Cat Kerr

Before the Doors Open: The Heart Behind Nearly Half a Million Meals

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Before the first guest steps into the dining room, before the clatter of utensils, the hum of conversation and the warmth of a shared meal, quiet, holy preparation takes place in the kitchen at Samaritan House Fort Collins, a shelter for women and families experiencing homelessness.

The lights flick on early as Terry, the kitchen supervisor, ties her apron and checks the day’s plan. The ovens warm, a pot simmers on the stove and her team of three begins brewing coffee, chopping, cooking and quietly getting ready for the people they will serve. This moment before the doors open happens every day, even if most people never see it.

December 2025 marks 10 years of service for Terry, who has helped prepare an estimated 500,000 meals during her time at Samaritan House. When she started, she was the only kitchen staff member. Today, she leads a close-knit team who share her belief that food is more than nourishment; it is dignity and welcome.

Over the past decade, Terry has watched the kitchen evolve and transform. From serving public lunches to now primarily preparing meals for women and families, she has adapted through each season of change, including the challenges of COVID-19, when the team switched to paper plates, disposable bowls and reimagined meal service to keep guests safe.

Terry prefers to let her work speak for itself, but she reflected recently on what she has learned in 10 years. “Everything changes, and you have to be ready for it,” she said.

Much of the love behind every plate goes unseen. It includes:

Planning meals around what arrives from the food bank each week.

Building relationships with local businesses for food donations.

Accommodating dietary needs with care and attention.

Training new volunteers and helping them feel at home.

Adjusting menus with creativity when donations change.

During Advent and the holidays, that quiet work becomes even more joyful and more demanding. The kitchen turns into the center of celebration: preparing the Thanksgiving meal, coordinating with an influx of volunteers, assembling ready-to-heat Christmas meals for homebound seniors and helping provide food for holiday parties, cocoa-and-carols gatherings and other celebrations in Northern Colorado.

Terry may be the one planning each meal and keeping the kitchen humming, but she is never doing it alone. Because donors keep the pantry stocked, volunteers step in with open hearts and staff serve faithfully beside her, every warm meal becomes something made possible by people like you.

Just as Advent is an invitation to prepare room for Christ, Terry and her team prepare room at the table for each guest who walks through the doors at Samaritan House Fort Collins. In every plate they serve, your generosity becomes a visible sign of hope.

From Hardship to Hope: Juliana’s Second Chance Begins at Marisol Homes

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At just 23 years old, Juliana has lived through more challenges than many face in a lifetime. Her journey has been shaped by hardship and resilience and by a growing belief that God is not finished with her story.

“I’ve never been in a shelter before and I came to Marisol Homes after running away from work release. I’m currently on probation but I’m committed to turning my life around,” Juliana shared.

Her path has not been easy. At 15, she became a mother to a beautiful little girl who is now 7 years old. Losing custody when her daughter was just 2 remains one of the most painful moments of her life. At the time, Juliana was living on the streets and selling drugs. Briefly after this, she survived a car accident . Those losses drove her deeper into addiction.

Juliana first started using drugs at 14 after her parents separated. When she became a mother, she stopped because she wanted to be better for her daughter. But losing custody shattered her sense of purpose and she fell back into addiction. For years, she didn’t believe she was worthy of healing. She couldn’t find the motivation to fight for a better life because she didn’t feel she deserved one.

Everything shifted when she learned she was pregnant again, this time with a baby boy. Something inside her awakened. She felt God was giving her another chance to be a mother and to rebuild her life with hope.

Coming to Marisol Homes, a ministry of Catholic Charities that supports pregnant women and mothers with young children, was a turning point. She calls August 7th her stability date — the day she began finding balance, peace and faith again for the first time since she was 14 years old.

Through supportive case management and classes, Juliana is gaining the tools, structure and encouragement she needs to rebuild her life. She sees this as her second opportunity to become the mother her children deserve. Every choice she makes now is for her baby and because she finally truly believes she is worthy of a new beginning.

At Marisol Homes she has found space to heal and to believe in her future. She sees this as her second opportunity to become the mother her children deserve. Every choice she makes now is for her baby and because she finally trusts that with God’s help she can become the woman He created her to be.

