Updates from Judy K. Orr, Executive Director

As the summer winds down, we find ourselves filled with hope and excitement for all the new beginnings this season brings. At Catholic Charities, we continue to stand alongside families across Middle Tennessee — supporting students heading back to school, supporting new mothers through our home visit programs, and nurturing children’s growth in every way we can.

Back-to-school: coming together to support families across Middle Tennessee

This summer, our Family Resource Centers and community partners have been hard at work helping families prepare for a successful school year. From Nashville to our rural locations in Putnam, Montgomery, Coffee, and Maury Counties, our teams have distributed backpacks, school supplies, and vital resources to thousands of children and their families.  

Whether joining local Stuff the Bus events, participating in neighborhood block parties, or hosting community celebrations, Catholic Charities is proud to connect families with the support they need. These efforts remind us that when we come together to help our neighbors, our community can overcome any challenge.

Stronger support for new mothers and babies — a new partnership with United Way

Catholic Charities has always been committed to providing support for expectant and new mothers as they navigate the joys and challenges of welcoming a new life. We’re excited to announce that we have been selected by United Way of Greater Nashville (UWGN) to be part of a two-year national study of home visit programs. The United for Healthy Starts initiative is a national collaboration supported by the HCA Healthcare Foundation’s Healthier Tomorrow Fund.

Four United Ways—in Dallas, Miami, Nashville, and Denver—will work with service providers, such as our agency, to study our successful outreach programs for new moms. The goal of the study is to bring new innovations to home visitation and support, and expand the programs to other communities, to ensure more mothers and babies have healthy outcomes. 

We are honored to be recognized for our great work and to contribute valuable expertise to improve community health strategies for families across the country.

Faith, family, and mental health: expanding support at Camp Marymount

This summer, our Clinical Services program expanded through a meaningful partnership with Camp Marymount, a cherished Catholic camp that has welcomed generations of children.

A generous donor recognized the importance of emotional well-being during camp and made it possible for one of our therapists to provide on-site counseling and emotional support to campers. This initiative offered children a safe space to process emotions, build resilience, and navigate challenges that may arise during their time away from home.

This collaboration between two Diocese of Nashville institutions reflects our shared mission to care for the whole person — body, mind, and spirit — and ensures families across our region have access to compassionate mental health resources.

Camp is concluding this week, and we look forward to sharing reflections from our team about the impact of this partnership.

Want to learn more about Camp Marymount’s incredible legacy?
Explore Camp Marymount’s 85-Year History of Lifelong Friendships

P.S. Save the Date!

Mark your calendars — the Festival of Hope returns March 3, 2026! This special event celebrates the resilience, diversity, and shared hope that unites us. More details to come—we can’t wait to gather again in this spirit of joy and connection.

See highlights from last year’s Festival of Hope!

Thank you--from the bottom of my heart--for all that you do for our neighbors. 

Our Mission:

Following Christ's example, we recognize the

dignity of all people and serve our neighbors. 

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Catholic Charities, Diocese of Nashville

2806 McGavock Pike | Nashville, TN 37214

(615) 352-3087 | www.cctenn.org