Sondra Okoruwa featured in Catholic Charities USA series
Sondra Okoruwa
Family Engagement Specialist, Catholic Charities of Lubbock
What do you do day-to-day at Catholic Charities of Lubbock?
As a family engagement specialist at Catholic Charities of Lubbock, my days are varied and often fast-paced. I focus on building strong relationships with families and connecting them with the resources they need to thrive. This often means attending parent meetings, coordinating transportation to appointments, helping families navigate the application process for services and developing individualized support plans. I facilitate parenting classes, hold parent and family sessions and host family-oriented programs. I also regularly participate in trainings, attend community outreach events and collaborate with local partners to enhance the support systems available to families in our community. I’m committed to fostering a sense of belonging and empowering families to achieve their goals.
What do you love about your city/community?
Lubbock has a remarkable spirit of community. I love the strong sense of volunteerism and the way people come together to support one another. While there are challenges, the willingness of individuals and organizations to step up, the vibrant local businesses and the friendly faces you encounter every day are deeply inspiring.
What is your community’s greatest challenge that you hope to address through your work?
One of our greatest challenges is the widening gap between families’ needs and the available resources. This includes access to affordable housing, reliable childcare, job training and mental health support. My goal is to help bridge this gap by providing easy access to information, coordinating resources and advocating for policies that will improve the lives of families in our community.
Why is it important to serve your community and neighbors in need?
Serving our neighbors in need is a fundamental aspect of the Catholic faith. To me, it’s about embodying the Gospel message of compassion and putting the needs of others first. Seeing the positive impact on families and recognizing the resilience of the people I serve fuels my passion and inspires me every day. It’s about striving to create a more just and equitable place for everyone.
Tell us about a formative experience you had as a young person that affected your perspective on service.
As a teenager, I volunteered at my local church. I saw firsthand the struggles faced by people in our community who needed help. This experience instilled in me a strong desire to utilize my skills and resources to create a tangible and positive impact on others’ lives. It cemented my belief in the importance of service and compassion.
What’s the most important thing you’ve learned in your time at Catholic Charities of Lubbock?
The most important lesson I’ve learned is that there is incredible strength and resilience in families facing adversity. Families possess a remarkable capacity for hope and determination, and it’s an honor and my profound responsibility to be a part of supporting their journeys.
What is something most people don’t realize about Catholic Charities of Lubbock?
Most people don't realize the breadth of services we offer. We have dedicated teams supporting families by not only providing services from our organization but also sharing other community resources that offer housing assistance, legal aid, job training and more. Catholic Charities works collaboratively with local community partners to create a comprehensive support network designed to foster independence and growth.