Anchorage leaders combine their efforts in the Healthcare and Homelessness Partnership
Homelessness is a public health issue. That’s why in April 2017 we formed the Healthcare and Homelessness Partnership, a collaboration between Catholic Social Services dedicated partners: Providence Health & Services Alaska , Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Alaska Regional Hospital, Southcentral Foundation , Anchorage Neighborhood Health Center, and the Municipality of Anchorage With funding and…
Your gift helps veterans like Kamal find justice, support, and stability
Kamal grew up in a tough neighborhood in Harlem and joined the Army when he was only 17, serving in the Vietnam War as a paratrooper. Although Kamal lived and worked all over the country, his military service left him with several chronic injuries—paratroopers often sustain long-term injuries to their feet, knees, and backs. Large…
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…
Direct Care Providers Like Nathan Provide Help and Hope
Today we are highlighting one of our incredible Direct Care Providers at Family Disability Services: Nathan! Nathan works with Henry, his 16-year-old client and “buddy.” Henry was born with an undiagnosed seizure disorder that caused some early damage to his brain, which makes it hard for him to organize and retain information. Henry also struggles…
Caring for High-Risk Guests at Brother Francis Shelter During COVID-19
Catholic Social Services and Brother Francis Shelter worked through a range of strategic updates to ensure that those who needed it would have access to a safe and warm place to stay throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
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…
The Cadillac of Can Openers
Written by Heather Resz, Case Manager with Homeless Family Services From a Shelter to a Home She walks in circles, talking to herself while she waits. Her meds help her manage day to day life. She has no phone, no address, no email, no Internet access, no transportation, no emergency contact, and no housing. She…
A new beginning through Veteran Services
Alaska – the Last Frontier For many, it’s a place that holds the promise of new beginnings and hope. For Nancy and Ryan, that was exactly the case. Ryan served in the Marine Corps out of High School and was living in San Diego with his girlfriend, Nancy, when he was injured working in a…
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…