April Newsletter
April 1, 2026
Youth Engagement & Formation
The demand for immediacy in our communication ever increases due to social media, texting, and phone calls, and it’s easy to lose sight of community involvement and supporting neighbors in need. The emergence of the internet, social media, and now artificial intelligence has fundamentally transformed society. We are all adapting to this new reality, but it is especially challenging for youth as they transition into adulthood. In this fast-paced world, news events are fleeting, and thoughts of today are quickly replaced by tomorrow’s demands.
Ames Romero House (ARH) has witnessed an increase in youth who are bucking this trend and actively seeking ways to give back through volunteering and broader community engagement. This isn’t limited to Iowa State University students. High school students from neighboring schools, participants in Catechism and Bible study classes, and parents eager to instill a spirit of generosity in their children have all become involved. ARH offers many opportunities for youth and families to engage in meaningful service.
The Nevada Key Club, comprising high school students from Nevada High School, recently prepared a meal for our guests. Young adults and children from Saints Peter and Paul parish in Gilbert, Ames First United Methodist, and St. Patrick’s Church in Nevada also toured our home, provided meals and care packages, and studied our mission and the power of community collaboration for the common good.
Iowa State students are a constant presence at ARH–serving meals, organizing the kitchen, and listening to the unique stories of our neighbors seeking support. The FOCUS team from ISU volunteers weekly, consistently dedicating their time and energy. Recently, a large group of ISU students served a pancake breakfast on a Sunday. Additionally, ISU professors have invited us to speak to their classes and are now offering volunteer credits to students eager to make a difference at ARH. Families with young children are making food for our guests, teaching their kids how to give back at a young age.
We are proud of the young adults in Story County for their generosity and commitment to supporting our marginalized community. We hope the lessons they learn from these experiences will shape them as adults–and that they, in turn, will pass on the importance of kindness, generosity, and service to future generations.
Categories
Upcoming Events
MASS & COMMUNITY DINNER
6
FEBRUARY
- 702 Clark Av. Ames, IA
- 9.00 AM - 11.00 AM
PRAYER SERVICE
26
FEBRUARY
- 702 Clark Av. Ames, IA
- 4.00 PM - 5.00 PM
Our Community
Saint Oscar Romero Feast
March 24 is a special day for us, as it marks the Feast Day of our Patron, St. Oscar Romero. Our mission proudly bears his name, honoring his advocacy for the oppressed and marginalized in El Salvador and across Central America. St. Oscar Romero remains a beloved saint both in Central America and worldwide for his courageous defense of human dignity, especially for those whose voices went unheard.
We extend our thanks to Licida and Dustin Limoges for preparing delicious pupusas and side dishes for the many attendees who joined us on a beautiful spring day at ARH. The atmosphere was further enriched by music from Zach Gignac, our favorite local artist, whose generous support has enhanced several of our events.
Our diverse community of guests, staff, and volunteers makes this celebration a powerful reminder of what Saint Oscar Romero championed: solidarity and unity for all.
New Volunteering Opportunities
There are many ways to volunteer within our ministry. Our volunteers consistently share that serving is a rewarding way to honor our Lord and support our community. Volunteering provides a sense of belonging and the fulfillment of helping those in greatest need. Our mission relies on a dedicated network of volunteers, and we offer flexible opportunities to fit your schedule. While children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult, we welcome volunteers of all ages into our home!
We’ve added new volunteering opportunities to fit your schedule – assisting with cleaning after hospitality and helping organize our donation storage rooms. At Ames Romero House, we strive to live the Gospel every day. Join us and make a difference!
Our main volunteer opportunities include:
- Weekday Hospitality: 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. (hours and days are flexible) Monday through Friday
- Weekend Hospitality 10:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. (hours are flexible) on Sunday
- Cleaning: 4 p.m. – 5 p.m. (post-hospitality) or 11:00 a.m. – Noon (prior to hospitality on weekdays)
- Storage rooms organization (flexible hours and days)
- Landscaping
- Light maintenance or construction
- Food preparation (same-day dropoff, or food to be frozen for later use)
Please visit our website to sign up to volunteer, and as always, thank you!
Website: romerohouseames.org
Ames Warming Place
Thank you to everyone who volunteered during the inaugural season at the Ames Warming Place (AWP). The AWP opened on January 16 and remained in operation through March, opening when the temperature threshold was met. We typically served 12 to 15 guests who would otherwise be out on the streets during extremely cold evenings. During January’s extended cold stretch, the AWP remained open for 17 consecutive evenings. We were also prepared for the brief but intense cold snap in mid-March, which drove “feels-like” temperatures below -10°F for two consecutive nights.
We are especially grateful to all the agencies that came together on short notice to establish the center. The location at Ames First United Methodist proved ideal, thanks to its proximity to the Ames Public Library, Food at First, and Ames Romero House. Special thanks also to Pastors Amanda and Nikki for their support in securing the location at Ames First United Methodist. This cooperation was a great example of how nonprofits, agencies, and government can work together for the common good.
The AWP website will continue accepting volunteer applications for next year, as we expect the same setup to remain in place throughout the winter season. Serving at the AWP is an excellent way to give back to our community in need.
Website: ameswarming.place
Please mark your calendars for several events happening in April and May:
April 11 from 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Listen to our monthly podcast called “Voices for Change” on KHOI 98.1FM starting at 11 a.m. We have local leaders join us to discuss pressing issues affecting our marginalized community in Story County. We air on the second Saturday of each month on KHOI.
April 17 at 6 p.m.
Please join us in our chapel for Mass, followed by a community dinner. There will be no Mass on April 3 as that is Good Friday.
May 2 from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Iowa Renaissance is coming to Ames, bringing a forum at The Gateway to explore how effective collaboration drives public policy success. Led by former Democratic Attorney General Tom Miller and longtime Republican consultant David Oman, this bipartisan group will be joined by our Executive Director, David Thielen, Youth & Shelter Services (YSS), and county and city leaders. Together, we will discuss how nonprofits can partner with local government to create meaningful community solutions.
May 16 from 10 a.m. to Noon
Mustard Seed Community Farm’s annual Plant and Seed Share will once again take place on the front lawn of 709 Clark Avenue (the yellow house) on Saturday, May 16. This popular event always draws a big crowd, and we look forward to seeing you there!
