Meet Denise, an active and engaged member of our Samaritan House community.
“I am just so blessed to be here. I can’t imagine living on the streets. I really don’t think I could in my condition.”
Denise has COPD and requires an oxygen tank for most of her day. Safe shelter, nutritious food, case management and showers top the list of things she really enjoys about Samaritan House.
“Showers! Wow! They make such a difference and the food here is amazing. I look forward to the great meals they serve us here three times a day.”
During Denise’s stay at Samaritan House, she has turned her small corner of the shelter into a sanctuary of warmth and comfort. Above her bed, she has carefully arranged pictures, a calendar and a delicate paper vase filled with dried flowers.
When complimented on her decorations, Denise is eager to share her deep love for cats—a love so profound that her wall is adorned with pictures of them. Reaching under her bed, Denise pulls out a pair of rain boots covered in cat images. These aren’t just any boots; they were a gift from another guest at the shelter who, knowing how much Denise adores cats, saved up to buy them for her. This simple act of kindness brought Denise immense joy and great pride.
Imagine that! A participant at Samaritan House saving up money to buy a thoughtful gift for a friend? Isn’t that God’s love in action?
That spirit also extends between staff, volunteers and the people who call Samaritan House home.
“The team here really cares about us. I can’t say good enough things about how they treat us. They try to make our lives better every single day.”
Denise’s story is a powerful testament to the transformative impact that Catholic Charities has when our community steps up.
Thanks to our generous donors, we are able to provide a place where dignity and hope are restored, where personal touches like Denise’s pictures and calendar can turn a shelter into a home.
Homelessness had long been a harsh reality for Bethany, her son, Aiden and her mother, Julie. Before the three of them arrived at Samaritan House Greeley, they lived at two Catholic Charities’ shelters in Denver. Bethany and Aiden first lived at Marisol Homes, a safe spot for women and young children in the Denver metro area and then, in a desire to reunite with Julie, were connected to Samaritan House Denver where the three of them lived together in family housing.
Statistics show that the longer a child experiences homelessness before reaching 18, the more likely they are to struggle with homelessness as an adult. This reality – and the desire to build a better future for Aiden – led Bethany and Julie directly to Samaritan House Greeley.
There, they were able to enter the shelter’s unique Extended Stay Program. Their case manager Cindy Powers dug into the root cause of their homelessness. For the two women, their lack of steady employment meant they had no stable place to call home. Cindy discovered that their rocky past and constant couch surfing left them feeling disheartened and frustrated, discouraged and unable to find or keep employment.
Cindy connected them with a local community partner, North Range Behavioral Health, which provided counseling sessions for the entire family. They worked individually and together to encourage one another to be the best version of themselves. They began to see themselves in a positive light for the first time and they began to have hope for what their lives could be.
With this new outlook on life, they imagined a brighter future: a home with their own beds, clothes in their closets and evenings gathered around a table with freshly baked cookies – Aiden’s favorite daydream. With each new paycheck, they watched their bank accounts grow and could feel their dreams becoming reality.
Once the time came to look for apartments, the family knew their hard work was paying off. They could practically smell the chocolate chip cookies as they saw their new lives unfold. Cindy found an apartment that was the perfect fit for the family and, before they knew it, move-in day arrived.
They set up new furniture and Bethany reported that the first night in their new home was “the best night of sleep she’s had in a long time.” Even though they’ve left Samaritan House Greeley, Cindy continues to work with the family. Their primary goals now are to remain stable long-term, keep their jobs and – someday – move into an even bigger place. Above all, Cindy – and the mother and grandmother who love him – are thrilled to see the long history of homelessness broken for little Aiden.
Ricky Johnson is a remarkable Catholic Charities volunteer who is driven by a “pay it forward” philosophy that begins with love and leads to real change for countless people. As the founder of Kingdom Cuts, a Christian non-profit organization dedicated to changing the world one haircut at a time, Ricky’s mission is to serve the community through the heart and eyes of God, spreading His love and message of hope through his services.
