Catholic Charities: Counseling Program | |
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 provides professional therapy services for those who are struggling with mental health issues. Our therapists provide excellent insight and support needed to manage life’s problems in a more productive way. | |
Catholic Charities is pleased to present another Centennial Trivia night! Join us for a fun-filled evening benefiting the Catholic Charities’ Food Pantry. Get your team together and prepare yourself for this EXCITING event! | |
Legacy Leader: Laura Wenman | |
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Laura Wenman, Catholic Charities Executive Committee and Board of Directors member, connects deeply with our mission to Empower Individuals and Strengthen Families. Through her involvement with the board, Laura has served multiple terms and has provided thoughtful discernment and insight on the direction of the organization. She was instrumental in facilitating a partnership between MercyOne and Catholic Charities, who has served as a top sponsor for many years. In addition, Laura also supports Catholic Charities as a donor and through her advocacy.
“It is easy to show compassion to people when you know their story, however, it is far more important to be able to reach out and embrace them without judgement,” said Laura. “Catholic Charities has given us an opportunity to live in this way and for that I am incredibly grateful.”
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Supporting Neighbors in Need | |
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Strong Partnerships, Great Impact
We are grateful to have a strong connection with the Bankers Trust Company. Their DEI Committee was recently recognized for its ongoing partnership with the Catholic Charities’ Refugee Services Program. This committee has made a huge impact on the lives of our refugee clients by helping with apartment set-ups and teaching financial literacy classes. The bank also donated $2,500 to further support the program.
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Lead By Example
It is inspiring to see young people in our community give back to those in need. In late April, five seniors from Dowling Catholic High School, mentored by Dowling alum, Blake Clark, volunteered their time to help with food deliveries at the Catholic Charities’ Food Pantry. We thank them for their help and support!
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We Remember: Nancy Stefani
As a well-versed philanthropist, Nancy Stefani knew the importance of giving back to her community. She served as the Director of Development at Catholic Charities for 19 years, helping secure vital funding to support our programs.
She specialized in Planned Giving and leaves behind a tremendous legacy. We send our blessings and prayers to the Stefani family.
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Mental Wellness Panel
Today, Thursday, May 9
5:30 p.m. - Dinner
6:00 p.m. - Presentation
Griswold Community Center
601 2nd St., Griswold, IA 51535
(Presentation available via Zoom)
Catholic Charities is pleased to be a part of the Healthy Cass County Coalition’s Mental Wellness Panel. Catholic Charities Therapist, Debrenee Grajeda, LMSW, PLMHP will be speaking in the panel discussion. Members from the Catholic Charities’ Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault program will also attend to provide information and advocacy support for attendees, if needed.
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Stamp Out Hunger
Saturday, May 11, 2024
The National Association of Letter Carriers local chapter has selected the Des Moines Area Religious Council (DMARC) as the recipient of their annual Stamp Out Hunger food drive, happening Saturday, May 11.
On this day, Des Moines metro letter carriers will collect food left at the mailboxes of homeowners, renters, and businesses. Donated items will be distributed to DMARC food pantries, including the Catholic Charities’ Food Pantry.
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Container Gardening Event
Tuesday, May 14, 2024
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Catholic Charities’ Food Pantry
1815 Hubbell, Ave., Des Moines, IA 50316
Join Iowa State University Extention and Outreach County Master Gardeners on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Catholic Charities' Food Pantry to learn about container gardening! Participants will receive a tomato, pepper or other plant to take home.
All supplies and educational information will be provided at the event.
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Iowa Cubs Food Pantry Sunday
Sunday, June 9, 2024
1 p.m.
Help reduce food insecurity in our community while enjoying a fun day cheering on the Iowa Cubs! As a part of the Iowa Cubs’ Food Pantry Sunday, individuals who bring three or more canned or non-perishable food items will receive free general admission to the game. Items donated will support DMARC food panties, including Catholic Charities’ Food Pantry. Deborah Kesling, Catholic Charities’ Food Pantry Associate, was nominated as the game’s “Hunger Hero” and will throw out the first pitch.
Donations will be accepted on game day at Gate B at the DMARC booth.
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Debrenee Grajeda
Debrenee Grajeda serves as a clinical therapist for the Catholic Charities Counseling Program in Council Bluffs, IA. She has been with Catholic Charities for eight years, starting as a Domestic Violence Advocate with Catholic Charities’ Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault program before joining the counseling team. Debrenee provides mental health resources and therapy to clients in person or via telehealth. Her favorite thing about working for Catholic Charities is the relationships and connections she has made throughout the years.
In her spare time, Debrenee enjoys reading, cooking, creating pin home décor and spending time with her three boys. She can also be found enjoying some popcorn and reality TV with her husband.
Thank you Debrenee for all that you do!
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Welcome to Catholic Charities: Hannah Cordova
Catholic Charities’ Refugee Services is pleased to welcome Hannah Cordova as a Housing Specialist. In her role, she will help refugee clients find affordable housing and make sure they are comfortable and stable in their new homes. She is excited to be at Catholic Charities and make a difference in the lives of those we care for.
In her free time, Hannah can be found spending time with her husband and two daughters. They enjoy being outside, going camping and just being together as a family. She also enjoys going to concerts and local events hosted by the Ecuadorian community.
Welcome to the team Hannah!
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Join Our Leadership Team!
We are seeking a dynamic and visionary leader with a deep commitment to the mission and values of Catholic Charities, which are rooted in the principles of Catholic Social Teaching, to serve as our Executive Director. Our organization’s next leader will play a pivotal role in advancing our mission and ensuring the effective delivery of vital services to those we serve. We also have other openings on our leadership team for dedicated individuals to manage and lead our service-minded staff of doers.
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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 35,000 individuals each year.
Find more information about Catholic Charities here.
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