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…
Helping Holidays: A strong tradition of giving and community support
Helping Holidays is a rich tradition that has taken place for over a decade, connecting the Anchorage community to families who need gifts during the Holiday Season. Helping Holidays pairs donors with clients from Catholic Social Services’ programs. During this season of gift giving, Helping Holidays helps to fill the financial gaps our neighbors face…
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…
A hard winter is upon us. Let’s be there for each other.
Lisa DH Aquino| November 1, 2020 | Anchorage Daily News Opinion Anchorage, winter is here and in some ways this winter already feels darker than most we have known. Our community, our country and our world are all facing some of the greatest challenges we have ever known. Our world is facing a pandemic and more…
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…
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…