Charity works summer 2017 by Catholic Charities of Denver

CHARITY

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE TEAM SAMARITAN HOUSE RIDES FOR HOMELESS PG. 9

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SAM S sUPPER — T H E M E A L T H AT S E R V E S M A N Y —

FRIDAY, AUGUST 25, 2017 at 6:00 p.m. MILE HIGH STATION 2027 Old West Colfax Ave., Denver, CO 80204

We invite you to a profound evening of storytelling, music and a great meal. All proceeds benefit Samaritan House.

HONORING THE CITY AND COUNTY OF DENVER WITH THE “HE COMES TO SERVE” AWARD

accepted by Mayor Michael B. Hancock

MASTER OF CEREMONY MIKE MALLOY

Executive Director of Samaritan House

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MATT MILLER & THE LITES Back by popular demand

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FEATURING

SAM’S ART WALK

Samaritan House has been serving men, women and children facing homelessness since 1986, with the ultimate goal of helping people find a path to self-sufficiency.

SamsSupper.org

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Buy your ticket today!

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Silent Auction

CHARITY

W RKS Cook finds renewed purpose through culinary program Dave McCleve felt he had no purpose until he began the culinary program at Samaritan House. See PG. 12

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LARRY’S LETTER

Helping others: the ride of your life

PG.

CHARITIES TEAM TALK

News from the Vice Presidents and Directors of Charities

GIVERS AND RECEIVERS

Hands-on charity rewarding for volunteer

LARRY’S LETTER PG. 4 From the desk of the CEO CHARITIES ON THE MAP PG. 5 News from every region CHARITIES TEAM TALK PG. 6 News from the Vice Presidents and Directors of Charities

Catholic Charities of Denver provides for the needs of the community along the Front Range in seven areas including Family, Kinship and Senior Services; Archdiocesan Housing, Inc.; Early Childhood Education; Marisol Services; Parish and Community Services; Regina Caeli Clinical Services; Shelter, Respect Life and Immigration Services.

GIVERS AND RECEIVERS PG. 8 Hands-on charity rewarding for volunteer

SERVICE HIGHLIGHTS SENIOR SERVICES: Veteran finds support to live independently PG. 10 SHELTER AND HOUSING: Cook finds renewed purpose PG. 12

MAJOR IMPACT PG. 14 How Catholic Charities has changed the community GETTING SOCIAL PG. 15 Highlights of the top social media posts online

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CHARITY WORKS | SUMMER 2017

PG. 3

LARRY’S LETTER HELPING OTHERS: THE RIDE OF YOUR LIFE Near the beginning of a 465-mile bike tour, my right knee gave out. I pulled over to a Ride the Rockies aid station in a tiny town in Colorado and lay down in the grass, in pain, my knee swollen. I felt alone and helpless. When I received help, my sense of relief and security was overwhelming. When you can’t help yourself, it’s a cold and lonely feeling. It really takes your breath away. Now, imagine the helplessness of someone experiencing homelessness: foraging for food in trash bins, hunkered down under a bridge or not sleeping for fear of harm. It’s not something you would ever want to experience. But thousands of our brothers and sisters do experience that across the country. One-fifth of them are children. Visit online at ccdenver.org or call 303-742-0828 to learn more, volunteer or make a donation. This column ran in the Denver Catholic, May 27, 2017.

