Food Shelf Charity Challenge Tradition Continues for the Norman C. Skalicky Foundation 

November 25, 2019

Skalicky Foundation to Match Up to $150,000

The Norman C. Skalicky Foundation, the Central Minnesota Community Foundation, and the St. Cloud Metro Area are excited to start the 19th annual Charity Challenge. Many local food shelves are dependent on the Charity Challenge, especially around this time of year when there’s an increase in the demand for food in the community. There’s no better way to start this holiday season than by supporting a family in need by donating to a local food shelf.

The Skalicky Foundation and the Central Minnesota Community Foundation announced on November 19 that the Charity Challenge match for local food shelves will take place again this year—matching every dollar donated to three area food shelves (up to $150,000) this Holiday season. Donations for the Charity Challenge need to be received by December 31, 2019. Contributions should be sent directly to any of the following eligible food shelves to the attention of “Food Shelf Charity Challenge":

“Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Cloud is grateful to the Norman C. Skalicky Foundation for again offering the Charity Challenge 2019 match, benefiting Catholic Charities Emergency Services Food Shelf,” said Stephen R. Pareja, Executive Director, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Cloud. “Rising energy costs in the winter months create a financial burden for many Central Minnesota families, resulting in more households seeking assistance from Catholic Charities Emergency Services. Last year, Catholic Charities Food Shelf served nearly 30,000 people by providing more than 1.9 million pounds of food. This matching grant greatly impacts our ability to help our neighbors next year. Thank you!”

This tradition has become a passion for Norman C. Skalicky, the founder and chairman of Stearns Bank. “To see the generosity of our community is just incredible,” Skalicky said. “Stearns Bank has always been passionate about giving back to our community, and it is just great to see the response from our community during this season. We are able to help more families than ever!”

Last year, an outstanding amount of $621,652.95 was raised thanks to our philanthropic community. In total, the Charity Challenge has raised $3.8 million to support local food shelves. The Charity Challenge has truly made a remarkable impact in the community.

“We are pleased that the Norman C. Skalicky Foundation continues to offer this Charity Challenge to help our local food shelves. This challenge is a great way to start the season of giving and we are grateful for all of the generous donors in Central Minnesota. These donations have made and continue to make a difference in our community” said Greta Stark-Kraker, Director of Donor Relations at the Central Minnesota Community Foundation.

Our Recent News

Family Volunteers Bring Hope to Our Community

By Brittany Hoversten • June 16, 2026
At Catholic Charities, we are blessed to witness moments that reveal the true spirit of community. During a recent visit to our St. Cloud Senior Dining program, our team saw one of those moments firsthand. Grandpa Ray and his grandson, Noah, were preparing to deliver meals—a routine that has become a treasured family tradition. Ray often brings all three of his grandsons, turning service into something that strengthens their bond while uplifting others. Our Senior Dining Coordinator, Kim, shared that Ray and his grandkids have become a bright spot for many of the neighbors we serve. For those receiving meals, it’s not just about nutrition. It’s the warmth of a familiar smile, the energy of young people at the door, and the reminder that they are seen and cared for. This simple act of delivering meals shows the power of serving together—building community, connection, and hope one doorstep at a time. We depend on volunteers like Ray—and like you—to bring compassion to our neighbors. If you feel called to serve, explore our volunteer opportunities, including meal delivery and family volunteering. Your kindness could be the moment someone looks forward to each day. Make an impact and volunteer with us!

