After Sarah gave birth to her son, she reached out for help. She Googled “diaper bank” and discovered Marisol Family, a local diaper and clothing bank for expectant and new mothers and their families. “The first time you come here, they give you 10 times more than you expect,” said ...

“I came to Samaritan House a year ago. I got clothing, food and started taking classes. After getting to know staff, they brought up my self-esteem. I didn’t think I had accomplished anything. I guess you don’t always see it, but others do. They’ve actually taught me a lot of ...

“We’ve been giving to Catholic Charities for more than 20 years. Its many ministries serve in a way that aligns with our deep Catholic faith. Years ago, as a young married couple, we volunteered by serving lunch to the homeless in downtown Denver. That experience encouraged us to volunteer more ...

When Scott Brown was preparing to take the bar exam and become a lawyer, he made a deal with God.  “I made an appeal to God,” said Scott, thinking back to the prayer he said while at the California Western School of Law. “I said I’m going to do good for you if you ...

John and Terri Schuster always say those receiving help today will become the donors of tomorrow. They’re proof that. About 30 years ago, the couple was in great need. Within weeks of each other, John and Terri, who married at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Northglenn, both lost their ...

Heroes of Hope special story Michael Hake recalls the cold December morning that he first served meals with his men’s faith group to women seeking refuge at the Samaritan House Women’s Emergency Shelter. “It was a phenomenal experience,” he said of the volunteer opportunity a couple of years ago. “You ...

Michael Hake recalls the cold December morning that he first served meals with his men’s faith group to women seeking refuge at the Samaritan House Women’s Emergency Shelter. “It was a phenomenal experience,” he said of the volunteer opportunity a couple of years ago. “You go in expecting to give ...

“Kinship Services was my first contact. I told them about my story. The emotional support—that is the biggest thing for me now. Our situation is more unique than others. My grandson was six months old when I started caring for him. My daughter had no interest in parenting. Then she ...

“I was living in an apartment on the second floor with no elevator. It wasn’t working for me. I’m 63 years old and have arthritis. Three weeks ago, I moved into Holy Family Plaza in Denver (of Archdiocesan Housing Inc). Then I got connected to all this support. They told ...

“The struggle is real. It’s a long story, but I wanted my son. I was going through a divorce, and she kicked me out. I went through a lot of hard work and then job terminations. Now my son and I are moving into a two-bedroom apartment. It’s so awesome. ...

FOCUS CEO will give simple steps to strengthening relationships at SonRise breakfast June 20 Now is the time for men to rediscover and recommit to fulfilling their calling as authentic men of God, according to FOCUS CEO Curtis Martin. Martin shared a few thoughts about the fatherhood and men’s role ...

Maddie Haas of Colorado was a teenage freshman at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln when she found out she was unexpectedly pregnant. “For being so pro-life, the thought of abortion came into my head...for probably one minute,” recalled Maddie. “It definitely came into my head [that] I could do ...

Avery shared with her parents her exciting new idea—launch collection drives and keep warm those experiencing homelessness.  Her initial idea of giving her blankets away sprouted to a community project where her school and parish in Mead, Colo. began to collect blankets for Catholic Charities. The goal is to collect 5,000 blankets after asking ...

Elijah “I love to play the violin. I learned to play the cello, guitar and sing, too, when I went to a performing arts school in Albuquerque. I once auditioned for talent shows but my life was a mess. I lived in a tent in the backyard of my mom’s ...

I came to Samaritan House Fort Collins veteran program on January 4. I'm originally from the southeast, Georgia. I served in the Army from 2008 to 2011. I did maintenance on the whole patriot missile system. I kept everything in working order. It was definitely an experience. I loved it. ...

Below is a transcript of remarks from the Most Rev. Samuel J. Aquila, Archbishop of Denver, at the Celebrate Life Rally and March in Denver on Jan. 12, 2019. Introducing him, in the video below from the event, was David Bereit, the event emcee and the cofounder of 40 Days ...

"I’m Molly and this is my family. My husband and three children and I have been staying here at Samaritan House shelter. But we had some cake today to celebrate—we’re moving out. We got housing through Salvation Army and we’re moving soon. It’s a three-bedroom, two-bath apartment. Samaritan House has ...

We sat down to chat with the new Catholic Charities chaplain, Fr. Bob Kelly. Read the interview below.   Q: Where are you from? Fr. Bob: I was born and raised in Ft. Collins, Colorado with 8 brothers and sisters. I graduated from Colorado State University and worked for 8 ...

At the Celebrate Life Rally and March in Denver on Jan. 12, 2019, Jeff and Sonia McGarrity spoke of their adventure in raising eight children, four of whom are “typical” and four of whom have Down syndrome. Read the transcript of their remarks below and be inspired by their prolife witness ...

I'm 31 years old. I had a fiancé once, but he committed suicide. I also had a job at Good Times. Then my brother, who is mentally ill and schizophrenic, got my keys and took off with my car. My ID and wallet were in there. I lost it all. ...

