Shine a Light on Domestic Violence | | |
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Domestic violence is defined as a purposeful pattern of coercive behavior used to maintain power and control over one’s intimate partner. Research shows that about 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men, aged 18 and older, will experience some sort of domestic violence in their lifetime.
The Catholic Charities Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault program provides free and confidential services to those experiencing domestic violence, sexual assault or human trafficking. Our dedicated team of advocates is there to assist survivors however they need.
| If you or someone you know needs help, please call our 24-hour crisis line at 712-328-0266 or toll-free at 888-612-0266. | | Around Catholic Charities | | |
Catholic Charities Food Pantry Monthly Market is Open
After six months, the Catholic Charities Food Pantry's Monthly Market is now officially open! It has been wonderful welcoming clients into the new space. During renovations, we were able to offer clients premade food boxes based on their family size. Now, clients have the ability to shop with dignity.
“It’s like a mini grocery store!” said a Catholic Charities Food Pantry client.
We are grateful for the support we received from our community partners, donors and volunteers as we took the time to rebuild.
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Pathway to Employment
Recently, the Catholic Charities Community Resource Coordination program hosted a successful Pathway to Employment hiring event. Clients had the chance to connect directly with employers, explore open positions and take meaningful steps forward in their job search.
We are grateful to Lutheran Services in Iowa (LSI) for partnering with us on this event. We deeply appreciate the employers and volunteers whose support made this event possible.
| | What is Domestic Violence? | |
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Did You Know…
Donating 10 percent of your annual crop yield to Catholic Charities, Diocese of Des Moines, is more than an act of generosity; it’s a powerful way to turn the bounty of your harvest into help and hope for neighbors in need. By giving a portion of your crops directly to charity rather than selling them first, you may be able to reduce your taxable income while still deducting production costs, making this a wise and impactful way to give.
Your gift sustains programs that provide food, shelter, safety, counseling, support for mothers and babies, and so much more across Central and Southwest Iowa. From the moment it leaves your bin, your harvest becomes a lifeline that transforms God’s gifts into blessings that bring hope and healing to others.
Giving in this way is simple and straightforward. One wagon or semi load at a time, you can designate your grain be gifted to Catholic Charities by the elevator. Contact Catholic Charities’ development team to learn how your harvest can change lives.
| | | | Catholic Charities on the Radio | | |
Catholic Charities was recently featured on The Catholic Morning Show on Iowa Catholic Radio! Deb Kesling, our Food Pantry Program Manager, and Bobbi Jo Smith, Director of Development and Marketing, joined to discuss the Catholic Charities Food Pantry and how listeners can get involved to serve those in need. Mike Sheehy, Catholic Charities Executive Director, was on to discuss his first year at Catholic Charities and his vision for the future.
A big thank you to Iowa Catholic Radio for the opportunity to spread the word about our vital ministry!
| | Creating Life Changing Experiences | | |
Share Your Story
Every act of service makes an impact. Just ask Pat! He volunteers his time and treasure to support the Catholic Charities Food Pantry. He greatly enjoys serving alongside his fellow volunteers and seeing the difference they make. Thank you, Pat, for sharing your story!
Do you have a story to share? Tell us!
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Harvest Time and Mental Health
To our farm families, thank you! It’s because of your dedication, long hours and commitment that keep our communities fed. We recognize the pressures of farm life can bring stress and struggle. We want you to know, you are not alone!
Be Aware of the Warning Signs:
- Changes in farm and personal life
- Irritability, anger or emotional outbursts
- Neglect of livestock or farmstead
- An uptick in farm accidents
- Frequent illness, fatigue or other chronic conditions
- Lack of interest in things that once brought joy
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Fall Program Needs
Fall is the perfect time to give back! If you or your organization is looking for a way to help others in the community, Catholic Charities has you covered! To make it easy, we’ve created a list with our programs’ most needed items.
Want to make an even greater impact?
Consider hosting your own "mini drive" with friends, family, coworkers, or your parish to benefit individuals and families here in our community.
