Catholic Charities Twin Cities

(1/2) Gary Blanchard is a retired chemical engineer, a community advocate, world traveler, longtime resident of Woodbury, Minnesota — and he believes that planned giving can leave a lasting impact on those in need. Through all his experiences, he says that he’s learned how important it is, “to give, and to try to help our neighbors.”

Gary believes that his interest in giving back began with his parents in Wisconsin. Despite not having much money to share as dairy farmers, they believed in helping in other ways – like feeding those who were hungry. Now, as he looks to the future, Gary has included Catholic Charities Twin Cities in his will, a decision rooted in his lifelong commitment to supporting his neighbors and making a local impact.

In the 1990s, Gary started volunteering at the old Dorothy Day Center in Saint Paul, serving meals with a group from his church once a month. Over the years, his passion for social justice deepened, particularly after witnessing global disparities during his travels. He vividly recalls a transformative moment in Bangkok, where he watched a mother bathe her child in a ditch while he sat in the comfort of a limo. These experiences shaped his desire to create meaningful change through philanthropy.

Learn more and get involved here: https://bit.ly/47x3npx

Looking for a meaningful way to get involved in your community this fall? Consider volunteering at one of our sites across the Twin Cities!

We’ll work with you to find an opportunity that matches your interests.

Get started here: https://bit.ly/3hDOsUL

Today celebrate National Voter Registration Day by making the pledge to vote!

Sign up now: https://bit.ly/47x6Jc5

Minnesota is frequently leading the nation for voter turnout, but low-income Minnesotans vote at lower levels than the general population. Furthermore, people with fewer resources and people with disabilities continue to face barriers to voting. That’s why these Minnesota nonprofits and many others are supporting equitable access to civic participation and providing nonpartisan voter registration and education to the neighbors who use their services.

Join with us and Catholic Charities Twin Cities, Goodwill-Easter Seals Minnesota, Greater Twin Cities United Way, Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota, and Habitat for Humanity to celebrate .

As 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, all nonprofits involved in promoting National Voter Registration Day are engaged in strictly nonpartisan voter registration efforts.

Today, September 17, is National Voter Registration Day! Take some time to make sure you are registered, pledge to vote, and encourage others to do the same: https://hubs.ly/Q02PMpg00

As many as 1 in 4 eligible Americans are not registered to vote or don’t know if they are registered. Be part of the solution and get your community today on https://ow.ly/ut9l50ToauQ

Today is ! Celebrate by registering to vote and participating on Election Day, Nov. 5. Find voter resources: www.gesmn.org/vote2024

Today is National Voter Registration Day! Are you registered to vote in this year's election? Not sure?

Take 30 seconds now to confirm your registration here: https://mnvotes.sos.state.mn.us/

Your vote is your voice, make it heard!

(4/4) This year, Sandra brought her lived experience to the Minnesota Homeless Day on the Hill. Sandra explained, “I was there to make a difference, to make a change—to represent the homeless.” Sandra testified in a public meeting, was interviewed by the Star Tribune, and met Senator Scott Dibble.

“As legislators, we look at legislation, we look at spreadsheets,” said Dibble. “And those are very important, but they’re a bit abstract. They become humanized and contextualized when we meet people.”

Find the Star Tribune’s article, and learn more about Sandra here: https://bit.ly/3B3qQm2

(3/4) But in April of 2012, one of Sandra’s friends learned about her housing situation and recommended a deeply affordable place to live. That’s how Sandra discovered Catholic Charities Evergreen Residence, an 88-unit permanent housing program near Target Field in Minneapolis.

Sandra has lived at Evergreen since then, and has said that, “it has been like a safe haven for me; it provided stability in the midst of my instability.” Now, Sandra enjoys cooking meals to share with her neighbors every Tuesday, continues to volunteer, and advocates for her community at the Minnesota Capitol.

“When I moved in here, I realized that my journey is not over,” Sandra said. “I know what it’s like to be homeless, and I know what it’s like to eat ramen 365 days a year. But now I never have to worry.”

Read more: https://bit.ly/3B3qQm2

(2/4) “I lost my home in 2006,” Sandra explained. “It was a drawn-out process, and all I could do was watch as my retirement and other savings slowly disappeared.” Sandra’s mother also passed away during this time. Between funeral expenses, medical debt, and a mortgage, there was nothing Sandra could do to save her home.

“So, I went from staying with my church family, to staying with my actual family, to staying in my car – until it was towed one day,” Sandra said.

For the next six years, Sandra experienced homelessness, albeit not in the way most people envision it. During those years, Sandra found work whenever possible, cared for family members who had fallen ill, and even managed to continue volunteering. In fact, many people who knew Sandra at that time had no idea she was experiencing homelessness.