There is good news. The estimated number of homeless people nationally has trended down in the past decade. The sad news, in Colorado, is that we’re counter to the trend. Between 2015 and 2016, when overall homelessness dropped 2.6% nationally, Colorado experienced the single-biggest percentage increase of homeless individuals (12.6%) of any state, according to the Annual Homeless Assessment Report from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The causes are many and varied. What’s important is what we do about it. At the Samaritan House homeless shelter in downtown Denver, of those individuals and families who complete the first 30 days of the Levels Program that includes life skills, more than 60 percent leave the shelter with housing in place. More than 90 percent have income in place. This year, we will open the Samaritan House Women’s Shelter in northeast Denver to accommodate 150 women a night. We’re also moving our administrative offices to that location to be in closer community with those we serve. With your help, Catholic Charities is providing hope in the face of helplessness. That’s also why, for the seventh consecutive year, Team Samaritan House is part of Ride the Rockies. I was on the ride in 2015 when my knee gave out. This year, I’ll be part of the support team as 40 members of Team Samaritan House pedal a 447-mile loop from Alamosa to Salida from June 10 to June 17. Why do they ride? For the love of the homeless and to raise $150,000 to support the shelters of Catholic Charities. Those riders are spending many hours in the saddle. I encourage you to support one or more of them at samhousedenver.org/rtr. And after you do that, make plans to come down to Samaritan House and help serve dinner to the poor. You’ll be much richer for it. On a training run, one of our riders met a group of three men from Australia, riding their bikes. Just because they wanted to be a part of it, the men ended up helping Team Samaritan House serve a special pig roast dinner to residents of the shelter. “I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith,” proclaims St. Paul in 2 Timothy 4:7. Join us. Let’s race together to serve others. God bless,

Larry Smith President and CEO of Catholic Charities 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 along the Colorado Front Range. 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.

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Staff: Editorial Director, Rebecca Kessler Graphic Designer, Shelley Bezek Editor, Nissa LaPoint Social Media Specialist, Brandon Ortega

High quality, cost conscious and faithful. Delivered digitally to 80 percent of subscribers. PG. 4

CHARITY WORKS | SUMMER 2017

CHARITIES ON THE MAP Catholic Charities is active in every region of northern Colorado. Below is a snapshot of the supporters, volunteers and staff who have shared the love, mercy and compassion of Jesus Christ along the Front Range. BOULDER A team of runners dedicated their 10k race in the Bolder Boulder to womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s health. The team sported Marisol Health T-shirts and teal tutus during the annual Memorial Day race to raise awareness of its medical clinics and social services to women in need. LAFAYETTE About 200 ladies gathered for a high tea event to support Marisol Health and its locations in Denver and Lafayette. The festive and fun luncheon included live music, a silent auction and Celestial Seasonings tea.

DOWNTOWN DENVER Members of Team Samaritan House and their family gathered to prepare and serve a pig roast meal to hundreds of residents at Samaritan House shelter. The meal offered a chance for the riders to spend time with residents at the shelter before their 7-day bicycle tour from Alamosa to Salida. The riders dedicate their tour to raising funds for the homeless.

DENVER A 12th Gabriel House location was opened at Holy Family Church in Denver. The pastor led a blessing and prayer over the new space, which will provide supplies to mothers and families with young children.

DENVER Catholic Charities unloaded a delivery of 60,000 diapers for infants and toddlers to help supply its diaper bank. Donations to the Bottom Line Diaper Bank go to help low-income families receive much-needed diapers.

CHARITY WORKS | SUMMER 2017

PG. 5

CHARITIES TEAM TALK

FAMILY, KINSHIP AND SENIOR SERVICES

• Furniture Row donated 10 queen mattress sets, one king and three queen box springs, plus a truckload of bedding and pillows. The beds were distributed to seniors who had no bed or were sleeping on a pallet on the floor. • The Mulroy Senior Center started a new class— Tai Chi. It’s a huge hit! The Taoist Tai Chi Society teaches the class on Mondays. • Mulroy expanded its hours to 1:30 p.m. to offer expanded programming for seniors and more opportunities for stimulating and thoughtful activities. -Director Virginia Hentschel

Love and compassion when and where needed

ARCHDIOCESAN HOUSING, INC.