Her daughter was adopted into a loving family last year, and she is set to give birth to baby Nicolas in the middle of December.

Neighbors Helping Neighbors: Meeting the Need in Southwest Denver

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Last month, our partnership with the Southwest Food Coalition became a lifeline for families in Southwest Denver. Three moms from our Garfield Early Childhood Education (ECE) center joined several Catholic Charities staff members to organize and distribute a bi-monthly food delivery. Together, we reached five neighborhood organizations serving children five years and younger at our ECE sites.

The Southwest Food Coalition—a network of food-access organizations working to increase food availability across Southwest Denver—has been a trusted partner for more than three years. During that time, we’ve worked closely to ensure families receive fresh fruits and vegetables, dairy, meat, and other essential pantry items. With SNAP benefits now restored, many families can breathe a little easier, but the need remained high. Our families and staff were ready to step in and help meet it. More than 100 families benefited from this delivery, taking home ingredients many would have otherwise struggled to afford.

As parents and staff worked side by side—sorting produce, packing boxes, and loading cars—the atmosphere was filled with pride and shared purpose. Families weren’t only receiving help; they were helping one another.

Annie Hollister, program manager for the Southwest Food Coalition, reflected on the importance of this ongoing partnership.

“It has been incredibly fruitful to place fresh produce, meats and high-quality staples directly into the hands of families who needed them most,” she said. “Every time Catholic Charities steps up to help distribute food to its centers, it helps us reach dozens of households we couldn’t reach alone.”

For many parents, especially those with young children, these deliveries were more than boxes of food. They were a reminder that they are supported, seen, and not alone as they navigate daily challenges.

With SNAP benefits back in place, we will continue serving alongside our partners, ensuring families in Southwest Denver have access to the essentials they need to thrive.

A Harvest of Hope at Centro San Juan Diego

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“Together Planting Gratitude, Harvesting Love” perfectly captures the heart of an annual tradition at Centro San Juan Diego, a ministry of Catholic Charities, that promotes the common good of the Hispanic community through education, family support, integration and leadership training. Each year, families who participate in the center’s more than 18 workshops focused on personal growth and the prevention of domestic violence come together to celebrate their accomplishments, strengthen relationships and honor the progress they have made throughout the year.

What began as a small gathering hosted by a handful of families has blossomed into one of the most cherished community events at Centro. It is a day when stories are shared without fear, when new friendships form naturally and when families are reminded that they do not walk their journeys alone. The spirit of unity that fills the room is a reflection of the ministry’s mission — to create a place where people are supported, empowered and connected to one another.

This year’s celebration was one of the most vibrant yet. With the support of dedicated volunteers, more than 150 participants enjoyed an afternoon filled with warmth, gratitude and connection. The celebration featured games for all ages, a festive piñata that had children cheering, a shared potluck filled with homemade dishes, karaoke that brought families together in laughter and over 60 raffle prizes generously donated by volunteers who believe deeply in the mission of Centro San Juan Diego.

But the heart of the day went far beyond entertainment. The event created a meaningful space where families could pause and reflect on how far they had come. Parents shared what they had learned in workshops, young adults talked about the confidence they had gained and couples spoke about the healing and communication skills they were developing. These conversations helped build a deep sense of solidarity, reminding participants that growth happens in community and that change is possible when people support one another.

For families new to Centro, the celebration offered a welcoming introduction. They were able to see firsthand what the ministry represents — a place where their stories matter, where their culture is celebrated and where they can access resources that strengthen their families and transform their futures. Many left feeling inspired to join upcoming workshops and eager to continue building community at the center.

The impact of the day was evident in the smiles, the laughter and the steady hum of connection that filled the room. None of this would have been possible without the generosity and dedication of the volunteers who prepare, organize and accompany families with such love. Their service is a powerful reminder that when people give of themselves, they plant seeds that grow far beyond a single celebration.

Centro San Juan Diego extends its heartfelt gratitude to everyone who made this special day possible and looks forward to continuing this beautiful tradition for years to come — a tradition that strengthens community, nurtures hope and celebrates the love that binds families together.

