“I’ve had the opportunity to serve in a variety of roles, and in each one I’ve gained understanding and insights about this organization,” she said. “I am humbled to step into this new role and will continue to build upon the strong foundation that’s been laid by those who came before me.”

CCCTX serves individuals and families regardless of religion, ethnicity or personal circumstances across 25 Central Texas counties, providing faith-based services and programs to engage, educate and empower Central Texans out of poverty and crisis, all in a confidential and nonjudgmental manner. Families and individuals are helped in overcoming life’s challenges, and CCCTX staff promote empathy and understanding of issues faced by them and the community as a whole.

An active parishioner of St. Louis Parish in Austin, Cavazos strives to live out her faith.

“Our Catholic faith informs everything we do at Catholic Charities, and it’s a blessing to work in a place where I can live out my faith every day,” she said. “Catholic social teaching, which calls us to promote the life and dignity of every human person, is reflected in the programs and services we offer and in the empathy and compassion our team shares with clients.”

Cavazos said one of many strengths of CCCTX is the assortment of programs offered under one roof. This allows clients to receive much of what they need in one place and in a trusted environment.

“Very often we find that someone might come in for one service and discover we can offer them a variety of additional ones as well,” she said. “We believe education is a powerful tool and one that unlocks opportunities for people to thrive. It doesn’t just include formal schooling but also knowledge about healthy relationships, planning your financial future and how to navigate the systems in which we live and work. At Catholic Charities we do all of this with the goal of helping families not just survive but thrive.”

Catholic Charities partners with Central Texas parishes and schools and receives funding from foundations, government entities, social organizations and the Diocese of Austin. Services offered by CCCTX include counseling; disaster response; mental health resources; financial security; homeless prevention; rent, mortgage and utility assistance; immigration legal services; St. Gabriel’s Pregnancy and Parenting Program, which offers management and parenting education; and St. Michael’s Veterans Services, staffed by veterans and veteran family members, for our nation’s heroes.

“We have the privilege to serve as the hands and feet of Christ, and we couldn’t do the work we do without the support of our community,” Cavazos said. “Through parish partnerships we also learn about community needs to expand our reach of services throughout Central Texas. We also engage parishioners in living out their faith through education and outreach and through gifts of time, talent and treasure.”

Cavazos looks forward to building meaningful connections in the Central Texas community, and working to strengthen and advance the CCCTX mission.

“Our goal is to not only align our services with our Catholic faith but in how we treat our clients as well,” she said. “It’s hard to ask for help, and many come in nervous and scared. Our goals are to build trust, take time to listen to them, show them we truly care and offer both help and hope. We want them to leave with a smile on their face and hope in their hearts.”

For more information on Catholic Charities of Central Texas, go to ccctx.org.

Catholic Charities Central Texas

Engage, Educate, Empower

Since 1999, Catholic Charities of Central Texas has been assisting those in need in Central Texas. Cavazos and her staff continue to be nimble in responding to emerging needs. For instance, after the July 4 floods, CCCTX was on the ground in Central Texas to provide emergency assistance and basic needs for families in crisis. Continued aid includes helping with home repairs, rent or mortgage payments, utility bills and other urgent needs. Cavazos said assistance is ongoing and is a long-term recovery effort.

“When disaster strikes, it’s critical to respond immediately while also planning for long-term recovery,” she said. “Recovery is a marathon, not a sprint, and our team continues to walk alongside families. By working one-on-one with each family, we’re ensuring they not only recover but have the chance to rebuild their lives stronger than before.”