There was a time when Million didn’t want to live. At 26 years old, the Ethiopian native’s life drastically changed after a 10-year fight with a deadly virus led to a rare disease of the brain, stripping him of the ability to walk and talk. “Even the doctors didn’t know ...

  Day after cancer treatment, André van Hall rides in tandem with Team Samaritan House André van Hall may have lost his eyesight, but the cycling enthusiast didn’t lose his determination to complete Ride the Rockies. The husband and father is pedaling his way from Alamosa to Salida during the ...

Katie Abboud and her friends will dress up and run in the Bolder Boulder 10k on Memorial Day to share a special message: regular physical activity plays a part in women’s health. Jen Boryla This year the group of seven seasoned runners will sport teal tutus and yellow sunglasses to ...

  About 10 months ago Zeresh enrolled her daughter into Catholic Charities’ Early Childhood Education center at Mariposa. The progress she’s seen has been amazing, she said. Her daughter made great strides in language and socialization skills. Zeresh, who lives within walking distance of the center in Denver, shared her ...

Jerry Fitzgerald calls volunteering the sure way to grow in appreciation for life. “To see the struggles and, at times, the desperation and lack of hope in other people—you try to have a positive impact on them,” Jerry said. “It can’t help but improve your appreciation of your own life ...

As massive demonstrations and protests against severe military rule in Burma caused more unrest, Nandar and her husband fled. A government crackdown had Burmese living in fear after some 200 people were killed and many more arrested. “My husband went to the demonstrations and they (shot) the people participating in ...

Regina Caeli launches substance abuse program Every day people can walk away from addiction, and Mark Sanders is there to help them take the first step. “Many people struggle with addiction, and a lot have a hard time getting away from it, but the reality is that people stop every ...

Some of the smallest teams in Denver have the biggest dreams of putting works of mercy into action. They call themselves Mercy in Action Teams, a group of nine cause-driven teams recently launched by Catholic Charities to encourage people with shared passions to create positive change. Amanda Perrault, a stay-at-home ...

Retired construction manager offers talents to oversee a new Marisol Home operation For Paul Camp, volunteering to renovate a new Marisol Home fit like a glove. His 30-some year career in construction and project management for the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Fish and Wildlife Service made him the right ...

Thousands joined for a celebration of St. Patrick’s Day and all things green, including the Samaritan House shelter, which proudly walked in the parade held in downtown Denver. “Being a part of the parade was an incredible honor for us as we are a part of the downtown community,” said ...

Catholic Charities staff and ministry partners testified before state legislators at the Capitol last week, urging protection of women’s health and awareness of abortion pill reversal services. Jenny Langness, program director for Marisol Health, and Dede Chism, executive director and nurse practitioner at Bella Natural Women’s Care in Englewood, both ...

The following story was published by Catholic News Agency on Feb. 9, 2017 online. CLick here to see the story. Denver, Colo., Feb 9, 2017 / 12:01 am (CNA/EWTN News).- Women's healthcare is reaching a new dawn in the state of Colorado, courtesy of a new Catholic Charities initiative whose ...

For women journeying through homelessness, Marisol Homes is the last stop before achieving independence. In a competitive and expensive housing market, women in Colorado often hop from shelter to shelter, lacking the long-term stability needed to find independent housing. But with Marisol Homes’ extended stay program and its new location ...

Samaritan House is celebrating 28 Days of Love this February. And what better way to show love than through the kindness and support of those less fortunate—especially the growing number of homeless women in the community. According to the Metro Denver Homeless Initiative’s 2016 Point-in-Time survey, over 5,467 homeless men, ...

For more than 100 years, the fruits of the Vettel family’s farm in North Dakota supplied grain across the country. This year, Sherri and Tim Vettel sold their family’s 1,000 acres and gave a portion of the sale to benefit Samaritan House. “I just hope and pray that it affects ...

  Pregnant mom finds support, caring environment at Denver medical clinic Joselyn was shocked—she was pregnant … again. “I didn’t want to be pregnant. I was actually shocked that I got pregnant again,” said the 21-year-old El Salvador-native. “I just couldn’t do it. I was so alone, and I had ...

Since Marisol Health first opened under Catholic Charities, volunteer Jill Heringer has been the gentle voice and welcoming smile to women walking through the doors. “That’s my role as a volunteer—to be that gentle voice that helps them through,” said Jill, a parishioner at St. Mary Church in Littleton. Her ...

Denver Mayor Michael B. Hancock stood before the crowd at the Beacon of Hope Gala to thank them for their presence and their compassion toward those in need. “Our job, as Christ commanded us, is to care for his sheep,” Mayor Hancock said Jan. 28 at the Wings Over the ...

Thousands gather to celebrate life in downtown Denver Before a crowd of thousands gathered at the Colorado State Capitol on Jan. 14, pro-life activist Abby Johnson said the culture of death will not change unless every person fights for life. “It’s not enough to stand here today,” said Johnson, during ...

