Dear Friends,



Let’s celebrate the glorious month of May. During this month, we recognize and extend best wishes to all mothers, new graduates, and to those who are experiencing new beginnings in their lives. May is also the month of our Mother Mary, whose special devotions we embrace, including praying the rosary and the traditional May crowning ceremonies.


At Catholic Charities, we honor and thank our therapists who provide counsel to all in need from our southwest Iowa communities. Their care and comforting guidance in the midst of emotional trauma and wounds have brought healing to many who have sought counseling services. Information about Mental Health Awareness Month is found in this month’s issue.


As Pope Francis reflected from his recent visit to Hungary, he spoke of, “building bridges – bridges of harmony and bridges of unity.” Our ministry to build bridges of hope, mercy, and justice responsive to the cries of others is a testament to the Pope’s call to action. In a recent meeting with staff, I listened to their personal and profound stories of engagement and support to our residents at our shelters; our guests at the food pantry; and to our clients in service to refugees and to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking.


How blessed we are to be present to individuals from all backgrounds and to provide these varied services in communion with our staff, volunteers, donors, and many partners. Thank you for the many ways you give and offer assistance to Catholic Charities!


With good wishes,

Barbara Q. Decker

Catholic Charities Executive Director

Upcoming Events

BBQ with the Bishop

 

Join Bishop Joensen for a casual backyard event in support of Catholic Charities! Hosted by Dan and Mary Buscher.

 

Saturday, July 15, at 6 pm, 204 S. 28th Street, West Des Moines. Tickets on sale now!

Buy Tickets Here

Mental Health Awareness Month


May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Creating awareness of mental health care and wellness is important as children and youth in Iowa are in the midst of a mental health crisis. According to the Iowa Department of Health & Human Services, suicide is the second leading cause of death among Iowans 15-24 years of age. In Central Iowa, children and youth relying on Medicaid wait an average of 12 weeks for a first appointment with a provider (source: Blank Children’s Hospital).

 

Additional data underscores the crisis children and youth face. According to the 2021 Iowa Youth Survey, which surveys 46,000+ students, 192 school districts (public & private schools), and has been conducted every three years since 1999, depression, bullying and suicidal ideation are on the rise. The 2021 Youth Survey revealed that instances of name calling and hurtful teasing in schools increased from 2018 to 2021 by 10% for all students (30 to 40% for 11th graders, 45 to 55% for 6th and 8th graders). Ten percent of all students surveyed experienced severe bullying (resulting in missing school); 36% of all 11th  graders reported feeling sad or hopeless, compared to 25% in 2016. Moreover, 24% of all 11th graders surveyed reported that they had considered suicide: 24% of all 11th graders; 21% of all 8th graders; and 17% of all 6th graders.

 

Moreover, there is a direct link between Adverse Child Experiences (ACEs) during childhood and adolescence, and chronic diseases, mental health disorders, incarceration and unemployment in adults. ACEs are traumatic events that can dramatically upset a child’s sense of safety and well-being. They include emotional, physical, sexual abuse; emotional and physical neglect; household challenges – separation, domestic violence, substance abuse, mental illness, incarcerated adult)

 

However, there is hope and good news. The antidote to trauma and adverse childhood experiences is resilience, the capacity to adapt and grow through adversity with support from others. Positive experiences, like connections to caring and committed adults, counteract adverse experiences and create resilience within all of us. Adults reporting 6-7 positive childhood experiences had 72% lower odds of suffering from depression or poor mental health, compared with those reporting 0-2 positive childhood experiences.

 

A caring and committed adult does not ask “What is wrong with this young person?”, but rather, “What happened to this young person?” This is a trauma informed approach to mental health and is critical to assisting people suffering from ACEs, as it helps reframe “maladaptive behaviors and coping mechanisms”. As trauma-based responses to perceived threats in a person’s social environment. Each one of us has a role in cultivating resilience in our young people and in each other. Professional help is advised, but clinicians cannot do it alone. Families, parents, parishioners, clergy, educators, neighbors and friends all serve key roles in this work.

Mental Health First Aid Training

Thank you to Iowa State Extension and Outreach for providing mental health first aid training to our staff and friends. Staff from our Food Pantry and Refugee Services department, along with our friends at the International Rescue Committee Des Moines attended an all day training to become First Aid certified and to better support our clients as they navigate their mental health.

Staff Spotlight


Shout-out to Catholic Charities Assistant Director of Programs for Central Iowa, Kelyn Anker for being named the CCUSA Region 9 Captain for their Immigration and Refugee Division. Kelyn does fabulous work for the entire Catholic Charities team!


Volunteer Appreciation Month

Volunteer Appreciation Dinner


The month of April celebrates National Volunteer Appreciation Month. We honored our amazing volunteers at Catholic Charities' annual Volunteer Appreciation Dinner.

Breakfast with the Bishop


Thank you to everyone who attended Breakfast with the Bishop featuring Catholic Charities Food Pantry! It was a lovely morning that included breakfast, education on food insecurity in our community and of course a message from Bishop Joensen!

Catholic Charities Connect - Refugee Resettlement Program

Catholic Charities Connect Program

Are you interested in helping refugees in Des Moines? Catholic Charities is recruiting families and friends to create a connection with a newly resettled refugee family. This is a unique opportunity to be a new Iowan's personal tour guide to life in Des Moines. The video above highlights the amazing relationship created through this program between Kathleen Stange and Rose and Lu. To learn more about this program and get involved contact slule@catholiccharitiesdm.org or 515-237-5080.

Providing Food Assistance for Resettled Refugees


Providing food assistance for resettled refugees is a top priority for Catholic Charities. Many refugees land in the U.S. with only the clothes on their backs. Help us bridge the gap from the time these new Iowans arrive at our doorstep to the time food support reaches their pocketbooks by giving to our Refugee Food Assistance effort here.

Catholic Charities has Opportunities for Everyone!


If you or your organization are looking for a way to help others in the community, Catholic Charities has put together a list with many ways you can make a difference. From small donations to full-time volunteers, there is something everyone can offer in extending their time, talents and treasures!

________________________


A few highlights include donations of:

  • New Pillows
  • Hand/Body Lotion
  • Hair Conditioner
  • Men and women's deodorant
  • Tampons
  • Shampoo
  • Tooth Brush/ Tooth Paste
  • Toilet Paper
  • Bar Soap


Various volunteer opportunities needed include:

  • gardening/yard work in Des Moines and Council Bluffs
  • apartment setup and bus training for refugees
  • meal providers at Des Moines shelter


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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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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 30,000 individuals each year.


Find more information about Catholic Charities here.

catholiccharitiesdm.org