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The success of our outreach programs is because of the generosity of people throughout our diocese both in volunteering their time as well as donations.
Volunteer Opportunities
Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Des Moines has many opportunities for individuals, families and groups to become involved in our outreach programs. Volunteer opportunities are listed below along with items needed at the homeless shelter and food pantry. For more information on monetary donations, click HERE.
Holiday Volunteer/Service Needs
Below is a list of current volunteer opportunities.
Contact Pat Nestvedt at pnestvedt@dmdiocese.org or call 515-237-5019 for more information on how you can get involved.
Individual Volunteer Opportunities
St. Mary Family Center, 1815 Hubbell Avenue, Des Moines, ph# 515-262-7290
Hours: 10:00am-3:30pm Monday-Friday
Donations are accepted during regular business hours.
Volunteer shifts: 9:30am-12:30pm and 12:30pm-3:30pm
- Food delivery
- Food box preparation
- Clothing donation processing
- Cleaning
- Patron Processing
- Other tasks as needed
St. Joseph Emergency Family Shelter
1535 11th Street, Des Moines, ph# 515-282-1235
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Shelter maintenance
- Cleaning
- Collect items for the shelter
- Donations Needed
Refugee Cooperative Services (RCS)
RCS is a collaboration between Catholic Charities and Lutheran Social Services in Iowa (LSI). The program works with Des Moines area churches, businesses and individuals in an effort to resettle families fleeing their home country because of war and persecution. Volunteers and staff secure housing and furnishings for the family before their arrival in Iowa, assist the newcomers in finding employment, utilizing community resources, understanding the educational system and understanding their new country and its complex culture. Contact Michelle Raymer at LSI at 515-271-7364 or michelle.raymer@lsiowa.org for more information on volunteering with RCS.
Click HERE for more information about volunteer opportunities with RCS.
Phoenix House Domestic Violence Shelter & Sexual Abuse Program, Council Bluffs
Volunteer opportunities include serving on the 24-hour crisis phone line, facilitating in-kind donations in the community and various other projects. Contact Rachel Mabrey at (712) 256-2059 extension 2 for more information on volunteer opportunities.
Youth Service Projects- Catholic Charities values the skills, talents and enthusiasm that youth bring to service work.
Click HERE for a list of things youth can do help those served through Catholic Charities.
Group Volunteer Opportunities – Catholic Charities invites small groups to share a meal at the homeless shelter, stock food at the food pantry or help with a special project or event. Click HERE for more information on group projects.
Corporate Volunteer Opportunities - Catholic Charities values our corporate partnerships and offers a wide variety of volunteer opportunities for large and small companies. Click HERE for more information about the new Charities Circle Program, a new sponsorship program encouraging local businesses and their employees to get involved with Catholic Charities at a hands-on level.
Holiday Volunteering- While our volunteer needs are great throughout the year, we also have special needs during the holiday season.
Click HERE for project ideas during the holidays.
Collection & Donation Drives - Holding a collection drive is a great way to help stock our outreach centers with necessary daily supplies and comforts most of us often take for granted.
Click HERE for a list of collection ideas or look below at specific lists for each outreach center.
St. Mary Family Center
Donations of clothing, personal care items, diapers and infant formula are needed at St. Mary Family Center. Click HERE for a complete list of donation needs.
St. Joseph Emergency Family Shelter
Donations of personal care items, bus tokens, calling cards and many other items are needed at St. Joseph Emergency Family Shelter. Click HERE for a complete list of donation needs.
Refugee Cooperative Services
Donations for rent and utililty assistance as well as household donations are urgently needed. Click here for information on household items needed for apartment set-up.
Send monetary donations to:
Catholic Charities
Refugee Cooperative Services
601 Grand Ave.
Des Moines, IA 50309
Volunteer Requirements & Application Process
Individuals must complete a volunteer application that can be obtained by contacting the volunteer coordinator. Background checks and other supporting documentation may be required when volunteering for specific programs. Individual youth volunteers must be at least 18 years of age. Youth ages 16 and younger must be accompanied by an adult and have a consent for minor form signed by a parent or guardian.
For more information about volunteer opportunities conact Pat Nestvedt at 515-237-5019 or pnestvedt@dmdiocese.org.
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