Faces of Hope: Lena

n Lena’s life, Catholic Charities was not simply the provider of food and clothing during challenging times. They restored her hope and faith in Jesus Christ. Lena, a proud Catholic wife and mother, described her first transformative encounter with Catholic Charities like it was yesterday. Another day of barely getting by while living in her … Read more

Faces of Hope: Lauree

You can find Lauree on the corner of 22nd and Larimer streets on most mornings steaming up espresso and talking to neighbors in the community. This is the same block where she learned to advocate for herself as a single mother experiencing homelessness and rediscover her independence.   On the morning of November 6, 2017, Lauree lost custody of … Read more

Donor: ‘We’re really here to show we care’

Within minutes, women eagerly formed a long line inside Samaritan House 48th in Denver where a group of volunteers unveiled a Christmas surprise for them—brand new shoes. “Welcome to the shoe store,” exclaimed Terry Peltes, a Catholic Charities donor and volunteer, to the shelter participants. “We’re so glad you’re here.” Terry and three of his co-workers and … Read more

Faces of Hope: Arisa ‘Marisol Health genuinely cares’

Arisa was 19 and petrified. Her pregnancy test results were positive. “I was really scared and kind of horrified in the beginning, because I knew the (baby’s) dad was not someone who would be there for me,” she remembers. Her grandparents, who raised her, initially expressed disappointment and concern, which caused a strain in their … Read more

A time to give: Adopt-A-Family donors bring joy to families, individuals

Cars lined a parking lot in Denver to drop off loads of gifts destined for the homes of families, seniors and individuals not able to afford a Christmas this year. During Adopt–A–Family program week, hundreds of people delivered clothing, toys, household goods and other gifts purchased for a specific person or family served by Catholic … Read more