Welcome Spring!

As the world around us begins to bloom we are reminded of a time of growth and change. At Catholic Charities, we help those we serve grow and transform their lives.

Are you looking for a way to make an impact this spring? From small donations to full-time volunteer opportunities, Catholic Charities has something for everyone.

Current most needed items across all programs include:

Paper towels
Deodorant
Diapers size 4 and 6
Toothbrushes and Toothpaste
Shampoo, conditioner and soap

Your support enables us to live out our mission to Empower Individuals and Strengthen Families.

Program Most Needed Items

Current Volunteer Opportunities

Legacy Leader: Dan Buscher

Dan Buscher has a passion for helping others. His leadership, guidance and generosity have supported the mission of Catholic Charities for more than 20 years.

Dan joined the Catholic Charities’ Board of Directors in 2002 and served for 14 years. During this time, he helped the organization grow and expand its programming. He was also integral in helping increase awareness of what Catholic Charities does in the community. He rejoined the board in 2021 and is a current member.

In addition to giving his leadership, Dan and his wife, Mary, support Catholic Charities in various other ways. They support the organization financially through United Way of Central Iowa, serve as volunteer meal providers for the Emergency Family Shelter and provide in-kind support to the organization.

“We support Catholic Charities because of the programs offered at the organization,” said Dan. “It’s all about helping others and it feels good knowing we are a part of it.”

Pictured: Dan Buscher, his wife, Mary, and their three daughters.

Thank You Iowa Wolves

Catholic Charities cheered on the Iowa Wolves during their Faith and Family Day game on Sunday, March 17. During the game, we were able to share information about the vital impact our programs have on those struggling in our community. We were even featured on the jumbotron! Thank you to all who attended the game along with us.

Embracing Mental Health

The Catholic Charities' Counseling program provides professional therapy services for those who are struggling with stress, anxiety and other concerns. Unique to our program, for those without insurance, therapy is provided on a sliding fee scale that is based on income and family size so all can have access to the care they need.

Interested in making a difference and joining the Catholic Charities' Counseling team? There are current opportunities available in Council Bluffs and Des Moines!

Explore Opportunities

Did You Know?

Homelessness remains a prevalent issue in our community. In Des Moines, there are only 18 rooms available for families experiencing homelessness to help keep them together. Of those 18 rooms, 10 of them are at the Catholic Charities' Emergency Family Shelter.

The Catholic Charities' Emergency Family Shelter provides families experiencing homelessness with the resources and skills needed to be successful in an uplifting and safe environment.

Learn More

A Royal Donation

Recently, the Catholic Charities’ Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Program received a generous donation from the Princess of America Great Plains Ambassador, Ella Ranney, and her mother, Laura. We are grateful for their support of our program and we wish Ella the best of luck on her continued pageant journey.

The Catholic Charities' Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault program serves nine counties in southwest Iowa: Audubon, Cass, Fremont, Harrison, Mills, Montgomery, Page, Pottawattamie, and Shelby.

Learn More

Upcoming Events

Catholic Charities Sexual Assault Awareness Month: Survivor Chat

Wednesday, April 10, 2024

1 p.m.

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month and the Catholic Charities’ Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault team will be holding a virtual survivor chat on Wednesday, April 10, 1 p.m. Join our team to discuss the experience of survivors and provide feedback to help our program continue to meet the needs of every survivor we serve. This event is FREE and American Sign Language (ALS) interpretation will be provided.

For more information contact Catholic Charities Sexual Assault Coordinator, Takiela Bynum at 712-256-2059 ext 103 or TBynum@catholiccharitiesdm.org.

Click to Register

Download Flier

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.

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

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.