• Guadalupe Apartments complex in Greeley will open later this year. Applications will be accepted for the 47-unit building starting in June. The complex will help meet the demand for permanent supportive housing among homeless and low-income individuals and families. • We acquired Golden Spike Apartments in December. The 200-unit Section 8 property serves seniors and disabled households. • Energy Outreach Colorado will complete a $700,000 project in energy efficiency capital improvements for the building, which will include new refrigerators, a new boiler system, new water fixtures, lighting upgrades, and more. This will improve the lives of low-income families living in these units -Executive Director Justin Raddatz

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CHARITY WORKS | SUMMER 2017

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION

• In May and June, children graduated from our early childhood programs at our child care locations. We gave children certificates and backpacks with supplies for the summer, and we recognized parent volunteers for their dedication. • Annunciation Preschool marked the end of its first year—20 children successfully completed the program. • Temple Hoyne Buell Foundation gave a $11,000 grant to the early childhood programs at Annunciation School. • $7,500 capacity building grant was received through the Early Childhood Colorado Partnership to provide training for workers and families. -Vice President Alison Keough

MARISOL SERVICES

• The ladies high tea event in April drew about 200 attendees, who generously gave to help women in need. • Denver7 recognized volunteer JoAnne Jones. She received the 7Everyday Hero award for her generous work providing hope to women through counseling. • Marisol Services staffed a booth at the Boulder Creek Festival and a dedicated group ran in the Bolder Boulder 10K on Memorial Day to raise awareness and funds for those in need. • Marisol Services was a proud sponsor of the Future of Medicine Conference held in Denver in May. It was an exciting conference for Marisol Services. -Vice President Jan McIntosh

PARISH AND COMMUNITY SERVICES

• We launched “Mercy in Action Teams” to connect parish leaders with Catholic Charities’ many resources. Our Back to School Mercy in Action Team is recruiting parishes to host spots for our Archdiocesan-wide School Supply Drive from Aug. 4-6. We’re also preparing for the fall’s Thanksgiving and Christmas Adopt-aFamily Mercy in Action Teams, which will support parishes and surrounding community. • Every third Wednesday of the month, we host a meet-and-greet event called Coffee with Catholic Charities. Individuals nearing retirement, or those who are looking for volunteer opportunities or employment at Catholic Charities, are invited. • Our focus continues to be building and strengthening relationships with our parishes and the hardworking volunteers in the community. -Director Mike Sinnett

REGINA CAELI CLINICAL SERVICES

• As of Sept. 1, Regina Caeli Clinical Services (RCCS) will be officially renamed to Sacred Heart Counseling. We will serve under the same mission and dedicate ourselves and the care of our clients to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary. • The RCCS team will have a rebranding kick-off retreat on June 23, the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. The retreat will include Mass, spiritual refreshment, fellowship, and reflection on the longings of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and how our devotion to Him applies to our care for clients. • RCCS will move its main office in Littleton to Englewood in late August. The staff will be closer to public transportation near the intersection of Broadway and W. Hampden. Staff will welcome clients at the new location in September 2017. -Executive Director Linda Montagna

SHELTER, RESPECT LIFE AND IMMIGRATION SERVICES

• Samaritan House shelter launched a new culinary program. (See story on PG. 12) Shelter residents can apply to the paid program that trains them in proper food handling and cooking. It’s now a matter of pride to graduate from the culinary program.

Catholic Charities of Denver 4045 N Pecos St, Denver (303) 742-0828 For donation assistance or questions, please call (303) 867-0614.

ccdenver.org

• A new committee of deacons is being formed to help share news and opportunities to get involved in serving the community. This group will focus on the Respect Life Ministry and promote charitable works at parishes in the archdiocese. -Vice President Geoff Bennett