In August, Ricky was a special guest at one of our Catholic Charities Kinship meetings in Weld County. Our Kinship program provides support and resources to grandparents, relatives or family friends who are raising children in the absence of the children’s parents. The program offers guidance, access to legal resources, financial assistance and emotional support, helping kinship caregivers navigate the challenges of raising children, while promoting family stability and well-being.
Our programs are always looking for ways to ease the burdens on these families and touch their lives in big and small ways. Ricky’s visit had a simple, yet profound impact.
Ricky believes “a haircut may not change your life, but GOD can.” His God-led approach honors the dignity of everyone who sits in his chair. In one afternoon, Ricky spent time with over a dozen children from the Kinship program, taking care to give them each the attention they deserved. Each haircut took 30-45 minutes and met each child’s wishes – some wanted a fresh new fade or a clean cut to show off their bright smiles. Ricky’s positivity and encouragement had the group bursting with energy, hyping one another up after their turn in the chair. He brought a renewed sense of comradery through his cuts. For many of us, a haircut is such a normal or even a mundane part of life, but, for these beautiful families, time spent getting these kiddos ready to head back to school with a brand new haircut made a world of difference.
Kingdom Cuts was founded from Ricky’s dream of using his skills to make a difference. The non-profit came from humble beginnings. At first, Ricky was traveling with his barber kit and a camp chair in his car and would spend time with anyone that seemed they needed a haircut or time with a friend. Later, he was able to obtain a van that was converted into a mobile barbershop that he takes directly to the communities he serves.
The children in our Kinship programs often bear the weight of difficult circumstances and find solace and confidence through small acts of kindness. In attending a Kinship meeting and offering haircuts, Ricky helped each of these children feel valued and cared for.
Through his generous spirit and unwavering commitment, Ricky Johnson has become more than a barber; he has become a light for others, showing that even the smallest acts of kindness can transform the lives of others.
“This place is the best. I don’t know where I’d be without it.”
Bettie Johnson has called Cathedral Plaza her home for the past nine years. In that time, she has solidified her position as a “resident celebrity” who has a way of making everyone feel better after being with her.
At 76, she makes it her mission every day to brighten the halls and can’t go too far before being stopped by her neighbors who she calls friends. A few residents even asked for her autograph as she smiled and posed in the lobby. Fitting that her shirt that day read “kind people are my kind of people.”
Before moving to Cathedral Plaza, Bettie resided in a dim and gloomy garden level apartment in Denver with minimal sunlight. One of her biggest concerns was the cost of a new apartment and how she was going to pay for it. The place wasn’t meant for someone as bright and infectious as Bettie. One day, she and her grandson started their trek to apply for affordable housing around Denver.
Cathedral Plaza was always at the top of her list. When she got the call that her application was accepted, she already felt happier than she had in months. And because Cathedral Plaza’s location is so convenient, Bettie didn’t have to worry about having to pay for a car or insurance. Reflecting on those days before she got the call, Bettie says her previous living situation was a stark contrast to her current home. She moved to Denver years ago, but never expected to have to worry about where she could live.
Having found what she calls, “the best place to live” in Cathedral Plaza, a housing community managed by Catholic Charities Housing, Bettie considers it to be the greatest comfort. The transition to Cathedral Plaza marked a significant turning point for Bettie, as she found herself surrounded by a welcoming community and a brighter, more uplifting environment.
As a recipient of housing assistance, Bettie is deeply grateful for the support that has allowed her to establish a sense of security and belonging at Cathedral Plaza. She cherishes the moments spent in the communal areas, engaging in conversations with her neighbors and participating in various activities organized by the community. A few weeks ago, she spent her evening dancing to jazz music with staff and other residents, reminiscing over her days dancing at Denver jazz clubs.
