Why I Lead

Dan Buscher has a passion for helping others. His leadership, guidance and generosity have supported the mission of Catholic Charities for more than 20 years.

Dan was first introduced to Catholic Charities while involved with the Homeless and Hungry committee at his parish, St. Francis of Assisi in West Des Moines, Iowa. He and other members of the committee volunteered their time at the Catholic Charities Emergency Family Shelter to help with yard work and other maintenance needs.

“One Sunday, while I was serving coffee and donuts after Mass, I ran into someone who worked for the Diocese of Des Moines who told me I should join the board at Catholic Charities,” said Dan. “I joined the board and that was it, I never looked back.”

Dan joined the Catholic Charities’ Board of Directors in 2002 and served for 14 years. During this time, he helped the organization grow and expand its programming. He was also integral in helping increase awareness of what Catholic Charities does in the community. He explained that learning about the different programs at Catholic Charities and seeing the impact they have is what enticed him to continue to be involved.

After some time away, Dan rejoined the board in 2021 and is a current member. One of his favorite parts about serving on the board is working alongside the Catholic Charities’ team and other board members.

“It’s an exciting time,” said Dan. “Everyone at Catholic Charities and on the board wants to do something to make the organization better. We are all there for the same purpose.”

In addition to giving his leadership, Dan and his wife, Mary, support Catholic Charities in various other ways. They support the organization financially through United Way of Central Iowa, serve as volunteer meal providers for the Emergency Family Shelter and provide in-kind support to the organization. The Buscher family also completed the Catholic Charities 100 Challenge to further support the needs of all Catholic Charities programs.

“We support Catholic Charities because of the programs offered at the organization,” said Dan. “It’s all about helping others and it feels good knowing we are a part of it.”

Dan encourages others to learn more about Catholic Charities and what the organization has to offer.

As Catholic Charities celebrates its centennial year, he hopes the organization can continue to grow and expand its programs to better serve those in need, particularly around the topic of housing.

“Catholic Charities is there to make a safe home for people,” said Dan. “It is just a great organization.”

Pictured: Dan Buscher, his wife, Mary, and their three daughters.

For more information on how you can get involved and support the mission at Catholic Charities, contact Director of Development, Bobbi Jo Smith at 515-237-5064 or bsmith@catholiccharitiesdm.org.