CHARITY
W RKS SUMMER 2018
INSIDE THIS ISSUE RIDER BATTLES CANCER, PEDALS FOR A CAUSE PG. 6 VOLUNTEER “PUTS LOVE” INTO COOKING PG. 8
engage
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SAM S JAM WE NEED YOU AT THE MEAL THAT SERVES MANY PLEASE JOIN US FOR THE 3RD ANNUAL SAMARITAN HOUSE BENEFIT DINNER WITH KYLE DYER, EMCEE
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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 —
Saturday, September 8, 2018 6 p.m. Mile High Station
2027 Old West Colfax Ave. • Denver, CO 80204
honoring
Shamrock Foods – He Comes to Serve Award The Izard Family – Courteney Saeman Volunteer Award Thousands of people experiencing homelessness have been provided safe shelter, hot meals, love and compassion at Samaritan House since 1986. FOR SPONSORSHIPS AND MORE INFORMATION: Shelly Saeman at ssaeman@ccdenver.org or 720.799.9289
Tickets available now
SamsSupper.org
AMPARO’S LETTER SERVING OUR COMMUNITY AND THE POOREST OF THE POOR Welcome to the latest issue of Charity Works. My name is Amparo García, and I am the interim CEO of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Denver. I have been a board member of Catholic Charities since mid-2017 and am blessed to be of service in this time of transition. Larry Smith, the former president and CEO, has been a fantastic leader over the past five years and we are grateful for his service. His impact on our community was significant, and he will be greatly missed. To be charitable is to love unconditionally, to help those in need who come to us for support. We at Catholic Charities value each person as an individual, regardless of circumstances. I have much respect for all who work at Catholic Charities, and for all those who donate their time, treasure and talent in service to those in the greatest need. The mission of Catholic Charities is lived out through its seven ministries to extend the healing ministry of Jesus Christ: Seven Ministries, One Purpose, To Serve All People. The illustration on this page provides an overview. I also invite you to visit the Catholic Charities website at ccdenver.org to learn more.
Visit online at ccdenver.org or call 303-742-0828 to learn more, volunteer or make a donation.
A little about me. I was born in Denver and raised in Brighton. I graduated from the University of Colorado in Boulder and went on to receive an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. I moved back to Colorado in 2010 and am a parishioner at Holy Ghost Church, where I am a lector and member of the choir. I am here at Catholic Charities, as interim, by the grace of God. My aim is to allow the Holy Spirit to work through me, to keep the momentum of the wonderful works of Catholic Charities moving forward so we may continue to serve our community, the poorest of the poor and those in need. Thank you for your ongoing support of Catholic Charities. The Lord Bless You and Keep You,
Amparo García President/CEO SEVEN MINISTRIES, ONE PURPOSE
TO SERVE ALL PEOPLE MARISOL WOMEN’S SERVICES – Marisol Health – Marisol Homes – Gabriel House Project
EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION – Six ECE Facilities – Early Head Start & Head Start Programs – Home-Based Counseling
AT EVERY AGE AND EVERY STAGE
ARCHDIOCESAN HOUSING – 29 service enriched affordable housing complexes
SHELTER SERVICES – Samaritan House – Samaritan House Women’s Shelter – The Mission – Guadalupe Community Center – Western Slope Services
COUNSELING SERVICES – St. Raphael Counseling
PG. 3
CHARITY WORKS
FAMILY, KINSHIP & SENIOR SERVICES – Kinship Caregiver Program – Senior Services
PARISH & COMMUNITY RELATIONS – Little Flower Assistance Center – Emergency Assistance – Victim’s Assistance – Immigration Services – Respect Life Office – Ambassador Program – Volunteers
Charity Works is published quarterly by 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.
ccdenver.org/CharityWorks Follow Us:
Graphic Designer, Shelley Bezek Managing Editor, Cheryl Talley Editor, Nissa LaPoint High quality, cost conscious and faithful.
SEVEN MINISTRIES, ONE PURPOSE – TO SERVE ALL PEOPLE
SUMMER 2018
CHARITIES TEAM CHAT
MARISOL WOMEN’S SERVICES The Light of Life Ladies Tea event in April drew about 150 attendees, who generously gave to help women in need. We opened our 13th Gabriel House at St. Helena Parish in Ft. Morgan in March. The opening of this house was a true coming together of the community to bring needed services to Fort Morgan and other Eastern plains communities. Kristina Brayman joined our staff as the new director of Marisol Homes in March. She and her team are implementing a new trauma informed approach to their work with the women and children in all programs of Marisol Homes.
EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
FAMILY, KINSHIP & SENIOR SERVICES
In May and June, children graduated from our early childhood programs at our child care locations. All the children received certificates and backpacks with supplies for the summer, and we recognized parent volunteers for their dedication.
We hosted a Self Care Fair at Mulroy Senior Center for the second year! We offered tai chi demonstrations, haircuts, manicures, aroma therapy and others for older adults for free.
Temple Hoyne Buell Foundation gave a $11,000 grant to the early childhood programs at Annunciation School.
Marisol Health has received 5,267 client visits since it started on July 1, 2016.
During the program year, we implemented a new coaching model for our teaching staff and fully equipped our Early Childhood Education specialists team to provide these services.
Before the end of its second year, Marisol Health received, on average, more than twice as many client visits—319—per month than the number of clients in the first 10 months—146—of the previous year.
We also successfully implemented the Parents as Teachers Home Visiting Curriculum for all of those in our Home Visiting programming.
Alison Keough Vice President
Jan McIntosh Vice President
SUMMER 2018
PG. 4
CHARITY WORKS
Our Kinship Caregiver Program had a caregiver celebration and talent show for the families we serve. Several children showed off their vocal, as well as artistic, talents. Youth from Holy Family High School volunteered their time at our senior housings sites and deep cleaned their homes. They also gave a generous donation! We plan to use the money to help older adults get mattresses. St. Teresa Jornet’s Closet for seniors opened its doors in November at All Saints Catholic Church. We are available to the community to offer connections to resources and services on Wednesdays from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Virginia Hentschel Director
PARISH & COMMUNITY RELATIONS We started a Catholic School ministry for students in K-8th grade. We are exploring ways Catholic Charities can work with schools to share the teachings of the Church through presentations given by our Respect Life Ministry. Our website is respectlifedenver.org. We have been reaching out to different faith communities that are interested in defending life at all stages, religious liberty and marriage between a man and a woman. On August 16 we will sponsor a religious liberty talk that will include the Becket Fund. Check our website for details. Join us for Prayer in the Square on the First Saturday of each month where we make a public witness. Visit prayerinthesquare.com to find locations near you.
Deacon Geoff Bennett Vice President
SEVEN MINISTRIES, ONE PURPOSE – TO SERVE ALL PEOPLE
SEVEN MINISTRIES, ONE PURPOSE – TO SERVE ALL PEOPLE
COUNSELING SERVICES
SHELTER SERVICES
ARCHDIOCESAN HOUSING
As of May 1, St. Raphael Counseling’s team of psychologists joined with Catholic Charities’ existing counseling ministry, Sacred Heart Counseling. Under one ministry using the name St. Raphael Counseling, Catholic Charities will continue to provide and expand clinical care that is aligned with Catholic values to individuals and families across the Archdiocese of Denver.
This summer we will begin renovations at the Samaritan House homeless shelter at 2301 Lawrence St. in Denver. The kitchen will be renovated and energy-efficient lighting will be installed throughout the building. This is the start of our three-year plan to renovate the shelter that is more than 30 years old.
A multi-million dollar renovation project of the Golden Spike Apartments in Denver has begun, starting with replacement of the two elevators. The bulk of the work will commence this summer, including new office and community space, safety and maintenance upgrades, and a complete refresh of the building’s exterior and interior look.
St. Raphael now has a staff of 18 clinicians at 11 offices and six schools across the Front Range region. In the coming months, St. Raphael will accept more insurances and introduce psychoeducational and autism diagnostic testing to families at an affordable cost.
Samaritan House Women’s Shelter (in northeast Denver) along with Samaritan House in downtown Denver continue to reach capacity in overnight emergency and transitional shelter programs, providing up to 273 beds each night for women. Women are among the most underserved populations of those experiencing homelessness. Our Shelter Services continue to serve the most vulnerable in our communities.
