A Message from Catholic Charities USA CEO, Kerry Alys Robinson

We thank Kerry for her kind words and support as we continue through our centennial year. For 100 years, we have provided help and hope to our communities with a mission to empower individuals and strengthen families. We are pleased to serve the Diocese of Des Moines and all in need.

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Human Trafficking Awareness Month

January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month. During this month, we recognize the efforts of individuals and organizations all around the world working to raise awareness about human trafficking.

Catholic Charities’ Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault program offers free and confidential services and resources to survivors of human trafficking. You can uplift survivors by supporting the Catholic Charities’ Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault program.

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Donors Like You: Tim McEntee

Tim McEntee is providing extra help to Catholic Charities’ Refugee Services clients through his generosity.

Recently, Tim fulfilled a need for the Refugee Services program by donating a personal vehicle for use in transporting clients. Tim’s car has already been used countless times to help newly arrived refugee families as they adjust to their new community.

Iowa West Foundation Awards $60,000 Grant to Catholic Charities

Catholic Charities’ Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault program recently received a $60,000 grant from the Iowa West Foundation to support program needs and expand services to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking.

The Iowa West Foundation’s mission is to improve lives and communities for current and future generations. The grant will enable the Catholic Charities’ Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault program to provide more comprehensive, one on one supportive services for survivors such as maintaining their safety, sustaining their housing, obtaining resources and referrals for other needed services in the community and supplying informational, educational and emotional support.

Saturday, March 2, 2024

6 p.m.

Join us for a night of Irish fun at our annual fundraiser, Shamrocks & Shenanigans on Saturday, March 2, 6 p.m. at The Shop in Downtown Des Moines (901 Cherry St, Des Moines, IA 50309). Prepare yourself for a unique, exciting evening in support of our vital programs which uplift those most in need in our communities.

For sponsorship opportunities, contact Catholic Charities Community Relations Manager, Emily Klisares at

515-237-5078 or [email protected].

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SAVE THE DATE: Iowa Wolves Faith and Family Day

Sunday, March 17, 2024

3 p.m.

Catholic Charities will be at the Iowa Wolves Faith and Family Day game on Sunday, March 17, 3 p.m. at the Iowa Events Center.

You can purchase discounted tickets through the link below. Every ticket includes a meal and attendance to the post-game concert, Jordan St. Cyr.

Cheer on the Iowa Wolves while raising awareness for the vital work Catholic Charities does in our community.

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We Couldn't Do It Without YOU!

Get Involved this New Year

Is one of your New Year’s resolutions to get more involved in your community? Do you want to help others but don’t know where to start? Catholic Charities has you covered! From group volunteer activities that teach the importance of Christ's call to service at our Food Pantry to donation drives that put hats and gloves on the homeless to financial support to power our programs and more, your desire to help the less fortunate can be activated through Catholic Charities. From small donations to full-time volunteers, there is something for everyone.

Call or email Catholic Charities’ Community Relations Manager, Emily Klisares, to explore the possibilities: 515-237-5078 or email [email protected].

Visit Opportunities

Volunteers Help Clean the Food Pantry

We certainly have the best volunteers around! During our winter break, Sam Leo and Jerry Getman generously cleaned up and put a new finish coat on the Catholic Charities’ Food Pantry floor. This will make an improved shopping experience for all our guests. Thank you, Sam and Jerry, we are grateful for all you do!

Thank You for Your Support this Christmas!

St. Pius Catholic Church youth group in Urbandale collected over 700 personal care and hygiene items, completing multiple Catholic Charities’ 100 Challenges! These items will support the individuals and families being served through all Catholic Charities' programs.

The Knights of Columbus at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in West Des Moines donated more than 290 pairs of socks, also completing the Catholic Charities’ 100 Challenge! These socks will support individuals being served through all Catholic Charities' programs.

The Timothy Yates Heggen (TYH) Foundation generously donated presents for the families being served at the Catholic Charities’ Emergency Family Shelter.

Shoebox Angels by Mischa donated Christmas gifts for those spending the holidays at the Catholic Charities’ Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault shelter in Council Bluffs.

Catholic Charities' Staff Spotlight

Spotlight: Deborah Kesling

For more than four years, Deborah has served as Food Pantry Associate for the Catholic Charities' Food Pantry. She plays an integral role and works closely with the Food Pantry program manager and volunteers to help feed those who are hungry in our community. Her favorite part of working at Catholic Charities is interacting with clients and our volunteers.

In her free time, Deborah enjoys spending time with her family, watching movies and playing board games.

Thank you Deborah for all you do!

Welcome to Catholic Charities: Chase Brown!

Catholic Charities welcomed Chase Brown to the team as a Program Assistant in November. In his role, he works closely with the Catholic Charities' Food Pantry and Refugee Services programs. Chase is a recent graduate of AmeriCorps NCCC and has a passion for helping others.

"I am very thankful for this opportunity and I am looking forward to helping out however I can," said Chase.

Welcome to the team Chase!

Centennial Moment: St. Mary’s Family Resource Center

In the fall/winter of 1988, Catholic Charities announced the opening of an Outreach Service Center at 1248 E. 12th Street, Des Moines, IA, as a way to better assist those in need. The site of the Outreach Center was the old convent building on the premises of Visitation Parish and it was an instant success. The need for this assistance and the success of the program continues to this day.

The Outreach Center was later renamed the St. Mary’s Family Resource Center in 1991 and moved to 1240 E. 12th St., Des Moines, IA, in 1999. The center moved to its current location at 1815 Hubbell Ave, Des Moines, IA, and is now known as the Catholic Charities’ Food Pantry. The food pantry continues this legacy of serving all in need.

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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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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!

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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 25,000 individuals each year.