Happy Volunteer Appreciation Month! Our Catholic Charities' volunteers generously give their time and talents to supporting those we serve. We are extremely grateful for all of our volunteers and everything they do to support our mission to Empower Individuals and Strengthen Families. | |
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Supporting Our Clients' Healthy Smiles
Recently the Catholic Charities' Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault program received a generous donation of more than 140 toothbrushes, toothpaste and floss from Delta Dental of Iowa Foundation and Senator Dan Dawson. This donation also completes a Catholic Charities’ 100 Challenge! We are grateful to Delta Dental and Senator Dawson for supporting our clients' health and caring for their smiles.
Pictured: Catholic Charities Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Volunteer Coordinator, Serene Lee and Catholic Charities Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Shelter Assistant, Dakota Bergman.
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Did You Know?
The Catholic Charities' Refugee
Post-Resettlement Program supports refugees from our agency and others in the area through a variety of services.
Services include helping clients:
- Secure employment
- Find childcare
- Enroll their children in extracurricular activities
- Connect them to community resources
- And MUCH MORE!
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Legacy Leaders: Jenelle Sarcone | |
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Jenelle Sarcone’s passion for serving the less fortunate is clear in all that she does. As a former Catholic Charities staff and board member, she has played an integral part in shaping the programs we offer today.
During her time on staff, she would welcome and support refugees and help operate the clothing closet run by the organization. The clothing closet later became the Catholic Charities’ Outreach Center – currently the Catholic Charities’ Food Pantry – a program Jenelle had a hand in expanding the space and services provided. Most notably, Jenelle was vital in establishing the Catholic Charities' Emergency Family Shelter. While on the Catholic Charities' Board of Directors, Jenelle's leadership and guidance allowed for continued growth and expansion of programs and services.
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“We are all called to strap on the sandals of Christ and walk in them and do what we can to help others,” said Jenelle. “Helping others is the best work you will ever do.” | |
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Sexual Assault Awareness Month
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. This month is a time to raise public awareness about sexual violence and educate communities on how to end it. Sexual violence is widespread and can impact anyone.
Did you know that over 53 percent of women and 29 percent of men have reported experiencing sexual violence in their lifetime? The Catholic Charities’ Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault program is there to provide vital, confidential support to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.
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Stocking the Shelves
The Knights of Columbus at St. Luke the Evangelist Catholic Church in Ankeny, IA, held their annual 40 Cans for Lent Food Drive where they encouraged St. Luke’s parishioners to donate one can of food every day during Lent. At the end of March, members of the Knight’s Council donated more than 500 pounds of food and some personal care items to the Catholic Charities’ Food Pantry as a result of this food drive. They also completed the Catholic Charities’ 100 Challenge!
We thank the Knights of Columbus Council 15603 and St. Luke’s for their support and generosity!
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Emily Klisares
Emily serves as the Catholic Charities Community Relations Manager and recently celebrated two years in her role. Emily does many things to help support the Catholic Charities’ mission. Emily helps execute all Catholic Charities' events and works with the community to collect in-kind donations that fuel our programs. She also manages our remarkable volunteers and helps connect them with the right opportunities.
In her spare time, Emily enjoys doing yoga, cooking, spending time with her dog, Pablo, and caring for her impressive plant collection.
“My favorite part about working at Catholic Charities is my wonderful colleagues and getting to see the impact our programs make in the lives of our clients,” said Emily.
Thank you Emily for all you do!
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Welcome to Catholic Charities!
Over the last few months, Catholic Charities has added several new members to our team. We extend the warmest welcome to:
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Brayden Carter, Housing and Economic Advocate, Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Program
- Julie Horvath, Financial Assistant, Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Program
- Gabrielle Miller, Sexual Assault Advocate, Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Program
- Shaundra Talk, part-time Shelter Advocate, Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Program
- Jasmine McGee, part-time Shelter Advocate, Emergency Family Shelter
- Bahati Bukima, Post-Resettlement Case Manager, Refugee Services
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Join Our Team!
We are currently seeking a dynamic and visionary leader to serve as the Executive Director of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Des Moines. The Executive Director plays a pivotal role in advancing our mission and ensuring the effective delivery of vital services to those we serve. This individual will provide strategic direction, foster collaborative relationships, and oversee the day-to-day operations of the organization.
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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 515-518-0771.
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SAVE THE DATE: Centennial Trivia
Thursday, June 6
5:30 – 8:00 p.m.
Krause Hall, Catholic Pastoral Center
601 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA
Catholic Charities is pleased to present another Centennial Trivia! Join us for a fun-filled evening benefiting the Catholic Charities’ Food Pantry. Gather your trivia team and prepare yourself for an exciting evening!
Tickets on sale SOON!
For more information contact Catholic Charities Community Relations Manager, Emily Klisares at 515-237-5078 or eklisares@catholiccharitiesdm.org.
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Centennial Moment: Refugee Services | |
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Catholic Charities’ Refugee Services program was established in 1945 following World War II when the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) took action to assist homeless and displaced people. From 1975 – 1996 the program focused primarily on resettling Southeast Asian refugees. During this period of resettlement, former Iowa Governor Robert D. Ray championed the legislative and humanitarian efforts.
Starting in 1995, Catholic Charities' Refugee Services worked collaboratively with Lutheran Social Services (currently known as Lutheran Services in Iowa or LSI) to assist refugees coming to Des Moines. In 2010, Catholic Charities began independently resettling refugees. Currently, the program is thriving, welcoming more than 230 refugees in 2023.
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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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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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