Loving Our Neighbors In Need | | | | |
Every day, Catholic Charities bears witness to the unseen strength of our neighbors striving to overcome life’s challenges. While many of us rarely think twice about the luxury of air-conditioned homes, cruise-controlled cars or savings accounts, countless individuals and families served by Catholic Charities live without these comforts and focus instead on meeting their most basic needs.
We are there to bridge this gap.
Following in the example given to us by the Good Samaritan, Catholic Charities serves our neighbors in need by feeding the hungry, sheltering the homeless, comforting the afflicted, uplifting the lost and much more with true mercy.
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Share Your Story
Stories change hearts and your voice can help inspire someone else’s journey.
Has Catholic Charities made a difference in your life? Why do you support Catholic Charities? What is the best part about being a volunteer?
Every story matters. We want to hear yours!
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Youth Making an Impact
Earlier this month, youth from Ascension Parish, Boone County, spent a morning volunteering at the Catholic Charities Food Pantry. They helped package and distribute food to our clients, and we are grateful for the impact they made.
Are you looking for a way to make a difference? Consider volunteering as a group at Catholic Charities!
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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 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.
| | | | Helping Hands: Ashley Sgroi | | |
Ashley Sgroi, middle school religion teacher at St. Augustin’s Catholic School in Des Moines, shows her students every year what it means to put faith into action. From a young age, Ashley has been involved in volunteering. As she grew, her passion for service continued and has now carried over into her professional life.
As a religion teacher, she is tasked with providing her students with service opportunities. She reached out to Catholic Charities, and a beautiful partnership was formed.
Through this partnership, her students have had the chance to give back while learning about the important work done for those in need at Catholic Charities. She explains that seeing her students connect the work they do with the real impact it has on others is eye-opening for them, and she is grateful to serve alongside them. Ashley encourages others, especially teachers, to get involved with Catholic Charities.
“My goal is to try and make sure they [my students] understand that our faith teaches that we should show the love of Christ in both our words and actions,” said Ashley.
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Mission in Action: Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault
The Catholic Charities Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault program provides free and confidential services to anyone faced with these issues.
In the last 12 months alone, our program:
- Provided 4,433 nights of care through our emergency shelter.
- Interacted with 4,481 clients.
- Empowered 301 clients through support groups and classes.
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Meal Providers Needed!
Catholic Charities Emergency Family Shelter is in need of meal provider volunteers to help support our clients. It's really easy, we promise! Here's how you do it:
- Pick a date.
- Choose a simple menu that will feed 35 people. (Examples: pasta and salad, burgers and fruit, fried chicken and corn, etc.)
- Grab some friends and family to cook with.
- Feel the love and gratitude when you feed the families at the Emergency Family Shelter.
Currently available dates: August 31; September 1, 2, 5, 18, 21, 29, and 30.
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Laron Rhone
Laron Rhone serves as a part-time Shelter Advocate with our Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault program. In his role, Laron provides direct support to shelter guests by monitoring shelter activities, providing crisis intervention and advocacy, helping arrange transportation assistance and much more. Part-time shelter advocates, like Laron, help cover evening, weekend and overnight shifts, which are essential to ensuring our 24-hour emergency shelter runs smoothly and provides the highest level of care. Laron is very dependable and always willing to step in and help whenever needed.
“Laron is very patient, kind and takes the time needed to listen to clients,” said Carrie Potter, Catholic Charities Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault program manager. “Laron does his work very well and he is much appreciated!”
Thank you Laron!
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We Are Hiring!
Are you ready to turn your passion for service into real impact? Catholic Charities is searching for a Community Relations Manager who can connect hearts, hands and hope across the Diocese of
Des Moines.
In this role, you’ll have a chance to:
- Maintain a thriving volunteer program
- Strengthen community and parish connections
- Bring inspiring events to life
This isn’t just a job, it’s a calling to make a difference every day. Apply today and let your passion meet purpose!
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Community Health Information Fair
Sunday, August 17, 2025
12:00 - 3:30 p.m.
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
1627 Grand Ave
West Des Moines, IA 50265
MyIowaHealth – MiSaludIowa is holding a Health Screening and Vaccine Information Fair this Sunday, August 17, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in West Des Moines. The event will include free health screenings and educational resources for the community. Catholic Charities will be there to share information on our programs.
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11th Annual Community Baby Shower - Donations Needed!
The Catholic Charities Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault program is preparing for its 10th 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!
Follow Catholic Charities of Des Moines on social media. Be up to date on events, news and our programs!

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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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