Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Dubuque

09/11/2026

With the high frequency of immigration policy changes, it can be difficult to stay informed on the complexities and impacts of the United States' immigration system. Several recent policy changes by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) impact key areas of immigration law, affecting citizenship, Temporary Protected Status (TPS), lawful permanent residents, and asylum seekers. We encourage you to visit CatholicCharitiesDubuque.org/immigration-updates to review the September 2026 updates. For more information, please contact our team at 319.364.7121.

An internal memo issued in November 2025 ordered a review of all refugees admitted during the Biden administration. The order applies to approximately 233,000 refugees admitted between January 20, 2021, and February 20, 2025, and includes those who have already received green cards. It also orders t...

09/11/2026

We remember every life lost on September 11, 2001, at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. The profound sadness, fear, and disbelief of that morning still feel like yesterday. But amidst the darkness and tragedy, we witnessed something extraordinary: the courage of people who ran toward danger to help those in need. We honor the firefighters, police officers, EMTs, doctors, nurses, clergy, volunteers, and countless others who responded with remarkable courage, selflessness, and sacrifice.

The Catholic Charities network, as it always does in times of difficulty, responded with an outpouring of support. Thanks to the generosity of donors across the nation, Catholic Charities USA distributed $31 million to Catholic Charities agencies providing counseling, comfort, and care to those directly affected.

Twenty-five years later, 9/11 reminds us of who we are called to be: people who see suffering and respond with love, dignity, and hope. May we all always remember those we lost and those who served. And may we continue to turn remembrance into service, compassion, and action.

09/10/2026

In August, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Dubuque hosted approximately two dozen staffers from 14 agencies and Catholic Charities USA at a two-day gathering for people working in Jail & Prison Reentry or whose agencies are considering starting a program. Participants came from as far away as Buffalo, New York, and Santa Rosa, California. The event included information sessions, tours, participating in "drug court, meeting program volunteers, and much more. The group started in Waterloo and ended in Mason City.

To learn more about this exciting event, read the complete article by Julie Bourbon, senior writer at Catholic Charities USA:

Catholic Charities agencies gather to share wisdom on prison reentry programs Some are former law enforcement. Others, probation officers. One has an

09/10/2026

Waterloo Su***de Grief Support Group Offers New September Sessions

Find comfort, hope, and healing in community through When A Loved One Dies by Su***de, a grief support group rooted in Catholic faith and tradition. The next eight-week series begins September 14th, 2026, from 4:00-5:30 PM at the Catholic Charities Waterloo Regional Office.

Guided by Catholic Charities Therapist, Julianne Klesel, participants will engage in prayer, reflection, and conversation on topics such as understanding psychological pain, finding strength in the Church’s teachings, and exploring opportunities for healing and service.

While designed for those who have lost a loved one to su***de, all are welcome to participate. The group is free, but registration is required.

To learn more, contact Julianne Klesel at 319-340-4309, [email protected], or visit catholiccharitiesdubuque.org/su***de-grief-support-group.

09/03/2026

Thank you to the Gazette for highlighting this important convening of "ALL Iowa", a collaboration among the University of Iowa College of Law Center for Human Rights, Drake University School of Law Refugee Clinic, Iowa Migrant Movement for Justice, and Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Dubuque.

Disappearing federal funding threatens immigration services ⬇️ Click the link in comments to read more

09/02/2026

We need your help to send the Catholic Charities Team "Over the Edge" for United Way!

Over the Edge is a unique opportunity for individuals and organizations to raise money and support the United Way of Dubuque Area Tri-States (UWDATS) by rappelling 13 stories off a historic Dubuque building!

Our team is at 90% of their goal! Will you be the one to send them over the edge? Donate to today at https://give.overtheedge.events/b2jEs5?ref=sh_7F0Qye_ab_1W8c5nShhza1W8c5nShhza

08/31/2026

Are you a motivated and compassionate individual with an interest in social services?

We have an immediate opening for a full-time Legal Assistant to join our Immigration Legal Services (ILS) program team in Cedar Rapids, Iowa!

Visit https://catholiccharitiesdubuque.org/employment to find the complete job description and application details.

This is a generalist position, providing clinical therapeutic services to children, adolescents, adults, couples, and groups, as needed. All licenses considered. $500 towards professional development and CEUs.

08/25/2026

In the 28 days since the devastating fire at Agri Star in Postville, Catholic Charities has activated our disaster response case management to help over 100 families navigate this sudden crisis of instability.

Since the disaster response began, our team and partners have provided 243 hours of on-site ministry of presence at St. Bridget’s Parish in Postville. This effort has included 16 volunteers, 12 Catholic Charities staff members, and 7 partner agency staff, all working together to ensure impacted families have access to the support and resources they need.

Our case management process has included collecting and reviewing employment verification and lease documentation, issuing rental assistance checks directly to landlords, and mailing confirmation letters to both clients and landlords.

Families have also had access to specialized on-site support from our Immigration Attorneys and Mental Health Counselors to address questions and concerns related to their unique circumstances.

During this initial phase of our disaster response, we have distributed $89,998 in rental assistance to 107 Agri Star employees and their families, representing more than 342 individuals in all.

We continue to balance urgency with careful review so that assistance is provided fairly, responsibly, and to as many families as resources allow.

None of this would be possible without our community of generous donors.

You have stepped forward at a moment when families are facing fear, uncertainty, and the very real possibility of losing their homes. Your generosity is helping keep families housed while they navigate the loss of stable employment and determine what comes next.

We are deeply grateful for every gift, every volunteer hour, and every person who has helped make this response possible. To say we are inspired by the generosity shown to the Postville community doesn’t begin to capture the impact you are making. You are helping families maintain hope during an incredibly difficult time.

Our work in Postville is far from complete. Thank you for your continued support and prayers as we work to outline the next phase in this disaster relief process.

08/19/2026