making a difference
TOGETHER, WE Change Lives
SUPPORTING NEIGHBORS.
TRANSFORMING LIVES.
Catholic Charities of Denver shelters, feeds, houses, educates, counsels and provides emergency assistance and critical services to tens of thousands of neighbors across Northern Colorado each year. As the charitable arm of the Archdiocese of Denver, Catholic Charities — in partnership with volunteers, churches, local businesses, nonprofit organizations, government agencies, medical facilities and educational institutions — provides life-changing support to Coloradans at 76 locations across the Front Range as they work to improve their lives. The list of what Catholic Charities does is remarkably diverse: Samaritan House, Marisol Services, Catholic Charities Housing, Early Childhood Education, Immigration, Emergency and Food Assistance ... the list goes on and on. For 97 years, Catholic Charities has supported neighbors and transformed lives ... and we look forward to serving our community into our second century and beyond.
JOIN US TO TRANSFORM LIVES
Our Mission Statement
As the charitable arm of the Archdiocese of Denver, and inspired by God’s love and compassion, Catholic Charities extends the healing ministry of Jesus Christ to the poor and those in need.
Our Mission Statement
As the charitable arm of the Archdiocese of Denver, and inspired by God’s love and compassion, Catholic Charities extends the healing ministry of Jesus Christ to the poor and those in need.
FACES OF HOPE
Healing Through Creativity
“Twenty years ago, while studying art in New York, I volunteered at a family shelter. That experience planted a seed within me,” Theo recalls. “It led me to pursue a career in education, teaching art in low-income schools for nearly two decades.” Meet Theo Schwartz, the founder behind Big Heart Art, a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated … Read more
Read MoreHomelessness to Hope: Marian Plaza Resident Inspires High Schoolers
Phil was born and raised in Denver’s Park Hill neighborhood in an upper middle-class family, just a few blocks away from where he lives now. His family’s affluence masked a hidden secret: his father was abusive, and Phil decided at an early age that not having a roof was better than having a tumultuous one. … Read more
Read MoreMarisol Health Director Finds Strength in Faith
“The loveliest masterpiece of the heart of God is the heart of a mother.” – St. Thérèse of Lisieux Sara Lugo took the reigns as executive director of Marisol Health Denver just four months after it opened in 2016 and has led the operation as it provided care to more than 6,500 patients and celebrated … Read more
Read MoreFrom the classroom to Little Flower, Loretta and Sharon’s humanitarian roots run deep in Aurora
Loretta and Sharon’s lives ran parallel in many ways. They both taught at Aurora Public Schools for decades, their kids went to the same schools and they went to the same parish. However, where they connected most was volunteering at Little Flower Assistance Center in Aurora. They both vividly remember when Donna Potter, Director of … Read more
Read MoreVoices for Life: Uniting for a Cause
Thousands of pro-life advocates gathered at this year’s Colorado March for Life at the Colorado State Capitol on Friday, April 12, 2024. With loud voices and bright banners, individuals from pro-life organizations, schools, faith communities and ministries came together to honor the sanctity of life. Many steps, conversations and connections later, hope and optimism filled … Read more
Read MoreEmpowering Women Through Employment: Catholic Charities Employment Navigation Program Success
Across the Front Range, Catholic Charities is making a significant impact on the lives of women experiencing homelessness through our innovative Women’s Employment Navigation Program, housed at Samaritan House in downtown Denver. This program is a part of the comprehensive way that Catholic Charities looks at all our ministries, wrapping basics like safe shelter and … Read more
Read MoreOld Friends, New Beginnings: Marisol Homes Celebrates Alumni at 4th Annual Easter Brunch
The Easter season brings with it a sense of renewal and hope—a theme that rings true with Marisol Homes community. On Easter Sunday, Catholic Charities hosted the 4th Annual Marisol Alumni Easter Brunch at the Downtown Aquarium. Marisol Homes hosts this event every year as a celebration of community, resilience and transformation. Vin Glover, Program … Read more
Read MorePrayer for Life: Reflections on the Eucharistic Procession at Marisol Garden
