CHARITY W RKS - Catholic Charities of Denver · W RKS CHARITY SUMMER 2016 PREMIERE ISSUE SAMARITAN HOUSE SHELTER TRANSFORMS LIVES OF HOMELESS ANNIVERSARY EVENTS MARK 30-YEAR HISTORY

SAMARITAN HOUSE

W RKSCHARITY

SUMMER 2016

PREMIERE ISSUESAMARITAN HOUSE SHELTER TRANSFORMS LIVES OF HOMELESS

ANNIVERSARY EVENTS MARK 30-YEAR HISTORY

1986-2016

SAMARITAN

HOUSE30 YEARS OF MERCY

This year, Samaritan House shelter is marking 30 Years of Mercy to those in need through a series of anniversary events. You are invited to be a part of its history of serving men,

women and children facing homelessness. With your help, Samaritan House can continue its work to give the needy a hand up and a path to self-sufficiency.

PROVIDING SAFE SHELTER AND HOT MEALS FOR 30 YEARS

127,000shelter nights annually

455,000*warm meals

*Including 200,000 meals served to low-income children in daycare

SAM’S SUPPER THE MEAL THAT SERVES MANY

September 10 - Fundraising dinner at Mile High Station, a commemorative evening full of storytelling, music and a great meal.

SamsSupper.orgBUY YOUR TICKET TODAY!

PILGRIMAGE WALKSeptember 24

SAMARITAN HOUSE REDEDICATIONDecember 10

To learn more or to make a sustaining gift of $30 or more a month, visit:

SamHouseDenver.org

It’s in giving that you receiveBlessings of a giver: salon owner Danielle Mendoza of Denver callsher time cutting shelter residents’ hair the biggest blessing of her life. Sharing her talents brought more in return than she ever imagined.

PG. 6

W RKSCHARITY

3 9 13PG. PG. PG.

LARRY’S LETTERCEO introduces the premiere issue of Charity Works

SHELTER AND HOUSING SERVICES30 Years of Mercy: Samaritan House shelter alters lives of homeless

MARISOL SERVICESExpectant teen discovers women’s health center thattruly cares about her

CHARITY WORKS | SUMMER 2016 PG. 2

SAMARITAN HOUSE

CHARITIES ON THE MAP PG. 4News from every region: Charities in action along the Front Range

PICTURE THIS PG. 7A moment to celebrate motherhood: Father Ed Judy House residents meet archbishop and cardinal

SHELTER AND HOUSING SERVICES PG. 11Ride the Rockies: A second chance to finish

FAMILY AND CHILDREN’S SERVICES PG. 15Q&A: Interview with new vice president of family and children’s services

EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE SERVICES PG. 17Building hope: Jamestown flood victims grateful for new homes

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT PG. 19Wedding party donates time to women’s shelter

A ROUND OF THANKS PG. 20Parishes and people who gave

ON THE CALENDAR PG. 21A list of upcoming events, benefits and activities

GETTING SOCIAL PG. 22Highlights of the top social media posts online

PG. 3 CHARITY WORKS | SUMMER 2016

After I speak about Catholic Charities at events or gatherings, I often receive a similar response from the crowd—they are motivated to get involved and make a difference in someone’s life. They also remark that they never knew the extent to which our charitable organization serves others. It’s truly remarkable the breadth and variety of services Catholic Charities in the Archdiocese of Denver offers, both to those with a need to give and a need to receive.

Our mission is to extend the healing ministry of Jesus Christ to the poor and those in need. This is made possible with your help. Thanks to you, Catholic Charities served more than 77,000 individuals last year through all our programs. Our areas of focus include Shelter and Housing Services, Marisol Services (formerly Women’s Services), Family and Children’s Services, Emergency Assistance, Victim’s Assistance, and Immigration Services.

I encourage everybody to be a part of Catholic Charities, but even more so to participate in charity. It’s when you give to others that you will receive. It is in this spirit of giving that I bring to you the first edition of Charity Works, our quarterly publication designed to keep you connected with Christ and his work through Catholic Charities. It is my hope that you will become more familiar with the services offered to our brothers and sisters in Christ, and see the people whose lives we touch.

