Catholic Charites: Refugee Services | |
Catholic Charities Refugee Services works through the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and the U.S. State Department to resettle refugee families in our area. Our staff is passionate about supporting our refugee clients and setting them up for success as they adjust to their new surroundings. | |
Around Catholic Charities | |
THANK YOU! Centennial Trivia | |
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Thank you to all who attended our Centennial Trivia event earlier this month. It was a great evening filled with fun, fellowship and trivia while raising support for the
Catholic Charities’ Food Pantry.
Congratulations to “Beth’s Angels,” our new Centennial Trivia Champions!
Be on the lookout for our next trivia event.
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We Are There
Catholic Charities, Diocese of Des Moines is joining with the Catholic Charities' network around the country to participate in We Are There, a national awareness campaign highlighting the life-giving services Catholic Charities agencies provide in their local communities. For 100 years, Catholic Charities, Diocese of Des Moines has brought comfort, hope and relief to our neighbors, regardless of their background, in central and southwest Iowa. The work we do complements the diverse services provided at the 168 other Catholic Charities agencies across the United States and its five territories.
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New Refugee Arrivals
The Catholic Charities’ Refugee Services team has been busy welcoming new arrivals to Iowa. Within the first 90 days of a new family’s arrival, our team welcomes them at the airport, helps them get situated in their new home, arranges medical visits, registers children for school, assists them with finding suitable employment, and more. By the end of our fiscal year on June 30, Catholic Charities’ Refugee Services will have helped more than 250 refugees make Iowa their new home.
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Community Support in Council Bluffs
The Catholic Charities’ Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault program received a donation of 100 care packages including sweatshirts, sweatpants, personal care and comfort items from Leadership Council Bluffs. Michelle Wodtke Franks, with the Iowa West Foundation, helped coordinate this generous donation to support our clients. Power Tech, Anytime Tees and Sail On and Fly High also contributed to make this donation possible. We are grateful for the support of the Council Bluffs community.
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Catholic Charities Disaster Relief
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.
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Support for the Future
It is always an exciting day when guests of the Catholic Charities’ Emergency Family Shelter prepare to move into permanent housing. Our guests utilize the FreeStore to help furnish their new homes, a fee we cover to help set our guests up for success. The FreeStore provides donated furniture and household goods to families as they begin their new, independent and productive lives.
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URGENT NEED: Paper Towels and Canned Goods
The Catholic Charities’ Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Program is in urgent need of paper towels and canned goods. We are grateful for the support of our community who help us meet the needs of those we serve. When you shop our Amazon Wish List your donation will be shipped directly to us.
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Food Bank of Iowa at Catholic Charities’ Food Pantry
Earlier this month, Michelle Book, CEO of the Food Bank of Iowa, visited the Catholic Charities’ Food Pantry to see the impactful work we do feeding the hungry in our community. The Catholic Charities’ Food Pantry has a strong partnership with the Food Bank of Iowa and we are grateful for their continued support. Thank you Michelle for visiting and hearing about the impact we make on the community.
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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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DSM World Refugee Day
Saturday, June 22, 2024
12 - 4 p.m.
4801 Franklin Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50310
FREE
Every year on June 20, the world celebrates World Refugee Day. This day honors and celebrates the strength and courage of people who have been forced to flee their home country to escape conflict or persecution.
You can celebrate World Refugee Day in our community on Saturday, June 22, at Franklin Middle School, hosted by Refugee Alliance of Central Iowa. There will be cultural performances including dance, music, poetry, storytelling, fashion shows, and much more!
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Volunteer at Catholic Charities this Summer
Are you looking for ways to give back this summer? Catholic Charities has great opportunities for you to get involved!
- We are in need of volunteers to help move, sort and put away recently donated food at the Catholic Charities' Food Pantry.
- Do you like to cook? Consider volunteering as a meal provider at the Catholic Charities’ Emergency Family Shelter. We have several open dates in June and July.
- Our Refugee Services team is always looking for help at our warehouse organizing items for new refugee apartment set-ups.
- and MORE!
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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 35,000 individuals each year.
Find more information about Catholic Charities here.
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