I’m Rick and this is my daughter, Marie. She’s 7 years old. We’re moving in to our own apartment this week. We’ve been staying on the family floor at Samaritan House shelter until we could get back on our feet. I was kicked out of my Lakewood apartment and we ...

My name is Judy, and I am 56 years old. I was working full time but then needed a total knee replacement. Since I was unable to work, after six weeks of not being able to pay my rent, I was kicked out. This began my journey of homelessness. I ...

Today our family is moving out of Samaritan House shelter. We found an apartment! We’re used to paying $525 for rent. Now we’re paying $1,350. The apartment has a lot of pluses. The boys will go to a good school in our neighborhood. We left our hometown in Illinois to ...

  Thanks to its charity partner, Stanley Marketspace in Aurora, Catholic Charities set up a display and donation boxes around the shopping market to encourage support for its “Have a Heart” campaign.  During February, the community is encouraged give to the campaign and help feed those in need at the local Little Flower ...

One former resident of Catholic Charities’ Women’s Emergency Shelter shared her story of struggle and hopes for a reunited family. Women come to Catholic Charities with various needs and staff meet them where they are on their journey to stability and renewed hope.  “The hardest part about being homeless is ...

  By Dr. Jim Langley, St. Raphael Counseling Baked turkey, fried turkey, or smoked turkey? Can’t decide? Do all three! Black Friday sales, office parties, school plays, Christmas lists, Christmas shopping, Christmas Eve (at your parents), Christmas Day (in-laws this year), and … Christmas bills. You’re overstretched, overwhelmed, and probably ...

More kids taking on projects to benefit people in need  It is so wonderful to witness more children and youth volunteering and organizing benefits for people most in need in the Denver community. Below are the stories of two enthusiastic givers who want to make a difference in the world.  Big ...

Catholic Charities of Denver staff completed the first registered walk in Colorado as part of the Share the Journey campaign initiated by Pope Francis. Staff participated in the two-year campaign that encourages people around the world to hold events in support of migrants and refugees, ending with a global walking campaign ...

What is Archdiocesan Housing? An division of Catholic Charities, Archdiocesan Housing provides affordable, service enriched housing and permanent supportive housing for individuals and families who cannot access decent housing in the broader marketplace.  To learn more about affordable housing options across the Front Range region, visit archhousing.com or call 303-830-0215. After Christina first moved to ...

Have you ever wondered how Peter felt when Jesus called him away from everything he knew and was asked to follow Him? Or when our Lord summoned Matthew to a new way of life and entered his house? Most of the staff at Catholic Charities have experienced this calling in ...

Fawn’s life quickly took a turn.  The 45-year-old single mother of three and grandmother found herself homeless again after a job loss and eviction. She was living in a program with her two younger children, but time was limited.  “The program where we were living wasn’t going to extend my ...

Director Deborah Bergeron visits Mariposa and Child Development Center centers   Denver, CO—The national Head Start director visited two early childhood education centers in Denver operated by Catholic Charities of Denver in a nod to its work providing high-quality education to low-income families. The U.S. Department of Health and Human ...

When Diane Hoffman cooks a meal at the shelter, she puts love into it. Residents at Guadalupe Center Shelter in Greeley have noticed her thoughtful and tasty creations from chicken cordon bleu to meat with cherry balsamic dressing to a stuffed salami and mortadella ham appetizer. “They have told me ‘you cook ...

Jennifer knew she had to leave California because of a troubled home situation and worries about the safety of her son.  “I was scared, because I had no family here,” said the 47-year-old mom of moving to Colorado.  When their lease was up, she moved them to a hotel. With no job and ...

When it comes to volunteering, many people believe the benefits boil down to feeling warm and fuzzy after helping someone in need. It turns out that the impact and benefits of volunteering are far more than imagined. You will be amazed to know that … 1. Volunteering keeps you young ...

By Elizabeth Higbie, LCSW In the wake of the latest rash of celebrity suicides, people the world over are searching for answers. The question on everyone’s lips is, “Why?” Why would someone with enormous success, far more money than most could dream of, and the respect of millions of people ...

Returning home from the hospital after battling breast cancer left Carolyn Milano deeply grateful, and reflective of others who don’t have a place to call home.  Shortly after a series of surgeries and treatments, Milano decided to join Team Samaritan House for a six-day bicycle tour to raise funds for individuals and ...

Katie Lynch has always dreamed of owning a boutique that gives back. Shopping was a family affair growing up, and she and her grandma bonded over fashion and great deals. But becoming a mom to three little boys changed the ease and fun of shopping trips. “It’s not really your ...

Charity Works: How did you get connected with the team? Adam Dawkins: My uncles, Tom Dea and Tim Dea, got me started with cycling and riding for Team Samaritan House. Spending time with them has been a great blessing for me. CW: What motivated you to join the team? Adam: ...

As this senior fought cancer and struggled with impaired eyesight, Catholic Charities was there to offer help. “I am not afraid of death, but I don’t want to die. Cancer sucks, but I’m a fighter. God does not make mistakes. I’m not broken. …(Catholic Charities) was able to offer all ...

