Welcome Bella!

Our newest team member and therapy dog Bella visits our residents every other Wednesday.  For some younger residents, Bella is the first dog they meet.   For some adult residents, Bella is a reminder of positive experiences with a childhood pet.  Whatever their previous experience, Bella loves all visitors unconditionally.  She enjoys being read to, petted, and doling out doggie TLC.  Handler Pam D'Agostino says, "She has brought so much joy to our lives.  We are happy to share her."  What a great addition to our ministry!

*Bella and Handler Pam D'Agostino are associated with Therapy Dog International.

 Janine's Story

When asked why Raphael and 16 year-old daughter Janine came to the United States from Trinidad, Raphael said, "I wanted to offer my daughter a better life and a better education - the American dream."

Raphael's mother and sister Sarah, who previously immigrated to the US, spent years saving $20,000 to sponsor the immigrant visa for Raphael and Janine. Once reunited, the three women and teenager shared a small house in North Carolina.  A series of negative circumstances, including lost jobs and the unexpected death of Raphael and Sarah's mother, left them with no where to live. (Read the whole story here.)

Since moving to Catherine's House, Raphael has been working towards a GED and was hired by a local grocery chain. Janine was tutored by a Catherine's House volunteer, and received all A's on her last report card.  Sarah secured employment and is working towards a degree in hospitality management.  They saved enough money to buy auto insurance and therefore use the donated car provided by Catherine's House. We will keep you posted on their progress!

Thank you Belmont AbbeyVolunteers!

Students from Belmont Abbey College spent their Saturday morning helping with yard work at Catherine's House. When asked about her volunteer experience, Anja Roy (pictured left) said, "An opportunity to serve in the community is a tremendous blessing.  Service allows us to step outside ourselves and give our time for the benefit of others."

Celebrate Success

DeAndra came to the area in search of “personal and professional growth.” She enrolled in a local college’s Medical Assistant Program while working several part-time jobs. Even though DeAndra excelled academically, the struggle to find affordable housing made her “want to give up.” As a single mother with no family to help her, DeAndra turned to Catherine’s House. <<read more>>