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Dear Friends,
As we embark on the Christmas season, our families will take time to express gratitude to one another for the many gifts we have been given and we will find ways to continue to give to those most important in our lives. Likewise, here at Catholic Charities, we thank the hundreds of supporters who have trusted us with their gifts of time, talent and treasure this year. Our mission is fueled by your generosity. In this issue, we have offered additional ways for you to embrace the spirit of giving this holiday season to positively impact our clients.
We are grateful for the dedicated service of our board of directors and the leadership of Bishop Joensen along with our passionate team to serve those most in need. May the Lord bless you and your families this holiday season. Merry Christmas from Catholic Charities!
Barbara Q. Decker
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Catholic Charities Receives
2023 Karen L. Evans Immigrant Champion Award
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In November, Catholic Charities was honored as the 2023 recipient of the Karen L. Evans Immigrant Champion Award from the Immigrant Entrepreneurs Summit (IES). We are grateful for this meaningful recognition. The Catholic Charities’ Refugee Services team is passionate about helping our refugee families get acclimated to their new surroundings by going above and beyond to help set them up for success. It is great to see the hard work our team has put in is being recognized in such a meaningful way. | |
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Together we GAVE!
THANK YOU to all who supported Catholic Charities during this year’s Giving Tuesday. Because of your generous support, we were able to unlock the $20,000 matching gift, instantly DOUBLING every gift that was made. Every gift, no matter the size, has an impact on the transformational work happening at Catholic Charities. Thank you for your continuous support of our clients, team and programs.
The Catholic Charities’ Centennial Fund was established to expand and elevate the care we already provide while allowing us to further respond with a holistic, compassionate approach that sets our clients up for individual success.
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Centennial Trivia
Earlier this month, Catholic Charities held our first Centennial Trivia event. It was a night filled with holiday fun while supporting the Catholic Charities’ Emergency Family Shelter. Thank you to all who attended and made the event a success!
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Congratulations to “Team Lucie” who were the night’s trivia winners! Be on the lookout for our next trivia night happening in the Spring/Summer 2024.
Visit our Amazon Wish List for ways you can support our Emergency Family Shelter this Advent and Christmas season.
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Legacy Leader: Geri Boesen | |
Pictured: Geri Boesen and her son decorating this year's Christmas tree currently on display. | |
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For more than a decade, Geri Boesen has supported Catholic Charities through her generosity, creativity and leadership. Geri joined the Catholic Charities’ Board of Directors in 2012 and has since enjoyed learning about the different programs and the impact they have on those who are struggling. For many years she has also blessed Catholic Charities and the Pastoral Center with her creativity by decorating the Christmas tree in the lobby of the 601 Grand Ave building in Des Moines. This year, she also decorated the planters outside of the building to create a welcoming and festive environment for staff and clients.
“Catholic Charities provides hope to so many who are dealing with unthinkable struggles such as sexual assault, homelessness, adjusting to a foreign land, mental health issues and hunger,” said Geri. “I would like to see our community fully realize the care, compassion and assistance Catholic Charities gives to anyone in need of help.”
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Counseling
- Donate crayons, colored pencils and coloring books which will be used in therapy sessions.
- Join the Catholic Charities’ 100 Challenge by donating 100 boxes of Kleenex.
- Collect playing cards and board games which will be utilized by counseling clients
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Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault
- Make a monetary donation in support of the program's vital work for those who are struggling.
- Collect toilet paper, tooth paste, body wash and other toiletry items for clients.
- Call and ask about volunteer opportunities.
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Emergency Family Shelter
- Volunteer your time to get groceries for the Emergency Family Shelter.
- Donate winter hats, gloves and coats to help keep our shelter clients warm.
- Send a Christmas card with words of encouragement to families currently receiving assistance.
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Food Pantry
- Volunteer to hand out food.
- Donate cookie kits for clients to make Christmas cookies at home.
- Collect easy to carry blankets for guests visiting the food pantry.
- Assist with food rescue to help feed the growing number of food pantry clients.
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Refugee Services
- Donate winter apparel items to help refugee families stay warm during their first Iowa winter.
- Help set up new refugee family apartments.
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Join the Catholic Charities Connect program to further help refugee families feel comfortable in their new environment.
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Volunteer Opportunities
Catholic Charities has opportunities for everyone! Even an hour of your time impacts lives.
To explore all volunteer opportunities contact Catholic Charites’ Community Relations Manager, Emily Klisares, at 515-237-5078.
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Welcoming the Stranger
Imagine waiting 17 years in a refugee camp before being able to come to the United States to start your new life. This is the reality for many people as they escape the life-threatening circumstances in their home countries. During this fiscal year, Catholic Charities’ Refugee Services will resettle 250 refugees in Iowa.
To help families get acclimated to their new surroundings, Catholic Charities created Catholic Charities Connect program which connects refugee client families with local families. Do you want to get involved? For more information on Catholic Charities Connect contact Refugee Services Coordinator, Shalom Lule at [email protected].
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Catholic Charities Staff Spotlight: Stella Fister
Stella provides a warm welcome to all who visit the Catholic Charities’ main offices in Des Moines. She is also a part of the Catholic Charities’ Counseling team and helps schedule counseling sessions. Stella recently celebrated five years at Catholic Charities and her favorite part has been being able to meet people from all different backgrounds, faiths and walks of life. In her spare time, she loves being with her large family. She enjoys animals, reading, sewing, shopping, playing cards and games with her grandchildren and meeting new people. This time of year you can find Stella driving around looking at the holiday lights and lawn decorations.
Thank you Stella for all you do!
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Centennial Moment: Butter Nativity | |
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SAVE THE DATE: Shamrocks and Shenanigans
Saturday, March 2, 2024
Join us for our annual fundraiser, Shamrocks & Shenanigans on Saturday, March 2 at The Shop in Downtown Des Moines (901 Cherry St, Des Moines, IA 50309). Prepare yourself for a unique evening of Irish fun in support of our vital programs which assist those most in need in our communities. Look for more details coming soon.
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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, at the Iowa Events Center. Be on the lookout for how you can get discounted tickets to the game while supporting Catholic Charities!
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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!
Like us on Facebook
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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.
Find more information about Catholic Charities here.
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