Catholic Charities: Living out the Gospel message
November 13, 2024
For the past 100 years, Catholic Charities has provided help and hope to the people of central and southwest Iowa. With a mission to empower individuals and strengthen families, our team works tirelessly to serve all who come to us with dignity, love and respect.
“He said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and the first commandment. The second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’” – Matthew 22:37-39
In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus calls us to love our neighbor. At Catholic Charities, this call is answered through our five vital program areas. Our tremendous staff and volunteers work to help our neighbors in need by feeding the hungry, sheltering the homeless, welcoming the stranger, comforting the afflicted and much more. All who come to us in need of help are met with care and compassion.
We cannot do it alone.
The financial support we receive from parishioners and donors is vital to our efforts. When you respond to the Catholic Charities Annual Appeal you may have recently received, you allow us an opportunity to provide exceptional life-changing experiences that inspire growth and self-sufficiency.
Once Upon a child in Urbandale donates dozens of winter coats for Catholic Charities’ Refugee Services clients.
Catholic Charities provides an avenue for donors to answer Jesus’ call to love our neighbor by supporting the important work happening at the organization every day. The support we receive from donors, like you, directly impacts the lives of so many. Each gift, no matter the size, provides needed services for someone who is struggling.
The needs of our community are ever-changing. Catholic Charities actively looks for ways to better care for our clients by meeting them where they are and providing them with what they need to succeed. In 2023, we served more than 35,000 individuals throughout the Diocese of Des Moines and we are on track to serve even more by the end of this year. Donor support enables us to go further and do all that we can to uplift those who might otherwise feel helpless.
This financial support helps Catholic Charities operate effectively and efficiently. Donor dollars allow us to address the growing number of those visiting the Catholic Charities’ Food Pantry in need of food. Support from donors makes it possible for a family who has lost everything to stay together and rebuild in a safe and encouraging environment at the Catholic Charities’ Emergency Family Shelter. Donations allow us to offer needed outreach education and advocacy for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault at the Catholic Charities’ Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault program in Council Bluffs. Catholic Charities’ Refugee Services make it possible for refugees who are escaping persecution to feel secure while they make Iowa their new home.
In many ways, Catholic Charities serves as the hands and feet of Christ by caring for the most vulnerable in our community while meeting them with mercy and grace. We are grateful to those who support our vital ministry and encourage others to consider getting involved by making a financial gift, attending one of our events, donating items to supply our mission or volunteering your time. Together we can live out the Gospel message to serve and love our neighbors.
To support Catholic Charities’ programs and services throughout the Diocese of Des Moines, visit catholiccharitiesdm.org.