Catholic Charities of Omaha’s “From Barriers to Bridges: Continuing the Conversation” Builds Community Through Conversation

We’re called to serve one another. 

 This message resounded on September 30, 2026, at Catholic Charities of Omaha’s St. Teresa of Calcutta Campus The Market Choice Pantry during a Team Up event entitled, “From Barriers to Bridges: Continuing the Conversation.” Featured guests included Feroz Mohamand and Gharghashta Katawazai, a couple that lives out their faith by serving others.   

“From Barriers to Bridges” marked the second Team Up event hosted by Catholic Charities of Omaha. The Team Up Project is a national initiative launched in February 2024 by Catholic Charities USA (CCUSA) alongside three major nonprofits to prioritize bridgebuilding through shared resources and tools, scalable models, and storytelling that inspires connection and collaboration. 

 The event served as a platform to record ‘Inspiring Hope,’ – the podcast of Catholic Charities of Omaha – while inviting a diverse audience to discuss the barriers faced by those we serve and how we can better understand and serve our neighbors.  To listen to the podcast episode click here.

 In many ways, the theme of overcoming adversity – and helping others do the same – has echoed in the lives of Gharghashta and Feroz, who both grew up in Afghanistan. Gharghashta is a former member of Afghanistan’s Parliament, its first female government spokesperson, and former head of the Human Rights and Women’s Affairs Committee.  

 Feroz has a similar political background. In his earliest years he was a refugee, with he and his 10 siblings moving from camp to camp. Eventually, he found an opportunity to work for former President Muhammad Karzai, serving as his media coordinator. There he met his wife, Gharghashta, and the two married and started a family.  

 Both were working tirelessly for the future of Afghanistan, championing women’s rights, education, and healthcare. Yet their commitment to this work came with significant personal risk.  

 “Some of the enemy of humanity, they didn’t want that. They were after us; we were attacked. We got to a point where they blew up G’s car when she was pregnant with my first child,” remembers Feroz.  

 Faced with an uncertain future, the couple made the difficult decision to leave Afghanistan. Following 15 months as refugees, they began rebuilding their lives in Baltimore in 2013 before later settling in Omaha. What they carried with them was more than resilience. They brought a deep belief in the dignity of every person and a passion for serving others, values that ultimately led them to Catholic Charities of Omaha and as featured guests of “From Barriers to Bridges.” Their story of hope and perseverance served as a backdrop for an important conversation on how we can work together to understand, support, and serve our neighbors. 

 During “From Barriers to Bridges,” Gharghashta emphasized that when someone is in crisis, offering space to listen goes along way. “When a person is in a moment, all they need just to be listened to, just to be helped.”  

 Feroz highlighted his faith as a motivation for offering help and support. “No matter who is coming to knock on your door, remember that they are sent by God to you, and God is giving you an opportunity to help them. If they are coming and requesting any type of love … domestic violence … pantry … help them like you’re helping yourself, and there shouldn’t be any hesitation. That’s how we all should act, no matter what background, what culture, what language. You have no idea that the person on the other side is going through how many difficulties, and that small help can change their life.” 

 The event included a moderated Q&A, where guests could share their experience with Catholic Charities and how they personally serve others.  

 One guest said, “I wanted to say a big thank you. What you guys are doing has made a difference in people’s lives.”  

 Another guest remarked that in his home country, the government took care of all programs to support the vulnerable. Catholic Charities opened his eyes to the work that happens every day in American nonprofits. “I came here, and I found out that you … start an organization to do little things. And then it’s the power of … Catholic Charities. Doing this type of work, it’s a win. It’s held in faith. It’s fulfilling God’s call to action. It’s really a rewarding personal experience.” 

 Catholic Charities of Omaha Executive Director, Denise Bartels, shares that events like “From Barriers to Bridges” represent the center of Catholic Charities’ mission.  

 “In Catholic Charities’ six core programs, we serve all. We serve people because we’re Catholic, not because they are. I believe that alone, we can accomplish little, but when we work together, we can do incredible things. ‘From Barriers to Bridges’ offered the time and space for us to learn from one another, deepen our respect for each other’s faiths, and – most importantly – stand in agreement that we all can work together to serve humanity.” 

 As the event concluded, one thing was clear: we all need one another, and Catholic Charities programs play a central role in bringing people together.  

 Gharghashta called Catholic Charities “a blessing in community,” while Feroz emphasized that serving each other can change lives. “You should help [others] like you’re helping yourself, and there shouldn’t be any hesitation. That’s how we all should act, no matter what background, what culture, what language. You have no idea that the person on the other side is going through how many difficulties, and that small help can change their life.” 

Watch the full Team Up Event  “From Barriers to Bridges: Continuing the Conversation.” below!