We Are There: Catholic Charities Joins National Campaign

July 8, 2024

WE ARE THERE: CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF THE DIOCESE OF ST. CLOUD JOINS NATIONAL CAMPAIGN TO PROMOTE THE LIFE-GIVING WORK OF THE CATHOLIC CHARITIES NETWORK

Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Cloud is joining with the Catholic Charities network around the country to participate in We Are There, a national awareness campaign highlighting the life-giving services Catholic Charities agencies provide in their local communities.

 

“For over 70 years, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Cloud has brought hope and relief to our neighbors, regardless of their faith, across Central Minnesota,” said Chad Johnson, Director of Organizational Advancement at Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Cloud. “People are at the heart of the work we do. People seeking help, people offering help and people who believe that we are all a community of neighbors.”

 

The work that Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Cloud does in Central Minnesota is mirrored by services provided at Catholic Charities agencies around the country. There are 168 independent Catholic Charities agencies and 3,900 collective locations spread out across the United States and its five territories.

 

Collectively, the Catholic Charities network served more than 15 million people last year and provided more than 30 million meals to those in need. The dedicated, selfless staff of Catholic Charities agencies are aided in this work by the indispensable contributions of more than 215,000 volunteers nationwide. The services offered by each local Catholic Charities agency differ because they are tailored to the specific needs of the vulnerable members of their individual communities.

 

Catholic Charities USA, the national membership organization for Catholic Charities agencies, organized and launched the We Are There campaign. Over the coming months, the campaign will raise awareness for the work of Catholic Charities through a variety of national media outlets. Here in Central Minnesota, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Cloud will continue to highlight the different ways we aid and accompany our neighbors in need.

 

To learn more about the We Are There campaign, visit WeAreThere.US. To learn how to volunteer or make a gift supporting the work of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Cloud, visit ccstcloud.org.

Our Recent News

Introducing Porch

By Jenna Pettit • August 14, 2025
The body content of your post goes here. To edit this text, click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source.

Gordon's Story

By Jenna Pettit • August 14, 2025
We are always honored to serve seniors like Gordon, whose story reminds us of the profound impact our Senior Dining program has on the lives of individuals in our community. Gordon, a widower of 58 years, currently lives with his son, but he continues to make the five-mile drive to the Senior Dining congregate site in Maple Lake every weekday. For Gordon, this is more than just a meal, it’s a chance to connect, stay healthy, and maintain his independence. "I can’t cook, and often I’m left eating Cheerios and coffee at night," Gordon shared. That’s where the Senior Dining program becomes so vital for him. The nutritious meals provided at Catholic Charities help him maintain a balanced diet and ensure he’s getting the nutrients he needs. While Gordon says, “You can’t please everyone all the time,” he enjoys the meals offered and values the healthy options available to him. But it’s not just about the food for Gordon. It’s the sense of community he experiences each day when he visits the Maple Lake site. Gordon enjoys visiting the other diners and the staff, who he calls "perfect" and insists they "do their jobs well." He appreciates the laughter, the warm welcome, and the connection with others that make each visit special. Catholic Charities Senior Dining Program serves seniors aged 60 and over, offering nutritious meals that help them stay healthy and independent. Whether it’s through congregate dining sites, or Meals on Wheels services, we are committed to providing seniors with the support they need to lead a healthy, independent life. Gordon is one of many seniors who rely on this program, and his continued dedication to attending every weekday demonstrates the importance of these services in maintaining his health and quality of life. He says he plans to keep coming as long as he’s able—a sentiment that reflects the value that Senior Dining brings to seniors in our community. We’re grateful for Gordon’s participation in our Senior Dining program and for the positive impact it has on his well-being. For Gordon and many others, it’s not just about the food, it’s about the connections, the care, and the opportunity to stay independent and healthy.

Grow & Give

By Jenna Pettit • August 14, 2025
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.