“This place is the best. I don’t know where I’d be without it. The staff makes us feel like we are people, not just seniors,” shared Bettie.
For Bettie, Cathedral Plaza is not just a place to reside; it’s a nurturing environment that has enriched her life in countless ways. Whether she is on a community outing or sharing stories with her peers, Bettie finds solace and contentment in her home at Cathedral Plaza.
As summer break 2024 ended, teachers at Holy Family High School in Broomfield prepared classrooms, revised lesson plans and reviewed student rosters. They reconnected with colleagues, met new teachers and agreed that summer had flown by.
They also gathered for continuing education and team building.
Representatives from St. Raphael Counseling, the largest Catholic therapy organization in the country and a ministry of Catholic Charities in the Archdiocese of Denver, led a session focused on mental health. From cultivating emotionally healthy students and building resilience to coping techniques and anxiety management for teachers, the daylong session aimed to ensure that both students – and their teachers – were prepared to make the upcoming school year their best yet. A central topic on their minds: suicide prevention.
Leading the session were St. Raphael Counseling’s Dr. Angela Wall, Meg Beckman and Jeff Rasp, seasoned therapists with years of experience in mental health and suicide prevention.
Holy Family High School is just one of 21 schools across the Archdiocese of Denver that works directly with St. Raphael Counseling to provide Catholic-based behavioral health services from this Catholic Charities ministry. Launched in 2011, this program serves students in individual and group counseling sessions, exploring emotions, overcoming challenges and developing essential life skills. Last year alone, 10,000 counseling hours were committed to the wellbeing of students at Catholic schools. This session at Holy Family was focused on how teachers are an integral piece of the mental health puzzle.
“Talking about suicide isn’t easy,” Dr. Wall began, her voice calm but resolute. “Some of us here may be loss survivors or attempt survivors. It’s important to acknowledge that this is a difficult topic, but it’s also an essential one.”
The team started by addressing common myths. “There’s a pervasive myth that no one can stop a suicide, that it’s inevitable once someone decides. But the reality is quite different. If people in crisis get the help they need, they may never be suicidal again. In fact, nine out of 10 people who attempt suicide never go on to die by it,” said Rasp.
Rasp then tackled another misconception: that asking someone directly about suicide would only make them angry and increase the risk. “The fact is…asking someone directly about their intent actually lowers their anxiety. It can be the very thing that opens the door to getting them the help they need.”
The St. Raphael Counseling team shared sobering statistics from 2022, highlighting the alarming increase in suicide rates over the past 20 years. “Almost 50,000 lives lost to suicide last year alone. That’s 138.97 lives every day—nearly the equivalent of a commercial jet crash every other day.”
Rasp detailed the specific vulnerabilities faced by different groups, such as Native American and Alaska Native youths, whose suicide rate is almost twice the national average. He also pointed out that people in rural areas are twice as likely to die by suicide compared to those in large metro areas.
The faculty members were visibly moved, some taking notes, others nodding in agreement as they processed the information. The St. Raphael team stressed the importance of being vigilant and recognizing the signs—verbal, behavioral and situational—that could indicate a student was in crisis.
“When someone says, ‘I’m tired of life,’ or ‘My family would be better off without me,’ they are not just words. These are cries for help, and they’re looking for reassurance that their lives have meaning, that people care.”
The team introduced the QPR program—Question, Persuade, Refer—as a practical approach teachers could use to help students in distress. “If you’re ever in doubt, don’t wait. Ask the question. You can’t do harm by asking, but you might save a life.”
The teachers learned the importance of being persistent and patient, listening without judgment and offering hope in any form. “Remember, when you apply QPR, you plant the seeds of hope. And hope helps prevent suicide.”
As the session continued, the focus shifted to the broader challenges faced by students today—extreme isolation, fear about the state of the world and identity crises exacerbated by the pressures of performance, appearance and approval from others. “Students become overwhelmed when they start to believe that their worth is in these external things. But their true identity is non-negotiable and foundational—they are loved by God, made in His image and chosen by Him.”
