Catholic Charities Food Pantry Opens Newly Renovated Monthly Market | | |
Renovations at the Catholic Charities Food Pantry are now complete thanks to the support from our community partners. Fareway Stores, Inc., generously contributed its time and resources during the renovation process. Fareway helped design a new supermarket-style layout, enhancing the client experience and allowing families to shop with dignity. They also donated new shelving.
The Des Moines Area Religious Council (DMARC), a long-time partner of the Catholic Charities Food Pantry, provided multiple wire racks during the renovation to ensure food could be stored safely after the accident damaged the pantry’s original shelving. In addition, DMARC donated a refrigerator to support ongoing operations.
We are grateful to our community partners for supporting us as we rebuild!
| | Around Catholic Charities | | |
Share Your Story
Has Catholic Charities touched your life in a meaningful way? Maybe you’ve been supported through one of our programs, or volunteered your time, or chosen to give because you believe in our mission. Whatever your connection, your story matters.
By sharing your experience, you help inspire others, celebrate the power of community, and highlight the real impact Catholic Charities makes every day.
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St. Augustin’s Knights of Columbus Make a Difference at Catholic Charities
At the end of August, Dr. Jim and Emily Duong met with Catholic Charities Executive Director, Mike Sheehy to present a generous contribution from the St. Augustin Knights of Columbus Council 10558. This gift will directly support our ongoing work to uplift and support the refugee community. The financial gift was the result of a fundraising event held in June at St. Augustin's that highlighted the inspiring stories of local refugees who now call Des Moines home.
We are deeply grateful to the St. Augustin Knights of Columbus for their partnership and support!
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Shelter TV Donations Needed
The emergency shelter at our Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault program provides a safe haven for victims and survivors of domestic and sexual abuse. We are working to make our communal spaces more welcoming and comforting for clients, and we need your help! We are seeking two smart TVs (one 65” and one 32”) for client use in our shared living area and children's playroom. These will bring comfort, connection and a sense of home for our clients.
If you can help, please contact Director of Development and Marketing, Bobbi Jo Smith, at bsmith@catholiccharitiesdm.org or 515-237-5064.
| | | | Stories that Inspire: Julio | | |
Imagine enduring years of abuse and exploitation in a place where you didn’t speak the native language. For Catholic Charities Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault client, Julio*, this was his reality. For years, Julio was a victim of labor trafficking – an exploitation that forces or deceives individuals into working against their will or for little or no pay. He spoke only Spanish and due to the language barrier, he was taken advantage of multiple times and received little compensation for his hard labor.
When Julio arrived at the Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault program’s emergency shelter, he was met with care, patience and hope. Our program provides services in both Spanish and English, and bilingual staff were able to communicate with Julio directly. To ensure seamless care, our team created simple picture cards to help him communicate. Staff also accompanied him to medical appointments, connected him to community-based healthcare services to help manage his medication and walked alongside him as he began to heal.
Julio is grateful for the love he was shown through the Catholic Charities Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault program. His story is a powerful reminder that labor trafficking is human trafficking and that it happens right here in our own neighborhoods.
*The client's name has been changed.
| | Empowering Lives, Transforming Communities | | |
Mission in Action: Emergency Family Shelter
In the past 12 months, the Catholic Charities Emergency Family Shelter provided 14,735 nights of shelter for more than 150 families experiencing homelessness.
Each night is more than a bed; it’s a step towards self-sufficiency and hope. Our goal is to uplift our guests so when they exit the shelter, they feel empowered to live a successful, sustainable life.
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Support the Catholic Charities Counseling Program
The Catholic Charities Counseling Program is in need of gently used or new furniture to make our offices more comfortable and welcoming for clients.
Items currently needed:
- Couch
- Loveseat
- Comfortable Chairs
These pieces of furniture help turn a room into a safe and supportive space where healing can begin. If you have furniture in good condition that you’d like to donate, please contact Catholic Charities Director of Human Resources and Operations, Kirstin Hill, at 515-237-5069 or khill@catholiccharitiesdm.org.
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Did You Know...?
Ginny Hurley is passionate about ensuring every person she encounters knows they are worthy of God’s love. That’s one reason she chooses to support Catholic Charities – because she is confident that the programs and services are delivered with compassion and dignity.
She wants everyone to know that supporting Catholic Charities is really very easy. One way she does it is by using the rewards points on her credit card to purchase items from our Amazon wish lists! She never really feels the financial “cost” of giving this way, she knows the program is receiving exactly what it needs, and it is such an easy process!
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Chase Brown
We are excited to welcome back Chase Brown to the Catholic Charities team! Previously, Chase served as our Programs Assistant and recently rejoined the team as the Catholic Charities Food Pantry Associate. In his role, Chase works closely with the Food Pantry program manager and volunteers to help feed those who are hungry in our community. He primarily serves in the Catholic Charities Food Pantry Monthly Market. He performs client intakes and assists clients with their monthly grocery pick-up. He also helps with pantry operations.
"It's good to be back!" said Chase. "The Food Pantry staff, volunteers and clients are great to be around."
Thank you Chase!
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Stephanie White
Stephanie White has been a dedicated part of the Catholic Charities Emergency Family Shelter team for 11 years. With her deep knowledge of shelter operations, she is the go-to person for staff support, training and guidance. She is a trusted and steady presence in the Emergency Family Shelter and is always willing to step in whenever needed. Stephanie’s reliability, professionalism, and commitment to safety make her an essential member of the team and a key part of the shelter’s success.
“Stephanie is the person I can always count on. Her knowledge, reliability, and dedication over the past 11 years have been invaluable to our team and the families we serve,” said Catholic Charities Shelter and Housing Program Manager, Micah Julius.
Thank you Stephanie!
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11th Annual Community Baby Shower - Donations Needed!
The Catholic Charities Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault program is preparing for its 11th Annual Community Baby Shower coming up this October. This event is open to all expecting mothers and families with newborns and will include informational sessions, community resources, free baby gear and essentials and more!
We are in need of donations to help make this event a success! Some of our most needed items include:
- Diapers
- Baby wipes
- Baby lotion
- Baby body wash and shampoo
- Washcloths
- Baby towels
- Baby blankets
- Diaper ointment and cream
Any other baby items are welcome. For questions, location of drop off, or to contact someone to pick up items, call
712-256-2059 ext. 105 or ext. 104.
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Keep up with us on Social Media!
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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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