Making a Difference this Lent | | |
Last week, Catholic Charities staff and board members joined staff from the Diocese of Des Moines and Catholic Tuition Organization to serve lunch at Connection Café in downtown Des Moines. Connection Café is a free lunch program that serves individuals experiencing homelessness and those with limited incomes. We also distributed “Blessing Bags” to guests.
On the same day, as part of a daylong staff retreat, Diocesan staff assembled personal care kits that will benefit neighbors who visit the Catholic Charities Food Pantry.
Living Lent Together
Lent is a season of reflection, renewal, and recommitment. Through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, we are invited to grow closer to Christ — and closer to one another. It is a time to quiet the noise, open our hearts, and respond generously to the needs around us.
This Lent, we invite you to turn compassion into action. Will you join us in making this a season of meaningful impact?
| |
|
Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault News
We are excited to share the first edition of Catholic Charities Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault News! In this issue, you will learn about Council Bluffs-specific news, including:
- A new meal provider volunteer opportunity.
- Important information about human trafficking.
- The significance of educating teens about healthy relationships and building a foundation of respect and safety.
| | | | An Evening Full of Shenanigans | | |
Thank you to everyone who joined us for the 10th Annual Shamrocks and Shenanigans! It was a joyful evening filled with Irish flair, festive fun, and just the right amount of shenanigans, all in support of the life-changing work happening every day at Catholic Charities.
A heartfelt THANK YOU to our Shamrocks Sponsors, Tim and Teresa Dunbar and Polk County, for helping make this celebration possible. We are also deeply grateful to our honored parish partners — St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Saints John and Paul Parish and St. Pius X Parish — for their continued and unwavering support.
A special shoutout to Celtic Rhythm for the lively Irish music and to Boesen the Florist for the stunning centerpieces that added the perfect festive touch.
If you haven’t attended our annual fundraiser yet, what are you waiting for? We hope you will plan to join us in March 2027. We’d love to celebrate with you!
| | |
Listening to Guest Feedback
In response to guest input, the Catholic Charities Emergency Family Shelter team is enhancing the guest experience by offering more freshly prepared lunch options. Recently, Shelter Coordinator Yvon Hernandez prepared a delicious homemade meal of huevos con chorizo, along with two refreshing and nutritious drinks made from fresh fruit: agua de sandía and a banana licuado.
We are grateful for our guests’ voices and remain committed to listening, learning, and continually improving their experience with us.
| |  | |
Catholic Charities Counseling Accepting New Patients
The Catholic Charities Counseling Program is currently accepting new clients. We believe everyone deserves compassion, understanding, and a safe place to be heard. Our experienced, licensed mental health professionals provide expert care in a welcoming and confidential environment. Whether you are beginning your healing journey or continuing the work, we are here to walk alongside you with understanding and support.
Most major insurance plans are accepted. For those without insurance, services are available on a sliding fee scale based on income and family size.
Hope and healing are within reach, and you do not have to navigate it alone.
Make an appointment today by calling 515-237-5045.
| |
|
Now Accepting Rice Bowl Grant Applications
CRS Rice Bowl is coordinated by Catholic Charities in partnership with the Diocese of Des Moines and Catholic Relief Services (CRS). This Lenten program is carried out in Catholic parishes throughout the Diocese. Seventy-five percent of funds raised support international relief and development efforts, while the remaining 25 percent are distributed locally through a diocesan grant process to support food programs and other initiatives that address the root causes of poverty.
| | | | |
Grounding Techniques
Grounding techniques help anchor your mind in the present moment rather than getting caught in “what if” thinking.
One simple option is the 5–4–3–2–1 sensory scan: name five things you see, four things you feel, three things you hear, two things you smell, and one thing you taste.
Other quick grounding tools include holding a cold object or pressing your feet firmly onto the floor. Small actions like these can help calm and reset your nervous system.
This helpful tip is brought to you by the Catholic Charities Counseling Program.
| | | |
Helping Neighbors Celebrate Birthdays
Last month, students at St. Anthony Catholic School in Des Moines donated several “Birthday Cake Kits” to the Catholic Charities Food Pantry. Thanks to their thoughtful generosity, our shelves are now stocked with these special, shelf-stable kits, giving pantry guests the opportunity to celebrate their birthdays in a meaningful way. Many families have already enjoyed these creative kits, and we are ready to help even more celebrate in the months ahead.
It’s a sweet reminder that even small acts of kindness can bring great joy.
| |
|
Maximizing Your Gifts with Employer Matching Programs
Did you know your gift to Catholic Charities could go twice as far?
Many employers offer matching gift programs that will match your charitable contributions dollar for dollar, and some even contribute financially to us for the volunteer hours you provide to our programs. By taking advantage of your company’s – or former company, if you are a retiree! – matching program, you can multiply your impact and help even more families find food, shelter, safety, and hope.
Check with your employer’s human resources department to see if your gift or volunteerism qualifies, and together we can maximize your impact.
| | | | | |
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
Follow us on Instagram
Follow us on LinkedIn
Follow Us on X
| |
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!
| | |
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 33,000 individuals each year.
Find more information about Catholic Charities here.
| | | | |
