How one LEO partner agency is delivering on its promise to end poverty.
LEO believes that those closest to a problem are often the ones most equipped to solve it. One of the best ways to understand the impact of LEO’s work is to hear it directly from those who know it best: the partner agencies they work with and the clients they serve. In this issue, we’re giving one collaborative duo the stage to tell their story.
Keisha Moore, a mother of seven—including two bonus children—and a grandmother to 11, has been working with Stefany Maldonado, one of Catholic Charities Fort Worth’s (CCFW) Padua case managers. The Padua program, run by Catholic Charities Fort Worth, offers participants a holistic, long-term approach to leaving poverty behind. With a skilled and passionate case management staff that works to meet every capable individual where they are, clients are empowered to use the skills and tools they learn to change their trajectories and make their way to a bigger and brighter future.
Through this partnership, Keisha has tackled both personal and financial challenges, learning how to manage resources, set boundaries, and maintain accountability, all while preparing for the future she envisions for herself and her family. Here is her story, as told by her and her case manager:
KC: Stefany, tell me about your role as a case manager. How do you view your work?
SM: I’ve been with CCFW for four years, and my role as a Padua case manager is really about guiding our clients rather than telling them what to do. I like to see myself as a partner, someone who helps participants identify their goals, walk through the steps, and hold themselves accountable.
I’m on a team of case managers who meet biweekly so we can support one another and brainstorm solutions for our clients; we are actively borrowing from one another’s strengths and ideas for each person we serve. My role is to provide tools, encouragement, and structure for my clients, but the work comes from the clients themselves.
KC: Keisha, will you tell me a little about yourself?
KM: My name is Keisha Moore. I’m a mother of seven—including two bonus children—as well as a grandmother to 11. I am recently separated and navigating life’s challenges, including the loss of my son in May of last year.
KC: What led you to Padua in the first place?
KM: When my son passed, I was not only dealing with extreme grief but also the burden of funeral expenses. I was behind on rent, and my car broke down, costing more to fix than it was worth. A family member had mentioned the Padua program at Catholic Charities, and I reached out. What I wanted was support and tools for today to put myself in a better situation so I could respond to life’s challenges with more control, no matter what came my way. I wanted someone to help me stay accountable and prioritize small goals like paying off debts, managing subscriptions, and saving for emergencies.
KC: Stefany, where do you start when you first meet a new client?
SM: The first step is really meeting the client where they are. Everyone comes in with their own experiences and sometimes understandable skepticism. With Keisha, I started by listening and understanding her goals, fears, and immediate needs. She told me she was not financially stable and that she hadn’t been able to catch up on rent because of the funeral expenses. Her priority was to get caught up so she could stop paying $300 in monthly late fees. I listened, and together we were able to come up with a plan to address the root cause of her financial issues. This made sure we weren’t putting a Band-Aid on her situation, but rather, helping her move forward.
By listening and allowing the client to lead, it is one important way to build trust before we move on to the practical steps, like financial snapshots or the goal-setting binder. It also allows us to be a team and think, “What are we going to do next?”
KC: You’ve worked with other social service programs. Was there anything about Padua that made it stand out?
KM: Definitely. It’s the partnership and structure, including the binder, which I call “my Bible,” the discovery sessions, and the ability to track progress. Honestly, I was cautious. I’ve worked with other agencies before where caseworkers made me feel like a box to be checked. But with Stefany, she listened, cared, and worked with me to reassess situations when things didn’t go as planned. Our relationship feels like a “little big sister,” someone I can share wins, challenges, and day-to-day moments with.
I think the support is huge, not just financially, but more from an accountability standpoint. I could see my growth over time, which made a huge difference. It wasn’t just about immediate help; it was about long-term planning. Other providers give aid if they have aid, and that’s that until the next time you’re in need. But with Padua, there is so much follow-up.
KC: Stefany, can you elaborate on the importance of the tools Keisha mentions?
SM: These tools give clients a clear way to measure their progress. The pre- and post-surveys track discretionary income, savings, debt, and financial literacy, which helps clients see where they are and plan where they want to be. It’s all about identifying resources, setting goals, and giving them the ability to cope with challenges in a structured way. It also shows clients that growth is measurable, not just abstract.
KC: Keisha, a year in, what have your biggest learnings been?
KM: I’m learning to handle my finances step by step—paying off small debts first, removing duplicate accounts, and setting aside savings. For example, I was able to plan for a down payment on a car rather than relying on expensive Lyft rides. Over the course of a year, I saved up enough to pay for a down payment on a used car as well as the insurance required to drive it. Now, I’m actually paying a little less than I was paying for the Lyfts.
KC: What about your outlook and how you approach life now?
KM: Padua taught me that I can’t control everything that happens, but I can control my response. And equally as important, I can let things go that are not in my control. Through goal setting, accountability, and support from Stefany, I feel equipped to navigate grief, setbacks, and challenges while still moving forward. Having her in my life feels like a comfort zone—someone who understands me and is both there for me and pushing me to my highest potential.
I think the outlook is really important. Before you know it, you’re not at the beginning anymore. You’re in the middle now, and you get to leave all that stuff from the past behind. You worked that all out, so you don’t have that much further to go.
"Padua taught me that I can’t control everything that happens, but I can control my response. And equally as important, I can let things go that are not in my control."
KC: Stefany, you’ve seen Keisha through some tough times. What do you think kept her moving?
SM: Keisha’s resilience comes from her commitment to herself. She’s motivated by her family and her goals, and she’s willing to put in the work even when it’s hard. I saw her rise to challenges when she navigated her car situation, managed her grief, and continued to pursue career growth.
KC: Where do you see yourself in five years?
KM: I want to be financially stable, excel at work, and give back by supporting other participants in Padua. The bigger focus for me is building a legacy for myself, my children, and my grandchildren. I’m putting myself out there at work more; I’m looking for opportunities. I’m earning more and saving more so I can begin to work on my credit next. This year I’m on the receiving end; next year my goal is to be on the giving end.
KC: What does Padua mean to you?
SM: For me, Padua is about creating that safe space where participants like Keisha can explore their potential, develop life skills, and achieve goals they may have thought were out of reach. It’s about accountability, guidance, and being a consistent presence in their journey. It’s made me look at my life as a whole as well and has changed a lot of my own choices. I don’t ever think, “I’m just here to
do a job.”
KM: Poverty often doesn’t look like homelessness or someone losing a job. It can look like me—someone with a degree and two parents who are college-educated. Life can happen, and the next thing you know, you’re on this other side. Padua taught me the excitement of knowing you get to control the narrative in your life. You don’t get to choose what happens to you, but you do get to choose how you respond. I have more control than I thought, and I didn’t realize that before.
Padua isn’t just about receiving immediate assistance; it’s about building a lifetime of skills, accountability, and empowerment. It’s a support system that teaches you to control your decisions, manage your resources, and look forward to your future.
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