Why I Lead

Jenelle Sarcone’s passion for serving the less fortunate is clear from all that she does. As a former Catholic Charities staff and board member, she has played an integral part in shaping the programs we offer today.

Jenelle’s mother and grandmother were great examples for her on how we are called to serve our neighbors in need, distilling in her a love for service. She first heard about Catholic Charities through her parish and her connection with Larry Breheny, Catholic Charities Executive Director at the time.

“The mission of the Church through Catholic Charities is what I grew up with,” said Jenelle. “It’s the fervor that was instilled in me that makes me think Catholic Charities is a great organization.”

When Larry invited Jenelle to join the Catholic Charities’ staff, she was glad to answer his request. During her time on staff, she would welcome and support refugees and help operate the clothing closet run by the organization. In response to the influx of refugees Catholic Charities was serving, the Bishop asked Jenelle to help locate a new space to serve this population better. The new location allowed the clothing closet to enhance services provided becoming the Catholic Charities’ Outreach Center – currently the Catholic Charities’ Food Pantry.

Through her work, she showed remarkable understanding and compassion to the homeless, poor and less fortunate who came to the organization in need of help.

“Charity to me means following in Christ’s footsteps, it doesn’t mean handing things out for free, it is giving people a chance to better their lives,” said Jenelle. “It was a lot of work, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. Doing this work is what I am supposed to be doing.”

A highlight of her time at Catholic Charities was establishing the Catholic Charities’ Emergency Family Shelter. She was vital in securing the Kindred Community House, which became the shelter, as well as rallying community support to make it a safe haven for those being served. The shelter opened in 1990 with five rooms to support families experiencing homelessness, becoming the first family shelter in Des Moines. In 2010 the shelter expanded to 10 rooms and remains the largest family shelter in the community.

“It is fabulous what the Catholic Charities’ Emergency Family Shelter has been able to do,” said Jenelle.

Jenelle’s involvement with Catholic Charities continued after her time on staff. She served on the Catholic Charities’ Board of Directors where her leadership allowed for continued growth and expansion of programs and services. She looks back fondly at her time on the board and is grateful for her involvement.

“I am very glad there has been an expansion into what Catholic Charities does for Des Moines and the diocese because it is needed,” said Jenelle.

In September 2024, Catholic Charities will celebrate 100 years of providing care and compassion to all in need. Jenelle hopes for continued growth for the organization to meet all the needs of those being served. She also encourages others to get involved with Catholic Charities.

“We are all called to strap on the sandals of Christ and walk in them and do what we can to help others,” said Jenelle. “Helping others is the best work you will ever do.”

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.