Full story: https://bit.ly/3B3qQm2

(1/4) Sandra Johnson’s motto is, “I shall pass this way but once; any kindness I can do, let me do it now, for I shall not pass this way again.” And once you get to know her, you realize that she truly lives her life by those words.

Yet, Sandra’s life has also been full of battles. She lost her husband to a tragic accident at a young age, raised her four young children on her own, and fought cancer and chronic illnesses more than once. When her former employer outsourced most of their customer service work, she lost her job and began battling with something new: homelessness as an older adult.

Read her full story here: https://bit.ly/3B3qQm2

SAVE THE DATE! ❄🎄🎙

Join us at the Depot in Minneapolis this December 5th at 5pm to kick off the holiday season with an evening of mission and meaning — where we can all make a difference in the lives of our neighbors in need! Spirit of the Season is a special holiday fundraising event featuring dining, music, and the stories at the heart of Catholic Charities Twin Cities.

Register here: https://bit.ly/4d2moRR or email [email protected] for ticket and sponsorship information.

There’s more to Northside Child Development Center than meets the eye. Beyond playtime, the center offers essential childcare services, especially for families in North Minneapolis facing economic challenges.

Northside provides essential access to early education in our community. Help us continue to serve local families: https://bit.ly/3XjWCSp 💙

Do you remember the first time you met somebody famous?

Kids at the Northside Child Development Center had a blast hosting their own press conference and playing football with Minnesota Vikings linebacker Blake Cashman. He brought inspiration and joy to the learners, showing how community support can make a lasting impact.

Northside is more than just a place for fun—it’s an essential resource in North Minneapolis. View more photos from the day, and learn how you can help support our community: https://bit.ly/3XefMKs

Thanks again to Minnesota Vikings linebacker Blake Cashman for volunteering at Catholic Charities Northside Child Development Center (NCDC)!

NCDC provides affordable childcare and more to families in North Minneapolis — and the kids loved playing football with a member of the . Thanks again, Blake!

Learn more and check out some action shots here: https://bit.ly/3XefMKs

"Catholic Charities is a strong partner, ally, and asset within the community, and that starts with our 500+ staff. I just want to thank them this Labor Day and acknowledge how difficult this work can be. Our team members are our biggest strength and I'm grateful for the lifesaving support they provide our community every day. Thank you!" - John Marston, CFO and Interim CEO

As the largest emergency youth shelter in Minnesota for more than 20 years, Hope Street for Youth relocated in 2022 to an upgraded facility that provides a more dignified environment for those in crisis. The new building has made a big difference for the nearly 350 young people this program has supported since then.

“We’re grateful for the privacy, safety, and dignity this facility provides—which is critical as we support youth during some of the most challenging times in their lives,” shared LaTasha Mays, Hope Street’s senior program manager.

Learn how to support youth staying at Hope Street here: https://bit.ly/3yX5VAw

Hope Street provides 30 young people experiencing homelessness with essential resources every night. Their new closet will provide five days’ worth of outfits to each guest there – outfits that will be worn to job interviews, during apartment tours, and inside classrooms.

Although the grant to build their new closet covered a portion of the brand-new clothing needed to fill it, the supply won’t last long. Browse a list of our most requested items here: https://bit.ly/2Wqr56t

Thanks to a grant from the Minneapolis (Downtown) Kiwanis Club, Catholic Charities Hope Street for Youth partnered with California Closets to build a clothing closet that provides a no-cost “shopping” experience for youth experiencing homelessness!

Many young people come to Hope Street with almost nothing, and access to new outfits helps them prepare for what comes next.

Swipe to see the before and after photos, and learn more here: https://bit.ly/3yX5VAw

National Night Out is more than just a block party—it’s a tradition that fosters unity and strengthens community bonds.

This year, Catholic Charities Twin Cities hosted a booth where staff connected with community members, shared information about the organization’s programs, and offered resources to those in need. Information about volunteer opportunities was also provided, emphasizing the importance of collective action in addressing community issues.

As the evening concluded, a sense of community was evident. National Night Out in Elliot Park was more than just a celebration—it reaffirmed the community’s commitment to creating a safe, supportive, and welcoming environment for all.

Learn how you can get involved here: https://bit.ly/3ySnrWE

Elliot Park buzzed with energy as neighbors gathered to celebrate the 2024 National Night Out in Minneapolis. Catholic Charities Twin Cities co-sponsored the cookout that took place outside its administrative office, helped arrange music for the evening, and coordinated with Elliot Park Neighborhood (EPNI) to arrange a night of community connection.

Camrin Hatchet, case manager at Catholic Charities Endeavors Residence and newly appointed EPNI board member, helped plan the event, alongside Patrick Bayle, community engagement coordinator.

