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…
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…
Reflecting on community support and our work at CSS
Written by Robin Dempsy, Chief Program Officer I hope that you and your loved ones are safe and healthy as we practice social distancing and hunkering down. If we haven’t met, my name is Robin Dempsey and I am the Chief Program Officer. As the Chief Program Officer, I have the privilege of working with…
Finding light and beauty in trying times
Opinion Piece by Lisa Aquino published by Catholic Anchor, April 2020 “I don’t think of all the misery, but of all the beauty that remains.”– Anne Frank Right now, this quote speaks to me. As I am writing, we are amid a pandemic. When this article is published, I don’t know if we will be…
Profound Effects of Small Deeds
Generous donors and strong partnerships make it possible for Brother Francis Shelter to facilitate programs and support volunteers that carry out our mission. These volunteers carry out programs and provide much needed services at Brother Francis Shelter. Debbie is one of these wonderful volunteers. Debbie has a background in healthcare and over 40 years’ experience…
Clare House Combats Homelessness Among Women and Children
Women and children in Alaska face homelessness every day. It’s a cruel fact the staff and volunteers at Clare House work hard to combat.
The Future Is in Your Hands
A client of Refugee Assistance & Immigration Services made a special trip to the Welcome Center to talk about her role as a Peer Leader Navigator within the Anchorage refugee community. Marie Claire sat down and pulled out a couple binders, placing them on a desk in front of her. She is a nurse from Rwanda…
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…