On November 19, the Piedmont office opened at a new location after 15 years of serving clients at Broad Street in downtown Durham. Bishop Michael F. Burbidge blessed the new facility at 3711 University Drive in Durham.
“We needed to move because we needed more space and a space that would serve the community in a more professional manner,” explained Piedmont Regional Director Lisa Perkins.
The office currently provides services including Counseling, CHANGE (assistance to domestic violence offenders in changing their abusive behaviors), Family Economic Self-Sufficiency, Family Health & Safety education, Financial Assistance and a Food Pantry. Catholic Charities also coordinates Adoption, Immigration, and Pregnancy services for families throughout the Diocese.
According to Ms. Perkins, discussions are underway to see what new services should be added and how current 
services could be expanded due to the new location. “The new location also puts us closer to other service providers,” Ms. Perkins said. “That strengthens our partnerships and lessens travel time for families who are referred either from our agency to another service provider or from another service provider to us.”
Those in attendance at the opening gathered in the main room for a blessing by the Bishop, a gospel reading and prayer of the faithful. The Bishop then blessed each room in the office with holy water.
Mr. Gary Skinner, Executive Director of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Raleigh, noting that the facility will give Ms. Perkins and her staff the opportunity to expand services, also expressed “our deep gratitude for the contributions by generous donors who made this move possible.”