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CHARITY WORKS | SUMMER 2017

PG. 7

GIVERS AND RECEIVERS

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 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Greeley, retired and took part-time work at the University of Northern Colorado to allow time to volunteer. He never forgot his previous experience at Guadalupe Community Center, an overnight and transitional shelter in Greeley, and decided to return. Twice a week in the afternoons, Hotz comes to the shelter to assemble bag lunches for shelter residents, prepare food, and clean and organize after lunch is served. “For me to go out and be hands on and active with my faith means a lot,” Hotz said. “(The shelter has) always been very welcoming, inviting and encouraging to me. The best part of my experience is being in a good environment but also working with other volunteers in the community.” Hotz, who has served a total of six years at the shelter, is a mentor to new volunteers. “I don’t mind sharing with them, making them more familiar and comfortable with the environment. I simply tell them don’t be afraid. You have nothing to fear. You’re being called to be helpful, so go out and experience it.” The greatest blessing to Hotz comes when he gets to know residents and watch them as they build their lives again. “It’s so worthwhile,” he said. “The reward is really in watching people leave the shelter and (have a second chance). They get their independence back. I love that. That’s the reward. Chances are I’ll never see them again, but I’m happy for them.”

OPEN YOUR HEART PG. 8

CHARITY WORKS | SUMMER 2017

Visit ccdenver.org

Team Samaritan House hits the road Team Samaritan House is making its way from Alamosa to Salida during the annual Ride the Rockies bicycle tour. The riders, who make up the largest team in Ride the Rockies, dedicate their 447-mile tour to making a difference in the lives of men, women and families facing homelessness. The riders’ goal is to raise more than $150,000 in donations to provide meals and warm beds while supporting the shelter’s program, designed to teach residents life skills and self-reliance. Support the riders by visiting samhousedenver.org/rtr.

Team Samaritan House riders in last year’s Ride the Rockies bicycle tour cross the finish line. This year’s tour ends in Salida on June 17.

Karl Hotz, a parishioner at St. Mary Catholic Church in Greeley, retired in order to dedicate more volunteer hours to helping people in need at Guadalupe Community Center in Greeley. JOIN OUR

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CHARITY WORKS | SUMMER 2017

PG. 9

SENIOR SERVICES

Richard Hall stands with his Catholic Charities case manager Roberta Trujillo.

PG. 10

CHARITY WORKS | SUMMER 2017

VETERAN FINDS SUPPORT TO LIVE INDEPENDENTLY 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 case manager. “We keep an eye on him to make sure he’s getting home care, medical services and emotional support and company.” Hall has lived for about 20 years at the Marian Plaza senior apartment center in Denver, an Archdiocesan Housing property. The military veteran brags about his one-bedroom apartment with a city view and a supportive staff who provide activities and create community. “This is an excellent apartment really,” he said. “For one person, it’s super.” Years before Hall came to Marian Plaza, he enlisted at age 15 in the military after the attack on Pearl Harbor. He was stationed on the USS Shipley Bay (CVE-85) that carried fighter planes used during the war. He continued to serve as a Marine and later married a woman from Japan. He held several jobs including one at the Hilton Hotel in Denver and managing an apartment building on Pearl Street. His wife later passed away and he decided it was time to move.

By the Numbers 1,210 elderly individuals assisted through Senior Services

*2016 Catholic Charities Annual Report

Locations Mulroy Senior Center 3550 W. 13th Ave. Denver (303) 892-1540 Services are also provided in Larimer and Weld counties. Learn more at

ccdenver.org/senior-care-services

Hall applied for an apartment at one of Catholic Charities’ senior living buildings and found a one-bedroom at Marian Plaza. Eventually, he needed assistance with services that help seniors maintain independence and dignity. Since then, Trujillo has helped Hall keep track and arrive at VA medical appointments, grocery shop, receive Meals on Wheels, connect with local military organizations, maintain his own apartment, and start end-of-life planning. “Someone in his position may be burly and depressed, but he has a joy for life,” Trujillo said. “He’s just fun to be around.” Hall said when someone from Catholic Charities, or a visitor, comes by, “things always pick right up.” JOIN OUR

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WHAT IS SENIOR SERVICES? Senior Services helps older adults maintain safe, quality and independent living. For seniors 55 and older, Catholic Charities provides case management, assistance with benefit applications, advocacy, connection with the community, and education and social activities at the Mulroy Senior Center. CHARITY WORKS | SUMMER 2017

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SHELTER AND HOUSING SERVICES

Dave McCleve prepares beef stroganoff for residents at Samaritan House shelter in Denver.

