A Year After Finding Refuge at Samaritan House, Nicole Leads Drive to Uplift Other Women

Every evening after her shift at the front desk of a Denver hotel, Nicole would stand outside Samaritan House on Lawrence Street, waiting to get a bed.

One night, Miss D, a case manager at Samaritan House, approached Nicole.

“She saw me,” Nicole says. “Like, really saw me.”

Miss D pulled her aside.

“I’m gonna give your name to a case manager here at Samaritan House,” she said. “They’re gonna call you. You’re going to have a bed every night, and you won’t have to carry your life with you anymore.”

The next day, the call came.

Samaritan House on Lawrence Street is one of five Catholic Charities shelters in Denver, Fort Collins and Greeley – all of which provide different types of care depending on the needs of the clients. Nicole was staying at Holy Rosary, the emergency overnight shelter for single women at the flagship shelter. Within the building, there is also longer-term shelter and support services for single women, veterans and families.

At Miss D’s urging and with the support from the entire team, Nicole decided she was ready to move to the client services floor at Samaritan House. In addition to a clean bed and three nutritious meals a day, Nicole found a place to do laundry, regularly meet with a case manager and work with other folks who helped her do what she always did—she worked, she saved and she planned.

The extended stay program team connected her with a program that helped cover the deposit for a new apartment. She found a place near City Park where she and her 29-year-old daughter could live together. They worked together to get the resources they needed to start over in Denver.

One year from the date of her living at Samaritan House, Nicole is thriving.

She now works as an administrative assistant in the Denver Tech Center and still carries the time at Samaritan House in her heart.

So when the opportunity came to support Samaritan House through her company, she didn’t hesitate.

For International Women’s Month in March, she was asked to find a local organization that uplifts women in the community. One place immediately came to mind. Nicole shared with her boss and coworkers how, not long ago, she had experienced homelessness herself, and by the grace of God, she had Samaritan House to lean on.

The entire company rallied behind the clothing drive she organized. They brought in new, quality pieces—clothes that could help restore dignity for women who deserve to feel seen and valued. Women like Nicole.

“I remember getting a ticket to go into the warehouse to get clothes when I lived here, and I just remember feeling like a woman again, trying on new-to-me stuff to get my groove back,” she said. “When I was telling my coworkers about my experience here, they were all on board and gathered nice, new stuff to be donated.”

For more information about how you can donate to Samaritan House, click here.

If you or someone you know is in need of emergency, overnight shelter, the process has changed a bit since Nicole was part of our program. We’re open 365 days a year from 4:00pm to 7:30am for women 18 years and older. There is capacity for 40 dorm-style beds, and participants get two nutritious meals (dinner and breakfast) and have access to bathroom services, but no shower. Participants can reserve a bed each morning with staff, and participants with bed reservation will be checked in first starting at 3:30pm.All other beds can be accessed on a first come first serve basis for those are eligible. Participant must check in by 5 pm to maintain bed reservation. Contact: 303-294-0241

Celebrating Volunteer Appreciation Month

In April, Catholic Charities serving Larimer and Weld Counties celebrated the beating heart of our ministries: our volunteers.

During National Volunteer Appreciation Month, dedicated folks from ministries across Northern Colorado joined us for the third annual volunteer appreciation event. Held at Our Lady of the Valley parish in Windsor, the gathering brought together volunteers from Samaritan House Fort Collins, Samaritan House Greeley, Marisol Family St. Joseph and Marisol Health Northern Colorado. It was our best turnout yet—a testament to the strength and spirit of this incredible community.

Guests enjoyed a delicious meal prepared by the chefs at Samaritan House Fort Collins and Samaritan House Greeley. Local businesses added to the celebration by donating door prizes, including gifts from The Kress Cinema, Fort Collins Nursery, Ginger and Baker and Margie’s Java Joint.

The event’s highlight was the presentation of volunteer awards, honoring those who go above and beyond in their service. Each award represents a unique contribution to the mission—recognizing consistency, compassion, leadership and the ability to bring hope where it’s needed most.

Congratulations to our 2024-25 honorees:

Denise Benz – Roots of Care Award, Marisol Health Northern Colorado
For her early and enduring presence that has helped Marisol Health grow strong – serving with heart, skill and vision.