The St. Raphael team encouraged teachers to help students cultivate resilience, self-compassion and a steadfast faith. “Teach your students that their academics are only one aspect of their life. Model positive self-talk, foster a growth mindset and create a classroom culture of grace.”
The session included practical exercises, including breathing techniques to calm anxiety and a reminder of the power of prayer. “When we’re not guiding them, they cling to things like tarot cards and other practices that don’t provide the real help they need. We need to incorporate our faith into these strategies—like using the Rosary as a tool for peace.”
As the teachers left the auditorium, there was a shared sense of determination. They were not just educators but lifelines, armed with the knowledge and tools to be a wedge between their students and the despair that could lead to suicide. The visit from St. Raphael Counseling had not only informed them but empowered them, reminding them of the profound impact they could have on the lives of the students they were called to serve.
From a modest team of three school counselors in 2020, St. Raphael Counseling has quickly expanded its services within Catholic schools across the Archdiocese. Now with 15 counselors, one school-based therapist and one clinical and school psychologist in 20 schools, the ministry seeks to help every child attending Catholic schools receive the mental health services they need.
This is in addition to the other eight locations that offer individual, couple and family therapy across Northern Colorado.
“I don't think this school program would exist without the prayer, support and the grace of God,” said St. Raphael School Counseling Director, Gina Lanz. "And the counselors and talent that we're finding is truly God-given.”
The heart of St. Raphael Counseling’s school counseling mission focuses on student needs, from developmental challenges to technology-induced anxiety and everything in between. St. Raphael also prioritizes holistic support, including efforts in areas such as suicide prevention and parent-child engagement.
Through individual sessions, group interventions and classroom lessons, counselors equip students with coping strategies and social-emotional skills. During the 2024-25 school year, they will pilot a program that implements faith-based social emotional learning into the curriculum for students K through 12.
“Social emotional learning is a big part of what we do because now we're teaching and helping students discover their own God-given talents and potential,” shares Gina.
Dr. Angela Wall is the ministry’s school psychologist, one of the first clinical psychologists serving Catholic schools in the nation. With a background as a psychologist in public schools and a personal history having received a Catholic education, Dr. Wall understands the importance of upholding Catholic values in a school environment.
She notes the significant challenges faced by today's families which seem to be exacerbated by social media and technological advancements.
“We've been doing a lot of parent outreach, presentations and teacher training this year as part of our ministry. The one thing we talk about, especially with parents, is that 2024 is simply not the same as when we were growing up,” said Dr. Wall. “We can't teach kids the same way because we are living in very difficult and unique world.”
Dr. Wall emphasizes that counseling is not about identifying problems but about offering support and collaborating with parents and educators. By fostering a collaborative environment, St. Raphael Counseling aims to reassure parents that seeking help for their children is a positive step.
St. Raphael Counseling, the largest Catholic ministry of its kind in the nation, is proud that their efforts have led to notable outcomes including a crossover of parents seeking counseling services for themselves, inspired by their children's experiences.
This Catholic Charities’ ministry has expanded its role in crisis intervention this past year as well. It has adopted the PREPaRE model, a comprehensive training program developed by the National Association of School Psychologists in collaboration with the Department of Homeland Security. This program trains school staff in various aspects of crisis management, from physical safety to addressing emotional and mental health needs during emergencies.
The St. Raphael Counseling team has established protocols for suicide assessment and threat evaluation, ensuring that our Catholic schools are equipped to handle crises effectively. This proactive approach aims to create a safe environment for both students and staff.
The school-based program supports the 20 participating schools in accommodating students with diverse learning needs, including those with autism, dyslexia and other disabilities. By providing educational support and psychoeducational testing, St. Raphael Counseling helps ensure that all students receive a high-quality education tailored to their needs.
