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Dear Friends,
The phrase, “April showers bring May flowers,” provides loving memories of my parents who had a big garden for their large family. The garden was filled with many flowers as tenderly cared for by my mother. In addition, they grew various vegetables and fruits which were readily used and/or stored. I remember the spring rain and sun were essential as my parents worked hard every year to have a bountiful garden. They lived a modest life, filled with faith, family, and good foods! This was my mother’s favorite season, spring – the promise of new plantings, of new life.
So too, our work at Catholic Charities provides new beginnings and the promise of hope to others we encounter. Even in the midst of difficult circumstances, we commit ourselves to help the most vulnerable and all in need. The month of April is National Volunteer Appreciation Month. We thank all volunteers who give their time and talents to make a difference in their communities. Many serve our organization by providing items needed in our programs. You, too, can help in that way. A list of current needs can be found online here. All of our volunteers’ stories and experiences are an inspiration to all of us. Later this month, we will honor our volunteers at a special dinner. Say thank you to a volunteer!
As we contemplate this Holy Week, we are reminded of the sacrifices, love, and promise of new life through the passion and resurrection of Jesus, our savior.
Thank you for all you do in support of Catholic Charities.
With Easter Blessings,
Barbara Q. Decker
Catholic Charities Executive Director
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Breakfast with the Bishop
Join Bishop Joensen and Catholic Charities for Breakfast with the Bishop! Come and learn more about Catholic Charities’ Food Pantry, hear a message from Bishop Joensen and enjoy breakfast on April 19th from 9:00 to 10:30 am at Krause Hall, located on the first floor of the Pastoral Center, 601 Grand Ave, Des Moines. Tickets on sale now: https://Breakfast2023.givesmart.com.
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BBQ with the Bishop
Join Bishop Joensen for a casual backyard event in support of Catholic Charities: Saturday, July 15,
6 pm, 204 S. 28th Street, West Des Moines,
Visit https://BishopBBQ23.givesmart.com to register, $50, limited availability.
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Watch your Mailbox: Annual Appeal
Those who have not yet supported Catholic Charities with an annual contribution will be receiving an opportunity to do so later this month. Thank you in advance for considering a philanthropic gift! Donor support drives our operations and fuels our efforts in five signature programs in central and southwest Iowa.
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Catholic Charities is turning 100! | |
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Founded in September 1924, Catholic Charities of Des Moines has grown and expanded in our 99 years of social ministry service to those in need within our diocese. Were you a member of our team at some point in that journey? Were you impacted by our services as we expanded our programming over the years? Have you supported our efforts to Empower Individuals and Strengthen Families by giving of your time, talents, or treasure? We want to hear from you! Help us prepare for this monumental occasion by sharing your stories of impact and inspiration with us. Use the link below to join us for a virtual Zoom listening session to be held on Thursday, April 27 at noon. We will lightly facilitate the conversation, but you will provide the memories – come chat with others who share a Catholic Charities connection.
Zoom link for Thursday, April 27 at noon CST: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81911563349
If you are not able to join us, but want to participate in sharing your stories, send them to bsmith@catholiccharitiesdm.org
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Volunteer Appreciation Month | |
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Volunteer Spotlight - Refugee Resettlement
Bankers Trust Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Committee began volunteering with Catholic Charities in 2022 when they held a supply drive for local refugees. As they toured the facility and learned more about the various services offered, they decided they wanted to do more. Bankers Trust also hosted site tours during their 2022 United Way campaign and continue to assist the Refugee program by helping with apartment set-ups and teaching financial literacy classes to refugee families.
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Sexual Assault Awareness Month
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. It focuses on building racial equity and respect. "The team in Council Bluffs at the Catholic Charities Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Program provides education, outreach and services to southwest Iowa with the ultimate goal of preventing sexual assault,” said Takiela Bynum, Sexual Assault Coordinator.
Preventing sexual harassment is everybody’s responsibility. An engaged bystander is someone who lives up to that responsibility by intervening before, during, or after a situation when they see or hear behaviors that threaten, harass, or otherwise encourage sexual violence. Here are some tips to become an active bystander to prevent incidents of abuse;
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Speak out: if you see a friend talk to or treat their partner in a disrespectful manner, say something.
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Respond as a group: when intervening, it can help to have friends join in the conversation.
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Create a distraction: Distracting is a subtle and innovative way of intervening and providing the individual at risk an opportunity to safely exit the potentially dangerous situation. Engage the abuser by asking the abuser for directions or standing nearby and pretending to talk on your cell phone.
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Set an example: others are likely to follow your lead if they see you being an active bystander.
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Be safe: your safety is a priority, make sure it’s SAFE to intervene FIRST.
Survivors have 24/7 access to certified victim counselors via the crisis line as well as free and confidential services to emergency shelter, medical and legal advocacy, support groups, resources and referrals.
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Child Abuse Prevention Month
Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Prevention staff, Julia Davis (Shelter/Housing Coordinator), Takiela Bynum (Sexual Assault Coordinator), and Alissa Garcia-Cruz (Domestic Violence Advocate), participated in the annual Family Fun Fair event on Saturday, April 1. The event is a community kick-off to recognize and support April as Child Prevention Month. In addition to providing participants with coloring handouts, hands with stickers, and fidget toys, participants were reminded to use their hands for helping, not hurting, others.
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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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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 at catholiccharitiesdm.org
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