Keeping Our Community Safe
Caring for Neighbors During Uncertain Times
We sat down with a handful of Catholic Charites staff who work in different areas of the agency to learn about their programs, the work they do, and the critical services they offer the community — particularly during times of uncertainty. Here is what they shared:
Rasheena Bickham
Northside Child Development Center
When federal immigration enforcement ramped up in Minnesota, Rasheena Bickham, program manager at the Northside Child Development Center, began noticing the emotional toll the operation was taking on those around her. “It’s not just my household, the staff and their households, but it’s affecting the children as well because they’re seeing it,” Rasheena said.
The Northside Child Development Center is a learning center for children ages six weeks to 13-years-old. Students at the center follow a creative curriculum, have set daily schedules and do a lot of group work and socializing.
Rasheena said the center has always emphasized safety, close relationships and the community, but wanted to offer extra support during the federal actions. Reflecting on a recent training about how to best support children in their community, Rasheena said: “one thing that stuck with me was they said, ‘let the children bring it to you,’ and we just want this place to be a safe space for them.”
NCDC staff were also encouraged to lean on each other as they worked to support both children and their families. Recently, staff held a family game night to provide a light and entertaining atmosphere. “The parents had a blast, and we had a blast,” Rasheena explained. “We needed to have some fun because there is just so much going on — that night showed that we all needed to smile and laugh.”
Robert Brass
Hennepin County Shelter Hotline
The Hennepin County Shelter Hotline is operated by the Catholic Charities Diversion team. The hotline is the front door for emergency shelter in Hennepin County and helps callers explore alternatives to shelter whenever possible. The Diversion team uses tactics that include bus tickets to reunite families, stable housing options and safe shelter placements to assist callers.
Robert Brass, program manager of the Hennepin Shelter Hotline, said lately his team has seen an increase in calls for help. “A lot of families don’t feel safe and are even hesitant to leave their homes. This can mean that households are without income and that people can’t pay rent.”
“One of the things that we’re seeing is an increase in evictions or possible filings for evictions; we’re getting a lot of phone calls for financial support,” Robert explained.
The Diversion team got creative during this time of increased need. The team leans on many different resources to help callers. Whether through GoFundMe accounts, or volunteers working with food pantries to get food to people in need, Robert said they’ve done it all.
“No two days are the same coming to work here. You’re helping people who are probably at the lowest point of their life — right now it’s housing insecurity or they’re looking for their next meal,” Robert said. “To get them into somewhere safe or permanent is incredibly rewarding, and I think that’s what really keeps our staff together and motivated.”
Valentino Starnes
Endeavors Residence
Valentino Starnes is a program manager at Endeavors Residence, one of Catholic Charities’ permanent supportive housing programs. Endeavors offers housing for 173 single adults, veterans, and people with complex medical conditions.
Valentino noticed an impact on both staff and residents during recent federal actions in Minnesota. In especially tense moments, like the day immigration enforcement appeared in the area, Valentino’s focus is being there for residents. “The first thing I did was check in on the residents who were nervous . . . reassuring them. We’re doing everything in our power to make sure our residents feel safe.”
Valentino’s role is mainly to assist residents at Endeavors with any needs they have and manage the front desk staff who are there for residents 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. He recognizes that nobody knows what each person coming through their doors might be dealing with. “We stay consistent,” Valentino explained. “Despite changes or what [residents] may be experiencing, our approach remains to be something they can trust.”
Valentino said the priority, especially lately, has been to keep everybody informed, and reassure people that they’re in a safe space. “To be able to help in such uncertain times is an honor,” he said.
Taylor Olivo
Aging and Disability Services
For the past four years, Taylor Olivo has worked as a social worker for Catholic Charities Aging and Disability Services program, supporting adults aged 65 and older — a population expected to grow rapidly in Minnesota by 2030.
Her work depends on relationships and the trust that develops when she consistently shows up for the people she serves. That trust has become even more essential in recent months. As federal immigration enforcement ramped up across Minnesota, Taylor watched fear take hold in the communities she works with.
Older adults in nursing facilities and in their own homes have started to pull back from services they once welcomed. “Some of our participants are afraid to open their doors,” Taylor said. “They don’t want anyone coming to their homes.”
Within Aging and Disability Services, staff began talking openly about how the situation was affecting them and the people they support. Taylor sees these conversations as a reflection of the team’s culture, one built on honesty, care, and solidarity.
“People trust me with their care and their health. With everything happening in Minneapolis, it’s crucial that they know I’m here to protect them.” In a time marked by uncertainty, Taylor remains a reliable presence for older adults who need stability the most.
