Surge of Happiness
Back in November, the Development staff sat around a conference table, going over the logistics of holiday volunteering and in-kind giving. Clara, our Community Engagement Manager, had been overseeing the collection of food for families so they could make Thanksgiving dinner. She announced she had a confession. A man had called her earlier in the…
Pets Can Be Food Insecure Too
Chris met Kari at the backdoors of the St. Francis House Food Pantry warehouse to unload more than 20 bags of pet food, most of which were 30 pounds each. Chris is the Program Director for our Food Pantry, and Kari is the owner of Dog Tired Doggie Daycare. “We met our 2018 goal!” she cheered….
Teaming Up for Below 10
Two weekends ago, Lisa, our Executive Director, was home on a Saturday night when she got a call from the Executive Director at Bean’s Cafe. Since December 20, it had been running an emergency cold weather shelter, thanks to funding from the Municipality of Anchorage, as back-up to Brother Francis Shelter until April 30. With temperatures in the…
What Do We Do with 675 Pounds of Broccoli?
Standing in the hallway outside of St. Francis House Food Pantry, one of the program assistants, Logan, talked with three employees from Bean’s Cafe – Josh, Justina, and Scott. They had come here to do a tour of our food pantry and warehouse. “We’re not going to turn anyone away if they need food,” Logan…
2019 Pick.Click.Give.
When you give a donation from your Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD) through Pick.Click.Give., you are helping to create a stronger state for all Alaskans. Your donation to Catholic Social Services’ seven programs allows us to reach and support even more Alaskans who are in-need. Will you be a part of what makes Alaska great and…
You’ve Made the Holiday Season Merry
Your generosity and kindness toward Catholic Social Services during the Holiday Season has been humbling. We are immensely grateful to everyone who has donated to our neighbors in need – whether gifts, time, or financially. Your support helps restore hope to thousands of Alaskans. Because of you, our family, friends, and neighbors in Anchorage are…
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…
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…