Catholic Charities' Emergency Family Shelter | |
The Catholic Charities’ Emergency Family Shelter keeps families experiencing homelessness together during a very difficult time in their lives. Our goal is to help each family leave the shelter feeling empowered to live a successful, sustainable life. | |
Around Catholic Charities | |
|
Bankers Trust Supports Catholic Charities’ Refugee Clients
Earlier this month, members from Bankers Trust held a financial literacy class for Catholic Charities’ Refugee Services clients. During this class, attendees learned best practices for handling money and how to track their finances. We are grateful for our partnership with Bankers Trust and their support of our refugee clients.
| |  |
|
Walking with Moms Uplifts Catholic Charities’ Clients
Recently, members from St. Ambrose Cathedral's “Walking with Moms” group held a collection to support Catholic Charities' clients. Parishioners donated hundreds of items including diapers, wipes, snacks, personal hygiene items, notebooks, crayons and more to this collection, completing a Catholic Charities’ 100 Challenge. These items will support moms and families receiving help across different program areas including the Catholic Charities’ Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault program, Catholic Charities’ Emergency Family Shelter, Catholic Charities’ Food Pantry and Catholic Charities’ Refugee Services. Marilyn Sharp, a member of the Walking with Moms group and former Catholic Charities Board Member, delivered the donation. We are grateful for the generosity and support of the Walking with Moms group and St. Ambrose Cathedral.
| |
Legacy Leader: Bishop Richard E. Pates | |
|
Throughout Bishop Richard E. Pates’ 11 years of service as Bishop of the Diocese of Des Moines, he helped Catholic Charities enhance its services and programs to better serve the people of central and southwest Iowa. He was introduced to the work of Catholic Charities on his first day as Bishop when he had dinner at the Catholic Charities’ Emergency Family Shelter. Shortly after, Bishop Pates became acquainted with the other Catholic Charities’ programs and the life-saving work done by the organization.
His leadership and support allowed Catholic Charities to grow and expand in many different ways. As Catholic Charities celebrates its centennial year, Bishop Pates hopes the organization continues to evolve to support those in need with compassion and respect.
“Catholic Charities is an integral part of the Diocese of Des Moines and lends authenticity to the faith we profess, that we not just profess the faith but also express it in our works,” said Bishop Pates.
| |
|
Catholic Charities Disaster Relief - Funds Still Available
When disaster strikes in our neighborhoods we are reminded of the importance of community and the call to serve and love others. We are here to assist and support those in need during this time of hardship.
Catholic Charities, Diocese of Des Moines, is able to offer support through a Disaster Relief Assistance Program funded by Catholic Charities USA. Individuals and families affected by either the April 26th or May 21st tornadoes can apply for a grant. Assistance is available only for residents living in the Diocese of Des Moines.
| | |
|
Supporting the Future of Catholic Charities
For 100 years, Catholic Charities has provided help and hope to the people of the Diocese of Des Moines through our vital program areas. As we look to the future, we are determined to meet the ever-changing needs of those we serve. We are grateful for our community partners and sponsors who support us in our mission to Empower Individuals and Strengthen Families.
We thank Athene for their support as a Centennial Sponsor and the Catholic Foundation of Southwest Iowa for their support as a Table Sponsor of our Centennial Gala, which will showcase and celebrate the transformational work we are able to do every day.
| |
Recognizing 23 Years of Passionate Service | |
|
Sapana Sharma has made her mark on Catholic Charities through her dedication, passion and love for the mission. After 23 years of committed service, Sapana plans to retire on August 2, 2024.
Sapana started with Catholic Charities Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Program as an intern in 1999 and went on to serve in many different roles and will be retiring as Director of Programs for Southwest Iowa. Throughout her tenure, she has remained committed to the mission of Catholic Charities to Empower Individuals and Strengthen Families. As Sapana prepares for her well-deserved retirement, she looks forward to spending time with family and friends, traveling and reading more books. We celebrate Sapana and the legacy she is leaving behind. Her compassion, dedication and leadership have helped expand the Catholic Charities’ Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Program and have made a lasting impression on the organization as a whole.
“I am immensely grateful to Catholic Charities for the welcoming environment, the celebration of diversity, the opportunity to learn and grow, and the Catholic Charities’ Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Program team for their support throughout my career,” said Sapana.
| |
|
Brain Break: Box Breathing
Regulating your breathing can help calm your nervous system and heart rate. The next time you are feeling a little overwhelmed or stressed, try box breathing! Simply inhale for four counts, hold for four counts, exhale for four counts, hold again for four counts and repeat.
This helpful Brain Break tip is brought to you by the Catholic Charities' Counseling Program.
| | |
|
We Are There: Providing Hope for Families
Everyone deserves a safe place to call home and lay their head at night. The Catholic Charities’ Emergency Family Shelter is the largest family shelter in Des Moines, with 10 rooms dedicated to keeping families together in times of struggle. Learn how Catholic Charities, Diocese of Des Moines is helping to solve the housing crisis.
| |
Welcome to Catholic Charities! | |
|
Dema Abu-Assaf
Dema Abu-Assaf joined the Catholic Charities’ team as Program Manager for Catholic Charities’ Refugee Services. She comes to Catholic Charities from the Des Moines Public Schools and has a wealth of knowledge working with refugee and immigrant communities. She is passionate about community service and is thrilled to be a part of the Catholic Charities' team.
In her spare time, Dema enjoys exploring different cultures through food and meeting new people. We are grateful to have Dema as a part of our Catholic Charities’ team.
Welcome Dema!
| | |
|
Kirstin Hill, SHRM-CP
Kirstin Hill joined the Catholic Charities’ team as the new Director of Human Resources and Operations. Kirstin has more than 20 years of generalist human resources experience and is a Certified Professional as recognized by the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM-CP) and has earned a Group Benefits Associate status from the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Programs.
Outside of work, Kirstin enjoys traveling, hiking, kayaking, and attending sporting events and concerts. We are grateful to have Kirstin join our Catholic Charities’ team.
Welcome Kirstin!
| |
|
Save the Date: Catholic Charities' Centennial Trivia!
Catholic Charities’ is pleased to announce a new Centennial Trivia event happening Saturday, October 19, 5 p.m.! Join us at the Catholic Pastoral Center (601 Grand Ave., Des Moines, IA 50309) for an evening of great fellowship, delicious food and exciting trivia! Will your team be our new champions? Proceeds from the event will support Catholic Charities’ Refugee Services. Stay tuned for ticket information.
If you are interested in donating a basket to be featured as a raffle item for this event, please get in touch with Catholic Charities Community Relations Manager, Emily Klisares, at eklisares@catholiccharitiesdm.org or 515-237-5078.
| | | |
Centennial Moment: Catholic Charities in Council Bluffs | |
|
When Catholic Charities was founded in 1924, programs and services were located in Des Moines. To better serve all residents in the Diocese of Des Moines, Catholic Charities opened a new location in Council Bluffs in July of 1945. As time went on, this location began to serve as the Catholic Charities’ Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault program.
| |
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!
| |
| |
|
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
Follow us on Instagram
Follow us on LinkedIn
| |
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.
| | | | |
