Haircuts and Hope
On August 31, I had the opportunity to meet Jierum, an amazing volunteer and a client at Anchorage Community Mental Health Services. Jierum was at Brother Francis Shelter, giving haircuts to people in the shelter. He was with his friend, Ret. Judge Stephanie Rhoades, who is a Board Member of Anchorage Community Mental Health. They…
Honoring Patrick “Jack” Cooper
On June 18, 2017, Patrick “Jack” Cooper became a name people across Alaska knew. The 16-year-old boy had been hiking down Bird Ridge, after completing a mountain race. But he got separated from other people and ended up off the trail. Two hours later, searchers discovered an aggressive black bear had killed him. His family,…
National Volunteer Week 2018
Happy National Volunteer Week! We want to send out a huge thank you to the countless volunteers who spend their time, resources and skills to help make Anchorage a better place by volunteering with Catholic Social Services.
Community Partnerships
A Safety Net for Alaskans in Need Partners and supporters like you make it possible for more than 23,000 people to receive services from Catholic Social Services every year.
A Time for New Beginnings
Wright Picks Up The Pieces Wright, a 66-year-old Navy veteran and retiree, was able to support himself, but after his surgery he fell on hard times. A year ago, Wright walked around without an issue. However, problems from diabetes and habitual drinking caught up to him. His foot began to shake non-stop with throbbing pain,…
Grow North Farm-raiser
Thank you for supporting our Grow North Farm-raiser. Your support makes it possible for refugee participants to grow the Fresh International Gardens project into a stepping off point for them to create their own small farm businesses. Grow North Farm All proceeds will go towards soil to create Grow North Farm this summer. The Farm will…
Thank you St. Francis House Food Pantry Volunteers
St. Francis House Food Pantry Personal Shoppers are some of the most personable folks in our community. Thank you Kristin Helvey (of Helvey Communications) for being part of the team of volunteers at the food pantry. The Ever Growing Need Volunteers and donations are essential to operating St. Francis House Food Pantry. We depend on…
Alaskans Volunteer for Giving Tuesday
Alaskans volunteer for Giving Tuesday via KTUU ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) – There’s Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday but perhaps the most important is Giving Tuesday; a global day of giving. And Alaskans give big, and not by just reaching into their pockets. Volunteers are a major part of Catholic Social Services Last…
One Step At A Time
Murray’s Tired Journey Murray, 59-years-old, is a long-time Alaskan. He’s worked all his life. Most recently as a carpet cleaning technician, cleaning businesses and apartment buildings. The pain in his feet became worse three years ago and stairs became his enemy. “It got so bad I had to tell my feet ‘left foot move,’ and…
Proposed ordinance to fine nonprofits with excessive 911 calls
84% of emergency services costs at Brother Francis Shelter come from you in the community Brother Francis Shelter is full almost every day of the year—some days serving beyond ideal limits of 300 plus to help those who need a home and hope. We are working with the entire community to seek new models, partnerships…