There is much more to come. I invite you to also visit our facilities, meet our staff and volunteers, and particularly meet those whom we have the privilege to serve.

God bless,

Larry SmithPresident and CEO of Catholic Charities

CHARITY W RKS

LARRY’S LETTER

INTRODUCING

Charity Works is published quarterly by The Catholic Alliance for Catholic Charities

of the Archdiocese of Denver, a 501 (c)3 established to serve those in need along the Colorado Front Range.

As the charitable arm of the Archdiocese of Denver, and inspired by God’s love and compassion,

Catholic Charities extends the healing ministry of Jesus Christ to the poor and those in need.

Contact Us: [email protected]

www.ccdenver.org/CharityWorks Follow Us:

Staff: Editorial Director, Rebecca KesslerGraphic Designer, Shelley Bezek

Editor/Photographer, Nissa LaPoint Social Media Specialist, Brandon Ortega

High quality, cost conscious and faithful. Delivered to 80 percent of

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Read Charity Works today!

Sign up at ccdenver.org/CharityWorks


FORT COLLINSTeam Samaritan House riders crossed the finish line of the six-day Ride the Rockies Bicycle Tour on June 17, raising more than $124,000 to benefit Catholic Charities shelters.

GREELEYOn April 14, construction crews broke ground on Guadalupe Apartments, a 47-unit permanent supportive housing complex designed to alleviate the high demand of housing in the area.

DOWNTOWN DENVERHundreds gathered on Aug. 6 at at the state Capitol for a Prayer in the Square rosary rally to pray for theprotection of the unborn and innocent, an event held monthly across the metro area.

STAPLETONMore than 100 gathered outside Planned Parenthood on April 23 to participate in the national #ProtestPP event, seeking the government defunding of the nation’s largest abortion provider.

FORT LOGANIn April, an engaged couple and their wedding party volunteered the day before their wedding at Father Ed Judy House, a long-term shelter for women and children.

EAGLEThe 11th Gabriel House location opened on June 28 to help provide low-income mothers and children with necessities.

CHARITIES ON THE MAP

Catholic Charities is active in every region of northern Colorado. Below is a snapshot of the supporters, volunteers and staff who have shared the love, mercy and compassion of Christ along the Front Range.

Larry Smith, the president and CEO of Catholic Charities, was a guest on Catholic Radio Network(KRCN 1060 AM) April 28 and talked about the idea of givers and receivers. He said the often unique result of charitable work is that after someone gives their time, talent or treasure to another, they receive many more blessings and gifts in return.

“Give where you can. Give to whomever you can,” Smith said on air. “And it’s in giving—I can’t emphasize this enough—that you will receive. If we would just start thinking of others, putting others a little bit more in front of ourselves, we’d find a complete transformation in ourselves.”

Below are Smith’s tips on beginning to give to others.

IT’S IN GIVING THAT YOU WILL RECEIVE

GIVERS AND RECEIVERS

Top 3 ways to start giving

1.

2. .

3.


OPEN YOUR HEART Visit ccdenver.org

Look at your own family’s needs. Charity begins in the home, then it grows from there.

Think of others and get involved at your parish. Give where you can. Give to whomever you can.

Visit ccdenver.org and click on the volunteer button. You can make a difference today just by giving your time.


Without deep pockets, it may seem like Danielle Mendoza has little to give others.

Nothing is further from the truth, said the 35-year-old hair salon owner, who volunteered to give something precious to Samaritan House residents for seven years—herself.

“I still don’t have the money to give, but I give of my time because that’s more precious and valuable than anything you could ever own,” said Mendoza inside her Denver-based business, Dani K Salon.

She volunteered to share her time and talents with shelter residents by offering free haircuts once a month at the downtown shelter. She discovered that in giving herself, she received far more in return.

