Announcing a new transition
Hello, I am writing to share some big news. After much reflection, I have decided to take a new position – as the CEO of Anchorage Neighborhood Health Center. It is an exciting opportunity for me to directly reconnect with my background in the healthcare field, while still serving some of the most vulnerable in…
Working together to serve the homeless
Lisa DH Aquino | August 2021 | The North Star Catholic This month we find ourselves focusing on our children and young families as schools reopen for the fall. Back to school is often full of excitement, joy, and sometimes worry. Many parents purchase school supplies, read to their children, practice ABCs, and much more…
CSS programs help refugees flourish with community support
Lisa DH Aquino | June 2021 | The North Star Catholic June 20th is World Refugee Day, a day celebrated internationally to honor refugees worldwide – those who have fled war, violence, conflict, or persecution, and have crossed an international border to find safety in another country. We spend this time celebrating the strength of…
CSS Lenten food drive a success
Lisa DH Aquino | April 2021 | The North Star Catholic “The food is falling off the shelves.” You can imagine my delight and gratitude when our AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteer in Service to America), Katie Gordon, told me how crowded the shelves at St. Francis House Food Pantry were this week because we had so…
Small acts of kindness help make our communities better places to live
Lisa DH Aquino | February 2021 | The North Star Catholic “None of us, including me, ever do great things. But we can all do small things, with great love, and together we can do something wonderful.”– Mother Teresa Mother Teresa’s words are so timely. Our city, our state, our country, and our world continue to…
Looking to 2021, Together
New Year Message | Lisa Aquino When the clock struck midnight on New Years Eve, I think each of us were filled with a sense of anticipation, hope and forward-thinking to 2021, eager to leave 2020 behind. Now, three weeks into 2021, we are immersed into this new year. 2021 at Catholic Social Services will…
Brother Francis Shelter residents and staff are grateful for your support this Advent season
Lisa DH Aquino| December 2020 | The North Star Catholic This time of year is spent in preparation and waiting – waiting for the celebration of Christmas and the birth of Jesus Christ. The season of Advent this year brings great anticipation and preparation for both the celebration of Christ’s birth and the hope of a…
A hard winter is upon us. Let’s be there for each other.
Lisa DH Aquino| November 1, 2020 | Anchorage Daily News Opinion Anchorage, winter is here and in some ways this winter already feels darker than most we have known. Our community, our country and our world are all facing some of the greatest challenges we have ever known. Our world is facing a pandemic and more…
CSS Heroes of Hunger supply food to those in need
Lisa DH Aquino| September 2020 | Catholic Anchor As summer 2020 comes to an end, and we prepare for fall, the realization that the COVID pandemic will not be going away anytime soon is evident. We all held the general belief that with a strong effort and response, we could quickly stop this illness, but…
Assisting Veterans in need, providing services to those who have served our country
Lisa DH Aquino| July 2020 | Catholic Anchor July is a time to celebrate our nation. It’s also a time to celebrate and honor the brave men and women who serve our country each day. These heroes are dedicated to something bigger than themselves – the good of our entire nation. These heroes fight for…