as:

• You have permission or licensing to use the tools.
• The tools do not conflict with Padua’s philosophy, processes, or documentation standards.
• They are used to supplement, not replace, required Padua Path tools (e.g., PSSP, Service Agreement).

If a tool proves consistently helpful, you may discuss it with the Program Manager, who can submit a recommendation to Padua National for review and approval.