On the Dan Caplis Show on Jan. 12, 2017, Larry Smith, president and CEO of Catholic Charities of Denver, talked about Marisol and Catholic Charities' unique continuum of care model that will end the need for abortion in Colorado. Listen

Grab your boots and a big heart for a good cause during Catholic Charities night at the rodeo Jan. 18. The National Western Stock Show and Rodeo partnered with Catholic Charities of Denver to offer a night of faith and fun to support services for the poor and needy in ...

Thirty years after Samaritan House made history as the first shelter in America built and designed for the homeless, a group of Catholic Charities donors and staff commemorated its years of mercy to the poor. Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila of the Archdiocese of Denver celebrated Mass and rededicated the building ...

Thousands are expected to gather outside the state Capitol in downtown Denver for the annual Celebrate Life rally and march on Saturday, Jan. 14, 2017. The pro-life rally and march has grown every year to include joyful youth, clergy and families who publicly proclaim the sanctity of life from conception ...

When Jennifer walked toward the doors of Samaritan House with her two young girls, she started crying. “I just didn’t want to be there. It’s not where I wanted my girls. I felt like the worst mom,” she said. Jennifer’s two daughters sit outside Samaritan House shelter with their belongings. ...

Catholic Charities transforms clinics to provide women comprehensive services Catholic Charities opened newly remodeled medical clinics called Marisol Health to provide life-affirming and compassionate care for women and their families. The clinic locations in Denver and Lafayette were recently transformed to increase capacity and meet more women’s physical, material, emotional ...

Justin kept dialing pregnancy centers until someone would help him schedule an appointment. His girlfriend was planning an abortion that day, but he didn’t want to give up. Angela and Justin “I knew that if I could get her in and get an ultrasound, and she could hear the heart ...

For nearly a decade, Ron Cushing has volunteered with Catholic Charities. He says the experience has made his heart grow. “It’s what I am called to do,” said Cushing. “I have found tremendous reward in helping people. It’s made my heart bigger.” Cushing is a painter who’s artwork has been ...

Kansans experience a conversion volunteering at Samaritan House   Despite fear of the unknown, a group of faithful Kansans came to the big city to help the needy. “This was the first time doing this from our community,” said Rick Binder, a farmer from Hays, Kan., 340 miles east of ...

Truck driver Dusty Craven had never seen so many turkeys—2,912 of them, to be exact, stacked in a 53-foot truck weighing in at some 39,000 lbs. But the best part of Craven’s Friday morning delivery to Samaritan House shelter in Denver is knowing the turkeys will feed thousands of hungry ...

Apologist Trent Horn shares method to discussing faith at annual Gospel of Life Conference   One of the most effective ways to discuss the Catholic faith with someone else is not to quote the Bible or Catechism of the Catholic Church. According to apologist Trent Horn, it’s to ask the ...

Plans for new 150-bed Samaritan House Women’s Shelter unveiled Archbishop Samuel Aquila and Denver Mayor Michael Hancock joined Charities Charities CEO Larry Smith to unveil plans for the new 150-bed Samaritan House Women’s Shelter in northeast Denver. Together the leaders announced the new shelter to help serve homeless women in ...

Jan is the Vice President of Marisol Services for Catholic Charities in the Archdiocese of Denver, where she focuses on sharing the healing ministry of Jesus Christ through Marisol Health, Marisol Homes, Gabriel House, post-adoption services and other ministries focused on women’s services. She has more than 40 years of ...

Dennis, who is on the Board of Directors of Catholic Charities Denver is also the President of CRM Associates (a marketing, sales, and strategy consulting firm) for the past 21 years, and is now in the process of “retiring”. His prior roles have included Director of Operations Research for United ...

Geoff Bennett graduated from The Ohio State University with a bachelor’s degree in Production & Operations Management. He worked as an energy trader in Houston, Texas, for 12 years before leaving the private sector in 2000 to work for Catholic Charities in Houston. There, he spent time doing case management ...

Lynn Grandon is the Director of the Respect Life Denver office at Catholic Charities in the Archdiocese of Denver. She is also the Liaison for Healthcare to the Archbishop. Lynn was the Founding Executive Director for the Women’s Choice Center in Bettendorf, Iowa, as well as Lighthouse Women’s Center in ...

Denver disaster relief managers travel to devastated area, urge support for victims   Two experienced disaster case managers traveled to Baton Rouge, La., from Catholic Charities in the Archdiocese of Denver to assist with flood disaster recovery efforts. Chip Leckway of Highlands Ranch—a former supervisor of disaster recovery case managers—and ...

The following story was published by the Denver Catholic in the Aug. 13, 2016 edition. Connecting women to healthcare for life By Karna Swanson/Denver Catholic When a woman finds herself in a crisis pregnancy, she needs more than a free test and a referral; she needs a connection to a ...

Lulu Morais won’t forget Aug. 15, 2015—the day her world came crashing down. A grocery store pregnancy test confirmed what the 18-year-old Brazilian native and her boyfriend had feared the most. “I was crying for like two hours straight,” said Lulu, now 19 and living in Littleton. “I felt like ...