When raising a child becomes costly, Marisol Family is there to help. Now in Fort Morgan, more mothers and families can access the material and emotional support they need. “We’re very pleased to open this new location to help serve those in need,” said Mimi Eckstein, director. “We don’t ask ...

Six-year-old Ellie brought a special delivery to the Samaritan House Women’s Shelter: 48 boxes of Girl Scout cookies. “Everybody loves cookies,” said Mike Sinnett, vice president of shelter and community, to Ellie and her family. “You’re going to be the reason someone smiles today.” Ellie, a Daisy in the Girl ...

“Look to the horizon,” said Captain James Zielinski (Captain Jim), as he coached Sabrina while sitting in the United Airlines Flight Simulator. That was the message sent to her and other young residents of Samaritan House shelter as they had the opportunity to soar to new places on March 4. ...

Many 9-year-old kids look forward to a 10th birthday party with great anticipation, imagining the presents, cake and fun with friends. When Ava’s birthday was around the corner, she decided to do something different. Ava, from Fort Collins, wanted to donate her birthday gifts to needy children at the Catholic ...

28 Days of Love initiative provides cards, flowers for single women and women with children struggling with homelessness throughout February   Three local flower shops are donating red, pink and white carnations for Valentine’s Day and this month for single women and children who are struggling with homelessness. Women staying ...

Thank you for sharing your joy! Did you miss this year's event? We have you covered! Watch a recording of the rally and march on the Office of Respect Life's website. respectlifedenver.org/celebrate-life-march-2018 Plus read about the march as covered by news agencies. Stay up-to-date about the latest Respect Life events ...

Riders gear up to raise $1 million for homeless shelters   Team Samaritan House gained more pedal power this year. The charitable cycling team, which started with six riders in the 2011 Ride The Rockies tour, announced its expectation for 100 riders to join the team for the 2018 Ride ...

This year, donors have access to more tax credits when giving to Catholic Charities, so helping those in need can be a doubly rewarding experience. The new Samaritan House Women’s Shelter, which opened in September, and Marisol Homes, which opened a new location, qualify for tax credits in addition to ...

Denisa’s first appointment at Marisol Health was not how she imagined it. As a nurse moved the ultrasound wand over her pregnant belly, she held a phone close to the sound of the baby’s beating heart. Listening on the other end was Denisa’s incarcerated fiancé. “The feds picked him up ...

More donations needed to help families and individuals facing homelessness   Right in time for the Thanksgiving holiday, Samaritan House shelter will receive a truckload of turkeys delivered from Utah to help feed the homeless—3,000 turkeys donated by the Mormon church on Friday morning. The load of frozen turkeys crossed ...

More than 150 guests, including local affordable housing leaders, stakeholders and government officials are expected to attend the grand opening event at the complex, marking Archdiocesan Housing Inc.’s completion of the large-scale project and collaboration with organizations to make it a reality. The project was brought to life by countless ...

Cindy Brown calls Samaritan House her lifesaver. “If I kept going on the road I was on, I’d probably be gone,” she said in her Denver apartment. “So, they saved my life.” A previous drinking problem and losing her job and apartment made the phrase “hitting rock bottom” a reality. ...

More bottoms will be covered with Huggies diapers after healthcare services company Vizient donated 10,000 diapers to the Bottom Line Diaper Bank in Denver. The diaper bank, operated by Catholic Charities of Denver, provides some 350,000 diapers a year to low-income families for their infants and toddlers. Staff and a ...

This is a special story on the issue of women and homelessness in Denver, a growing problem in recent years. Samaritan House Women's Shelter is one of Denver's leading advocates for helping women out of homelessness. The housing market is booming. Bad neighborhoods are becoming gentrified, cranes tower over downtown, ...

Shelter’s art and music program helps residents find renewed self-worth More than a place for a hot meal and warm bed, Samaritan House shows residents the fine art of dignity. Shelter case manager Eric Johnston launched an art and music program two years ago to help reacquaint homeless residents with ...

Several months ago, an unexpected gift was brought to the Samaritan House shelter in Denver. Deby Schwartz saw a posting online for volunteers needed to help decorate the shelter for the holidays and quickly jumped at the opportunity. Deby, who is Jewish, got in to the giving spirit by dedicating ...

Sara Lugo is the Director of Marisol Health Denver East. Sara previously was the Intensive Case Management Supervisor of the GPD Veterans Program at Samaritan House, a position she has held since 2015 and where she has also worked as a client services case manager. In addition to her work ...

“I’m Tommy and I’m a cook at Samaritan House shelter. As sous chef (second in command), I oversee cooking dinner for 350 residents—plus I train residents in the new culinary program. I’m grateful to work here. I struggled before I came here. My wife was killed by a drunk driver ...

Richard Hall was ill last year and wary about going to rehabilitation. That’s when Catholic Charities came in and helped the 90-year-old man connect with services to help him improve his health and live independently. “We want to keep him independent for as long as possible,” said Roberta Trujillo, his ...

After 22 years of working in higher education, Karl Hotz decided to give his time back to the Church. “My whole reason for retiring is I wanted to serve God and my Church,” said Hotz, 62. Giving back meant being hands on and helping others in need. Hotz, a parishioner ...