Stories of Hope

Walter and Marie Dechant, devout Catholics from Kansas, built their lives on faith, family, and hard work. Their legacy includes a commitment to giving back, evident in their estate planning that benefits organizations close to their hearts. Among these beneficiaries is Catholic Charities of Northern Kansas, a testament to the couple's values and a lasting impact on the community.

Discover Deacon Larry Erpelding's inspiring journey with Catholic Charities, where faith meets action. Joined by his wife, Donna, they've become dedicated volunteers, showcasing the transformative power of service. Click to read their story of faith in action.

Every month, Catholic Charities outreach vans travel throughout the 31 counties of northern Kansas to deliver essential food and hygiene items to our rural neighbors in need who are encountering food insecurity. One person who has been impacted by these outreach services is Cathie, a wife and mother from Beverly.

When Mary Ann stepped through Catholic Charities doors for the first time in 2008, she had no idea that it would be a continued place of refuge for her family throughout the next 15 years.

On December 15, 2021, a fire erupted in western Kansas that caused the evacuations of over three towns. Jessica Dockendorf's Russell County ranch was one of the many areas affected that day. Learn how Jessica's family recovered after unexpected disaster.

 Raising a family and welcoming children into a nurturing, loving home is among Kelton and Jill Stecklein’s greatest pillars of marriage. This is why they always felt called to adoption. Learn about how the gift of adoption enriched their lives this past year in an unexpected, beautiful way.

After Bill and Paula Robben won a brand-new car during a raffle, they wanted to pay it forward. Read about their impact of hope!

After her family's home was destroyed in a devastating fire, Judy came to Catholic Charities for support. Read how Catholic Charities assisted them on their road to recovery.

In the 101 years of his life, Paul Prellwitz never overlooked an opportunity to put others before himself. He always committed his time and treasure to organizations he believed in. Learn about the beautiful way Paul left his mark on Catholic Charities.

Mary adopted her son, Bryce through Catholic Charities nearly 21 years ago. Learn about the many ways adoption has blessed her family's life and given them the ultimate gift of love.

Anyone can struggle with mental health. Learn how Catholic Charities Counseling helped husband and father Josh turn his life around and strengthen his relationships.

When Shelly came to Catholic Charities, she was anxious, afraid, and unsure. Like many, Shelly struggles with addiction and had relapsed after nine years sober. Learn how Catholic Charities helped her regain control of her life.

When Kaycee found out she was expecting a child, she felt she had nowhere to turn. Kaycee learned of her pregnancy amid an already turbulent time in her personal life. Read how the Catholic Charities Pregnancy Support Program helped her get back on her feet.

For any parent, the thought of not being able to live in the same house, let alone country, as their young child is an unimaginable scenario. For Sandra, this was a daily, nightmarish reality. Read about this mother's inspiring journey to reunite with her children.

All Angela wanted was for her thirteen-year-old daughter Elizabeth to be able to live a normal, healthy life. However, this wish seemed increasingly impossible by the day, as Elizabeth’s health was quickly declining. Read about this mother and daughter's life-changing health journey.