Without deep pockets, it may seem like Danielle Mendoza has little to give others. Nothing is further from the truth, said the 35-year-old hair salon owner, who volunteered to give something precious to Samaritan House residents for seven years—herself. Danielle Mendoza cuts hair at her salon in Denver. “I still don’t ...

Catholic Charities invites community to anniversary events Every day for 30 years, Samaritan House shelter has given those walking in its doors a new story—one of renewed hope, restored dignity and a chance to rebuild their lives. Operated by Catholic Charities of Denver, Samaritan House is recognizing its 30-year history ...

Director Lynn Grandon talks about building a culture of life in Denver   Lynn Grandon, director of the Respect Life Office of the Archdiocese of Denver, appeared on "At Home with Jim and Joy" on the EWTN network. Grandon spoke on the show that aired July 28 and July 31 to share the exciting work done ...

Gabriel House in Denver offered children another reason to smile: clean teeth and new toothbrushes. Some 40 children received free preventative dental care and teeth cleaning supplies at Gabriel House in Denver. Gabriel House, a ministry of Catholic Charities that provides clothing, baby supplies and other items to mothers in ...

The following is a story about Team Samaritan House published by the Denver Post online and in the print edition June 18, 2016.   The leader of Team Samaritan House puts a near-fatal injury suffered on last year’s tour behind him By Joe Murphy/Denver Post FORT COLLINS — Three hundred ...

The following story was published by the Denver Catholic online June 1, 2016. By Nissa LaPoint/Catholic Charities of Denver Some avid cyclists pass the time with their favorite tunes or by chatting with fellow riders. During the Ride the Rockies Bicycle Tour, Leslie Prevish brings prayer intentions and her rosary. ...

June 11 through 17th

“I came to Denver because I was told Fitzsimons hospital could provide me the best care for my medical problems. I’ve been in the hospital, but I need to go back to get my appendix taken out. I’m sick of my stomach being puffy. I’ve had troubles with my insurance ...

“I began to experience severe headaches. Doctors found out it was caused by brain aneurysms. I have had two on the left side of my brain and two on the right. It’s putting a lot of pressure on my kids. When my head starts hurting, I have to stop and ...

 “I turned down a $21 an hour job in St. Louis just to move to Denver—I think it was a mistake. My dad invited me to stay with him here. Turns out I couldn’t stay for long. His landlord told me I had two weeks to move out. I had ...

https://ccdenver.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Wedding-Party.mp3 Learn about how Layne and Patrick dedicated a day to helping at Father Ed Judy house less than 24 hours before their wedding.

Bicyclist Tom Schwein saw the finish line ahead. He could taste victory after an exhilarating yet grueling six-day, 400-mile tour last year during Ride the Rockies—until his bike came to a sudden stop. A divot in the pavement landed Schwein face first on the ground at 30 mph, breaking eight ...

The first house parents of Samaritan House share their remarkable story and journey... We first met Dusty when he was about a year old. It was 1987, and we were serving as the first “house parents”  at Samaritan House. I was a school teacher and Bob worked as a building ...

Bicyclist Tom Schwein saw the finish line ahead. He could taste victory after an exhilarating yet grueling six-day, 400-mile tour last year during Ride the Rockies—until his bike came to a sudden stop. A divot in the pavement pole vaulted Schwein over his handlebars and on the ground face first ...

Archbishop Aquila visits with mothers assisted by Father Ed Judy House, a long-term shelter operated by Catholic Charities. Photo by Nissa LaPoint/Catholic Charities of Denver Over a delicious dinner and charming table settings, Archbishop Samuel Aquila spent time with families during a Mother's Day dinner May 8 at the Archdiocese ...

Please join us for Mass and blessing by Fr. Charles Polifka as we open our Annunciation Gabriel House - 3621 Humboldt St. Denver, CO 80205. Mass will be on Wednesday May 11, 2016 at 8:30 AM at Annunciation. Blessing of Annunciation Gabriel House will be immediately following Mass.

Charitable endeavors rarely endure without the generous contributions of volunteers, like the Meadowood Handicrafters, a women's knitting group that donates clothing and quilts to help those in need. Catholic Charities’ Little Flower Assistance Center—a food, clothing and assistance center in Aurora for those facing crises—receives the hand-crafted items from the volunteer group. The ...

The day before Mother's Day, the community can join together in prayer to honor Mary and offer a rosary for the sanctity of all human life. Archbishop Samuel Aquila leads prayer during a Prayer in the Square gathering April 2 in Denver. Photo by Andrew Wright/Denver Catholic Prayer in the Square, ...

The anticipation of a permanent supportive housing project underway in Greeley has some homeless families calling the future apartment site their ‘field of dreams.’ Guadalupe Apartments is a dream come true for homeless shelter residents like Blaise Miller, who lived in the adjacent Guadalupe Community Center shelter for five months ...

Downtown shelter seeks donations to warm the hands, hearts of the homeless   Denver, CO-Catholic Charities’ Samaritan House shelter is asking for a little help to warm the hands and the hearts of the homeless today after a major spring storm forced hundreds to seek shelter from the blustery conditions. ...