Every organization has a mission—but behind that mission is a deeper “why.” In this episode of Bridges We Build, we sit down with Jennielynn Holmes, CEO of Catholic Charities of Northwest California, to explore the values, experiences, and vision that drive her leadership.

Jennielynn shares her journey from growing up in a low-income family to becoming the first in her family to graduate college, and how that shaped her lifelong commitment to uplifting those pushed to the margins. We talk about what it means to lead with compassion, the importance of building bridges between nonprofits, government, and the community.

At the heart of this episode is a powerful reminder: a community is only as strong as those who are struggling the most—and real change happens when we come together to lift each other up.

🎙️Hosted by Ashley Juricich, Director of Communications at Catholic Charities of Northwest California.

Listen in and be inspired by a conversation about purpose, service, and the kind of leadership that builds a better future for all of us.

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🔗 Learn more about our work: https://ccnwc.org
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💜 Follow along as we keep building bridges—together.

#BridgesWeBuild #CatholicCharities #CCNWC #NonprofitLeadership #CommunityImpact #LoveForAll

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Content Advisory: This episode includes discussion of substance use, relapse, and suicidal thoughts. Please take care as you listen.

What does it take to turn a shelter into a true community hub—and a stepping stone to stability?

In this episode of Bridges We Build, we talk with Kurt Peterson, Director of Shelter Services at Catholic Charities of Northwest California. Kurt brings decades of experience to his role overseeing programs like Caritas Center and Sam Jones Hall, and in this conversation, he reflects on how deeply human this work really is.

We explore what it means to “meet people where they are,” how trust and consistency help families take their next step, and why collaboration across agencies is essential for long-term change. Kurt also shares what it’s like to walk with people through hard seasons, and how small, daily acts of connection can make a lasting impact.

Because behind every program is a person—and behind every person is a story worth honoring.

🎙️ Hosted by Ashley Juricich, Director of Communications at Catholic Charities of Northwest California.

Listen in for a grounded, compassionate look at how we build bridges—one relationship, one shelter, one next step at a time.

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🔗 Learn more about our work: https://ccnwc.org
📌 Subscribe for future episodes
💜 Follow along as we keep building bridges—together.

#BridgesWeBuild #CatholicCharities #CCNWC #NonprofitLeadership #CommunityImpact #LoveForAll

What does it really take for a family to rebuild their lives? For Kayla, it started with stability—and the support of a community that saw her potential.

In this episode of Bridges We Build, we hear from Kayla, a courageous mother who spent time at the Caritas Family Center with her children. She shares her journey through homelessness, the turning points that helped her move forward, and how wraparound services, from parenting support to academic help for her child with special needs, set her family up for long-term success.

Joining the conversation are Toni Abraham, Program Manager for Youth & Family Services, and Jazmin Moreno Arreola, Academic Specialist, who both supported Kayla along the way. Together, they reflect on the power of showing up, creating safety, and believing in what’s possible.

This episode is a testament to the real change that happens when we build bridges around families—and walk alongside them with care, consistency, and hope.

🎙️ Hosted by Ashley Juricich, Director of Communications at Catholic Charities of Northwest California.

Listen in and be reminded that everyone deserves the chance to start again—and no one should have to do it alone.

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🔗 Learn more about our work: https://ccnwc.org
📌 Subscribe for future episodes
💜 Follow along as we keep building bridges—together.

#BridgesWeBuild #CatholicCharities #CCNWC #FamilySupport #CaritasVillage #HomelessnessSolutions #LoveForAll