CHARITY
W RKS FEBRUARY 2018
INSIDE THIS ISSUE LARRY’S LETTER: JOIN CATHOLIC CHARITIES IN THE FIGHT FOR LIFE PG. 3 GIRL DONATES BIRTHDAY GIFTS TO SHELTER PG. 4
TEAM
SAMARITAN
HOUSE JUNE 9-15, 2018 For the eighth consecutive year, Team Samaritan House will bike in Ride the Rockies to support the men, women and children at Samaritan House and the other homeless shelters of Catholic Charities.
The team’s goal is 100 riders, raising up to $250,000 for those experiencing homelessness. Please give generously in support of all those in need of hope and dignity. Team Samaritan House is also recruiting for other cycling events throughout the year. Go to:
SamHouseDenver.org/RTR
LARRY’S LETTER JOIN CATHOLIC CHARITIES IN THE FIGHT FOR LIFE It’s been 45 years since the Roe v. Wade decision that legalized abortion nationwide. In that time, we’ve had a non-stop political and cultural battle, with tens of millions of lives lost and damaged. We need to recognize that this is also an economic battle. Look at analysis from the Guttmacher Institute, based on surveys in 2004 and 1987 of women who sought abortions. The vast majority gave as reasons that a baby would “dramatically change” their lives and also that they “can’t afford a baby now,” as well as other complications in their lives. So they end up at an abortion clinic.
Visit online at ccdenver.org or call 303-742-0828 to learn more, volunteer or make a donation.
At Catholic Charities, we addressed this by creating Marisol Services and its continuum of care, providing medical care and social services to women in need, particularly those who are pregnant and vulnerable to abortion. Since we launched Marisol Health medical centers in July 2016, we have served 1,521 individuals. That includes 550 clients with unexpected pregnancies, with 284 women having received, or still receiving, prenatal care. We estimate 133 babies were born to clients in the first year. The accompanying graphic shows the Continuum of Care. It includes Marisol Health, Marisol Homes, Marisol Services and Gabriel House. Also available are Archdiocesan Housing, Counseling Services, Emergency Assistance and Victim’s Assistance. All these resources are available to those in need, yet we must serve the “poorest of the poor,” which is a mother contemplating aborting her child. We need to reach every single woman in a crisis pregnancy in northern Colorado. You can participate as a volunteer, as a prayer warrior and as a financial supporter of Marisol Services — and with all of the ministries of Catholic Charities. I invite you to learn more at ccdenver.org and continue this fight for life. This column is revised and updated from Larry’s remarks at the Beacon of Hope Gala on Jan. 27, 2018.
God Bless,
Larry Smith President and CEO of Catholic Charities
MARISOL SERVICES SERVICES MARISOL Continuum of of Care Care Continuum MARISOL MARISOL HEALTH HEALTH MARISOL MARISOL HOMES HOMES MARISOL MARISOL SERVICES SERVICES PREGNANT PREGNANT WOMAN WOMAN
PG. 3
CHARITY WORKS
GABRIEL GABRIEL HOUSE HOUSE
ARCHDIOCESAN ARCHDIOCESAN HOUSING HOUSING COUNSELING COUNSELING SERVICES SERVICES EMERGENCY EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE ASSISTANCE VICTIM’S VICTIM’S ASSISTANCE ASSISTANCE
Charity Works is published quarterly by The Catholic Alliance for Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Denver, a 501(c)(3) established to serve those in need in northern Colorado. As the charitable arm of the Archdiocese of Denver, and inspired by God’s love and compassion, Catholic Charities extends the healing ministry of Jesus Christ to the poor and those in need. Contact Us: 720-476-7488 charityworks@thecatholicalliance.org ccdenver.org/CharityWorks
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“IN GIVING, YOU WILL ALWAYS RECEIVE.”
10-year-old donates birthday gifts to shelter
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 Charities’ shelter. “I wanted to donate my gifts because I already had everything I needed, and I knew that there were other kids that need things more than I do,” Ava said. Ava has always had a giving heart, said her mother, Leslie Essay, about her and her husband’s oldest daughter. “She’s very thoughtful and has a keen awareness of people around her,” Leslie said. “She’s very aware that she has a lot of really nice things and has plenty of everything.”