6240 Smith Road Denver, CO 80216 (303) 742-0828 For donation assistance or questions, please call (303) 867-0614
ccdenver.org
In June, we will complete a bond refinance for five of our properties. The bond issuances will total $22.5 million, and the proceeds will be used to redeem existing debt at low interest rates, complete capital improvements, and fund future ministry projects.
When you join our Monthly Giving Club, you experience joy in knowing your donations are improving lives EVERY MONTH.
We are actively reviewing additional development opportunities in Summit County, the Western Slope, and northern Colorado to serve even more residents in need around the state.
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
Jim Langley, Psy.D. Executive Director
Michael Sinnett Vice President
Justin Raddatz Executive Director
SEVEN MINISTRIES, ONE PURPOSE – TO SERVE ALL PEOPLE CHARITY WORKS
PG. 5
SUMMER 2018
SHELTER SERVICES
Rider battles cancer and pedals for a cause
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 families experiencing homelessness. “Each time I came home from the hospital I came back to a place that I call home … a beautiful place which included all my loved ones … It’s easy to forget that there are some that don’t have a place to call home,” Milano wrote. “My motivation for this ride is, has been, and will be, knowing the difference we can make in the lives of those less fortunate.” Milano, who met some team members during last year’s Ride the Rockies tour in Colorado, was struck by their dedication and drive to help the homeless. She joins this year’s Team Samaritan House riders who are pedaling some 418 miles starting June 9 through the Rocky Mountains. Together they are fundraising to reach their goal of $250,000 to help provide clothing, shelter and a fresh start for residents at Catholic Charities shelters: Samaritan House in downtown Denver, Samaritan House Women’s Shelter in northeast Denver, Guadalupe Community Center in Greeley, and The Mission in Fort Collins. After she was diagnosed with cancer in January and had a double mastectomy in March, Milano made her decision to join the team. Now cancer free and grateful for friends and family’s love and support, she said she is determined to dedicate her ride to others. “It surely makes you think and brings me back to how I want to live my life …,” Milano wrote, adding that she’s received many blessings in her life. “(I may) not be as strong or as trained or conditioned as I’ve ridden in the past, but nonetheless, mentally and emotionally, I know I just can’t be beat,” she said.
SUMMER 2018
PG. 6
CHARITY WORKS
Carolyn Milano rode in the 2017 Ride the Rockies bicycle tour. This year, she rides with Team Samaritan House to help raise funds for the homeless shelters of Catholic Charities.
SEVEN MINISTRIES, ONE PURPOSE – TO SERVE ALL PEOPLE
GO TO TEAMSAMARITANHOUSE.COM
Team Samaritan House hits the road Team Samaritan House is making its way from Breckenridge to Winter Park during the annual Ride the Rockies bicycle tour June 9-15. The riders, who make up the largest team in Ride the Rockies, dedicate their 418-mile tour to making a difference in the lives of men, women and families facing homelessness. The riders’ goal is to raise more than $250,000 in donations to provide meals, warm beds and programs to help residents with life skills and a path to new beginnings.
Support the riders by visiting
TeamSamaritanHouse.com
Carolyn, who battled breast cancer this year, participated in a breast cancer awareness race.
SEVEN MINISTRIES, ONE PURPOSE – TO SERVE ALL PEOPLE CHARITY WORKS
PG. 7
SUMMER 2018
CELEBRATING OUR VOLUNTEERS
Volunteer “puts love” into cooking for residents 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 like we mean something,’” said Diane, who runs a bed and breakfast business in Greeley. Guadalupe Community Center, which provided 43,292 meals and 17,948 nights of shelter in fiscal year 2017, is made possible largely by volunteers. Diane, 55, began to volunteer seven years ago at the front desk and then started cooking in the shelter kitchen. She said she felt motivated to give back in gratitude for her blessings, including traveling and a family. “I’m blessed that I can travel to these cool places and that I can give back,” Diane said. And she loves to cook. Diane began holding monthly meal planning classes to teach residents how to cook healthy recipes. Her classes instruct residents how to cook four meals a day for four people on a $20 budget. “It’s nice to see what you’re doing makes a difference,” she said. She also cooks monthly dinners for residents with a group of volunteers. She shops for food on sale, crafts a recipe and cooks in the shelter’s kitchen. “We all have the same 24 hours and you have to choose what to do with it,” she said about volunteering. She recommends that other volunteers “find their passion and that’s how you’ll want to give back. Give it a chance.” Learn more about volunteer opportunities at ccdenver.org/volunteer.
