Catholic Charities: A Century of
Care and Compassion | |
This month, Catholic Charities celebrates 100 years of providing care and compassion to the people of central and southwest Iowa. Since 1924, Catholic Charities has diligently served all in need, regardless of background. Today, we serve our communities through five vital program areas including counseling, domestic violence and sexual assault programming, an emergency family shelter, a food pantry and refugee services. | |
Around Catholic Charities | |
|
Nelcy Vargas Recognized by Centro Latino of Iowa
We love to see our Catholic Charities’ team members succeed! Catholic Charities’ Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Program Manager, Nelcy Vargas, will be recognized at the upcoming Hispanic Heritage Month Networking Breakfast and Fundraising Event hosted by Centro Latino of Iowa on October 11. Nelcy is being recognized for all the great work she is doing for the Hispanic community while advocating for and supporting survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. Congratulations Nelcy! We are grateful for all that you do.
| |  |
|
URGENT NEED: Support Catholic Charities’ Refugee Services
The Catholic Charities’ Refugee Services team is on track to resettle more than 450 refugees by this time next year and is currently receiving new clients every week. We are in URGENT NEED of pots and pans, twin bed sheets, dining tables, general toiletry items and pillows. These items help set our clients up for success as they make Des Moines their new home. When you shop our Amazon Wish List, items purchased are sent directly to Catholic Charities’ Refugee Services.
| |
|
Catholic Charities Centennial Trivia – Saturday, October 19
4 p.m. Refugee Simulation
5 p.m. Trivia Event
Krause Hall, Catholic Pastoral Center
601 Grand Ave., Des Moines, IA 50309
| |
|
Join us for another Centennial Trivia event supporting Catholic Charities Refugee Services. Gather your trivia team or be paired with one the night of! Interested in learning more about what life is like before becoming a refugee in America? Join our refugee simulation happening an hour before the trivia event.
Did you know, a refugee is someone who has been forced to leave their country to escape war, persecution, or serious human rights violations and seek safety in another country? Catholic Charities Refugee Services works to resettle refugees who have family or close friends living in our area.
| | | |
If you are interested in donating a basket to be featured as a raffle item for Catholic Charities' Centennial Trivia, please contact Catholic Charities Community Relations Manager, Emily Klisares, at 515-237-5078 or eklisares@catholiccharitiesdm.org. | |
Legacy Leader: Bishop William M. Joensen | |
|
As the current Bishop of the Diocese of Des Moines and chairman of the Catholic Charities Board of Directors, Bishop William M. Joensen has helped advance the mission of Catholic Charities while fostering a time of growth and expansion.
Bishop Joensen shared how he sees the Gospel message united in the work Catholic Charities does to love and serve those in need with dignity and respect. Since his ordination as Bishop, he has helped Catholic Charities navigate through a new period of growth. His leadership and support allows the organization to meet the new needs that are currently rising within the community.
“The work of Catholic Charities is inspired by Jesus and the call of the Gospel to bless those who are poor and to do so not from a point of condescension or superiority but from a sense that charity is not just a ‘hand out’; rather, it is intent on the holistic good of the other,” said Bishop Joensen.
| |
|
United Way’s Day of Caring Makes an Impact
United Way of Central Iowa and United Way of the Midlands recently held their annual Day of Caring. During this day, a group of volunteers from Bankers Trust gave their time at the Catholic Charities’ Emergency Family Shelter painting and laying new mulch at the playground. Another group from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Nebraska’s IT Department volunteered at the Catholic Charities’ Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault program helping with needed yard clean up. We are grateful for these groups of volunteers and their support!
| | |
|
Gardening For Good Supports the Catholic Charities’ Food Pantry
We are grateful to be able to provide fresh, locally grown produce for our Catholic Charities’ Food Pantry clients. This summer, we received a great amount of fresh produce from Gardening For Good in Madrid, Iowa. We thank our volunteer groups from Sammons Financial Group and St. Augustin Catholic School for helping harvest this produce.
| |
|
Funds Still Available: Catholic Charities Disaster Relief
“Thank you so much for this generous gift. I appreciate it more than words can say.” – Catholic Charities Disaster Relief Recipient
Our hearts and prayers go out to the individuals and families who are still recovering from the April 26 and May 21 tornadoes. The Catholic Charities Disaster Relief program, funded through Catholic Charities USA, is able to provide financial support for individuals and families, residing in the Diocese of Des Moines, who have been impacted by these storms. Funding is still available for those in need.
| | |
|
Catholic Charities Fall Program Needs
It is hard to believe that fall is now here! If you or your organization is looking for a way to help others in the community this fall, Catholic Charities has you covered! We have created a list of our programs' most needed items for the upcoming season.
Take it to the next level and consider participating in our Catholic Charities 100 Challenge by donating 100 items in celebration of our centennial year!
| |
|
|
|
We Are There: Loving Our Neighbors in Need
Caring for our vulnerable neighbors and strengthening communities is the daily work of Catholic Charities. Whether sheltering the homeless, feeding the hungry or advocating for those in need, our staff and volunteers have a heart for service.
| | | |
|
In His Image: The Catholic View of Human Dignity from Conception to Death
Tuesday, October 8, 2024
7 p.m.
St. Luke the Evangelist
1102 NW Weigel Drive, Ankeny, IA 50023
Catholic Charities and Diocese of Des Moines Director of Social Justice, John Huynh, D.Min., continues his monthly speaking series on Catholic Social Teaching. This month, he will be discussing human dignity.
Speaking sessions will be held at different parishes around the Diocese of Des Moines.
| | |
|
10th Annual Community Baby Shower
Friday, October 11
4 – 6 p.m.
Salvation Army
Charles E. Lakin Campus - 715 N. 16th St., Council Bluffs
Join the Catholic Charities' Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault team for a Community Baby Shower! 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! For questions, to make a donation or to register, please call 712-256-2059 ext. 109.
Registration closes Friday, October 4.
| |
Centennial Moment: Catholic Charities Founded September 1924 | |
|
Catholic Charities, Diocese of Des Moines, was established in September of 1924 by Bishop Thomas W. Drumm. Catholic Charities' roots started with the establishment of the Christ Child Home to care for and house infants and children and place them for adoption. Since then, new programs have been established to help meet the growing and changing needs of our community. With a mission to Empower Individuals and Strengthen Families, Catholic Charities remains committed to serving all who come in need of help with dignity and respect. We are grateful for the many donors, community partners, staff and volunteers who have and continue to support this vital ministry.
| |
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!
| |
| |
|
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
| |
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.
| | | | |