“It benefits you more than it benefits them,” she said of volunteering. “I don’t know the impact I made on their lives, but I know the impact they had on my life. They taught me to just keep going—to roll up my sleeves and keep going through life’s trials.”

She felt drawn to volunteer when she saw a Craigslist ad for a hairstylist at the shelter. Mendoza said she felt compelled tofollow God’s will and that meant helping others in need.

“I was kind of hesitating at first because I didn’t know what to expect,” she said, but realized, “God was telling me this is what I needed to do. Then it just became a part of my life.”

She discovered the shelter residents were the same as every other client that sat in her salon chair—they desired respect and someone who cared.

“That’s what they’re looking for—someone to give them a hand up and not a handout.”

During the time she volunteered, Mendoza said she received many blessings: she met her spouse, made new friends and was inspired to start her own business.

“Those are probably the most rewarding things I got in my life,” she said.

SALON OWNER GIVES TIME, RECEIVES MORE IN RETURN

Danielle Mendoza cuts hair at her salon in Denver. She said volunteering to cut hair at Samaritan House brought many blessings to her life.

PRAYOffer prayers for the mission

of Catholic Charities and the people it serves.

VOLUNTEERShare your time and

talents with the most needy in the community.

GIVECommit to a monthly donation

to make a difference: $5, $10 or more!


Over a delicious dinner and flower-decorated tables, Cardinal James Stafford and Archbishop Samuel Aquila visited with the women of Father Ed Judy House during a Mother’s Day celebration.

Single mothers and their children, assisted through Catholic Charities’ long-term shelter to help women achieve stability, were the honored guests. Many women at Father Ed Judy House are domestic violence survivors and have had to overcome significant challenges in their life.

Karie, a former resident, said she’s grateful for all the help from Catholic Charities.

“I was a victim of the streets, I was a victim of homelessness but I’m not a victim of life,” Karie said. “(Catholic Charities) gave me a new start.”

motherhoodA MOMENT TO CELEBRATE

PICTURE THIS

After dinner, Cardinal Stafford poses with Juli and her daughter Kalianne during the dinner celebration.

Karie and her daughter spend time together at the Archdiocese of Denver during a Mother’s Day dinner.


WHAT IS FATHER ED JUDY HOUSE?Father Ed Judy House is one of Catholic Charities three full-time shelters in the Denver Metro area.

It provides voluntary short-term shelter services to single mothers and their children. In a small and home-like setting, mothers receive clothing, food, counseling, job assistance and more in order to rebuild their lives. Father Ed Judy House

also offers voluntary post-shelter services to help families remain stable and prevent chronic homelessness.

Father Ed Judy House at-a-glance

Voluntary, short-term shelter for single women and their children

45 single women and

80 children sheltered last year

Most women are domestic violence survivors

76% discharged with stable income

96% dischargedwith stable housing

ccdenver.org(720) 799-9400

Archbishop Aquila prepares food for Vivianna during the Mother’s Day celebration for Father Ed Judy House shelter residents and alumni.

Cardinal Stafford visits with mothers during the dinner in May.

SHELTER AND HOUSING SERVICES


Every day for 30 years, Samaritan House shelter has given those walking in its doors a new story—one of renewed hope, restored dignity and a chance to rebuild their lives.

But according to one study, more people are facing homelessness than ever before. The Metro Denver Homeless Initiative reported 6,130 men, women and children across the Denver Metro area identified as homeless in January 2015. Nearly one quarter were newly homeless—or experiencing homelessness the first time for less than a year.

More women, youth and seniors have found themselves unexpectedly homeless, like Orlandis Barge, who traveled to Denver from St. Louis and found himself without a place to stay.His father offered him a place, but the landlord told Barge to move out within two weeks. With nowhere else to go, Barge sought help from Samaritan House.

“I”ve never experienced homelessness before. It was humbling,” Barge said. “Here I was, a 26-year-old college graduate, staying at a shelter and barely making it.”