Celebrating Mental Health Awareness Month: Spotlight on Jennifer Lieser Eschmann, MSW, LGSW

By Brittany Hoversten • May 26, 2026
Mental Health Awareness Month is a time to honor the courage it takes to seek support, the resilience people carry within them, and the professionals who walk alongside individuals on their healing journeys. At Granite City Counseling—a program of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Cloud—Jennifer Lieser Eschmann, MSW, LGSW, embodies that mission every day. Jenny’s path into mental health care began long before she earned her graduate degree. With 20 years of social work experience, she had already spent much of her life serving diverse communities and supporting individuals through life challenges. She graduated from Saint Benedict/Saint John’s in 2004, later pursuing her Master of Social Work to deepen her ability to support others. As part of her MSW training at St. Cloud State University, Jenny completed an internship at the St. Cloud Veterans Administration, gaining meaningful experience supporting veterans and their families. She also worked in higher education, promoting mental health initiatives, and helping students access the care they needed. Before her graduate studies, she served for many years as a Licensed Social Worker, working with a wide range of populations. These experiences shaped her, strengthened her, and gave her a broad, compassionate understanding of the people she serves today. A Person-Centered, Strength-Based Approach Jenny’s practice is grounded in person-centered care and a deep belief that every individual carries strength worth recognizing and nurturing. She incorporates: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Motivational Interviewing with a focus on the Stages of Change Mindfulness techniques A strong emphasis on self-care and resilience She specializes in supporting individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, grief and loss, stress, and challenges related to self-esteem and confidence. Helping people recognize their own strengths and potential isn’t just part of her job—it’s her passion. At Granite City Counseling, she works with individuals from many backgrounds, offering a safe, secure, and welcoming space where clients can share openly—often from deeply vulnerable places. She sees this as a privilege, not a task. Jenny wants future clients to know that they are not just a number. At Granite City Counseling, care is personal, intentional, and rooted in genuine compassion. Outside of work, Jenny enjoys spending time with her friends and family—especially cheering on her daughter at sporting events. She loves finding great bargains and looks forward to new travel adventures whenever she can. A Message for Anyone Who Is Struggling If you or someone you know needs someone to talk to, Jenny wants you to reach out. Support is here, and healing is possible. Visit https://www.granitecitycounseling.com/ or call 320‑650‑1550. You deserve care, connection, and a place to feel heard.

Catholic Charities Receives Major Donation from CentraCare Foundation to Support Senior Nutrition Programs

By Brittany Hoversten • April 28, 2026
Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Cloud is celebrating a meaningful boost to its Senior Nutrition efforts thanks to a generous $57,856.54 donation from the CentraCare Foundation. This contribution will support the full spectrum of Catholic Charities Senior Nutrition services — including Meals on Wheels, senior dining, and other nutrition initiatives that help older adults access healthy, reliable meals across central Minnesota. On Thursday, April 23, Catholic Charities President & CEO Aaron Fisk, Food Access Director Stacy Lund, and Senior Nutrition Manager Shannon Nolan gathered to accept the check from CentraCare Foundation. The gift represents a powerful investment in the health, independence, and dignity of seniors throughout the region. “We are grateful to the CentraCare Foundation for this generous donation. This support will have a significant and immediate impact on the older adults we serve,” said Stacy Lund, Food Access Director. “With this contribution, we can strengthen access to nutritious, consistent meals for seniors who face food insecurity. Nutritious food is a critical component of healthy aging, and your support helps us improve meal quality, expand service capacity, and maintain reliable nutrition assistance for seniors striving to remain healthy, independent, and safely in their homes.” Catholic Charities Senior Nutrition programs — including Meals on Wheels — provide nutritious meals, wellness checks, and social connection to at‑risk, homebound, ill, and vulnerable adults age 60 and older. For many seniors, especially those living alone or managing chronic health conditions, these daily visits and meal services are a lifeline. CentraCare Foundation’s mission centers on improving community health and well‑being. Their investment in Catholic Charities Senior Nutrition reflects a shared commitment to ensuring older adults have access to the nutrition and support they need to remain healthy and independent at home. This donation will help Catholic Charities continue expanding its reach, improving meal quality, and ensuring that no senior in need goes without a nutritious meal. To learn more about Catholic Charities Senior Nutrition programs or to inquire about services for yourself or a loved one, visit ccstcloud.org .