Alexander & Sherise

April 23, 2025

A Journey of Hope and Resilience

At Catholic Charities, we believe in the power of new beginnings. From affordable housing to mental health services, our life-giving programs help our neighbors begin anew and find a brighter tomorrow. In 2024, we provided a helping hand and a fresh start to more than 47,000 people across Central Minnesota. People like Alexander and Sherise, whose story is a testament to resilience and the transformative power of community support.


Alexander and Sherise had always dreamed of a stable life, but a series of unfortunate events left them struggling to make ends meet. Alexander lost his job due to downsizing and Sherise's health took a turn for the worse, leading to big medical bills. With no income and their savings depleted, they were evicted and found themselves on the streets.


Desperation set in as they faced the harsh realities of homelessness. Sleepless nights and uncertain days became their new normal. They often went without food, and the constant stress took a toll on their spirits. But amidst the darkness, they found a beacon of light in Catholic Charities Emergency Services' three programs: Food Shelf, Financial Assistance, and Basic Everyday Essentials.


A New Beginning

The first glimmer of hope came from our Food Shelf, which provided them with the nourishment they desperately needed. They soon discovered additional services available, like the Financial Assistance program which provided free bus passes so Alexander and Sherise could search for jobs and attend interviews. Their perseverance paid off when Alexander secured a job. The bus passes continued to be their lifeline, ensuring he could get to work every day.


Your support has the power to transform lives like Alexander and Sherise’s. Donating to Catholic Charities today will help us provide critical support to the people who need it most in our community.


When Alexander and Sherise finally found an apartment that felt like home, Financial Assistance covered the application fee, removing another barrier to stable housing. Basic Everyday Essentials provided them with clothing and footwear, restoring their dignity and confidence.


Today, Alexander and Sherise are building a new life filled with hope and gratitude. Their story is a testament to the power of community support and the resilience of the human spirit. Despite the many challenges they faced, they emerged with hope for a brighter future.


Join Us in Creating More New Beginnings

Your support makes stories like Alexander and Sherise's possible. With your generous donations, we can continue to provide essential services to those in need, helping them find their own new beginnings. Together, we can make a difference and bring hope to our neighbors.


Please consider making a donation today. Every contribution, no matter the size, helps us create a brighter future for individuals and families in our community.

  • $25 provides 75 meals to struggling families, seniors and children.
  • $50 helps an individual secure bus passes so they have transportation to work or school.
  • $100 can provide essentials like dishes, towels, hygiene supplies and more to turn a place to stay into a home.


Donate Today

Our Recent News

Bryce's Pumpkins

By Brittany Hoversten • April 14, 2025
At Catholic Charities Emergency Services, we see countless acts of kindness every day, but a recent donation from a remarkable young man left a special mark on our hearts. On a chilly Friday afternoon, Bryce, a 17-year-old student at Albany High School, donated an impressive 860 pounds of squash. This generous gift highlights the power of community support, proving that even in challenging times, there is always hope. Bryce has grown his own pumpkins, squash, and gourds under the name Bryce Pumpkin’s, which has become known for fresh, locally grown produce. His efforts extend beyond growing, as he sells his harvest at farmers markets and even had a booth at the Made in Minnesota Expo in November, supporting local businesses and sustainable farming. What makes his story even more inspiring is how Bryce uses his success to give back. His donation will directly help families in need through our food shelf, which serves St. Cloud and surrounding areas. Bryce’s squash donation will be a vital part of our monthly food distribution, helping to provide nutritious meals to hundreds of families in our community. His gesture demonstrates not only a heart full of compassion but also the interconnectedness of local farmers, businesses, and families. When young people like Bryce step up, it’s a reminder that the future is well cared for. Bryce’s story proves that even small acts of kindness can grow into something truly transformative. Through donations like Bryce’s, we are able to provide food to those who need it most, including seniors on fixed incomes and single parents working multiple jobs. The connection between local farmers and organizations like Catholic Charities sustains our community and fosters hope for those struggling. Looking ahead to the upcoming growing season, we’re excited to see what other generous community members, like Bryce, will share. His efforts remind us that every small contribution adds up to something much bigger, and it’s not just about the food—we’re also strengthening our community and inspiring hope for all.

Pack the Porches 2025!

March 28, 2025
PACK THE PORCHES FOOD AND FUND DRIVE RECEIVED OVER 6,000 POUNDS OF FOOD AND MORE THAN $21,000

A Day of Joy and Connection at Pond View Estates

By Brittany Hoversten • March 13, 2025
On Tuesday, January 28th, a group of students from Trex North School visited Pond View Estates in Albany, organized by Sandy Baldwin, group leader, and in collaboration with Catholic Charities in St. Cloud. Julie Ueland, the student advisor, helped oversee the project to ensure everything went smoothly. Pond View Estates is a Senior Dining Congregate Kitchen, where seniors gather to enjoy meals and socialize, making it a perfect environment for these students to connect with the residents. When the students arrived, the residents were delighted by the youthful energy and enthusiasm they brought. The students quickly got to work helping the seniors create Valentine’s cards before lunch. The atmosphere was filled with creativity and laughter as everyone worked together to make colorful and thoughtful cards. Afterward, the group enjoyed lunch together, where the dining hall was full of lively conversation. The students interacted with the seniors, hearing their stories and building new connections. The visit bridged generations, fostering meaningful and joyful interactions. The highlight of the day was the bingo game that followed lunch, where excitement filled the room as the numbers were called. Friendly competition brought plenty of laughs, especially when someone was just one number away from winning, only for another participant to grab the prize first. The fun, camaraderie, and shared moments left everyone smiling. A few standout interactions included Joseph and Riley spending time with resident Victor Tschida, and Tianna sharing a special moment with resident Ken Bunger. These connections highlighted the deep impact of intergenerational friendships. For many of the residents, the visit from the students was an unexpected but cherished experience, reminding everyone of the importance of making time for one another. It was a beautiful day of fostering community, connection, and kindness. As the students prepared to leave, there was a sense of fulfillment in the air. Not only had the day brightened the seniors' lives, but it also left a lasting impression on the students, who gained a deeper understanding of the joy and fulfillment that comes from spending quality time with others. The day ended with smiles, hugs, and promises to return, a reminder of how powerful and meaningful human connection can be.