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Support Catholic Charities This Holiday Season
Vend Joy this holiday season with a Light The World Giving Machine! The Giving Machine is a customized vending machine that allows the public to donate necessary products and services to those in need, locally and worldwide. This year, Catholic Charities is one of the participating charities. One hundred percent of every donation is given to the participating nonprofit organizations to purchase and deliver the donated items.
You can find the Giving Machine at Coral Ridge Mall in Coralville, IA, from November 20 to December 9.
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Rebecca Kannegiesser
We are excited to share that Rebecca Kannegiesser has joined the Catholic Charities team as our Community Relations Manager. In her role, she will maintain our robust volunteer program, strengthen connections in the community and help bring our wonderful events to life! We are excited to welcome her to the team.
In her spare time, Rebecca enjoys doing pilates, embroidery and catching up on competition reality TV. This time of year, she can be found baking and enjoying fall evening walks.
"The mission of Catholic Charities and the work being done is close to my heart. I am excited to be a part of the team and be in a role that supports such incredible volunteers,” said Rebecca.
Welcome Rebecca!
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Yvon Hernandez
Yvon serves as the Community Navigator at the Catholic Charities Emergency Family Shelter. In her role, she helps connect shelter guests with community resources and walks alongside families and individuals on their journey to
self-sufficiency. She is passionate about helping others and is grateful to unite her passion with the work she does.
In her free time, Yvon enjoys spending time with her family and doing activities that help her grow spiritually.
“I believe that Jesus created us to help one another, and I feel blessed to live out that purpose through my work,” said Yvon. “Catholic Charities is much more than an organization; it’s a place where faith, hope and compassion turn into action.”
Thank you, Yvon, for all you do!
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Giving Thanksgiving
Wednesday, November 19 and
Thursday, November 20
Catholic Charities Food Pantry
1815 Hubbell Ave., Des Moines, IA 50316
Catholic Charities Food Pantry is preparing for our annual Giving Thanksgiving event on Wednesday, November 19 and Thursday, November 20. During these two days, hundreds of turkeys and other holiday meats will be given out to food pantry clients to help them celebrate the holidays. We are grateful to St. Pius X parish in Urbandale, IA, for their generous donations of turkeys as well as HyVee, Food Bank of Iowa and DMARC for their support.
In 2024, we were able to give out a record 660 holiday meals, a 14 percent increase from 2023. With the growing number of food pantry clients, we are expecting to impact even more individuals this year. While we know it is fun to buy more canned vegetables on your next trip to the store and drop it off for us, our wholesalers are able to provide us potatoes and green beans far cheaper than you can get them at your local grocery store. Please consider making a financial gift instead to help us feed our hungry neighbors this holiday!
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Giving Tuesday – United in Generosity
Tuesday, December 2
Show your support for those in need.
Giving Tuesday is a global generosity movement, unleashing the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and the world.
Join us for Giving Tuesday 2025 – December 2 – as we stand together in unity, using the power of generosity to help our neighbors in need.
Together we can do something BIG!
Stay tuned for more information on how you can get involved this Giving Tuesday.
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Catholic Charities Night at the Iowa Wolves
Sunday, January 18, 2026 | 3 p.m.
Celebrate Catholic Charities while enjoying an evening of basketball with the Iowa Wolves! When you purchase a ticket, $5 goes back to support the vital work being done at Catholic Charities!
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SAVE THE DATE!
2026 Shamrocks and Shenanigans
Saturday, March 7, 2026 | 6 p.m.
Glenn Oaks Country Club
1401 Glen Oaks Dr, West Des Moines, IA 50266
Join us for our annual fundraiser, Shamrocks and Shenanigans, on Saturday, May 7, 2026, at Glenn Oaks Country Club in West Des Moines. Prepare yourself for a unique evening of Irish fun while learning about the vital work happening at Catholic Charities! Tickets on sale SOON!
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Keep up with us on Social Media!
Follow Catholic Charities of Des Moines on social media. Be up to date on events, news and our programs!
Like us on Facebook
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Your Support Serves Thousands in Central and Southwest Iowa
Catholic Charities' Annual Appeal is the primary funding source for Catholic Charities along with 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!
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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 and more. We impact over 35,000 individuals each year.
Find more information about Catholic Charities here.
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