PG. 12 CHARITY WORKS | SUMMER 2017

AT SHELTER, COOK FINDS “REASON TO LIVE AGAIN’

Homeless in Denver at-a-glance

5,467 homeless men, women and children counted in the 7-county Metro Denver area

I’m Dave and I’m a cook at Samaritan House shelter. Every day we start cooking at noon to prepare dinner for 350 residents—it’s a lot of work! But when I cook, I feel like I have a purpose.

Of the total respondents, 2,112 or 38.6% were female.

Before I came to stay at the shelter, I gave up on life. It was worthless to me. For years, I was hooked on meth and drank my life away. As soon as I got off work waiting tables, I headed to the bar and kept drinking until my next shift. During the eight years I was out of work, I slept from couch to couch. It was getting old, and I was burning all my bridges. Eventually, I came back to Denver from Oregon. Every night I had to fight for a warm place to lay my head. I decided I couldn’t live like that any longer—either I was going to end up back on drugs or end my life.

Source: Metro Denver Homeless Initiative’s 2016 point-in-time study

samhousedenver.org

Then I came to Samaritan House for a fresh start and I applied to its new culinary program. Since then, my life has completely changed around. I’ve been sober for six years, and I was baptized after accepting Jesus as my Lord and Savior. Samaritan House has helped me save money so I can rent my own studio apartment. I want to go biking and hiking—just do a lot of outdoor things. Catholic Charities gave me a reason to live again. They entrusted me to get my life back together. And when I cook, I feel like I’m giving back. I’m so grateful for a second chance. I love this place. Thank you. JOIN OUR

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WHAT IS SHELTER AND HOUSING SERVICES? Shelter and Housing Services provides hope to families and individuals experiencing homelessness by providing love, safety, shelter, clothing, food and services to rebuild their lives and restore dignity. Housing also provides affordable and service-enriched housing for families who cannot access housing in the marketplace.

CHARITY WORKS | SUMMER 2017

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MAJOR IMPACT

A SNAPSHOT OF THE SERVICES OF CATHOLIC CHARITIES

787 clinical visits and 466 ultrasounds through Marisol Health

1.23 million nights of shelter in emergency, transitional and affordable housing

731,751* meals

2,720 individual and group sessions provided to children Catholic schools at through counseling services

26,987 direct emergency assistance services provided to households

prepared at shelters *including 200,000 (est.) for low-income children in early childhood education

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ccdenver.org/donate-monthly PG. 14 CHARITY WORKS | SUMMER 2017

2016 Catholic Charities annual report

GETTING SOCIAL

Do you want to appear in our next Charity Works issue? If so, join the conversation on social media and post how you are working to help those in need with Catholic Charities. Don’t forget to include the hashtag #CharityWorks in your post. Then look for the next issue of Charity Works – your post may appear inside! -Social media team for Catholic Charities

CHARITY WORKS | SUMMER 2017

PG. 15

PO Box 100728 Denver, CO 80250-0728

ccdenver.org

CHARITY

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MARISOL SERVICES

SERVICES

MARISOL

SERVICES

HOMES

Read about Carmen’s transformation at ccdenver.org/MoveIn

MARISOL

JOIN THE MOVE-IN MATERNITY CHALLENGE

The former Father Ed Judy House has a new name and a new location. We are now part of Catholic Charities’ Marisol Homes. We are moving to a new location. Building construction is complete but we still need beds and furnishings for 16 rooms before we can house and serve single expectant mothers and single women, with children, who are experiencing homelessness. If we band together, giving just $78 each, we can make the move happen.

Join the Challenge at ccdenver.org/MoveIn PLEASE DONATE TODAY!

WHEN YOU TRANSFORM A ROOM, YOU TRANSFORM A LIFE.