Walking the Walk: Jerry’s Mission to Support Moms Through Marisol Health

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For longtime Colorado native Jerry, his faith and pro-life convictions have always gone hand in hand. “I’ve always had a strong passion against abortion and for the protection of life,” he said when asked what drew him to Marisol Health, a ministry of Catholic Charities that provides life-affirming care for women.

Jerry’s journey with Marisol began a year ago—through prayer. He regularly joined others outside of Planned Parenthood for Mass, rosaries and the Stations of the Cross at Marisol Health. “I’ve done that a number of times,” he said.

That connection deepened last year when Jerry joined the Respect Life Ministry at St. Joseph’s Parish. The group was brainstorming ways to take their commitment beyond prayer to form real, tangible partnerships with local organizations. Naturally, Marisol Health was at the top of Jerry’s list.

After arranging a tour with Marisol’s staff, Jerry was immediately moved. “Mary took me through the clinic and showed me where they store gifts from parish baby showers. She explained how different parishes sponsor showers for expectant moms who are struggling,” he said. “That hit me hard. It was something real. You’re actually doing something tangible to help a mom in need.”

He brought the idea back to St. Joseph’s. “I told them—this is walking with moms in need. This is what it means to live our mission.” The ministry embraced the idea and soon after, St. Joseph’s planned its first baby shower for a Marisol mom.

But Jerry didn’t stop there. Moved by the experience, he and his wife Julie decided to personally sponsor a monthly baby shower. “Mary told me it costs about $1,500 to $2,000 to provide everything a mom and baby need—strollers, car seats, the essentials,” Jerry said. “That didn’t surprise me. It seemed reasonable. So I said, ‘I’ll do one.’ Then I told her, ‘I’ll do one every month.’”

Now, Jerry and Julie fund ongoing baby showers for Marisol Health, ensuring that new moms have the essentials they need to begin their journey with confidence. “It’s very meaningful and rewarding,” he says. “Praying for an end to abortion is so important—but this is also walking the walk. You’re helping a mother get started, giving her hope.”

Jerry’s passion for the mission goes beyond donations—it’s deeply spiritual. “If a woman can see her baby through an ultrasound, that’s a game-changer,” he says. “It’s just common sense. That’s why I love what Marisol is doing with the mobile clinic. They’re meeting women where they are and showing them the truth of life.”

A proud husband, father of four daughters, grandfather of fifteen and great-grandfather of nearly four, Jerry’s faith in family and life runs deep. “We’re very blessed,” he smiles. “Our kids and grandkids all live here in Colorado. We get to see them often and that’s rare these days.”

For Jerry, supporting Marisol Health isn’t just about saving babies—it’s about restoring a culture of life and compassion in a world that needs both. “We want to keep walking with these moms as they grow and keep our parish involved,” he says. “If we can inspire others to do the same, even better.”

A Family Finds Healing Through St. Raphael Counseling

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After struggling to find the right fit with other Catholic and Christian counselors, Christine Jensen was matched with a therapist at St. Raphael Counseling, a ministry of Catholic Charities of Denver that integrates professional mental health care with the truths of the Catholic faith.

That trust in St. Raphael soon extended to her twin daughters. Midway through fifth grade at Blessed Sacrament, the school counselor from St. Raphael, Kim Mack began meeting regularly with the girls. She recognized signs that the twins might benefit from neurological testing and connected the family with a grant-funded program at St. Raphael. “It was such a gift,” their mother said. “We’d been searching for years but testing cost at least $2,000 per child and wasn’t covered by insurance. To receive it completely through a grant was a blessing.”

The evaluations confirmed ADHD and social communication challenges. With that clarity, the family could finally move forward with targeted support. St. Raphael therapists provided strategies that resonated deeply with the girls. Clara, one of the twins, especially benefited from the school psychiatrist Dr. Christina’s teaching tools, like the “slinky brain” method to encourage flexible thinking and simple social scripts to navigate tricky peer interactions.

About St. Raphael Counseling

St. Raphael Counseling, a ministry of Catholic Charities of Denver, provides Christ-centered counseling services that integrate mental health expertise with Catholic teaching. Serving individuals, couples and families, St. Raphael offers therapy18 Catholic schools, supporting more than 4,200 students a year as well as parishes and clinics throughout Colorado. Its mission is to bring healing and hope by caring for the whole person—body, mind, and spirit—rooted in the love of Christ.

