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For more than a century, Catholic Charities has diligently served the Diocese of Des Moines. We are proud to walk alongside our neighbors in need, providing them with dignity, compassion and hope. More than 33,000 individuals each year are uplifted through our vital programs and services. However, the needs of our community continue to grow. As we look to this new year ahead of us, we invite you to be a part of what’s next.
Join us and discover how you can make a difference this new year.
| | Catholic Charities Counseling is Back! | | | | |
Have you heard the news? The Catholic Charities Counseling Program is accepting new clients!
Everyone deserves compassion, understanding, and a place to feel heard. Our trusted team of caring, licensed mental health professionals is here to walk alongside you, offering understanding, expert care, and a safe, welcoming space to begin or continue your journey toward healing and hope.
Hours of Operation:
- M, W, Th, F: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- T: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
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Barbara Graham, LISW, EMDR
Barbara Graham is a licensed social worker with more than 40 years of experience. For over six years, she has served as a clinical supervisor, mentoring interns and newly licensed clinicians in taking a whole, integrated approach to therapy. She works with people of all ages on their healing journey and enjoys meeting people where they are. Barbara has training in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), trauma, crisis intervention, anxiety, grief, couples issues, chronic mental illness, disabilities, and nutrition. Outside of work, Barbara enjoys being with her husband of more than 34 years, Gordon, and sharing life’s adventures with their adult children and grandchildren.
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Abby Fouch, t-LMHC
Abby Fouch holds a master's degree in clinical mental health counseling from Upper Iowa University and a bachelor's in psychology from Iowa State University. She is passionate about helping others navigate life’s challenges and find hope in every season of life. Abby meets clients exactly where they are, without judgment, and walks alongside them as they take steps toward growth and healing. Her faith is the foundation of her work, guiding her to create a safe and compassionate space where individuals feel heard, valued and supported. Outside of work, Abby enjoys spending time with her husband and their dog, as well as reading, deepening her faith and traveling.
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The Catholic Charities Counseling program serves all in need. Most major insurance plans are accepted. For those without insurance, therapy is provided on a sliding fee scale that is based on income and family size.
Make an appointment today by calling 515-237-5045.
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Did You Know?
Beginning in 2026, taxpayers who take the standard deduction (non-itemizers) will be able to claim up to $1,000 (for single filers)/$2,000 (for married/joint filers) in charitable deductions to qualified charities like Catholic Charities. This means even if you don’t itemize your taxes, you can still benefit from your charitable giving! The last time we saw benefits like this was in 2020-21 with the CARES Act, which allowed $300 single/$600 joint deductions and incentivized 90 million taxpayers to give more than $30B to charity.
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2026 Honored Parish Partners
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St. Francis of Assisi
West Des Moines, IA
St. Francis of Assisi supports the Catholic Charities Emergency Family Shelter by providing monthly meals for shelter guests. Most recently, parishioners also extended their generosity through Angel Tree donations in support of the emergency family shelter.
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Ss. John and Paul
Altoona, IA
Parishioners at Ss. John and Paul gave more than 600 hours of service at the Catholic Charities Food Pantry last year. We are grateful for their commitment to serve those in need.
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St. Pius X
Urbandale, IA
For more than 30 years, St. Pius has partnered with the Catholic Charities Food Pantry to host our annual Giving Thanksgiving event, supporting more than 680 families last year alone. St. Pius consistently contributes hundreds of turkeys to help make this event possible.
| | Around Catholic Charities | | |
Human Trafficking Awareness Month
January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month. During this month, we acknowledge the efforts of foreign governments, international organizations, anti-trafficking entities, law enforcement officials, survivor advocates, communities of faith, businesses, and private citizens all around the world to raise awareness about human trafficking.
Catholic Charities Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault program offers free and confidential resources and support to human trafficking victims. You can help survivors of human trafficking receive the resources they need by supporting the Catholic Charities Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault program.
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Youth Giving Back
In early January, youth from Wahlert Catholic High School in Dubuque, IA, volunteered at the Catholic Charities Food Pantry. The group of students came as part of a service week, in partnership with the St. Thomas Moore Center.
It's great seeing youth giving back to the community. We are grateful for their service and support.
| | What's Barbara Been Up To? | | |
After a year of retirement, former Catholic Charities Executive Director Barbara Decker has embraced a season of growth, reflection and continued community involvement.
Shortly after her retirement, Barbara faced the profound loss of her husband, Larry Willis. To honor Larry's legacy and to support continued education for healthcare workers, Barbara established the Larry Willis Endowed Memory Care Education Fund with WesleyLife Foundation. Barbara is also an active member on the WesleyLife Board of Directors.
Throughout the past year, Barbara has filled her time with community involvement, personal growth and meaningful time with family and friends, all while keeping her faith at the center of her life. She is grateful for her time leading Catholic Charities and has great hope for the organization as it moves forward.
"Yes, you retire, but you never really leave," said Barbara.
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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.
| | | | Are you passionate about serving others? Are you ready to make a real difference? We are looking for committed, mission-driven individuals to join our Catholic Charities team! | | |
Development Manager
Catholic Charities is searching for a Development Manager who can turn compassion into action through meaningful connections and creative fundraising.
In this role, you’ll have a chance to:
- Connect individuals to our mission.
- Strengthen our fundraising efforts.
- Maintain a strong donor database.
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Shelter Coordinator
The Catholic Charities Emergency Family Shelter is searching for a Shelter Coordinator to help uplift the families we serve while providing compassionate leadership and creating a safe, supportive environment.
In this role, you’ll have the chance to:
- Lead day-to-day management and operations of the shelter.
- Contribute to the health, safety and welfare of shelter guests.
- Make a direct impact on the lives of our neighbors in need.
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DON'T MISS OUT!
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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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 33,000 individuals each year.
Find more information about Catholic Charities here.
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