Samaritan House has helped Barge and thousands of men, women and families achieve stable income and housing through its 120-day program. The one-night and short-terms shelter provides more than shelter, food and clothing—it restores residents’ dignity and self-worth.

The shelter’s guiding mission has its roots in the 1980s. Originally founded in 1986 by Msgr. Charles B. Woodrich—also known as Father Woody—and Archbishop James Casey, the shelter made headlines as the first in America to be designed and built specifically for the homeless.

Father Woody and the instrumental members of Samaritan House will be remembered and honored at the shelter’s anniversary fundraising dinner Sept. 10 called Sam’s Supper.

Larry Smith, president and CEO of Catholic Charities, encourages the community to participate in its anniversary events and give to those in need.

“Samaritan House was created to show mercy and restore dignity to those experiencing homelessness,” Smith said. “We’ve been here for 30 years and we plan to stay. We encourage everyone to participate in charity.”

Samaritan House shelter alters lives of homeless Catholic Charities invites community to anniversary events

“Our Samaritan Shelter has a different bottom line—

one that stresses a caring, human dimension to restore the personal

dignity of those who’ve been denied

a sense of self-worth.”

-Father Woody, co-founder of

Samaritan House, in the Denver Post, November 1984


MORE ABOUT SAMARITAN HOUSESamaritan House is one of Catholic Charities three full-time shelters that

provides one-night shelter and short-term stay for men, women and families.

Each shelter resident is matched with a case manager who helps them navigate the 120-day Levels Program. Each resident commits to goals that will help them obtain stable income and housing.

30 Years of Mercy anniversary eventssamhousedenver.org

Sam’s SupperSept. 10, 6:00 p.m.-11:00 p.m. benefit dinner to support Samaritan House shelter

Pilgrimage WalkSept. 24, 8:30 a.m.-11:00 a.m. prayerful walk at Mother Cabrini Shrine

ReceptionOct. 15, 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m. reception for Samaritan House supporters

RededicationDec. 10, 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. rededication of the shelter by Archbishop Samuel Aquila

Samaritan House by the numbers

127,000 shelter nights provided

455,000* meals served*includes 200,000 meals served to low-income children in daycare

2,250 individuals sheltered

samhousedenver.org

Mary Dalton and her husband, Bob, read a story to children at Samaritan House when they served as first house parents in 1987. “We worked hard to welcome new families, mentor them through struggles, and help with their needs. It made me realize that caring for the homeless should be done in much the same way as you would raise your family. You can’t simply feel sorry for them and give them clothes to put on their back, food in their belly, a bed to sleep in and a roof over their head. We saw their needs and gave them the love and discipline of a family, just as we tried to give our own children.” Read more at SamHouseDenver.org/Our-Stories

SAMARITAN

HOUSE30 YEARS OF MERCY

SAMARITAN HOUSE


Bicyclist Tom Schwein saw the finish line ahead. He could taste victory after an exhilarating yet grueling six-day, 400-mile tour last year during Ride the Rockies—until his bike came to a sudden stop.

A divot in the pavement pole vaulted Schwein over his handlebars and on the ground face first at 30 mph. Few cyclists like Schwein escaped permanent brain injury, or death, after a similar accident—this one breaking eight bones in his face, he said.

That was last year. This year, Schwein got back in the saddle and cruised past the finish line of the Ride the Rockies Colorado Bicycle Tour on June 17 in Fort Collins. It was an emotional moment for the Team Samaritan House captain, who braved miles of steep grades and winding roads with other riders to raise funds for Catholic Charities homeless shelters.

“The more I thought about the homeless after my crash and the blessing we had as a cycling team to raise (more than $100,000) for the homeless of Colorado last year, the more I realized that God was not yet done with me here on earth, and was calling me to do more,” said 56-year-old Schwein, who lives in Highlands Ranch.

This year Team Samaritan House used their fundraising muscle to raise more than $124,000 in donations to support Catholic Charities’ shelter program, designed to teach residents life skills and self-reliance.