Ellen Buelow – Bridge of Care Award, Marisol Family St. Joseph
For warmly bridging language and cultural gaps, serving Spanish-speaking families with compassion and an eager heart.

Gene Downey – Devoted Spirit Award, Samaritan House Fort Collins
For his unwavering commitment, even on holidays, exemplifying the true heart of service and dedication to our mission.

Nina Franczak – Steadfast Service Award, Marisol Family St. Joseph
For her consistent presence and quiet dedication uplift our mission daily through faithful, ongoing service.

Deb Gillan – Boutique Builder Award, Marisol Family St. Joseph
For her creativity and care which transformed our boutique space into a place of dignity and delight for every family who walks into Marisol Family.

Steph Hardon – Kitchen Cornerstone Award, Samaritan House Fort Collins
For her years of service in our kitchen which have made her an essential part of the team – steady, skilled and always ready to nourish others.

Kelly Krapes – Ambassador of Hope Award, Marisol Health Northern Colorado
For her willingness to represent our brand with heart, helping to amplify our impact through word and witness.

Susan Labonde – Helping Hands Award, Samaritan House Greeley
For her willingness to step up whenever and wherever is needed.

Tim Lenczycki – All-Heart Award, Samaritan House Fort Collins

For his joyful presence, flexibility and commitment – always ready to serve wherever needed.

Norma Perez – Transformational Service Award, Samaritan House Greeley
For her dedication helping the distribution center to evolve and ensuring that essential items are accessible to the community.

Tom Quammen – First Responder Award, Samaritan House Greeley
For his readiness to step up and provide essential supplies without hesitation.

One volunteer reflected, “Many of us give time to different organizations, but Catholic Charities is the one place where we truly feel appreciated.”

To every volunteer—whether you serve in a kitchen, shelter, clinic or behind the scenes—thank you. You are a face of hope in Northern Colorado. Because of all of you, we continue to support neighbors and transform lives.

A Legacy of Action, Charity and Adoration: Remembering Pope Francis

“The Eucharist was placed on the altar for adoration,” Jennifer Torres recalls. “And the entire group went silent — like you could hear a pin drop. It was so clear in that moment: we are here because of Him. And we’re still here.”

For Jennifer, who serves in Community Engagement with Respect Life Denver at Catholic Charities, moments like that are more than memories — they are living reminders of what Pope Francis brought to the Church and the world. A legacy of unity and profound simplicity.
But for her, it started even earlier.

“I guess it kind of started a little before the year Pope Francis was installed,” she says. “That same year was when I reverted back to the Catholic faith. It was like a new season for me and for the Church.”

That year laid the groundwork for something deeper. She was abroad in 2016 and managed to get rare tickets for Easter Mass in Rome with her family — something she describes as nothing short of profound.

“It gave me real insight into Pope Francis’s heart for God’s beloved people,” she shares. “And it sparked something in me. A desire to look into my own heart and see how I could love others better.”

From there, the doors of discernment opened wide. Over the past 10 years, Jennifer has served in missionary work in a variety of capacities, especially among economically marginalized communities. That call to get up and get out — something Pope Francis championed — was not just an invitation. She wanted to fully embody it.

In 2023, she led a group to World Youth Day. Out of more than 70 groups, theirs was chosen to be at the papal altar during the vigil Mass in Lisbon, Portugal — an experience she describes as “very intimate” and deeply moving.

“We have hope for the future,” she says. “Hope for the youth, for union with the Universal Church, for our Protestant brothers and sisters — and for world peace. Because Jesus brought us here. And this is where we begin.”

There was joy in that silence. A holy stillness that came from a deeper place — from something Pope Francis continually called people to encounter. “He really created opportunities for people to experience that. That kind of beauty. That kind of joy.”

Catholic Charities and Respect Life Denver continue to carry forward the mission Pope Francis championed: quiet, faithful service — often hidden, always humble.

“I was always confident in Catholic Charities’ reputation,” Jennifer shares. “Not the loud kind of reputation, but the hidden one. The humble one. And I think Pope Francis saw that kind of service as the heart of the Church.”
His call to action was simple, but powerful: get up and get out.
And people listened.
“His call has led many people back to Jesus,” she says. “I can’t speak for everyone’s conversion or reversion, but I’ve seen it. In peers. In mentors. Even in the people I now get to walk with in discipleship. It’s real.”
That’s the legacy Pope Francis leaves behind — not just in words or policies, but in people. In a new generation of disciples. In the quiet of adoration. In the hope we still carry.
“He brought us here,” Jennifer says again. “And this is where we begin.”

