Monthly News & Updates

June 2022

I am excited to invite you to join our new e-newsletter community of friends and colleagues. The newsletter provides timely information and stories about Catholic Charities, its people and programs.

As we conclude the fiscal year and begin anew on July 1, we are grateful for all who choose to help Catholic Charities to make a difference in the lives of families and individuals within our diocese.

With the transition into a new year, we will introduce a new 3-year strategic plan; announce the outcomes from a comprehensive, external program review; and share in several unique gifts we received to sustain our legacy and future aspirations. We thank our Board of Directors who remain actively engaged, as well as, recognize new community partners who are making our mission vital and alive with new possibilities.

With Blessings,

Barbara Q. Decker

Catholic Charities Executive Director

Success Story

As of June 10, 2022, all of Catholic Charities’ Afghan clients have a pathway to permanent housing.

This is a significant accomplishment to celebrate for Afghan clients and the Refugee Services team at Catholic Charities. Housing more than 300 Afghans in Central Iowa within a defined period of time was both challenging and rewarding, knowing that self-sufficiency is a primary objective for all refugee resettlement activities. Due to scarcity of available housing in the area, as well as the number of dwellings needed for arrivals, clients and refugee staff worked together to identify the best housing arrangement for each family. This month, housing is now a reality for all clients.

In August of 2021, many Afghans had to flee from their native country to seek refuge...

Click HERE to read more...

EVENT: BBQ with the Bishop

Tickets are still available for BBQ with the Bishop on Saturday, July 30. The BBQ will be held at the home of Dan Buscher in Urbandale. Tickets are $50 and include dinner, drinks, live music, and of course, the Bishop! Don't miss this unique opportunity that benefits Catholic Charities, Diocese of Des Moines.

Buy Tickets Here

Food Pantry Highlights

Over the past month, the food pantry has experienced increased numbers of guests due to inflation and decreases in SNAP benefits. There are times when the pantry serves more than 500 people a day.

The community garden is off to a great start! Thanks once again to Mark at St. Timothy's Episcopal for starter plants. There were so many plants this year that we were able to give hundreds of plants to pantry guests.

Tom Leto, manager at the pantry, has taken advantage of the new Eat Greater Des Moines website. Our volunteers are signing up to pick up donations on their way to the pantry. The new format allows for more efficient food rescue and ensuring food is available to those who need it.

Catholic Charities has Opportunities for Everyone

If you or your organization are looking for a way to help others in the community, Catholic Charities has put together a list with many ways you can make a difference. From small donations to full-time volunteers, there is something everyone can offer in extending their time, talents and treasures!

To find out more about volunteering, immediate needs, and collection drives, contact Emily Klisares at eklisares@catholiccharitiesdm.org or 515-237-5027
Learn more about volunteering HERE

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A few highlights include donations of:

bus passes and tokens
pillows and bedding
personal care items

Various volunteer opportunities needed include:

gardening/yard work in Des Moines and Council Bluffs
apartment setup and appointment/class transportation for refugees
meal providers at DSM shelter

Visit the List HERE

Help Catholic Charities throughout the year

Catholic Charities Annual Appeal is the primary funding source for Catholic Charities just after government and private grant funding.

Donors who commit to an annual gift help strengthen and empower individuals and families through some of the most difficult times in their lives. Consider an annual gift that will help all year!

Donate Now

Powers Resigns as Development Director

Deb Powers, Development Director Catholic Charities, has resigned effective June 1, 2022. Deb is leaving the Central Iowa area to be closer to her parents and family members. She has accepted a position with United Way of East Central Iowa in Cedar Rapids.

We wish Deb all the best in her future endeavors. We are grateful that Deb will continue to serve Catholic Charities in a temporary capacity beyond June 1 as we conduct our search to find a permanent replacement.

Click here for Catholic Charities Employment Opportunities

Serving those in need within the Diocese of Des Moines

Catholic Charities, Diocese of Des Moines serves those in need within the 23 counties of the Diocese of Des Moines in southwest Iowa. Our mission to empower individuals and strengthen families applies to anyone in need in the area regardless of demographic. Our mission is rooted in Catholic Social Teaching. Our programs and services include refugee resettlement, professional counseling, food pantry, domestic violence and sexual assault shelter and services, emergency family shelter, case management and more. We impact over 30,000 individuals each year.

Find more information about Catholic Charities at catholiccharitiesdm.org.