Special moments unfolded in the Catholic Charities’ Marisol Health Garden on Saturday, March 23rd. An army of more than 250 people of all ages joined hands for one mission: to honor the Eucharist and stand in solidarity against abortion. Led by Fr. Jason Wallace, Archdiocese of Denver Director of Vocations, and assisted by Deacon Wayne … Read more
Read MoreCatholic Charities Kinship program is where families like Audrey’s find community and support
FINDING SOLACE AND STRENGTH AFTER UNIMAGINABLE LOSS In Her Own Words: Audrey shares what the Catholic Charities Kinship program means to her family. “My daughter, Arianne passed away unexpectedly on June 23, 2019, at the age of thirty-six, leaving behind three young children aged 4, 5 and 12 at the time. In the wake of … Read more
Read MoreAlex’s Pursuit of Stability Leads to Samaritan House Fort Collins
Throughout his entire adult life, Alex poured himself into his profession. His career brought him across the country, constantly on the move. This instability and lack of community, paired with the stresses of work, left Alex seeking something to help him feel better, more in control. He turned to pills to self-medicate, but the pills … Read more
Read MoreNancy: The Silent Warrior Nurturing Three Grandchildren, Supported by Catholic Charities Kinship
For over a decade, Nancy has been attending the kinship caregiver support group at Catholic Charities, a resource she clings to and calls a lifesaver. Nancy is raising her three grandchildren, all of whom are on the autism spectrum. When Nancy’s grandchildren unexpectedly lost their father when they were four, six and ten, Nancy was … Read more
Read MoreThe Benedict is Moving Forward
Shovels Up, Hard Hats Down Catholic Charities Housing proudly announces that the Glenwood Springs City Council has given the green light to our new affordable housing initiative for senior residents – The Benedict, a 34-unit project catering to individuals aged 62 and older. With 1,925 apartments in 34 locations across Northern Colorado, including three projects in the Roaring Fork Valley, … Read more
Read MoreCatholic Charities Helps Newcomers Build a Life
In response to the ongoing demand for humanitarian aid and legal guidance for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) seekers in Colorado, Catholic Charities of Denver is conducting workshops throughout 2024 to offer crucial support to eligible individuals and families as they navigate the intricate TPS application procedures. TPS stands for Temporary Protected Status, and it grants … Read more
Read MoreA Home with Catholic Charities Housing’s St. Valentine’s Apartments in Loveland celebrate our grand opening
“A Home with a Coach” Catholic Charities Housing’s St. Valentine’s Apartments in Loveland celebrate our grand opening In July of 2016, Daniel lost his 4-year-old to an accidental drowning in Fort Collins. It was a life-altering event that would change the course of his path throughout Northern Colorado. After a bout of couch surfing and … Read more
Read MoreFrom Blanket to Blessing: Women Find New Beginnings in Upgraded Shelter Pods
Clark grabs the pink butterfly blanket her daughter gave her and carries it across Samaritan House 48th. Excitedly, she makes her way to the Rose neighborhood, a new section of semi-private cubes called “pods” within the Catholic Charities shelter and settles into her new home. “This changes everything for me. I am a quiet and … Read more
Read MoreINSPIRING CHANGE
Volunteer and Donor Impact
Suzie and Curt give back, drawing on the hardships Suzie experienced as a child. "We think the mission of Catholic Charities is amazing."
Suzie and Curt
John turned tragedy into philanthropy, 50 years after a life-changing experience. "I'm glad I'm here to be able to participate."
John
Joan came to Catholic Charities when her shelves were running empty and now gives back in gratitude. "I just wanted to come and give back."
Joan
Avery launched collection drives to gather blankets to keep people warm, honoring something her mom always told her: "Giving back is one of the most important things in life."
Avery
Mark donates to Catholic Charities monthly because he believes we should support neighbors in all seasons. “The need to help people doesn’t just happen around Christmas.”
Mark
Ken prayed about how to help people beyond his lifetime and his legacy gift is supporting five Catholic ministries, including two with Catholic Charities. “His gift will change lives for years to come.”