“Smelling Like the Sheep”: Emma Ramirez on the Legacy of Pope Francis

When Emma Ramirez, Director of Respect Life Denver at Catholic Charities, traveled to Rome in the spring of 2014, Pope Francis was in his first year of the papacy.

“There was just an unbelievable amount of excitement,” she remembers. “We had a new Pope and it was the first time many of us were getting to encounter him — even just from a distance. At the papal audience there was a buzz. It felt like something new was being breathed into the Church.”

That newness would shape her faith and vocation in ways she never expected.

In the summer of 2016, Emma read The Name of God is Mercy, a book-length interview with Pope Francis that left a lasting impression. At the same time, she was serving in Philadelphia with Christ in the City — just a year after Pope Francis had visited the city for the World Meeting of Families. His presence still lingered there.

“We met people experiencing homelessness who had been deeply moved by his visit,” she says. “Some weren’t Catholic, some didn’t believe in God but they remembered seeing him drive by, remembered feeling like he saw them. Like he cared.”
That kind of encounter — of being seen — stuck with Emma. It echoed in Pope Francis’s writing, his witness and especially in the way he spoke about mercy.

“Something that’s just stayed with me is that everyone needs mercy,” Emma says. “Even those far from the Church. Even those who say they don’t believe. Everyone is in need of Jesus’s mercy — which is joy and hope.”

Pope Francis, she says, helped her see the world through a different lens. A lens that refuses to look away from pain or poverty but instead opens itself wide to it — and stands beside it.
“He encourages us to meet people where they are. To be the face of mercy to them. And that doesn’t mean ignoring truth — mercy and truth go hand in hand. It’s about loving first. Showing up. Welcoming others into that mercy.”

One quote in particular guided her path: “We are called to smell like the sheep.”
It became a mission.
“At Christ in the City, after a long day of street ministry, I’d often come home smelling like cigarette smoke,” Emma laughs softly. “And honestly? It became a nostalgic smell. Because it meant we were there — among the people. That’s where Jesus is. That’s where He wants us to be.”
That calling transformed her life. Though she hadn’t planned on it, Emma found herself choosing a life of service — especially with the homeless — as a full-time vocation. “That wasn’t what I studied. It wasn’t what I thought I’d do,” she says. “But through Pope Francis’s words, through witnessing how he touched people’s lives it became clear. This is where the Lord is calling me.”
She points to the Year of Mercy as another turning point — a time when the Pope extended a wide-open invitation back into the heart of the Church. A reminder that no one is too far gone, that reconciliation is always within reach.
“That was his desire, communion. Solidarity. He didn’t want anyone excluded from the chance to encounter Jesus especially through the sacraments.”
Now, as she continues her work with Respect Life Denver within Catholic Charities , Emma carries Pope Francis’s legacy forward every day — in mercy, in presence and in hope.
“Jesus wants to meet these people,” she says. “Just as much as He wants to meet me. And Pope Francis helped me believe that. He showed me how to love like that.”

All Saints Apartments Earns Statewide Recognition with Eagle Award Nomination

Catholic Charities is proud to share that All Saints Apartments has been nominated for the 2025 Eagle Award, one of Colorado’s most prestigious honors in affordable housing.

Located in southwest Denver, All Saints Apartments offers 63 thoughtfully designed studio and one-bedroom units, providing safe, stable, and beautiful housing for individuals overcoming homelessness. With amenities like a fitness center, reading room and on-site services, the community is more than just housing—it’s a place of dignity, hope and new beginnings.

“This nomination is a testament to the compassionate work of our team and the resilience of the residents who now call All Saints home,” said Darren Walsh, President and CEO of Catholic Charities. “We are honored to be recognized among others working to create lasting solutions to homelessness in Colorado.”

The Eagle Award highlights innovation, impact and leadership in housing. All Saints Apartments embodies those values through its trauma-informed design, wraparound services and commitment to human dignity.