SUMMER 2018
PG. 8
CHARITY WORKS
SEVEN MINISTRIES, ONE PURPOSE – TO SERVE ALL PEOPLE
GO TO CCDENVER.ORG/VOLUNTEER
Real stories. Real emotion. Real community. Starting in July, join us for live, multimedia events as we share the stories behind the life-changing work of Catholic Charities in our community.
Kyle Dyer, storyteller and former TV anchor, will host the July event.
Chris Stefanick, founder of Real Life Catholic, will host the August event.
Register now to participate
ccdenver.org/engage
Diane Hoffman cooks with friends and other volunteers at Guadalupe Community Center in Greeley. Diane runs a cooking class and makes dinner for shelter residents.
SEVEN MINISTRIES, ONE PURPOSE – TO SERVE ALL PEOPLE CHARITY WORKS
PG. 9
SUMMER 2018
FAMILY, KINSHIP & SENIOR SERVICES
After cancer diagnosis, senior finds renewed dignity 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 this help and build my dignity that had been so shattered.” In August, the 59-year-old said he moved from Massachusetts to Denver to access new healthcare. He was diagnosed with liver cancer—and had no family to help. His providers referred him to Catholic Charites of Denver for assistance. Roberta Trujillo, a social case worker under Adult and Senior Services, was the first to help. “He struggled communicating with his medical providers,” said Roberta, who first met him in January. “He was needing cataract surgery but kept running into red tape barriers. My part in his story was mostly a catalyst and sounding board. Sometimes big problems get much smaller when you feel someone is sharing the load.” Adult and Senior Services of Catholic Charities works with older adults to identify needs, set goals, and help them achieve a better standard of living and quality of life. Roberta assisted the senior with making his appointments and watching his seeing-eye dog, named Perro, during surgeries and hospital visits. “(Roberta) was able to offer all this help and build my dignity that had been so shattered,” he said. “There’s a lot I don’t have to explain to her about that. She was there for me.” Facing new a new cancer diagnosis and treatment, the senior felt emotional and it was difficult to make rational decisions. “Having to deal with this issue made me feel less than diminished and degraded,” he said.
This Denver senior, a seeing-impaired man who is battling cancer, had difficulties getting the healthcare he needed. Catholic Charities was there and helped him feel renewed dignity.
SUMMER 2018
PG. 10
CHARITY WORKS
SEVEN MINISTRIES, ONE PURPOSE – TO SERVE ALL PEOPLE
GO TO CCDENVER.ORG/SENIOR Roberta assisted with getting the medical attention he needed. He also needed cataract surgery, which Roberta helped him arrange. His vision has since improved. “His vision is much improved and increased his independence,” she said. “Never did I feel he’d lost dignity—it might have been smothered by frustrations common for seniors facing social systems. He simply is a joyous person and maintains a positive outlook on life.” Roberta also found him some household appliances and exercise equipment with the help of a local church. They made his Denver apartment more welcoming to others. The senior said Catholic Charities was like his safe harbor. With Roberta’s help, he found a way through the medical challenges in his life— and the emotional support to keep going. He says now, “When life gives you lemonade, I don’t want to make lemonade. I want to make lemon pie.”
What is Adult and Senior Services? Adult and Senior Service helps older adults maintain safe, quality and independent living. For adults and seniors 55 and older, Catholic Charities provides case management, assistance with benefit applications, advocacy, connection with the community, and education and social activities at its senior center.
1,556 elderly individuals assisted through Senior Services* Resource and referral information for 590 seniors who called needing assistance* * In Fiscal Year ended June 30, 2017
Locations: Mulroy Senior Center 3550 W. 13th Ave., Denver, CO 80204 (303) 892-1540 Learn more at
ccdenver.org/senior
SEVEN MINISTRIES, ONE PURPOSE – TO SERVE ALL PEOPLE CHARITY WORKS
PG. 11
SUMMER 2018
MARISOL WOMEN’S SERVICES
Mom leaves Marisol with education, self-esteem
Jennifer stands outside a Marisol Homes location. The single mom stayed at the longterm shelter for women before she was assisted with starting a new life with her son.
