Blog

Learn more about Catholic Charities

We're serving those
in need regardless of
faith, culture, or situation.

RECENT POSTS:

  • The Impact of Participant Food Boxes
    Many seniors across the country face food insecurity, struggling to afford or access nutritious meals. Participant Food Boxes are vital in addressing this issue by providing essential groceries to older…
  • Welcoming the Stranger: Stories of Hope from Family Immigration Services 
    By: Marissa Flores Madden  For over a decade as a high school campus minister I had the opportunity to accompany students on a number of immersion retreats featuring lessons on…
  • Empowering Parishes to Serve: Charity and Mercy Grants 
    By: Litz Main  One of the most rewarding aspects of my role is reviewing grant applications and witnessing the incredible work parishes undertake to serve their communities. Each application tells…
  • Feeding the Hungry: Innovations in Nutrition and Health 
    Chelsea Robbins  As we enter 2025, it’s clear that the fight against hunger and malnutrition is not just about feeding people—it’s about creating lasting solutions that empower individuals, families, and…
  • Empowering Families: Community Services Success Stories  
    By Chelle Smith-Vandergriff, Julia Hinton, and Tessa McIntyre  Catholic Charities of Central and Northern Missouri (CCCNMO) is committed to caring for our neighbors in need throughout the Diocese of Jefferson…
  • The Power of Chronic Disease Self-Management Programs
    Managing a chronic disease can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to define your life. Chronic Disease Self-Management Programs (CDSMPs) empower individuals to take control of their health, offering a…
  • A legacy of love — Planned giving opportunities to impact future generations
    By Litz Main  As the new year begins, millions of people set resolutions with hopeful hearts and great intentions. Yet, studies show that only about 9% of people actually achieve…
  • What is Housing Counseling and How it Benefits You
    A housing counseling session is a personalized meeting between an individual and a HUD-certified housing counselor. These sessions are designed to address various housing-related concerns. Offered by organizations that are…
  • A Reflection on Hope: An Invitation to Be the Tether 
    By: Litz Main Recently, I learned something that has profoundly shaped the way I think about hope. In Hebrew, the word for hope, Tikvah, carries a meaning that is both…
  • How your year-end gift transforms lives at Catholic Charities
    Experience the joy of giving By Jake Seifert As we approach the season of gratitude and reflection, we invite you to not only give but to feel connected to the…
  • Essential Steps in the Immigration Process
    Navigating the immigration process can be challenging, and one of the most critical steps is accurately completing and submitting the right forms. By following a clear, step-by-step approach, you can…
  • Housing Counseling
    By: Julia Hinton  September 26 marked the first-ever Housing Counselor Day, a national celebration established by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and housing agencies across the country.…

Mid-Missourians celebrate refugees with music and art

This story originally appeared on KOMU’s website, and can be read in its entirety there.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE

COLUMBIA – Mid-Missourians celebrated World Refugee Day on Tuesday with live music, poetry and storytelling.

Catholic Charities of Central and Northern Missouri hosted the Refugee Community Showcase at Café Berlin. Organizer Alex Ringling said the goal of the showcase is to bring awareness.

“I’ve just been a volunteer here for a year and I’ve just observed people not really knowing about refugees,” Ringling said.

She said Columbia has been resettling refugees since 1975.

“So people can know there already is a community here. You just really need to collaborate and do more things like this,” Ringling said. “Hopefully teach people a little more about refugees in the Columbia community.”

Many refugees attended the showcase. Apdullhi Ashir, who came from Somalia, said refugees come from all over but have made this their home. 

Read more and watch the accompanying video on KOMU’s website.