Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Cloud, MN

We’re looking for amazing volunteers to help support our community each month. If you have a few hours to give, we’d love to have you join us.

Monthly Volunteer Opportunities:
1st Tuesday — 9:30 AM–12:30 PM at Quarryview
3 volunteers needed

2nd Tuesday — 8:45 AM–12:45 PM at Westwood
2 volunteers needed

2nd Wednesday — 8:45 AM–12:45 PM at La Paz & the Library
3 volunteers needed

Last Tuesday — 12–3 PM at Legacy COP House (summer only)
2 volunteers needed

If you’re interested in making a difference, reach out and we’ll get you connected.

Making a Measurable Difference for Students Across Central Minnesota

During the 2025–2026 program year, the Central Minnesota Foster Grandparent Program supported 9,164 students, including 736 with special or exceptional needs. Across classrooms and communities, Foster Grandparents provided consistent, caring, one‑on‑one support that continues to drive meaningful student success.

Early learners showed near‑universal growth in school readiness, while K–12 students achieved over 90% improvement across all measured academic and engagement areas.

K–12 Student Success
Reading/Literacy: 96% improved
Writing: 91% improved
Interest in Reading: 94% increased
Math: 93% improved
Academic Engagement: 94% improved

School Readiness Outcomes
Language Skills: 100% improved
Social Skills: 99% improved
Reading/Literacy: 100% improved
Math Skills: 100% improved

These numbers represent more than progress — they reflect confidence, connection, and brighter futures. Foster Grandparents continue to make a powerful difference for children across Central Minnesota.

Mental Health Awareness Month is a reminder that healing happens through courage, connection, and compassionate support.

This month, we’re spotlighting Jennifer Lieser Eschmann, MSW, LGSW of Granite City Counseling—whose person‑centered, strength‑based approach helps individuals feel seen, supported, and empowered.

Her story reflects the heart of our mission.

Read the full story here: https://www.ccstcloud.org/celebrating-mental-health-awareness-month-spotlight-on-jennifer-lieser-eschmann-msw-lgsw

Catholic Charities Mobile Food Shelf visits all 3 COP (Community Outpost) houses in St. Cloud once a month. Each COP house offers additional community resources too! These distributions are intended for households experiencing food insecurity to gain access to fresh produce, pantry staples, and more!

No appointment needed. Staff will assist with a brief eligibility form on-site. Please bring bags or boxes if possible.

Learn more at ccstcloud.org/food-services

A local high school senior walked into his prom feeling confident, proud, and ready to celebrate thanks in part to a special find through Catholic Charities. 🕺✨🎉

His mom, a client of Catholic Charities, discovered a suit at the Emergency Services Basic Everyday Essentials (BEE) program, made possible by generous donations from our community. The BEE program provides individuals and families with essential items for daily living—everything from clothing and bedding to cookware and towels—at no cost, ensuring that those facing financial challenges can still access what they need to live and thrive.

As they browsed the available options, items carefully donated and made available each month depending on community support, they found the perfect fit: a gently loved, on‑trend look.

After selecting the outfit, he was able to enjoy the evening just like his peers—many of whom had spent hundreds of dollars on their outfits. His suit stood out in all the right ways, earning compliments from friends and helping him feel his very best on such an important night.

For this family, the experience was about more than just clothing—it was about dignity, confidence, and the ability to fully participate in a milestone moment. Because of the compassion of donors and the reach of programs like BEE, this young man walked into his prom ready to shine and creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Learn how you can empower our neighbors and impact generations by visiting ccstcloud.org

During Older Americans Month, we are celebrating John’s story of service, joy, and healthy aging.

Ten years ago, after retiring, John spotted an ad in the Morrison County Record. He had wrapped up a busy summer and was looking for something meaningful to fill his time. When asked what first drew him in, his answer was simple: “I decided to give it a try and here I am, ten years later.”

What began as a small step into volunteering grew into what John now fondly calls “the joy of giving.” Over the course of his service, he has recorded more than 11,000 volunteer hours, a testament to his long‑standing commitment to children and his community.

As a Foster Grandparent volunteer with Catholic Charities, John supports children one on one, especially in reading and math. For him, the most meaningful moments come from seeing progress over time—not just academically, but emotionally too. He recalls working with two third graders early in his service, one struggling with reading and the other with math. Months later, both were thriving.

The smiles,” he says, “they just light up when they realize how far they’ve come.”
Teachers noticed as well. The students John supported showed improvement, including higher test scores. Moments like that confirmed what he already felt—this work mattered.

The impact goes both ways. “It’s hard to feel down after volunteering at the school,” he says. Over the years, he’s gained patience, perspective, and a deeper understanding of the challenges children face. Running into former students at a basketball game or hearing “Grandpa John!” yelled from a passing car still catches him by surprise. “If they remember me,” he says, “it must have meant something.”

What keeps John coming back year after year? “The joy of helping the kids,” he says. And for anyone considering volunteering, his advice is straightforward: Try it. You might be surprised by how much you’ll enjoy it.

learn more about the Central MN Foster Grandparent Program at ccstcloud.org/services/community/foster-grandparents.

Catholic Charities is proud to celebrate Older Americans Month by shining a light on two programs that embody the heart, wisdom, and generosity of our older adults — our Foster Grandparent Program and our Senior Nutrition Program.

Throughout May, we’re honoring the older adults who strengthen our communities every day. Our Foster Grandparents mentor and encourage local children with patience and love, while our Senior Nutrition Program ensures that older adults across our region enjoy healthy meals, connection, and dignity.

https://youtu.be/PVKesFmjGJs

Older Americans Month is about connection, contribution, and belonging. Programs like Foster Grandparents don’t just fill time — they create meaning, strengthening children, communities, and the older adults who serve them.

In her nine years as a Foster Grandparent, “Grandma” Dianne has quietly made a lasting impact. When she recently shared her story, she put words to something many older adults experience but don’t always say out loud — just how deeply purpose and connection matter.

“If I did not have the Foster Grandparent Program in my life, I don’t know what I would do,” Dianne shares. A widow who never had children, she describes the program as the reason she gets up each morning. “I love all my kids and they love me. It keeps my mind active and alive.”

Over the years, Dianne has contributed more than 5,600 hours of service. Teachers she works with see her impact every day. One shared that “it is apparent Dianne cares deeply about the students she works with.” Another noted that students’ reading scores improved and were better prepared to meet both educational and social goals.

When children receive strong academic and emotional support early in life, those experiences can shape health and well‑being far beyond the classroom. Foster Grandparents like Dianne make a meaningful difference that ripples forward into healthier futures across generations. Programs like Foster Grandparents create meaning, strengthening children, communities, and the older adults who serve them.

As Dianne put it simply, “Do not sit at home. Go out and give back.” In doing so, many older adults find they’re not just giving — they’re gaining purpose, connection, and a reason to get up each morning.

We mourn the passing of Jane Michaela Marrin, a lifelong supporter of Catholic Charities and a shining example of compassion in our community. Jane dedicated decades to advancing a consistent ethic of life and was a trusted leader, advocate, and friend.

Last year, we were proud to honor her with our Good Samaritan Award for her unwavering commitment to justice, dignity, and care for all.

Jane’s kindness, wisdom, and steady presence touched countless lives. We hold her family in prayer and give thanks for her extraordinary legacy.

https://youtu.be/mY6owdaf-JQ?si=wsJkR33Jk9S6z_92

Our nation's largest one-day food drive is this Saturday, May 9! Help our letter carriers by leaving a bag of non-perishable food by your mailbox this Saturday! Learn more at nalc-info.org/food-drive.