Ava and her little sister, Mia, before going to St. Joseph School
Leslie and her daughter, Ava
OPEN YOUR HEART PG. 4
CHARITY WORKS
Visit ccdenver.org
SHELTER SERVICES Giving to others has always been a focus for the family of four. They volunteer through their church, St. Joseph Parish in Fort Collins, and at the local food bank. Leslie’s own mother taught her the importance of giving at the local shelter when she grew up. “Part of our faith is to recognize how blessed we are and share that with others,” she said. “Being able to donate items and time not only speaks volumes for our faith and continuing that, but it speaks volumes for what we’re supposed to be doing. The earlier you implement that in everyday family life, the more it makes you appreciative for what you have. And in giving, you will always receive.” Before her 10th birthday, Ava said she didn’t want a party. But her parents decided to throw her a surprise celebration and invite her friends. Leslie told the parents of the children to not bring a gift but items to donate to a needy child. Ava was surprised and felt excited when she discovered the gifts were for others. Each friend brought a backpack filled with clothing, toys, coloring books, art supplies and more. After the party, Ava and her mother dropped the gifts off at The Mission in Fort Collins. “Sometimes I feel unlucky but I know there are kids that have to live on the street,” Ava said. “I have a home, food, my bed and a lot of toys, I have everything I need. And plus, it’s the right thing to do.”
Pray, Volunteer and Donate Learn about opportunities for you and your children with Catholic Charities St. Teresa of Calcutta Prayer Society ccdenver.org/prayer Volunteer serve.ccdenver.org Donate ccdenver.org/ways-to-give
When you join our Monthly Giving Club, you experience joy in knowing your donations are improving lives EVERY MONTH. As a member, you’ll receive invitations to special events, a complimentary subscription to Charity Works digital magazine, and regular updates on how your contribution is enriching lives.
Ava, center, celebrated her 10th birthday with friends by donating their gifts to Catholic Charities’ shelter in Fort Collins.
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PG. 5
SHELTER SERVICES
28 days of Love to shower women with cards and carnations Laurie had never been on the streets. She lived with her husband but was kicked out at a young age. She fell into drugs—occasionally fights—as she drifted on and off the streets. The stress and poor nutrition caused her to miscarry twice. Laurie then found a safe and stable environment at the women’s shelter.
“I feel safe here and wanted here,” she said. “When I come inside, it’s a calming environment.” Laurie found the support she needed to stay away from bad influences and begin a new and healthy life. The help from the women’s shelter gives her confidence for the future. “It’s not going to be easy, but I can do it.” During the month of February, and beyond, the community can help other women like Laurie find their way to a better life through the 28 Days of Love initiative. In addition to providing safety, shelter, clothing and food, the Samaritan House Women’s Shelter and Marisol Homes also provide comprehensive services to help women like Laurie regain lost hope, reclaim ownership of their lives and integrate back into the community. *Client name changed to protect privacy. Stock photo.
PG. 6
CHARITY WORKS
SHELTER SERVICES
28 days of GIVING HOPE TO WOMEN WHO ARE HOMELESS
Give hope to women who are experiencing homeless Visit ccdenver.org/28daysoflove
Women staying at the shelter receive cards during the 28 Days of Love initiative.
CHARITY WORKS
PG. 7
MARISOL SERVICES
Beacon of Hope draws amazing crowd to support women in need Generous donors of Catholic Charities gave more than $725,000 in support of women in need during the annual Beacon of Hope Gala. Some 880 supporters attended the gala on Jan. 27 in support of Marisol Services, which provides life-affirming medical care, housing and human services to families in crisis, including women with unexpected pregnancies, and single women with children who are experiencing homelessness. The evening included a marketplace, music, dinner, a live auction and testimonies from Marisol clients.
Jane and Mike Norton receive the 2018 Beacon of Hope Award from Larry Smith, president and CEO of Catholic Charities, during the annual gala held Jan. 27 in Denver.
