May 2025

Providing Help and Hope to All

Inspired by the Gospel call to “serve the least of these,” Catholic Charities stands as a living expression of the Catholic faith in action. We are pleased to continue our long legacy of adapting to the needs of the community by meeting clients where they are and providing them with the tools they need to succeed. In this Jubilee season, as we reflect on mercy, reconciliation and hope, we invite everyone to join us and encounter Christ at the margins, where the struggling are often found. With needs continuing to grow, Catholic Charities welcomes individuals, parishes, and organizations to get involved through advocacy, donations, financial contributions, or volunteering.

Habemus Papam! Welcome, Pope Leo XIV

We celebrate the election of Pope Leo XIV, the former Cardinal Robert Prevost, Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops. A native of Chicago, Pope Leo XIV is the first American Pope.

We pray that his international perspective and missionary experience will be a blessing for the global Church. Habemus Papam!

Bishop Joensen Welcomes Pope Leo XIV

Statement from Catholic Charities USA President and CEO Kerry Alys Robinson

Honoring our Catholic Charities Volunteers

In April, we celebrated and honored our amazing Catholic Charities volunteers at our annual volunteer appreciation dinner. At the dinner, program managers shared the impact volunteers have on our programs and what their selfless service means to our clients. We can’t express enough our gratitude for all our volunteers who help us live out our mission to Empower Individuals and Strengthen Families.

Mental Health Awareness Month

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Since its inception in 1949, Mental Health Awareness Month has been a cornerstone of addressing the challenges faced by millions of Americans living with mental health conditions. The Catholic Charities Counseling program is dedicated to supporting those struggling with stress, anxiety and other challenges, recognizing that professional mental health services foster personal growth, promote emotional well-being and develop healthier ways of coping.

Mental Health Novena

Honoring Mary, Serving Others

May is the Month of Mary, a special time in the Catholic Church to honor the Blessed Virgin as our spiritual mother and model of faith, humility and compassion. As we reflect on Mary’s example, we are reminded to care for those in need with the same loving spirit. Catholic Charities lives out this mission by offering hope and support to individuals and families facing hardship. This month, let us follow Mary’s lead by praying for those in need and supporting the vital work of Catholic Charities in our community.

Make a Gift

Thank you Joseph for all you do!

Volunteer of the Year: Joseph Thompson

At this year’s volunteer appreciation dinner, we were pleased to honor Joseph Thompson as Volunteer of the Year. Joe has been a dedicated volunteer at the Catholic Charities Food Pantry for several years, always ready to lend a helping hand wherever it’s needed. He faithfully takes the pantry's cardboard to the recycling center every Tuesday and Thursday. Over the past year alone, Joe contributed more than 270 hours of service. Every time he volunteers, he brings a daily quote to display at the food pantry, which is enjoyed by clients, staff and other volunteers.

"He always has a smile on his face and is ready to help in any way," said Deborah Kesling, Catholic Charities Food Pantry Manager. "I appreciate his cheerful attitude and all the work he has done for the pantry over the years."

Changing Times

So far, 2025 has brought a lot of changes to our community and to some of the programs we offer. Catholic Charities is proud to have played such a pivotal role in resettling thousands of refugees for well over 50 years here in Iowa. This work is at the heart of Catholic Social Teaching, which guides our mission to Empower Individuals and Strengthen Families. These individuals are escaping persecution in their countries, have been fully-vetted by our government and have been invited to come to the Des Moines community. Due to government funding cuts, we no longer have the resources to provide individualized care along with other services offered under the program. We are saddened to end this successful public-private partnership that has enhanced the diversity, grown the economy, and increased the vibrancy of our communities.

We Remain There for All in Need

We remain committed to providing the most robust care possible for the vulnerable communities we serve, including our refugee neighbors. We have created a Community Resource Coordinator position to help the marginalized among us navigate their way to the support they need and deserve within our community. We are innovating new ways to help our neighbors in need, including our former refugee clients. Our goal is to promote individual and family stability and self-sufficiency by assessing client needs, making referrals to community resources, and fostering connections with service providers.

Questions? Contact us!

Meet Dema Abu-Assaf, the new Catholic Charities Community Resource Coordinator. In her role, she will help to assess client needs, make referrals to community resources, and foster connections with service providers to support a broad population in need.

Get Involved

9th Annual TYH Golf Classic

Saturday, July 26, 2025

8:15 a.m. Tee Off

Otter Creek Course

4100 Northeast Otter Creek Drive

Ankeny, IA 50021

The Timothy Yates Heggen Foundation (TYH) is a longtime partner and supporter of the Catholic Charities Emergency Family Shelter. Every week, TYH helps stock the pantry and refrigerator at the Emergency Family Shelter, providing families with food for breakfast and lunch. A portion of the proceeds raised from their annual golf classic supports the Catholic Charities Emergency Family Shelter.

Spring Program Needs

If you or your organization is looking for a way to help others in the community this spring, Catholic Charities has you covered! We have created a list with some of our programs’ most needed items. Looking to give your time? We have a variety of volunteer opportunities available as well.

Program Needs

Volunteer Opportunities

Make a Gift

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!

Donate Now

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 35,000 individuals each year.

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