“Our cycling team can’t feed all the hungry, but we can feed quite a few as a result of what we do to raise money for the homeless,” Schwein said.

Finishing the ride with Schwein was a growing team—which completed its sixth year with Ride the Rockies—of business executives, college graduates, mothers, fathers and triathletes driven to give to the homeless.

The team began their tour in Carbondale before trekking up to 85 miles per day through Aspen, Vail, Silverthorne, Estes Park and finally Fort Collins—exceeding 29,000 feet in elevation gains. The experience proved physically and mentally challenging but built the camaraderie and giving spirit among the members.

“It’s the journey of your life,” Schwein said. “And I feel blessed that God has called me to do this work. We’re all called to help our brothers and sisters in need.”

Tom Schwein, center, rides past the finish line of Ride the Rockies

with the rest of Team Samaritan House. The 30-member team raised nearly

$110,000 to help shelter residents. Photo by Nissa LaPoint/ The Alliance

A SECOND CHANCE

TO FINISH

SHELTER AND HOUSING SERVICES

Tom Schwein, center, rides past the finish line of Ride the Rockies with the rest of Team Samaritan House. The 30-member team raised more than $124,000 to help shelter residents.

TEAM SAMARITAN HOUSE CAPTAIN RETURNS AFTER RIDE THE ROCKIES CRASH TO RAISE FUNDS FOR THE HOMELESS

MORE ABOUT SAMARITAN HOUSESamaritan House is one of Catholic Charities three full-time shelters that

provides one-night shelter and short-term stay for men, women and families.

Each shelter resident is matched with a case manager who helps them navigate the 120-day Levels Program. Each resident commits to goals that will help them obtain stable income and housing.

Community needs

6,130 homeless men, women and children in Metro Denver

36.9% of the homeless are women

26% reported working in the last month

47.8% of families who are homeless have children with them

*2015 Point in Time report by the Metro Denver Homeless Initiative

samhousedenver.org


“It’s not really about the money for me. It’s about giving someone an opportunity to be happy. In the end, I’ve been the most blessed by far.”

-Tom Dea

“I rode to pray and spread awareness. The world is so noisy that it’s a blessing to have time for reflection and prayer when you’re on the bike.”

-Leslie Prevish

“I look at the homeless and I feel a sense of responsibility to be able to help them in any way I can. I have a passion in my heart for people in need.”

-John Milewski

THEY SAID IT

A Team Samaritan House rider passes Dillon Reservoir during the Ride the Rockies Bicycle Tour in June.

ONE MOTHER’S STORY—FROM FEAR TO INSTANT LOVE

“I didn’t know how I could love someone

I’ve never seen yet. I think it’s amazing.

It’s a miracle.”

– Lulu Morais


MARISOL SERVICES

Lulu Morais and her daughter, Chloe, spend time together at their home in Littleton.

Lulu Morais won’t forget Aug. 15, 2015—the day her world came crashing down.

A grocery store pregnancy test confirmed what the 18-year-old Brazilian native and her boyfriend had feared the most.

“I was crying for like two hours straight,” said Lulu, now 19 and living in Littleton. “I felt like everything was coming to end.”

She worried about what to tell her parents, whom she described as devout Catholics. She decided to go to Planned Parenthood to confirm the pregnancy and learn about her options, but a cold atmosphere and indifferent staff had Lulu running from the building before herappointment. She wanted help from someone who cared.

Then Lulu discovered Marisol Health (formerly known as Lighthouse Women’s Center), a Catholic Charities of Denver medical center. AGoogle search led her to the cozy house at 3894 Olive St. where staff offered her the support and compassion she needed, from the moment of initial shock to those first moments of motherly joy.

“They cared about me,” Lulu said about her first visit. “It was more personal. They were really sweet about it and reassuring that everything was okay and I didn’t need to freak out. And they said there were a lot of options and help for me. They said you didn’t need to struggleby yourself.”