Participants compete in the Hearts and Halos game during the gala for the chance to win a gift card.
Attendees at the Beacon of Hope Gala raised their bidder numbers during the live auction.
Paul and Marleen Zakovich, left, gather with Brooke and Bill Leer during the gala in benefit of Catholic Charities of Denver’s Marisol Services.
PG. 8
CHARITY WORKS
MARISOL SERVICES
Beacon HopeGala of
2018
Look at a gallery of photos online at
bohgala.org 550 clients with unexpected pregnancies served at Marisol Health (since July 2016) 284 women received, or receiving, prenatal care (since July 2016) 133 (estimated) babies born (in year ended June 30, 2017) 91 single mothers, with 112 children, served at Marisol Homes (in year ended June 30, 2017) 222,561 free diapers distributed, including at 12 Gabriel House locations (in year ended June 30, 2017)
Beacon HopeGala of
Denisa Thomas shows the crowd her newborn girl, Leah Monie. Marisol Health offered her health care and support services throughout her pregnancy and after.
CHARITY WORKS
PG. 9
2018
CELEBRATE LIFE 2018
THOUSANDS MARCH IN DENVER TO SHARE PROLIFE MESSAGE More than 4,000 prolife advocates brought their joy to the annual Celebrate Life rally and march in downtown Denver, showing solidarity for the dignity of life from conception to natural death. Singing, dancing, chanting and marching—crowds of all ages and backgrounds gathered on the hill of the state Capitol on January 13 to witness to life and march around downtown. The march is a peaceful demonstration held close to the Roe v Wade decision on Jan. 22, 1973 by the U.S. Supreme Court that legalized abortion nationwide. Prolifers participated in marches across the country and at the national March for Life in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 19. The rally began with speakers Bethany Janzen of Students for Life of America, Msgr. Peter Nguyen of All Saints Parish, Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila of the Archdiocese of Denver, the Sisters of Life and Colorado Christian University President Donald Sweeting. For the first time, the march was led by members of the Catholic women’s group ENDOW (Educating on the Nature and Dignity of Women) and followed by church groups, youth, families and elderly, featuring Mexican Matachines dancers and a lively mariachi band.
“We might never know the impact of our witness, but our lives are so connected to one another. So your prayers, your witness today matters. God wants to reach out to others through you. He wants to touch others through you, he wants you to be an instrument of grace and mercy for others.” -Sisters of Life
“My generation is the most prolife generation since (Roe v. Wade). This is the greatest human rights movement of our time.” -Bethany Janzen Students for Life of America
PG. 10
CHARITY WORKS
CELEBRATE LIFE 2018
Read more — and find out how to participate in 40 Days for Life through March 25 — at respectlifedenver.org.
“Life is so precious. It is a gift from the Lord our God.” -Msgr. Peter Nguyen
respect life What is the Respect Life Office? The Respect Life Office champions Church teachings regarding the sanctity of life from conception to natural death. The office provides consultation to—and collaboration with—parishes, as well as educational and healthcare institutions. It also presents life-affirming community events throughout the year, such as Prayer in the Square, Celebrate Life, and coordination with 40 Days for Life.
Dr. Donald Sweeting, president of Colorado Christian University
“Be not afraid to give witness to life. It is a gift that all of us have received. Even though people may ridicule you, even though people may yell at you, even though people may reject you—know that Jesus experienced it all so that you might have life and life abundantly.” -Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila
CHARITY WORKS
PG. 11
’
SAM S sUPPER — T H E M E A L T H AT S E R V E S M A N Y —
SAVE THE DATE Saturday, September 8, 2018 Saturday, September 8, 2018
SamHouseDenver.org
…to the one who knocks,
the door will be opened.
When you join our Monthly Giving Club, you experience joy in knowing your donations are improving lives
EVERY MONTH. As a member, you’ll receive invitations to special events, a complimentary subscription to Charity Works digital magazine, and regular updates on how your contribution is enriching lives.
JOIN TODAY!
ccdenver.org/donate-monthly