Since its incorporation in 1968, Catholic Charities of Central Colorado, the service arm of the Diocese of Colorado, the organization’s central tenant has always been to “provide help and create hope” for the most vulnerable members of the community.

Although Catholic Charities seeks to further the welfare of the community consistent with the Code of Canon Law, the organization serves anyone in need regardless of faith, race, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, socioeconomic level or background.

Today Catholic Charities employs 60 people and last year had 2,181 volunteers who donated more than 65,000 volunteer hours, the equivalent of 32 full-time staff.

“Being part of the Empty Stocking Fund since 2000 has been an honor and a wonderful gift,” said Rochelle Schlortt, Catholic Charities’ chief communications officer. “The ESF dollars are not designated, meaning we can use them for general operations and move the money where it’s needed most. This is unique as most grants are designated to a particular area or program.”

Catholic Charities puts ESF donations to use in various programs which serve over 13,000 people annually. These programs include the Marian House Kitchen which serves daily meals and the Marketplace Pantry which is a free grocery shopping program where the poor and vulnerable can purchase food. Catholic Charities is also expanding its counseling program to offer more therapies to address the mental health crisis in the community.

“We also use ESF donations for our housing and adult services programs which offer rent support and other financial assistance that can help individuals and families quickly get back on their feet,” Schlortt said. “Family Connections also serves struggling families by giving them tangible support that can help them stabilize.”

Schlortt recounted the story of Tiffany, a single mother who had a good job and a comfortable and affordable place to live. Her children were happy, and Tiffany was going to school to get an associate’s degree in early childhood education. Tiffany was one semester from graduating when her life upended and her partner became abusive. The stress was overwhelming, and she soon lost both her job and her home.

Tiffany’s son’s school referred her to Catholic Charities’ Family Life Coaching Program and immediately Tiffany’s new life coach found emergency housing and helped Tiffany get her life back on track.

“My coach helped me in every way … encouraging me to believe in myself … she was there and was the steppingstone I needed,” Tiffany said. “This is the best program I have ever been involved with. They have heart and care. You can count on Catholic Charities.”

But Catholic Charities is dependent on the community to sustain the programs the organization offers. In 2023 Schlortt said they had a donation shortfall during the holiday season and only through the generosity of donors and the community were able to get back on budget by the end of the fiscal year.

“Catholic Charities is a little different from many other non-profits … we wrap the family or individual in a variety of resources to help them gain stability and thrive,” Schlortt said.

The Empty Stocking Fund is a vital support for Catholic Charities beyond the monies it provides.

“The exposure gets our name in the community during a heavy donations period alongside the other ESF agencies,” Schlortt said. “We have limited advertising resources, so the publicity each agency receives from the ESF promotion helps educate our community on the efforts of all the … agencies.

“It is a perfect example of how we can extend our story to people who many not … be exposed to us in other ways to learn what we do and how they can help.”