Leasing is still underway, and qualified residents are encouraged to apply. Details about available units and how to apply can be found at
https://ccdenver.org/housing/catholic-charities-housing.

 

 

Former Afghan refugee becomes U.S. Citizen and leads the State effort to integrate over 2000 Afghan evacuees in Colorado.

Don’t be fooled by Muhammad Abdullahi’s smiling face and relentless positivity. Muhammad and his family came to the U.S. as refugees, fleeing targeted attacks by the Taliban because of Muhammad’s work with the U.S. Army in Afghanistan. Muhammad is also Hazara, an Afghan minority ethnic group that has suffered persecution for centuries at the hands of various governments and insurgent groups, such as the Taliban. Muhammad says that upon arrival, his first thought was “I feel safe here.”
In September of 2021 the U.S. withdrew from Afghanistan, facilitating the evacuation of over 70,000 Afghan allies and their families as the Taliban retook control of the country. In December 2021, Muhammad applied for U.S. Citizenship, which was granted in July 2022. “I am very, very, very happy because I found a new country and a new life.”
Muhammad, who is now a Resource Navigator at Hope Communities, has been at the forefront of the effort to integrate the over 2000 Afghan evacuees who have resettled in Colorado. Once a newcomer himself, he knows first-hand the multitude of challenges when starting over in a new country. He loves doing this work because he remembers how much he struggled and wants to make the process easier for others going through the same experience: “Because I had a hard time, I like to help people from my country and from any country. I want to share my experience, to help people find their way and support their family.”
He registers people in English classes and career services programs, takes them to appointments at the DMV and the Social Security Office, connects them with food pantries and other similar resources, and shares his own experiences to guide others and help them feel less alone. About his work, Muhammad says “I like to help people, everybody, not just Afghan people. Any race, and country, any religion.”
Muhammad’s citizenship attorney, Tracy Harper, became the coordinator of the Colorado Afghan Legal Project at Catholic Charities of Denver, funded by the State of Colorado, through its fiscal sponsor, the Rose Foundation. The Project’s aim is to help Afghan evacuees who have resettled in Colorado stabilize their immigration legal status so that they can remain safe and stable in the United States. Muhammad began by offering interpretation and cultural bridging at impromptu screenings to determine what the greatest legal services needs were. His work evolved over the year to coordinating interpreters and Afghan participants for twelve asylum workshops that prepared over 600 applications for asylum. Without Muhammad’s assistance, this Project would not have been possible, and he continues to collaborate with Catholic Charities of Denver Immigration Services today as we address the legal needs of our new Afghan neighbors.

Empowering Families Through the Catholic Charities Early Childhood Education Home-Based Program

The early years of a child’s life are critical in shaping their development and future success. Understanding this, Catholic Charities has developed the Early Childhood Education (ECE) Head Start Program’s Home-Based sector, offering families with children from birth to age 5 the chance to receive personalized, in-home support to enhance their parenting skills and promote … Read more

From Overcoming Tragedy to Becoming an Invaluable Volunteer at Catholic Charities

Virginia Ficco’s journey to becoming a cherished Catholic Charities volunteer began in an unexpected way. In 2014, she survived a devastating car accident outside Cortez, Colorado. Airlifted to University Hospital in Denver, she spent 32 days in intensive care. Her doctor advised her and her husband to relocate from their home in Ouray to be closer to the hospital. A year into her recovery, Virginia saw a call for volunteers in the St. Pius Catholic Church parish bulletin for the Little Flower Assistance Center. Despite her physical challenges, she reasoned that if she was well enough to play bridge during the week, she could certainly volunteer once a week at Little Flower. She began by organizing food boxes for individuals and families in Aurora but soon found the physical demands too strenuous. Undeterred, Virginia sought other ways to contribute. As a former teacher, principal and district superintendent, she hoped her experience could be put to good use. Donna Potter, longtime director of Little Flower, worked with Virginia to find a more suitable volunteer placement and together they landed on client intakes. Over time, she became an expert in the intake process, even streamlining the system to improve efficiency. A lifelong learner and teacher, Virginia embraced new technology, mastering a software program for tracking volunteer data and training others to use it. Among the many stories she hears from clients, what stands out most to Virginia is their determination. Having experienced trauma herself, she deeply admires the resilience of those she meets. Ten years later, Virginia remains a vital part of the Little Flower team, offering her time, experience and heart to the center. She continues to guide new volunteers and ensure that the systems she helped develop run smoothly.