Marisol Health provided her a free pregnancy test and ultrasound. She watched an informational video about fetal development and received a silicone baby the size of a prune—about the same size of her baby girl at 10 weeks. The staff helped her navigate decisions about adoption versus raising the baby without the father.

A Marisol Health social case worker, Paulina Gutierrez, also met her for coffee. She referred her to other services including Bella Natural Women’s Care, a clinic in Englewood where Lulu received prenatal care.

Lulu will forever remember the day less than 9 months later when she first gazed at her newborn daughter, Chloe.

“It was like this instant love,” she said. “I didn’t know how I could love someone I’ve never seen yet. I think it’s amazing. It’s a miracle.”

Looking back, Lulu said Marisol Health guided her as her pregnancy fears turned into a loving welcome of her baby.

“In the moment it feels like everything is crashing down, but then it only gets better,” she said.


WHAT IS MARISOL HEALTH?Marisol Health embraces women and families with life affirming medical care, counseling and social services.

Its centers are fully equipped to help women make important decisions about their reproductive health. Medical staff offer a truly positive experience in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Marisol Health

3894 Olive St.Denver (303) 320-8352

1285 Centaur Village DriveLafayette (303) 665-2341

Visit MarisolHealth.com

Charity Works: Tell us about Catholic Charities’ mission in serving families and children. What’s your main goal?

Alison Keough: Our main goal is to support children and families; we want our families to be in safe and healthy homes. We want to help each family where they are and get them to where they need to be. We want to help them be more self-sufficient, to work with them on finding resources, and prepare their children for school. I think we provide such a range of services.

CW: How is this mission different from other charitable organizations? What does it mean to “meet them where they are”?

Keough: As a ministry, we work with a variety of people, but we all go from a strength-based approach. We meet clients where they are by seeing what they have, by helping them realize and build on their strengths. When working with families with young children, this can be teaching them they are the first teachers of their children. It’s about giving them respect so they can be successful. We also want them to feel confident. We want to provide a sense of community and family within our programs and be able to provide all of them with a positive atmosphere, with the knowledge that if they need assistance that they should be comfortable asking. That’s what I think makes Catholic Charities very special.

CW: Tell us what led you to come to Colorado and work for Catholic Charities.

Keough: I moved from Yuma, Ariz. where I lived for 17 years. I worked with migrant and seasonal Head Start programs. I also worked as an adjunct professor at Arizona Western College where I helped build and run their child development learning lab. Before I left, I was working with the Arizona Department of Education. My daughter lives in Aurora and invited me to Denver. She sent me the job description at Catholic Charities and said that it sounded like me. When the opportunity arose, my husband and I jumped on it. We’ve been here for two years and love it.


Meet the new head of family and children’s servicesAfter about two years at Catholic Charities, Alison Keough took the helm as vice president of family and children’s services. Following her appointment, Charity Works spoke with Keough about the ministries she oversees, what makes them unique and her experience before joining the organization.

FAMILY AND CHILDREN’S SERVICES

A&QA&

WHAT IS FAMILY AND CHILDREN’S SERVICES?Family and Children’s Services provides the community with early childhood programs, including Head Start;

home-based services for families, including counseling; senior adult service programs for low-income seniors; and a kinship care program for families raising other family member’s children.

Show your support forfamily and children’s services

Through the Childcare Tax Credit, the state of Colorado allows you to take a 50 percent tax credit on your state income taxes when you donate to Catholic Charities Childcare programs.

The preferred minimum donation is $300. To learn more visit:ccdenver.org/cctaxcredit


Child care locations

Child Development Center 1155 Decatur St.303-629-5466

Garfield Head Start 872 S. Knox Court303-922-9885

Kentucky Head Start852 S. Knox CourtPhone: 303-935-9453

Mariposa 1240 W. 10th Ave.720-328-4796

Margery Reed Mayo Day Nursery 1128 28th St.303-308-1420

Annunciation School3536 Lafayette St. 303-295-2515

Alison Keough, Vice President, Family and Children’s Services

A&QA&

Building HOPE

EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE SERVICES


Catholic Charities, Mennonites rebuild flood-destroyed homes in Jamestown

Two victims of the 2013 Colorado flood fought back tears as they joined friends and volunteers of disaster relief services for a blessing ceremony over the houses they could finally call “home.”

