Celebrate Christmas Eve Mass at Brother Francis Shelter
Around Catholic Social Services, everyone knows Deacon Mick, but he seems surprised by that. Sitting at his desk at the Archdiocese of Anchorage, in a dark burgundy, button-up shirt with starched white cuffs and collar, the first question he asked was, “So who recommended you talk to me?” Deacon Mick has spent years dedicated to…
Once a Client, Now a Volunteer
Talking to our volunteer Linda is one of the most fun things you can do here at Catholic Social Services – other than helping her keep the St. Francis House Food Pantry running, which is what she does. Linda has been a dedicated volunteer for the last four years, coming in Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. until…
This Little Light of Mine
Clare House is a place of light for mothers and children experiencing homelessness. Their doors are open 24-hours a day, and Clare House staff comforts about 300 families yearly, connecting them to services and resources where they can find and maintain permanent, safe housing. Donate to Clare House now! Stories of hope and compassion emanate from…
Always a Hand to Offer
Terry is the mom of five adopted children, ages eleven to five. Actually, there are two five-year-old boys – twins – and one of them has a disability. You can tell she adores her kids. Crayon self-portraits are taped up on the sliding door, which opens to their back porch, and pages from their homework…
Scared Scriptless: Laugh for a Cause
Is there anything better than laughing while supporting a great cause? Short answer: No, there’s not. This holiday season, local improv comedy troupe Scared Scriptless has picked Catholic Social Services as the recipient of the proceeds of their December show. It is on Saturday, December 22 at 8:00 p.m. at 49th State Brewing Co., located…
Your Story Matters
Every person has a story. Sometimes we don’t realize, however, that what’s happened to us – or because of us – is phenomenal or that even the mundane is meaningful. In fact, it’s actually quite common to take the events of our own lives for granted. Maybe we’re busy. Maybe we think other people have…
Everything Is about Community
Five women sat on folding chairs in a circle at the Welcome Center, a building dedicated to our Refugee Assistance & Immigration Services (RAIS) program. They chatted and laughed loudly, clearly good friends. Those gathered were Meg, Diane, Shirley, Ingrid, and Peggy – each volunteer teachers for newly resettled refugees. Their classes focus on the…
Skinny Raven’s New Toys and Towels Drive
Skinny Raven, a local sports and lifestyle store, does a lot to support Anchorage nonprofits and help our community be healthy. This year, Skinny Raven has decided to host a New Toys and Towels Drive for Catholic Social Services, and they want you to help them provide the toys and towels. We are so grateful for their and your…
Brother Francis Shelter Changed a Father’s Life, Then a Son’s, and Now a City’s
Jessie sat, hands clasped, at a table in our conference room to talk about his job. He is a caseworker for Path to Independence, a program within Homeless Family Services. He’s been doing that since August. At first, he and his coworker, Wesley, did the legwork to prepare to rapidly rehouse 40 families. Things quickly…
Phillip Found Hope
So many people’s homelessness begins with the death of a loved one. Cancer. Car accident. Suicide. Tragedy can strike us all. The person closest to the deceased is left reeling, and we each cope with grief differently. Phillip’s wife passed in 2010. He looks you in the eyes when he says that. She had a…