Beyond counseling techniques, faith made all the difference. When a secular therapist dismissed Clara’s instinct to forgive to move forward from a conflict, her mother felt disheartened. “Forgiveness is central to healing, we know that in our faith. At St. Raphael, we knew we could trust the care to align with our values.”

As Clara and Sophia finish their final year at Blessed Sacrament and look ahead to high school, Christine is confident they are equipped with the tools to navigate their diagnoses—grounded in the faith-filled support they received through St. Raphael.

“They’ve grown so much and even teach me ways to manage my anxieties sometimes,” their mother said. “We couldn’t have asked for better support.”

Lifeline for Seniors at Little Flower   

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More seniors are coming to Little Flower Assistance Center than ever before. Rising costs have stretched fixed incomes thin, and many older adults across the Front Range are struggling to keep food on the table. For many on the east side of the metro area, Little Flower, a powerhouse ministry of Catholic Charities, has become the place they rely on when every dollar counts. 

On the second Monday of each month, Little Flower opens its doors for “Senior Monday,” a day dedicated to helping older adults replenish what they need. Seniors arrive by bus, car or whatever transportation they can find. Some walk in with carts or tote bags, grateful to have a dependable place to turn. 

In November, the need was unmistakable. By 9:30 a.m., a line of seniors wrapped around the block, waiting patiently for the doors to open. The cold morning did not stop them. They knew Little Flower would help them get through another month. 

A recent Senior Monday offered a little extra comfort. Along with fresh produce and pantry staples, seniors received care packages filled with goodies they often go without including hats, soap, candy and other hygiene items. The gratitude was immediate, and so were the stories of how difficult the past few months have been. 

When SNAP benefits were in flux because of the government shutdown, seniors felt the strain first. Many told staff they would have had to borrow money from family or go hungry if Little Flower had not been there. The uncertainty pushed them to seek help before things became worse. 

Sara Moore, a dedicated Little Flower volunteer, handles intakes on Senior Monday. She listens to each story as seniors share how they have stretched meals, skipped groceries and leaned on Little Flower to get by. She sees the mix of relief and exhaustion as they leave with the food they need and the dignity they deserve. 

Little Flower continues to be a steady support for seniors across Aurora and east Denver, offering more than food. It offers reassurance that they are not facing these challenges alone. 

This Catholic Charities powerhouse is a food pantry, clothing closet and resource center that offers tremendous support for the community. Little Flower partners with a host of amazing parishes, businesses, agencies, organizations and volunteers to receive and distribute food and critical supplies to neighbors in Aurora and beyond. 

New Citizens Celebrated at Centro San Juan Diego

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For nearly two decades, Centro San Juan Diego—a ministry of Catholic Charities in Denver—has stood as a “home away from home” for the Hispanic community, serving more than 5,000 individuals each year. Continuing the Catholic Church’s long tradition of welcoming and integrating immigrants into the life of the Church and society, Centro remains committed to removing barriers and adapting to the changing needs of those it serves.

That mission came to life this past month, when nearly forty men and women gathered with their families at the Centro San Juan Diego building in downtown Denver to celebrate one of life’s greatest milestones—becoming citizens of the United States.

For months, the staff at Centro walked alongside these future citizens, offering evening classes and one-on-one guidance through paperwork, civics lessons and interview preparation. Along the way, they learned each person’s story—their dreams, their challenges and what brought them to this moment.

Since opening its doors in 2003, Centro San Juan Diego has helped hundreds of immigrants reach this goal, providing not only practical assistance but also the education, confidence and community support that make the journey possible.

The celebration took place in the community hall of Centro San Juan Diego. Rick Bieker, Executive Director of Early Childhood Education and Centro San Juan Diego at Catholic Charities, welcomed the group with words of encouragement and pride.

He shared how immigrants and naturalized citizens strengthen the nation by starting businesses, raising families and contributing to safer, more vibrant communities. “Our country is stronger because of your commitment,” he said. He thanked the new citizens for their perseverance and the strength it took to get to this moment.

