Why We Lead

The Breheny Family is no stranger to Catholic Charities. Their advocacy and support of the organization have allowed for growth and expansion to better serve those who are struggling.

Larry Breheny served as Executive Director of Catholic Charities for 15 years. During his time at the organization, he helped to resettle more than 6,000 refugees from Vietnam, Bosnia and Sudan. He had a servant’s heart and continually worked to support those in need. His wise leadership and guidance shaped Catholic Charities into the organization it is today.

“As we move into the future, Catholic Charities will continue to help those in need directly, and advocate for services and programs to help the poor and oppressed realize their talents and gifts,” Larry said in a past Catholic Charities newsletter.

Larry’s statement remains true. Catholic Charities is committed to empowering individuals and strengthening families by meeting individuals where they are and providing them with what they need to succeed.

His legacy continues through the Larry Breheny Catholic Charities Endowment Fund, which provides lasting financial support for all Catholic Charities programs. For more information on this fund or to make a gift, visit catholicfoundationiowa.org/catholic-charities-fund-honor-larry-breheny.

Although Larry and his wife, Colleen, have now both passed away, their unwavering support for Catholic Charities’ mission continues. The majority of their household furnishings were donated to Catholic Charities’ Refugee Services program, and this donation has already helped newly arrived refugees make Des Moines their home. In addition, Larry and Colleen named Catholic Charities as a beneficiary in their estate planning, as a final monetary donation to support the people and programs in which they so strongly believed.

At the 2024 Catholic Charities’ Shamrocks and Shenanigans event, the Breheny Family’s generational generosity was recognized by receiving the Catholic Charities Champions award. Mary Beth Flanagan, daughter of Larry and Colleen, her husband, Mike, and granddaughter, Madeline, accepted the award on behalf of the family. Mary Beth reflected, “We are honored to receive the Catholic Charities Champions award and to support the life-changing work happening at Catholic Charities.”

For more information on how to support the vital work being done at Catholic Charities through gifts of cash, stock, other assets, or through your own estate, contact Director of Development, Bobbi Jo Smith at 515-237-5064 or bsmith@catholiccharitiesdm.org.