A Successful Growing Season at Grow North Farm
Winter is coming to Grow North Farm. The garden beds are tucked in under a layer of burlap sacks, the paths are freshly wood-chipped and prepared for the coming frosts, and the last vegetables of the season are quickly selling out at the farm stand. After a whirlwind of a growing season, it feels like…
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…
Medical Respite Garden at Brother Francis Shelter
The Medical Respite Program at Brother Francis Shelter started a garden this summer. The garden has been a space for clients to enjoy the outdoors and recover. Many of the guests have spent time in the garden caring for the plants, and have expressed just how much they enjoy the space. One guest in particular…
Positive Covid-19 Cases at Brother Francis Shelter
In light of the recent cases among guests at Brother Francis Shelter (BFS) we feel it is important for you to hear from us regarding this news. We care deeply about the health and safety of clients and staff and we will continue to do all we can to keep each and every person safe. …
Conversations with Case Managers: Mercy Pulou
For Mercy Pulou, case management is more than a day job. It’s part of her calling. “I believe in being a good steward. When you are given opportunities, share the truth and make an impact.” Mercy has been working at Catholic Social Services for almost two years, and cares deeply about her clients and making…
Conversations with Case Managers: Ian Colbert
The support of a case manager in the path toward permanent stability Homelessness. A stark, lonely, scary sounding word. A word so heavy that its solutions seem too ambiguous to comprehend. Homelessness is a complex issue, and these complexities cause some to shy away from working toward a solution. Finding a solution to homelessness requires…
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…
Grow Local, Give Local fund supports refugee farmers and hungry Alaskans
Throughout the week, CSS has honored the strength, courage, and resilience of millions of refugees. These same traits also define home grown Alaskans and are the cornerstone of how we treat one another and welcome newcomers into our communities. To celebrate World Refugee Day with our community, and support Alaska’s newest arrivals, Catholic Social Services has developed an innovative fund called…
Refugee essential workers, a key part of our community
A large part of the RAIS program is education and employment services. RAIS staff works diligently to find meaningful employment for refugees. Refugees in Anchorage are often employed as essential workers and have served our community through the most challenging times. Refugees work in hospitals, grocery stores, and restaurants, providing care and services. One of…
Addressing Racism and Praying for George Floyd and his Family
Our prayers are with George Floyd and his family. Our prayers are also with our nation as we mourn the loss of Mr. Floyd and so many other people of color who have been injured or killed because of the color of their skin. Our nation has a long and terrible history of racism, and…