Everyone then stood to recite the Pledge of Allegiance in both English and Spanish. Together, they repeated the Oath of Citizenship, pledging loyalty to the Constitution and the laws of the United States.

When the final words—“so help me God”—were spoken, the room erupted in applause. Families embraced, staff smiled and new citizens wiped away tears.

For everyone at Centro San Juan Diego, it was a proud day—a celebration of faith, hard work and hope for a brighter future in the country they now call home.

Becton Dickinson Volunteers Help at Holy Family Plaza 

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Sixteen employees from Becton Dickinson spent the day volunteering at Catholic Charities’ Holy Family Plaza, a housing community for seniors and individuals with disabilities in Denver. The visit was part of the company’s ongoing commitment to community engagement and service, and their efforts made a visible impact on both residents and staff. 

Throughout the morning, volunteers rolled up their sleeves to give the property a deep clean. They tackled hard-to-reach areas like behind stoves and refrigerators, organized shared spaces and helped residents with tasks that are often difficult to manage alone. They also deep cleaned the community van to make sure it was ready for the next group outing. Outside, volunteers tended to the community garden, clearing out old plants and debris, turning soil and preparing the area for the next planting season. Their work brought fresh energy to a space residents enjoy throughout the warmer months. 

Resident Janelle, who has been experiencing ongoing health issues, said the help she received meant a great deal. “I can’t tell you how grateful I am,” she said. “They helped me break down boxes I couldn’t move and cleaned behind my stove, something I physically can’t do anymore because of my age and health. Having them come into my apartment and help—it just took such a weight off.” 

In the afternoon, the volunteers joined residents for a few rounds of bingo, creating a chance for laughter, conversation and connection. Many of the volunteers shared that spending time with residents was the highlight of their day and that seeing the strong sense of community at Holy Family Plaza left a lasting impression. 

“We’re so grateful for the hard work and cheerful smiles BD’s employees brought to their volunteer opportunity today. They tackled every task with enthusiasm and flexibility, and their support was a true gift to our residents and staff,” said Katie Moon, volunteer engagement specialist with Catholic Charities. 

Catholic Charities extends a heartfelt thank-you to Becton Dickinson for their generosity, compassion and commitment to serving our community.

Nancy Finds Renewal at the Mulroy Day Center 

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For more than a decade, Nancy has been part of Catholic Charities’ Kinship program—a resource she calls a “lifesaver.” As a caregiver and grandmother raising three grandchildren all on the autism spectrum, Nancy has faced every challenge with quiet strength and unwavering love. 

Through the Kinship program, Nancy found more than advice—she found understanding, encouragement and a community of caregivers walking the same difficult road. Catholic Charities’ Kinship program helps grandparents and other relatives raising children by offering case management, support groups and connections to essential resources like counseling, food assistance and housing stability. For Nancy, that network has been a steady hand through the ups and downs of caregiving. 

Within that same compassionate network, Nancy discovered another Catholic Charities ministry that now plays an equally important role in her life—the Mulroy Day Center. Designed to serve adults 55 and older, the Mulroy Day Center helps prevent isolation by providing a welcoming space for older adults to build friendships, nurture their physical and mental well-being and access on-site services. From wellness classes to community meals, Mulroy offers older adults the support and social connection they need to thrive. 

Every Tuesday, Nancy spends her day at Mulroy—a sacred time she sets aside for herself. It’s where she practices chair yoga with Jan, enjoys free haircuts and manicures through Catholic Charities’ partnership with Emily Griffith Technical College and sits down to a warm lunch surrounded by friends. “It’s my day to just breathe,” Nancy said. “To take care of myself so I can keep taking care of them.” 

At the Mulroy Day Center, Nancy has rediscovered balance—a few hours each week to focus on her own health, laugh with others and recharge emotionally. These moments of rest and renewal give her the strength and patience to return home to her grandchildren with renewed energy and love. 

For Nancy and many others like her, Catholic Charities’ Kinship and Mulroy Day Center programs work hand in hand—lifting up older adults, caregivers and grandparents who give so much of themselves. Together, these ministries create a circle of care that offers what Nancy treasures most: compassion, connection and hope.

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