SUMMER 2018
PG. 12
CHARITY WORKS
SEVEN MINISTRIES, ONE PURPOSE – TO SERVE ALL PEOPLE
GO TO CCDENVER.ORG/MARISOLSERVICES 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 empty pockets, she needed help starting a new life. Then Jennifer heard about Marisol Homes. The staff welcomed her and her son, making them feel right at home. “I was really nervous to go in, but I was made comfortable,” she said. Jennifer was paired with a case manager who helped her establish benefits and find permanent housing. And she also lovingly challenged Jennifer. Had she ever thought about going to college? Jennifer didn’t have a chance after graduating high school. Now over 40, Jennifer thought she was too old. Her case manager encouraged her and she found herself enrolled at Red Rocks Community College to study sociology. Four months later, Jennifer moved out of Marisol Homes and into housing with her son—later with her father who had moved to Golden. In May 2018, Jennifer graduated with a bachelor’s degree in sociology and is pursuing a master’s degree at Metro State University. Her goal is to help others in need. “(Marisol Homes) made a big impression on my life,” Jennifer said. “I left with self-esteem, responsibility and an education. They supported me in everything. I’m very blessed to have been at Marisol.”
What is Marisol Homes? Marisol Homes is a place for women with children to live in a stable and loving environment that helps them end the cycle of homelessness by achieving financial stability and finding independent housing. Each family completes a program based on the continuum of care model that focuses on the needs of the whole person. Families may stay at the homes until they achieve stability.
91 single mothers with 112 children were served by Marisol Homes in 2017* * In Fiscal Year ended June 30, 2017
Learn more at
ccdenver.org/ marisolservices
Marisol Homes is part of Catholic Charities of Denver’s continuum of care model that provides women with a network of resources to help at all stages of life. In fiscal year 2017, Marisol Homes served 91 single mothers with 112 children at its four homes.
SEVEN MINISTRIES, ONE PURPOSE – TO SERVE ALL PEOPLE CHARITY WORKS
PG. 13
SUMMER 2018
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
DENVER
Some 150 ladies gathered for a high tea event in April to support Marisol Health and its locations in Denver and Lafayette. The elegant and fun luncheon included a hat contest, jewelry jumble, music by a harpist, a silent auction and Celestial Seasonings tea.
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Students from Holy Family and Machebeuf high schools helped prepare and run a used books sale held in April at Samaritan House shelter. The book sale was open to the public and helped support shelter services.
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A member of the band Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats donated guitars in May to Samaritan House shelter. The guitars will be used by the music and arts program to offer residents a chance to learn and play.
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A new senior closet, stocked with food and household supplies, opened in Denver. St. Teresa Jornet’s Closet is available to seniors in need of support in the community.
FORT MORGAN A 13th Gabriel House Project location opened in March to serve struggling and pregnant mothers and families. A pastor led a blessing and prayer over the new space, which will hold supplies for children from newborn to 5 years old.
SUMMER 2018
PG. 14
CHARITY WORKS
Youth from Samaritan House shelter in Denver were hosted for a day of mock pilot training in March at a United Airlines facility. Instructors guided the youth through flight simulators and exercises to learn about aircraft.
SEVEN MINISTRIES, ONE PURPOSE – TO SERVE ALL PEOPLE
ARCHDIOCESAN HOUSING Residents in Archdiocesan Housing write about their gratitude and the impact affordable housing has had on their lives.
What is Archdiocesan Housing? An affiliate of Catholic Charities, Archdiocesan Housing provides affordable, service-enriched housing for individuals and families who cannot access decent housing in the broader marketplace. It owns and manages 29 properties with supportive services and activities to assist residents in maintaining independence and dignity.
To learn more about affordable housing options across the Front Range region, visit
www.archhousing.com or call (303) 830-0215.
SEVEN MINISTRIES, ONE PURPOSE – TO SERVE ALL PEOPLE CHARITY WORKS
PG. 15
SUMMER 2018
REAL STORIES. REAL EMOTION. REAL COMMUNITY. Starting in July, join us for live, multimedia events as we share the stories behind the life-changing work of Catholic Charities in our community.
Kyle Dyer, storyteller and former TV news anchor, will host the July 17 event.
Chris Stefanick, founder of Real Life Catholic, will host the August event.
REGISTER NOW TO PARTICIPATE
ccdenver.org/engage