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Catholic Charities is excited to celebrate this momentous achievement as we acknowledge our past and look forward into the future.  For a century, community support has enabled Catholic Charities the ability to meet the unique needs of those we serve. We are grateful to our donors and volunteers for their support and help over the last 100 years. As we look to the future, we strive to continue to provide unmatched care to those we have the privilege to serve.

Catholic Charities Centennial Fund

The Catholic Charities Centennial Fund will provide continued help and hope, allowing each of our programs to expand their services and grow into the future. You can help us meet the ever-changing needs of our clients by joining the Catholic Charities Centennial Circle!

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Our History

Catholic Charities was founded in September 1924 by Bishop Thomas W. Drumm. Since then, we have grown and expanded our social service ministry to serve those most in need in central and southwest Iowa. From basic needs of food and shelter, to empowering programs which lead to self-sufficiency, our programs provide a wide range of support to assist those in our community with care and compassion.

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Legacy Leaders

Over the past 100 years, our organization has been led by many notable leaders. We are grateful for their leadership, guidance and passion for our mission of empowering individuals and strengthening families.

We thank all of our past Executive Directors:
  • The Rt. Rev. Msgr. M. B. Schiltz
  • Rev. Peter J. O’Leary
  • Rt. Rev. Msgr. Francis P. Larkin
  • Rt. Rev. Msgr. Francis T. Zuch
  • Fr. Paul Hans
  • Rt. Rev. Msgr. Paul J. Connelly
  • Charles Roth
  • Lawrence Breheny
  • Nancy Galeazzi
  • Shelly Starbuck (interim)
  • Barbara Q. Decker

Our Impact

No one knows when adversity will leave them feeling hopeless. From basic needs of food and shelter, to empowering programs which lead to self-sufficiency, our programs provide a wide range of support to assist those in our community with care and compassion. We care for the dignity of the person, regardless background. Over the last 100 years, we have made a true impact in the lives of those we serve and in our community.

Throughout the last 100 years…*

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*Since program inception.