Catholic Charities
of Southeast Texas / P.O. Box 829, Beaumont, Texas 77704
2780 Eastex Freeway,
Beaumont, Texas 77703
Phone 409-924-4410, Fax 409-832-0145
www.catholiccharitiesbmt.org

Press Release

Contact: Daniel Maher
E-mail:
Phone: (409)924-4427 / FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 26, 2009

A new President and Chief Executive Officer has been selected for Catholic Charities of Southeast Texas for the first time in 10 years. Carolyn Fernandez will leave her post as Western Regional Director for Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston to succeed Dean Terrebonne, who has guided Catholic Charities of Southeast Texas since July 7, 1999. Fernandez will assume her new duties on September 1, 2009, with Terrebonne staying aboard to assist with the transition until mid-September.

Fernandez formerly directed Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Lake Charles from July 2007 until June 2008, before moving to her current position in Houston. At Catholic Charities of Southeast Texas, she will lead a staff of 40 that was assisted by nearly 700 volunteers last fiscal year (July 1, 2008 – June 30, 2009). During that time period, Catholic Charities’ eight programs served 18,174 clients, including emergency aid to almost 5,000 families and followup assistance to 1,200 families through its Disaster Response program in the aftermath of Hurricane Ike. Fernandez will inherit the management of an operating budget of almost $9.5 million for the current fiscal year.

“It is an honor and privilege to have been chosen by the Selection Committee and to assume this role and join the agency’s efforts to care for those in need in Southeast Texas,” said Fernandez.

In addition to its disaster response work, Catholic Charities of Southeast Texas’ programs offer counseling, immigration legal services, asset building case management, the Hospitality Center soup kitchen in Port Arthur and support to parish social ministry. Child-oriented programs include Childcare Contractor Services through contract with Workforce Solutions of Southeast Texas and Elijah’s Place, a support group for children who have lost a parent or sibling or been affected by separation or divorce.

Throughout the last decade, Terrebonne has received credit for insuring a high level of professionalism in the staff and the Board of Directors, while leading the organization through a period of growth and positive transformation.

During his tenure, Catholic Charities of Southeast Texas initiated the Elijah’s Place program and asset building case management to assist with financial education and credit repair for low income families pursuing the prospect of home ownership or higher education.

Terrebonne shaped the agency into a major contributor to regional disaster response, helping with the area’s recovery after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005 and then adding staff to assist with ongoing disaster preparedness and response, as well as long-term recovery from Hurricane Ike.

Terrebonne helped significantly boost local Catholic Charities fundraising through the annual Harvest of Hope Gala and Breakfast with the Bishop and oversaw the fundraising that enabled the agency to move into a renovated Central Services Facility in Beaumont in 2005.

“Over the years I have learned many things and forged numerous friendships and professional relationships. I owe a debt of gratitude to my family and all who have supported me in this role, especially the staff, whom I admire for their skill and dedication to the Mission. The generosity of the community in sharing their time, talent and treasure is inspirational. In the past 10 years, over 125,000 clients and their families received services through Catholic Charities. It is my hope that they have received the assistance, tools and opportunity to overcome the obstacles and challenges in their life. Having been richly blessed through this experience, I say thank you to all and farewell,” Terrebonne commented.

END

For further information about the agency, please visit Catholic Charities of Southeast Texas’ website www.catholiccharitiesbmt.org or contact:

Daniel Maher, Director of Development & Communications

(409) 924-4427 or .