Catholic Charities celebrates 99 years of activating compassion
May 17, 2023
Catholic Charities USA is a national organization founded over a century ago by men and women who believed that the collective efforts of the church to faithfully serve people in need could change the course of poverty in our nation.
While each of the 167 local Catholic Charities agencies serves that mission, each is unique in the programs and services offered depending upon the needs within its diocese.
Founded in September of 1924 by Bishop Thomas W. Drumm, Catholic Charities of Des Moines has grown and expanded in its 99 years of social ministry service to those in need within the Diocese.
Five cornerstone programs exist to empower individuals and strengthen families and are delivered with care and compassion.
Refugee Services
Catholic Charities Refugee Services works through the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and the U.S. State Department. Our partnership with these entities affords us 90 days to resettle clients who have family or close friends living in our area. Every family is unique, and requires a variety of services ranging from health exams to job placement assistance to school enrollment, language classes, and bus training. Between July 1, 2021 and June 30, 2022, we resettled 452 refugees. Because we are devoted to ensuring the entire family has a great start in their new lives here in Iowa, the post-resettlement program, which cares for refugees beyond the initial 90-day service, is a critical component of Catholic Charities’ program that elevates our level of service.
Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault
Abusive, violent or threatening situations happen in every part of the community to men and women of all backgrounds. The Catholic Charities Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Program, located in Council Bluffs, provides services to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, or human trafficking. A 24-hour crisis phone line, emergency shelter, court advocacy, educational classes and materials, counseling, and support groups are a few of the ways we help men, women and children feel safe and empowered. Catholic Charities’ program serves nine counties in southwest Iowa: Audubon, Cass, Fremont, Harrison, Mills, Montgomery, Page, Pottawattamie, and Shelby. Our 24-hour crisis line is 888-612-0266.
Food Pantry
Without basic nutrition, it is difficult to think beyond day-to-day needs. Catholic Charities wants to help our clients fulfill their basic needs and help explore other barriers that our clients face. Nearly 20% of all people living in central Iowa are food insecure. Those in need can receive a three-day supply of food once per month at no cost. Additionally, our daily food counter is open to anyone during our business hours: Monday-Thursday 10 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. and Friday 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. We distribute approximately 35,000 pounds of rescued food every month. Visit us at 1815 Hubbell Ave. in Des Moines.
Counseling
The Catholic Charities Counseling Program offers help and hope. Our licensed, professional therapists work with clients of all faiths and backgrounds to address issues including depression, anxiety, stress, marital issues, relationship problems, child behavior problems, trauma, abuse, and more. We deliver services from a trauma-informed perspective and our clinical staff are trained in evidence-based practices and interventions. We provide a warm and welcoming atmosphere for clients in Des Moines and Council Bluffs and offer telehealth for those in need of services in more remote areas of the diocese. Bilingual services are also available. To learn more or schedule an appointment, call 515-237-5045.
Family Shelter
Often when individuals and families least expect it, life takes a turn and a roof over your head is no longer something that can be guaranteed. Shelter is a basic need that can often be taken for granted.
Catholic Charities Emergency Family Shelter keeps homeless families together during a very difficult time in their lives. Our experienced staff understands that homelessness is not a simple issue. The goal is to help each family leave the shelter with stable housing, financial stability, and empowerment to live a successful, sustainable life.
The facility provides a safe environment for up to 10 families at a time, with clean and modern amenities. Evening meals are cooked and served by volunteers. All families seeking shelter should contact Primary Healthcare Outreach, the centralized intake agency in our community: 515-248-1850.
Support the mission
At Catholic Charities of Des Moines, we actively pursue grant funding to support each of our programs, but financial contributions from parishioners and donors is pivotal to our efforts. The infrastructure we have built allows us to deliver programs and services to those who find themselves in need – putting your generosity into action to connect people with exceptional life-changing experiences that inspire full human potential and growth.
To learn more about Catholic Charities programs and services or how your time, talent or treasure can become a life-saving mechanism for those in need, visit www.catholiccharitiesdm.org.