“We know that Catholic schools provide an exemplary level of education, and we take great pride in that. We are also very committed, however, to supporting and welcoming all children.” said Dr. Wall.
As St. Raphael continues to expand their services and reach, the ministry remains dedicated to its mission of supporting students, families and educators.
With ongoing efforts to expand their team and enhance their programs, St. Raphael Counseling is not just growing; it is thriving and making a profound impact across the entire Colorado Catholic community.
Jennifer Gonzales has been coming to Marisol Family for almost a year and says the program has been a real lifesaver.
Before she found Marisol Family, the mother of three says she couldn’t always afford to buy diapers for her little ones.
“Sometimes we had to choose between diapers and milk.”
Marisol Family has reduced the financial strain on her family and is making a huge impact on their lives. Beyond the importance of the material items she receives, she says the kindness and support from Marisol Family staff and volunteers makes a world of difference.
“They treat us really well. They’re kind and helpful and super nice to my children and me.”
Jennifer wants everyone to know how grateful she is for the support she receives at Marisol Family. She says it goes beyond diapers and wipes.
Marta Lewis has been a family service volunteer for Marisol Family at two locations for more than a year. When she retired she was looking for a way to give back that helped women and children. Marta has three children. Even though they are grown with kids of their own she remembers the struggles that … Read more
When Army veteran Eugene moved back to Denver from Memphis in December 2023, he told himself that he would be without a home for three weeks, tops. While his time in the Veterans Program at Samaritan House, the Catholic Charities iconic shelter in downtown Denver, extended beyond his three-week goal, he used the time there … Read more
Tori clutched her son Brock’s small hand as they stepped into Marisol Homes for the first time in early 2020. The weight of homelessness and the shadows of domestic violence seemed to lift when she got the call one winter day from a case manager at Marisol Homes, telling her they could move in right away.
“Marisol Homes opened the doors for me and provided me with the warmth we needed, when it was cold and scary for us to be outside. At the time, Brock and I were sleeping under highways, usually seeking a new one every night.”
In the months that followed, Tori and Brock navigated the COVID pandemic inside the Catholic Charites shelter for pregnant women and mothers with young children with 15 other families. Despite the chaos of the pandemic, Marisol Homes classes for mothers continued and Tori learned and grew. Her connection with her then 2-year-old son grew stronger as she clung to the safety of the transformative place and maintained sobriety with the help of supportive programs. During these months that were especially uncertain, she found herself immersed in the community and actively used the building blocks provided by the Marisol Health team to focus on what would be next for them.
“Marisol Homes put it in place so that I could raise my child. If it wasn’t for that safe space for my son, I would not be able to provide a good life for him. From where we were at before, it really saved both of our lives.”
The classes at Marisol Homes helped Tori’s confidence grow. She discovered a passion for working with animals and, with encouragement from the Marisol Homes staff and other moms, she enrolled in a dog grooming course.
Today, four years after moving out of Marisol Homes, Tori is fully booked, with clients waiting months to get on her calendar. For her, every day is another chance for her to perfect her craft.
“Being with the dogs is really healing for me. We have our own language, and it’s taught me how to be a bit more patient.”
Tori saved enough money to get an apartment in Aurora that is both close to her work and Brock’s daycare. They even have two dogs of their own who get extra attention when mom is grooming them.
Tori loves to look at pictures from their days at Marisol Homes. She laughs as she scrolls through memories of the days of them eating in the Marisol Homes kitchen and playing outside on the playground. She’s forever grateful for the lifeline Marisol Homes provided when they needed it most.
Marisol Homes continues to support Tori and Brock with ongoing parenting classes that she joins virtually that support the ongoing growth of the parents who have called Marisol Homes home.
“I am trying to break that generational curse of yelling and being impatient with my child. I want to give my son everything he deserves, and Marisol Homes has gone above and beyond to made sure I have the tools so that mine and his generations are in better hands.”
