Alexander & Sherise

April 23, 2025

A Journey of Hope and Resilience

At Catholic Charities, we believe in the power of new beginnings. From affordable housing to mental health services, our life-giving programs help our neighbors begin anew and find a brighter tomorrow. In 2024, we provided a helping hand and a fresh start to more than 47,000 people across Central Minnesota. People like Alexander and Sherise, whose story is a testament to resilience and the transformative power of community support.


Alexander and Sherise had always dreamed of a stable life, but a series of unfortunate events left them struggling to make ends meet. Alexander lost his job due to downsizing and Sherise's health took a turn for the worse, leading to big medical bills. With no income and their savings depleted, they were evicted and found themselves on the streets.


Desperation set in as they faced the harsh realities of homelessness. Sleepless nights and uncertain days became their new normal. They often went without food, and the constant stress took a toll on their spirits. But amidst the darkness, they found a beacon of light in Catholic Charities Emergency Services' three programs: Food Shelf, Financial Assistance, and Basic Everyday Essentials.


A New Beginning

The first glimmer of hope came from our Food Shelf, which provided them with the nourishment they desperately needed. They soon discovered additional services available, like the Financial Assistance program which provided free bus passes so Alexander and Sherise could search for jobs and attend interviews. Their perseverance paid off when Alexander secured a job. The bus passes continued to be their lifeline, ensuring he could get to work every day.


Your support has the power to transform lives like Alexander and Sherise’s. Donating to Catholic Charities today will help us provide critical support to the people who need it most in our community.


When Alexander and Sherise finally found an apartment that felt like home, Financial Assistance covered the application fee, removing another barrier to stable housing. Basic Everyday Essentials provided them with clothing and footwear, restoring their dignity and confidence.


Today, Alexander and Sherise are building a new life filled with hope and gratitude. Their story is a testament to the power of community support and the resilience of the human spirit. Despite the many challenges they faced, they emerged with hope for a brighter future.


Join Us in Creating More New Beginnings

Your support makes stories like Alexander and Sherise's possible. With your generous donations, we can continue to provide essential services to those in need, helping them find their own new beginnings. Together, we can make a difference and bring hope to our neighbors.


Please consider making a donation today. Every contribution, no matter the size, helps us create a brighter future for individuals and families in our community.

  • $25 provides 75 meals to struggling families, seniors and children.
  • $50 helps an individual secure bus passes so they have transportation to work or school.
  • $100 can provide essentials like dishes, towels, hygiene supplies and more to turn a place to stay into a home.


Donate Today

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