It took more than two years, a flock of volunteers and a partnership between Catholic Charities of Denver and Mennonite Disaster Services before Nancy Farmer and her neighbor Karen Zupco could walk into their new houses.

“I’m so blown away that people would do this,” said Nancy Farmer, the recipient of a yellow ranch house nestled in the mountains of Jamestown, about 12 miles from Boulder. “It’s been so incredible. I feel so blessed.”

More than a new roof over their heads, volunteers from disaster recovery services gave the two women something irreplaceable—a renewed sense of hope.

Friends and volunteers join Father Boria for a blessing ceremony over the new homes.

Nancy, left, and her neighbor, Karen, are grateful for the kindness of volunteers.


2013 Colorado Floodat-a-glance

19,000 structures across 24 counties damaged

262 homes destroyed and 300 damaged in Boulder County alone

466 impacted individuals and families received assistance from Catholic Charities

The Jamestown project

2 homes rebuilt

687 volunteers

$400,000 in funding from Catholic Charities

“I think God has his hand (in this),” said Jeff Koller of the Mennonite Disaster Services, during the ceremony. “It’s not just about these houses, but about building spirit and community.”

Geoff Bennet, vice president of Catholic Charities of Denver, said, “We’ve been waiting for this day. It’s almost the culmination of everyone’s dreams and efforts. What an honor it is to be able to help.”

In September 2013, Farmer and Zupco were among the thousands who lost their homes from the heavy rains and catastrophic flooding. Boulder County was one of the hardest areas hit.

“It just came pouring down,” said Farmer, recalling the day the flood hit her home. “It was a wall of water.”

Nothing was left on Farmer’s property. The powerful water split Zupco’s home in half.

Mennonite Disaster Services began to rebuild the damaged homes. When funding began to dry up, Catholic Charities of Denver applied to Catholic Charities USA for additional flood relief. The funds were granted and the Mennonites’ project was funded to completion.

The two women hugged the volunteers in gratitude.

Zupco said, “It’s unbelievable. These are all wonderful people.”

WHAT IS EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE SERVICES?Emergency assistance helps families and individuals facing a financial emergency,

or who have been impacted by a disaster. Unexpected expenses can force a family on a limited income to choose between paying routine bills like rent and utilities or buying life’s basic necessities like food and life-saving medications.

Volunteers work on building new homes for two women in Jamestown whose houses were destroyed in the 2013 flood.


Less than 24 hours before their wedding day, Layne Palmer and her fiancé Patrick Pratt joined their wedding party to provide much-needed volunteer hours at Father Ed Judy House, which serves single women and children seeking permanent housing.

“Everyone is out here to celebrate us and it’s great, but (I thought) it would be nice if we could leverage some of that manpower and love to do even more good,” Patrick said.

The idea grew on their wedding party.

“I think at first it felt like something stressful, but over time everyone has just realized that this is important,” Layne said. “There is a lot we are doing for ourselves this weekend, and there is no reason we shouldn’t be thinking outward a little bit for others.”

Together the group collected food items, cleaned the shelter rooms and arranged an outdoor shed.

Layne added that a wedding is a great time to consider others, including those at Father Ed Judy House.

“It’s worth looking up and getting to know Father Ed’s better, because it’s a unique and safe environment for moms and kids who may not have another safe and stable place to go,” Layne said.

Layne and Patrick, who married in April, volunteered their time with their wedding party at Father Ed Judy House.

Not a volunteer yet?There are many opportunities to help someone in need through Catholic Charities ministries.

Visit ccdenver.org to find a list of opportunities in your community. Get involved today!

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT


A ROUND OF THANKS

St. Mary Parish in Littleton made a generous donation sure to

make a lot of happy mothers and babies. The church community donated

a whopping 20,115 diapers. The bottom line—this is a huge cost savings for

low-income families. Thank you St. Mary’s!