During Volunteer Appreciation Month, we honor Virginia and countless others like her across Catholic Charities — individuals whose dedication and perseverance make a profound difference in the lives of others. Learn more about volunteering at ccdenver.org/volunteer Catholic Charities, guided by our mission to extend the healing ministry of Jesus Christ to the poor and those in need, feeds, houses, educates, counsels and provides emergency assistance and critical services to tens of thousands of neighbors across Colorado’s Front Range and Western Slope each year.

Pete finds his forever home at Catholic Charities Housing’s All Saints Apartments

Pete Gonzalez, one of the newest residents at All Saints Apartments, has always called Denver home. Born and raised in the Harvey Park neighborhood, he has witnessed the area evolve and rent prices skyrocket. For a decade, he lived in a nearby apartment, but rising costs eventually forced him out.

He relocated to Wellington to stay with his daughter for a while, but the long commute back to Denver—to check in with his siblings and other daughter—made him yearn for something more permanent and closer to home.

One day, he spotted a “Now Leasing” sign at the corner of Federal Boulevard and Vassar Avenue. Curious, he inquired and soon learned about All Saints Apartments—Catholic Charities Housing’s affordable housing community designed for seniors ages 62 and older. Excited by the opportunity, he wasted no time submitting his application.

In December 2024, Pete became the second resident to move in. The building was brand new, and as he stepped into his apartment for the first time, a wave of relief washed over him. It wasn’t just about having a place to live—it was the feeling that, after months of searching, he had finally found home.

“My siblings are all really close, and being near them again makes it feel like home,” Pete said, his voice filled with gratitude.

What stood out most about All Saints Apartments wasn’t just the quality of the apartment—it was the smooth and transparent process of getting there. In past housing searches, Pete had encountered delays, poor communication and unresolved maintenance issues. But Catholic Charities Housing was different. From his first phone call, their professionalism was evident. The team at All Saints Apartments kept him informed every step of the way, even before the building was completed. It was a stark contrast to the frustration he had experienced in the past.

“The communication here was just… different,” Pete explained. “Every time I had a question, they had an answer. No waiting around, no wondering what was going on.”

On move-in day, Pete even had the opportunity to choose his apartment. He selected a one-bedroom unit on the fourth floor with a breathtaking view of the mountains. The space was spotless, well-maintained and outfitted with brand-new appliances. It wasn’t just a place to live—it was a home, a place where he could finally put down roots.

“I’ve been around, I’ve seen a lot of places,” Pete said, glancing around his apartment with a smile. “The cleanliness, the security—it’s all top-notch. There are a lot of little things that make a big difference. The lighting, the heating the internet system…”

Beyond the apartment itself, the location made it feel like a true homecoming. Just blocks from where he grew up and close to everyday conveniences like grocery stores and bus stops, it was everything he had hoped for.

Filled with gratitude, Pete decided to write a letter to Catholic Charities Housing to express his appreciation. After years of struggling to find a stable, secure place to live, he wanted them to know how much their care and dedication had meant to him.

Dear Catholic Charities Services,

I would like to express my sincere gratitude for the exceptional service and professionalism you provided throughout my home search. Your dedication, clear communication and genuine support truly set you apart.

Unlike other places, where I experienced delays, lack of follow-up and inconsistent maintenance, your team maintained open and positive communication, ensuring I was well-informed every step of the way.

Upon moving in, I was blessed to find my new home clean, well-maintained and thoughtfully prepared. It gave me great confidence and peace of mind knowing that the place I’m now living in will be my home for the rest of my life.

I am certain that under your care, this community will continue to be a welcoming, well-managed place. It truly feels like home.

Thank you once again for your outstanding service and dedication. I truly appreciate it.

Best regards,

Pete Gonzalez

As Pete stood by his window, looking out at the familiar streets of Harvey Park, he realized that this was the beginning of a new chapter. He has come full circle—back to the neighborhood he loved, to a home he could finally call his own.

And for Pete Gonzalez, that was everything.

Looking for an affordable apartment in Denver? All Saints Apartments is offering a move in special for just $99.Limited time only.