Read about the evening and view photos here: https://bit.ly/3ySnrWE

"Monday morning, crews were working to transform a storage room into a closet. "The Closet" is permanent and offers free clothing to people living at Catholic Charities Hope Street [shelter for youth].

While the clothes are free, it will provide a unique shopping experience. Tasha Mays, senior program manager, says it's all about dignity." - Beret Leone, WCCO & CBS News Minnesota

Read the full story here: https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/catholic-charities-hope-street-the-closet-addition/

For working parents, knowing that their children are in a caring environment allows them to focus on their own jobs and goals, contributing to their family’s stability and long-term success.

In neighborhoods like North Minneapolis, where systemic inequities have created lasting economic challenges for residents, the availability of programs like those at the Northside Child Development Center is especially important.

Learn more here: https://bit.ly/4fQzgwY

Catholic Charities Northside Child Development Center celebrated a momentous occasion: the 2024 preschool graduation of young learners there!

The day was filled with laughter, cheers, and pride as families, teachers, and community members came together to acknowledge a significant step forward in their educational journey. These children represent the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and change-makers, and we are honored to play a role in their development.

Read more about the day: https://bit.ly/4fQzgwY

This week, we honor the life and passing of Judge "Jim" Randall, a steadfast advocate for the underserved across the state of Minnesota.

21 years ago, Judge Randall founded the Memorial Day cookout at Catholic Charities Dorothy Day Place in St. Paul — an annual tradition that feeds hundreds of our neighbors and brings people together in a special way.

Judge Randall's deep compassion and commitment to the community was inspiring, and he will be greatly missed.

Learn more about his life in his obituary: https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/morrison_county_record/name/robert-randall-obituary?id=55831933

(4/4) “Waiting for Beds” showed Nyaluak’s multimedia painting — and artwork from nearly a dozen other youth at Hope Street — at three different galleries across the Twin Cities.

Shortly after the exhibition, Nyaluak’s Hope Street case manager connected her to a job. After interviewing, Nyaluak was proud to land the job. She continues to create art in her free time after work. And her next goal is to go back to school for music education or music therapy.

“The situation I grew up in was hard, but it made me a stronger person and shaped who I am today,” Nyaluak explained. “Since coming to Hope Street, I’ve been able to let go of the things that were holding me back. I’m in control of my life again.”

Recently, Nyaluak moved out of Hope Street and into her own apartment in Minneapolis.

Learn more: https://bit.ly/3LY9CIT

(3/4) When Nyaluak first arrived at Hope Street, she was dealing with a lot of thorny emotions. Couch hopping and being on the move had affected her mental health, and she was exhausted. “I had been so many different places trying to get away from what my life was like,” Nyaluak said, “but it was never to actually improve myself – just to escape.”

When Nyaluak moved into her own room at Hope Street, she decided to engage with everything that was offered at the shelter, and she attended every group meeting, craft day, and community event that she could. At one community meeting, local artists Moira Villiard and Carla Hamilton came into Hope Street to talk about their collaborative art project: “Waiting for Beds.”

After hearing Nyaluak’s story, they encouraged her to participate in the exhibition. “I told them I would love to participate,” said Nyaluak, “and it was one of the first decisions I’ve made to better my life.”

Read more: https://bit.ly/3LY9CIT

(2/4) Faced with the prospect of returning to a tough environment at home, Nyaluak did everything she could to find somewhere safe to stay. “I was couch hopping, staying with different friends in Minneapolis for a while, before I eventually had to return to my family’s house,” Nyaluak explained. “It was not a good decision and things got bad there — that’s when I started researching homeless shelters in the area and learned about Hope Street.”

Catholic Charities Hope Street provides shelter for young people, age 18-24, in South Minneapolis and aims to prevent future homelessness. “I decided that I really needed to get support,” said Nyaluak. “Hope Street is where I finally found resources.”

Full story: https://bit.ly/3LY9CIT

(1/4) Nyaluak has always been passionate about expressing herself through art and music. She grew up in southern Minnesota and shares that her home life was often challenging. During those years, she also found that creative outlets served as a way for her to escape difficult situations.

In sixth grade, Nyaluak’s family moved to a suburb of the Twin Cities. After graduating from high school, she was excited to leave home to attend Arizona State University. Nyaluak enjoyed learning new things, as well as the independence she gained in college. However, after just one year at Arizona State, Nyaluak’s financial support fell through, and she was forced to drop out. Shortly thereafter, she began to experience homelessness.

Read her full story here: https://bit.ly/3LY9CIT

Catholic Charities Hope Street for Youth shelter was featured in a front-page article in the Sunday Star Tribune’s Minnesota section this past weekend. The story features Lexx, who found a support network there — and recently moved into a new home with her childhood best friend.

Read the full story here: https://bit.ly/3AgafLq