Westlake Community Center residents and staff volunteered to pack some love for Samaritan House shelter residents. They

assembled about 80 sack lunches with sandwiches and apples and attached

an encouraging note for the men, women and families receiving them at the

shelter. Thank you for your thoughtfulness!

Caroline Peltes and the Diaper Disciple teamtook their collection drive to new heights. The St. Thomas More community

in Centennial collected much-needed diapers and supplies for Catholic

Charities ministries through their “Stuff the Bus” campaign. Students also

participated in a Baby Bottle Bank competition. The result was a

staggering 62,209 collected diapers, which supported families through

the Gabriel House project. We salute you, St. Thomas More!

A big thank you to the talented team of 30-plus volunteers from Intel in Fort Collins who contributed 150

hours of service on a single day at The Mission shelter. The team painted,

cleaned and repaired the shelter and grounds. The shelter looks fantastic!

The residents and staff appreciate the service to the community.

Brick House Flowers in Fort Collins beautified The Mission

shelter recently when it donated hanging baskets, succulents, perennials and

flowers for the residents’ garden. You made their home look oh so beautiful!

Thank you!

The Knights of Columbus volunteered to hand out a special

Mother’s Day card after Masses to those who donated to Catholic Charities.

The donations helped women in need and the cards warmed the hearts of

mothers. It brought many blessings for everyone!

September 3Prayer in the Square10 a.m., locations across the Front Range. Join in prayerful witness and say the rosary forthe sanctity of all human life. prayerinthesquare.com

September 10Sam’s Supper6 p.m.-11 p.m., Mile High Station, 2027 Old West Colfax Ave., Denver. Attend a special benefit to support Samaritan House shelter on its 30th anniversary. samssupper.samhousedenver.org

September 24Pilgrimage Walk to Cabrini8:30 a.m.-11:00 a.m., Mother Cabrini Shrine, 20189 Cabrini Blvd., Golden. Prayerful walk at the Shrine and Mass at 11 a.m. Refreshments to follow. samhousedenver.org/event-calendar

October 1Prayer in the Square10 a.m., locations across the Front Range. Join the prayerful pilgrimage walk followed by a Mass at 11 a.m. Refreshments to follow. prayerinthesquare.com

October 15Samaritan House Reception1 p.m.-3 p.m., join a group of Catholic Charities supporters for a reception at the Samaritan House shelter, 2301 Lawrence St., Denver. samhousedenver.org/event-calendar

October 22Gospel of Life Conference8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., St. Thomas More Parish, 8035 S. Quebec St., Centennial. Listen to nationally-known speakers discuss a culture of relativism and apologetics during this conference.gospeloflifeco.org

October 28Light the Way Gala6:30 p.m., Omni Interlocken Hotel,500 Interlocken Blvd., Broomfield. Attend a benefit dinner for Marisol Health, Lafayette (formerly Real Choices Pregnancy Center). lightthewaygala.org

December 10Rededication of Samaritan House10 a.m.-1 p.m., Samaritan House, 2301 Lawrence St., Denver. Celebrate a rededication of the shelter with Archbishop Samuel Aquila. samhousedenver.org/event-calendar

ON THE CALENDAR

SAVE THE DATE


GETTING SOCIAL


Advocates, donors, volunteers and clients share their gratitude and enthusiasm for Catholic Charities.

Here are highlights of what they’re saying online.

“We appreciate the online advocacy for Catholic Charities. Together, we and our followers can ignite hearts and changelives by sharing the good work that’s being done in our communities.”

– Social media team for Catholic Charities

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CHARITY W RKS - Catholic Charities of Denver · W RKS CHARITY SUMMER 2016 PREMIERE ISSUE SAMARITAN HOUSE SHELTER TRANSFORMS LIVES OF HOMELESS ANNIVERSARY EVENTS MARK 30-YEAR HISTORY