Are you interested in mentoring and tutoring children? Serve as an AmeriCorps Seniors volunteer in our Foster Grandparent program.



Grandma Odie is a Foster Grandparent volunteer who had to make a decision about service in the past year. It’s not unusual for Foster Grandparents to move to be closer to family. It’s also not unusual for the Foster Grandparent to make sure that there is a place for them to continue to serve and make a difference.

One of the latest to do this is Odie Wegscheid, who was serving at Perham Elementary before her move to Elk River, and she wanted to make sure that she could still serve. Grandma Odie is now serving at Lincoln Elementary, which is part of the Elk River School District. This is the first time that Lincoln Elementary has had a Foster Grandparent and Grandma Odie’s teacher, Mrs. Thiry, has commented that Grandma is a blessing in the kindergarten classroom.

Grandma Odie helps students with vocabulary, reading and is helping the students meet grade level. It did not take long for students to recognize who Grandma Odie is as she travels down the hallway to frequent calls of “Hi, Grandma Odie!”

The Foster Grandparent Program is seeking volunteers 55+. If you or someone you know is looking to make a difference in the lives of children, please contact Pat Braun, Area Supervisor, at 612-390-0617 or pat.braun@ccstcloud.org.



Our Recent News

By Brittany Hoversten August 11, 2025
Grow & Give: Share Your Harvest with Neighbors in Need If your garden is overflowing this summer, you’re not alone—and that’s a good thing. Whether it’s tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, or beans, your extra produce can do more than fill your pantry. It can help feed families right here in our community. Catholic Charities of St. Cloud is hosting a Grow & Give donation event, running now through October 2025. The idea is simple: if you’re growing a garden, consider growing a little extra—or sharing what you won’t use—and donate it to Catholic Charities Food Shelf. Fresh fruits and vegetables are always in high demand, and your homegrown produce can make a real difference for neighbors facing food insecurity. How to Donate 📍 Drop-off Location: Catholic Charities Food Shelf 157 Roosevelt Road, Suite 100, St. Cloud, MN (Use Door D) 🕘 Donation Hours: Monday through Thursday: 9 am to 3 pm Friday: 9 am to 12 pm 🔔 Please ring the buzzer at Door D during donation hours. Staff or volunteers will meet you at the door to accept your donation. For food safety, donations must be handed directly to staff—please do not leave produce unattended or drop off outside posted hours.
By Brittany Hoversten July 26, 2025
In 2024, Rebecca and Daniel were facing a difficult reality: their home was in the foreclosure process. With Daniel recently diagnosed with a serious, terminal illness, Rebecca had become the primary financial provider while also caring for her husband and their disabled daughter. What began as a hopeful purchase of a home in 2022 quickly became a financial burden as life’s unexpected challenges took a heavy toll on their family. Overwhelmed and unsure of how to move forward, Rebecca and Daniel turned to Catholic Charities’ Financial and Housing Counseling program for help. After meeting with one of our experienced counselors, they gained a clear understanding of the foreclosure process in Minnesota, including available options and timelines. The first step was to assess their hardship and review their home’s affordability. Despite Rebecca’s best efforts to contact the mortgage company, the stress of managing multiple responsibilities made it difficult to complete the required paperwork. Our counselor worked directly with the mortgage company, helping Rebecca and Daniel fill out the necessary forms. As a result, they were offered a partial claim mortgage assistance program that allowed them to bring their mortgage current and stop the foreclosure. “I don’t have to worry about losing our home while dealing with Daniel’s healthcare needs,” Rebecca shared with relief. Our team also helped the family apply for energy assistance and connected them with additional social security resources, further supporting their financial recovery. Catholic Charities’ Financial and Housing Counseling program, available since 1982, has no income limits and provides expert guidance to anyone looking for assistance. As a licensed U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) provider, we are committed to helping individuals make informed financial decisions and build a secure future. Rebecca’s heartfelt gratitude says it best: “Many thanks to you, Lois, for everything you do for us!! God Bless You!”
By Jenna Pettit July 7, 2025
Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Cloud receives $10,000 grant from Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines and Stearns Bank through the Member Impact Fund Grant program supports affordable housing and community development