Mission, Vision, Values
Mission: In response to Jesus Christ's call to affirm the value and dignity of each human life, build solidarity within the community, and advocate for justice for the poor and vulnerable, Catholic Charities of Central Colorado humbly engages in the ministry of charity for those in both economic and spiritual poverty so that all - staff, volunteers, and clients - may fully achieve their God-given potential.
Vision: We transform lives through relationships that build individual resiliency and thriving communities.
Values: We pursue justice because we believe in the life and dignity of the human person. We bring justice and dignity to life through our values: Trust, Love, Service, Solidarity, Boldness, and Grit.
Our Work
Catholic Charities offers services to help the most vulnerable in our community find hope and stability. Our services are focused in eight areas: Adult Services, Employment & Life Skills Services, Family Services, Food & Nutrition Services, Health & Medical Services, Immigration Services, Rent & Utility services, and our Castle Rock Office Services. Together, we can make a difference in our communities. As an agency, we continually add and redesign programs to meet the evolving needs of those we serve. By developing staff, tracking current trends, working inter-departmentally, and collaborating with other agencies, we are in a better position to develop programs and raise the capacity to fill gaps in our community.
Client Successes
Ruth Obtains Housing and a Path Forward - Help with Employment, Nutrition, Housing, Case Management
Ruth recognized the warning signs. If she stayed, things would spiral. Fear gripped her, but when her son said, "Mom, we'll be okay on our own," she knew it was time. With only what they could carry, they walked out the door and never looked back.
Ruth sought help at Catholic Charities, where she met a navigator at Family Connections. They helped with food, clothing, and resources, guiding her to the Hanifen Center to build a resume and start her job search. She was also assigned a life coach who helped her set goals and explore housing options. Ruth entered the Catholic Charities emergency housing apartment, and everything began to fall in place. Now that she did not have to worry about the safety of her son, she could focus on reclaiming their lives.
She applied for a job and was hired, and then began the process of reinstating her nursing license so she could return to the career she loved. She applied and was accepted into a partner agency's one-year transitional housing program. Life was not perfect, but now they had a plan, a home, and a future. Ruth excelled at her job, was able to purchase a car, and she and her son are both happy, healthy, and excited about the future.
Ruth said, "This journey changed me. I never knew Catholic Charities had so much to offer - housing, food, education, medical care - all hidden in the heart of our city. I thank God for these beautiful people. They gave me the courage to move forward, one step at a time."
Emmanuel Regains His Stability - Help with Housing/Rent, Nutrition, Case Management
Emmanuel had it all, but when business setbacks during COVID and a divorce began to unravel his stability, he turned to Catholic Charities for help.
A man of strong faith, he looked at the bright side. He had his children and limited savings, and knew that if he had built a business once, he could do it again. Then a series of events caused him to fall further into debt. Twice he rented homes only ot have roommates move out, leaving him with the full rent. His ex-wife's health led to him having full custody of his kids, leaving him unable to work, which depleted his savings. He found a job that allowed him to work remotely, but when the company wanted him to move to New York, he had to quit that job.
While he had limited unemployment income, it was not enough to sustain his family while he searched for a new job. Catholic Charities helped him with food and rent assistance and assigned a case manager who helped him find affordable housing and walked with him through regaining his staility. Eventually, Emmanuel purchased a similar business to the one that collapsed during COVID as the owner gave him very favorable terms to purchase it over three years.
He is hopeful he is back on track and said, "Over the last few years, there have been many mistakes and lessons. My children know they are loved and safe, and they will be given every opportunity to become the individuals they are meant to be. At first, I felt such shame, but with the way Catholic Charities helped and worked with me, I realized this was just a period of difficulty in my life and it would not be forever. Without that help, it would have never been possible."
More Stories of Hope