Heavenly Recipes

Story and Photos by Lawrence Chatagnier

Chamon’s healthy casserole

Chamon Williams

Chamon Williams, executive director of Catholic Charities Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, shares her zucchini and squash casserole recipe in this month’s Heavenly Recipes. She received the recipe from Mary Patterson, a former coworker that she met at Catholic Charities in Jackson, MS. “She became my bonus grandmother,” says Chamon. “Mary is from Alexandria, LA.”

Chamon enjoys cooking when she can find the time. “I get excited by learning new recipes. I enjoy shopping for many different spices. I like to shop at the farmer’s market. I enjoy browsing through Pinterest. I also like to shop for the many ingredients in the recipes.”

Chamon is back where she grew up after spending years away in Mississippi. “I grew up in Houma and graduated from Terrebonne High School. I attended Dillard University in New Orleans and received a bachelor’s degree in sociology and criminology.”

The neighborhood where the Catholic Charities office is located is familiar to Chamon. “I grew up on Aycock Street. I lived directly across from St. Lucy’s playground. I caught the bus at what used to be Catholic Social Services parking lot from fourth through sixth grade.”

Chamon is a Hurricane Katrina survivor. She graduated in May 2005 before the August Hurricane. “God decided for me. My intent was to go into law school after graduation. I relocated to Houma. I found a job through the local Work Connection agency. I was hired as a teacher’s aide at St. Lucy Child Development Center. There was a need for Hurricane Katrina case managers. Rob Gorman approached me and asked if I would be interested in working as a case manager. I wanted to be an attorney in Washington, D.C., at that time. Through the experience of working in case management, a

Zucchini and Squash Casserole

Ingredients:

Zucchini Squash Vidalia onions Bread crumbs Parmesan cheese Olive oil Seasoning of choice

Directions:

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease casserole dish with olive oil. Season zucchini and squash to taste with seasoning of choice. Line bottom of dish with zucchini, squash and onions. Layer with bread crumbs. Repeat with zucchini, squash and onions. Add parmesan cheese to final layer of bread crumbs. Drizzle with olive oil. Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Uncover, return to oven for 3-5 minutes and allow to brown. I saw an opportunity to work with and help those who are less fortunate. I felt that I found my calling. I began to experience the value of family and not put so much into material things.”

Chamon found that working with people who were in need was very fulfilling for her. “It was therapeutic to work with the less fortunate. I grew during this time.”

In December 2007, the program ended and she needed a job. “I researched an opening at Catholic Charities in Jackson, MS. I found an apartment before I got the job. I had an interview on the fourth of January, and I started work on Jan. 17. I was there for 14 years of what was supposed to be a 90-day contract.”

“I was even laid off for a short while. I received unemployment. After two weeks Catholic Charities started a new disaster relief program and asked if I would be interested in leading the program. I accepted. I was the program coordinator. As time went on, I became involved in other ministries through Catholic Charities, such as disaster response, parish social ministries and supportive services for veteran’s families.”

Chamon feels at home working for Catholic Charities. “I feel it is my calling. I have worked for the church my whole life. As I look back, I have created my own family. I had a support system outside of my family. I was embraced by the community.”

Now that Chamon has returned home, she is balancing the time between reconnecting with her family and work. “At some point I always thought I would come home. It’s been a quite a ride since I am back. I can honestly say each time a door closed another one has opened in my experience with Catholic Charities.”

Chamon began working for Catholic Charities locally in May 2022. “I have been here since May. I am still settling in, still learning, and eager. It is an exciting time. I am discovering communities I didn’t know before. I realize how grateful I am, especially at this time. God has taken care of me for so long. I have never had to walk away from the foundation of my Catholic faith. God is always near. I travel with God. I always feel protected.” BC