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We couldn't do it without YOU!
Catholic Charities' impact on those who are struggling is profound. Support from individuals, like YOU, enables us to provide an unmatched level of care to all we serve. Thank you for your support as we celebrate 100 years of care and compassion.
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Catholic Charities Now Accepting CRS Rice Bowl Grant Applications
Catholic Charities is now accepting applications for the 2024 Catholic Relief Services (CRS) Rice Bowl grants.
Grants are available to parishes and community organizations within the Diocese of Des Moines to support food programs and other relief efforts that address the root causes of poverty.
The application deadline is
Friday, February 23.
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Do Something EXTRA this Month
February 2024 marks a Leap Year, giving us an extra day this month. With the added day, we challenge you to do ONE EXTRA SOMETHING to help combat food insecurity.
According to the Des Moines Area Religious Council (DMARC), in 2023, more than 65,000 unique individuals utilized one of their pantries, including the Catholic Charities’ Food Pantry. This is a 20 percent increase from previous years.
Ways to do EXTRA:
- Hold a food or fund drive benefiting the Catholic Charities’ Food Pantry.
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Make a donation.
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Partake in the Catholic Charities' 100 Challenge by collecting 100 personal care items.
- Volunteer an extra hour at the Catholic Charities’ Food Pantry.
The Catholic Charities' Food Pantry is a member of the DMARC Food Pantry Network and partners with the Food Bank of Iowa to provide nutritious food to the hungry.
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“The Corporal Works of Mercy are not extra credit for Christians, they are essential,” said Fr. Polich. “Catholic Charities is actively living out the Works of Mercy and addressing people’s needs.” | |
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Legacy Leaders: Fr. David Polich
Fr. David Polich has helped Catholic Charities grow as an organization through his leadership and guidance. His passion for social justice has shaped the programs offered to better fulfill the needs of those being served.
Fr. Polich joined the Catholic Charities Board of Directors in the early 1980s and served again in the late 1990s to early 2000s. He is grateful to see Catholic Charities continue to grow and care for those in need.
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GET YOUR TICKETS! Shamrocks and Shenanigans
Saturday, March 2, 2024
6 p.m.
Do you have your tickets yet? Catholic Charities’ annual fundraiser, Shamrocks and Shenanigans is less than a month away! Join us, Saturday, March 2, 6 p.m. at The Shop in Downtown Des Moines (901 Cherry St, Des Moines, IA 50309). Prepare yourself for a unique, exciting evening of Irish fun in support of our vital programs which support those most in need in our communities.
For sponsorship opportunities, contact Catholic Charities Marketing Manager, Kendall Begnoche at
515-237-5022 or kbegnoche@catholiccharitiesdm.org.
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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, 3 p.m. at the Iowa Events Center.
You can purchase discounted tickets through the link below. Every ticket includes a meal and attendance to the post-game concert, Jordan St. Cyr.
Cheer on the Iowa Wolves while raising awareness for the vital work Catholic Charities does in our community.
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Catholic Charities Staff Spotlight: Elizabeth Serrato
Elizabeth Serrato serves as a Sexual Assault Advocate for Catholic Charities’ Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault program. Her favorite part of her role is learning how to best assist clients in need. She is grateful for the different opportunities Catholic Charities offers for professional growth and learning. She appreciates the wisdom she has gained in her role to more confidently assist clients.
In her free time, Elizabeth enjoys spending time with her kids doing arts and crafts and listening to audiobooks.
Thank you Elizabeth for all you do!
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Annual Day of Prayer – End Human Trafficking
Today, February 8, is the church's annual day of prayer and awareness against human trafficking, as well as the feast day of St. Josephine Bakhita, who was kidnapped as a child and sold into slavery. Individuals all over the world are encouraged to pray for an end to human trafficking and for the healing and empowerment of survivors. Catholic Charities’ Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault program offers free and confidential services and resources to survivors of human trafficking.
| Enjoy a poem recited in Spanish by Elizabeth Serrato, Sexual Assault Advocate for Catholic Charities’ Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault program. | |
Centennial Moment: Catholic Charities Headquarters
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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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Follow us on LinkedIn
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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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Contact Us
Phone: 515-244-3761
Email: charities@catholiccharitiesdm.org
Mail: 601 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309
Visit our Website: catholiccharitiesdm.org
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