Honoring Human Dignity

For the past 100 years, Catholic Charities has served the people of Central and Southwest Iowa when they find themselves in need of help. We continue to adapt to the ever-changing needs of our communities by offering services relevant to our clients. At the root of it all, we build all of our services on the basis of Catholic Social Teaching, which is focused on social justice, dignity, and respect.

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Shamrocks and Shenanigans

Thank you to the donors and friends who joined us for Shamrocks & Shenanigans! We enjoyed a fun-filled evening raising awareness and funds for Catholic Charities and honoring the Breheny Family and Pat and Pattie Fraizer. Thank you to all who were able to attend or contribute. A special thanks to Boesen The Florist for our beautiful centerpieces!

SAVE THE DATE for next year’s Shamrocks and Shenanigans: Saturday, March 1, 2025. We hope to see you there!

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We Fondly Remember Charles “Chuck” Roth

Charles “Chuck” Roth was devoted to helping the less fortunate. As the first lay Executive Director of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Des Moines, his impact on the organization and diocese will always be remembered. He served diligently for 27 years with an unwavering dedication to assisting others. Chuck leaves behind a legacy of compassion, generosity and kindness that will be cherished by all who knew him. We send our blessings and prayers to the Roth family.

Did You Know?

The Catholic Charities' Food Pantry offers many services in addition to addressing food insecurity. The pantry provides clients with needed personal care items like toothpaste, toilet paper, diapers, formula, pet food and more.

Shop our Amazon Wish List or consider participating in the Catholic Charities 100 Challenge to help us uplift those we care for. Amazon Wish List donations are sent directly to the food pantry.

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Catholic Charities' 100 Challenge

Support the Catholic Charities' Food Pantry

Legacy Leaders: Breheny Family

The Breheny Family’s continued advocacy and support of Catholic Charities have allowed for growth and expansion to better serve those who are struggling. Larry Breheny served as Catholic Charities Executive Director for 15 years, leading the organization through many moments of growth.

Although Larry and his wife, Colleen, have both passed away, their unwavering support for Catholic Charities’ mission continues. The majority of their household furnishings were donated to Catholic Charities’ Refugee Services program, and they named Catholic Charities as a beneficiary in their estate planning, as a final monetary donation to support the people and programs in which they so strongly believed.

At the 2024 Catholic Charities’ Shamrocks and Shenanigans event, the Breheny Family’s generational generosity was recognized by receiving the Catholic Charities Champions award. Mary Beth Flanagan, daughter of Larry and Colleen, her husband, Mike, and granddaughter, Madeline, accepted the award on behalf of the family.

Kim Thorton

Kim Thorton joined the Catholic Charities' Food Pantry team as a part-time pantry assistant. Kim will help with the food pantry's general operations and work closely with pantry volunteers and clients.

Kim feels blessed for the opportunity to assist the community through the food pantry. She expressed that food insecurity has been an area of interest and concern for some time. She greatly enjoys engaging with the food pantry volunteers.

"Every day lives are touched and blessed in many ways at the Catholic Charities' Food Pantry, mine included," said Kim.

Welcome Kim!

Steph Baker

Steph Baker joined the Catholic Charities’ Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault team as a Housing and Economic Advocate. Before coming to Catholic Charities, Stephanie worked at Dismas Charities in Omaha as a Resident Monitor.

Steph grew up fishing and riding airboats with her grandfather and still loves being out on the water. She is also quite the pool player and has played competitively for 12 years.

"I am happy to be a part of Catholic Charities because I believe in the cause that we stand for and I am excited to help make a difference in people's lives," said Steph.

Welcome Steph!

Upcoming Events

JOIN US: 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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Volunteer Appreciation Dinner

Thursday, April 18 - 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.

Krause Hall, Catholic Pastoral Center

601 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA

We are beyond grateful for the amazing, selfless support we receive from our wonderful volunteers through each of our programs. To show our gratitude for our volunteers, we are holding an appreciation dinner on Thursday, April 18, 5:30 p.m. in Krause Hall (601 Grand Ave., Des Moines, IA). Current and past Catholic Charities volunteers are invited to attend.

RSVPs are required. Please call or text your name to 515-581-0771.

Diocese of Des Moines Listening Session

The Diocese of Des Moines is holding a virtual listening session on Thursday, March 21, 6:30-7:30 p.m., around enhancing the Diocese’s six pastoral priorities in the life of your parish community. This listening session will build on the initial work that was completed which identified six pastoral priorities in our Diocesan pastoral plan. If interested in attending, please contact John Gaffney at jgaffney@dmdiocese.org.

Centennial Moment: Christ Child Home

On March 7, 1925, the Christ Child Home opened its doors to serve the Diocese of Des Moines and the State of Iowa. For the first 10 years, the home was operated by the Dominican Sisters from Amberg, Germany; thereafter, care was provided by the Sisters of Humility of Mary of Ottumwa, IA until it closed its doors in 1966.

The Christ Child Home was a major part of Catholic Charities’ services for decades. Through its 41-year lifetime, thousands of infants and children were lovingly cared for by the nearly 50 Dominican and Humility Sisters. Catholic Charites’ adoption services helped place these children in permanent homes. Records requests for those adopted through Catholic Charities or Christ Child Home are still managed by Catholic Charities. Adoption search services are available by calling 515-244-3761.

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!

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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.