Monthly News & Updates

October 2022

Dear Colleagues and Friends:

What are your favorite autumn memories? The fall season offers us the gift of renewal as warm weather turns to cool; green leaves change to vibrate colors; and family and faith-centered traditions provide comfort and renewal.

In October, we observe Respect Life Month. At Catholic Charities we honor and recognize the dignity of every person who we encounter and have the privilege to assist in providing essential needs toward self-sufficiency. Our staff and volunteers meet each person with deep respect and a humble heart. They help with food, shelter, resettlement, health and safety needs. A Prayer for the Dignity of Human Life: Lord and Giver of all life, help us to value each person, created in love by You. In your mercy, guide and assist our efforts to promote the dignity and value of all human life. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

This month is dedicated to the Holy Rosary, its meditations and mysteries which draw us closer to Jesus and Mary. Saying the daily rosary refreshes my soul. In the midst of life’s joys and sorrows, we turn to the rosary for quiet contemplation and humility. When we take time for the rosary, we find inner strength, courage, and perseverance in performance of our everyday activities.

In October, we also recognize Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Catholic Charities provides multiple services within nine counties in southwest Iowa: Audubon, Cass, Fremont, Harrison, Mills, Montgomery, Page, Pottawattamie, and Shelby. Services include a 24-hour crisis phone line, emergency shelter, court advocacy, empowerment education, and support groups for survivors of domestic abuse, sexual assault and/or human trafficking. Program staff engage with area schools to offer prevention and programming opportunities.

All of this month’s expressions and celebrations provide a spirit of faith, hope and charity!

With Blessings in the Fall season,

Barbara Q. Decker

Catholic Charities Executive Director

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Domestic violence is defined as a purposeful pattern of coercive behavior used to maintain power and control over one's intimate partner. About 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men will experience some form of domestic violence. The national theme for Domestic Violence Awareness month 2022 is "you can do #1 thing". In 2022 the #1 thing you can do is end survivor blaming through choosing language which holds the abuser accountable.

DO YOU NEED HELP? 24/7 helpline: 712-328-0266 or 888-612-0266

Upcoming Events

Breakfast with the Bishop

Join us next month on Friday, November 4th for our Breakfast with the Bishop event. It will be held at Saints Peter and Paul Parish in Atlantic, IA. Enjoy breakfast while learning more about Catholic Charities programs and meeting Bishop Joensen! More details to come upon ticket purchase.

Respect Life Month

Each October the Church in the United States celebrates respect life month, and the first Sunday in October is observed as Respect Life Sunday. As Catholics, we are called to cherish, defend and protect those who are most vulnerable, from beginning of life to its end and every point in between. During the month of October, the Church asks us to reflect more deeply on the dignity of every human life.

Farming for Food Pantry

Iowa Gardening for Good is a non-profit located in Madrid. Last season they produced and delivered over 240,000 pounds of Iowa grown produce including watermelon, cantaloupe, zucchini, green peppers, acorn and butternut squash, sweet corn, and green beans to various food pantries in the community.

The largest single food pantry recipient was the Catholic Charities Food Pantry, receiving over 70,000 pounds of fresh Iowa produce. Fresh produce is expensive and limited at food pantries. Iowa Gardening for Good is addressing this critical need with the help of a large volunteer base. They have utilized over 1,500 volunteers in a single season.

On September 24th, Catholic Charities was able to say "thank you" by providing a small, 5-person volunteer group to join in with the 20 other volunteers. In 2 1/2 hours, the team picked nearly 8 TONS of acorn and butternut squash.

Contact Emily Klisares at eklisares@catholiccharitiesdm.org or 515-237-5078 to learn more!

October Donor Highlights

Get involved in October!

Catholic Charities programs run throughout the year. We are always looking for people who want to help support our mission to empower individuals and strengthen families.

Here are some immediate needs:

Food Pantry:

Deodorant
Bars of soap
Paper plates

Refugee:

Twin bed sheets
Rice Cookers
New Vacuums
Mops
Shower curtains and rods
School Supplies

Domestic Violence Shelter:

Pajamas (various sizes)
Sweat sets (various sizes)

Family Shelter:

Baby wipes (unscented if possible)
Laundry soap powder (unscented)
Men's and Woman's razors
Shaving Cream
Conditioner large size
Tin foil
Coffee Creamer
Body wash
Meal Providers (several open dates in October that need filled, contact eklisares@catholiccharitiesdm.org for a list of dates)

Another great way to help is contributing to the Catholic Charities Annual Appeal.

To find out more about volunteering, immediate needs, and collection drives, contact Emily Klisares at eklisares@catholiccharitiesdm.org or 515-237-5027.

United Way of the Midlands

Thank you for your support of our Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault program.

United Way of Central Iowa

Thank you for your ongoing support to our Emergency Family Shelter, Refugee Services and our counseling program.

Staff Updates

Our development and marketing offices are currently in transition. For questions, inquiries, or help with a donation, use the information below.

Development office: Mary Acevedo 515-237-5089

Marketing office: Emily Klisares 515-237-5078

Click here for Catholic Charities Employment Opportunities!

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!

Donate Now

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, case management, and more. We impact over 30,000 individuals each year.

Find more information about Catholic Charities at catholiccharitiesdm.org.