Have you ever felt like modern life, with all its buzzing notifications and endless scrolling, is a bit... overwhelming? You're not alone. Yet, there's this pesky stigma around seeking counseling. Some see it as a sign of weakness or a last resort. Let's dive into this and chat about why counseling is crucial [...]
When the air gets crisper and the leaves begin to change, we know that autumn is upon us. While October is traditionally associated with pumpkins, costumes, and the eerie fun of Halloween, another movement has been gaining traction in recent years aimed at helping others known as "Socktober." It's a simple way to make [...]
As we walk through life's journey, we often encounter emotional crossroads. These crossroads can be challenging, but they also present opportunities for growth and a deeper understanding of ourselves. At Catholic Charities of Southern Minnesota (CCSMN), we are deeply committed to supporting our community members in navigating these complex intersections. We provide compassionate and [...]
April is National Volunteer Month, and Catholic Charities knows that volunteering transforms lives. Throughout April, we will be celebrating volunteers across southern Minnesota showing how they are providing help and creating hope in our community. In today's fast-paced world, it is easy to feel disconnected from the needs of our community. However, when we [...]
Sixteen years in a refugee camp. This was the life of Abdi and Sahra. Abdi and Sahra fled Somalia in 2006 when violence in their country forced them to flee to Egypt. What was meant to be a place of refuge turned into a time of survival and stagnation as they found themselves as [...]
By Christi Reynard Catholic Charities Communications Director You know that Catholic Charities of Southern Minnesota helps people in need all over the Diocese in all sorts of ways from emergency housing, to mental health counseling and wellness programs to keep seniors active. This month the agency looks to help the littlest members of our [...]
Jennifer was a determined single mother who had a vision of becoming a Registered Nurse. With her years of experience in healthcare, Jennifer knew that the path to success would require hard work and dedication. In 2016, Jennifer enrolled in the Onward and Upward Program offered by Catholic Charities, where she received the support [...]
ROCHESTER – Every night from Christmas through the month of January, the Rochester Community Warming Center was at maximum capacity, providing 45 people a place to stay out of the bone-chilling cold for at least one night. However, the Catholic Charities Housing Program provides more than just night-by-night shelter. The agency provides hope and [...]
“We just lived too long.” Rita* and her husband were in their 80s when she called Catholic Charities of Southern Minnesota for help. They could no longer afford to pay the high cost of Eliquis, a blood thinner, and the inhalers her doctor said she needed to survive. “We worked hard all our lives,” [...]
Like many refugees before her, Aline came to the United States because of war. Aline was a young mother of 5 children. Her husband was one of the first killed when war broke out in the Democratic Republic of Congo. She hesitated to leave her homeland and stayed, hoping that things would calm down. [...]