Board Spotlight: Lawrence Hemphill
“I’ve had a really positive experience with Catholic Charities,” said Lawrence. “I’m confident that if other people choose to get involved, they won’t regret it.”
Why I Serve
Lawrence Hemphill is very aware of the important role Catholic Charities has in caring for those most in need in central and southwest Iowa. As a new member of the Catholic Charities Board of Directors, he is excited to further the organization’s mission to Empower Individuals and Strengthen Families.
Lawrence, known as “Lance” to his wife, friends, and his parish family at St. Francis of Assisi in West Des Moines, was first introduced to Catholic Charities through his wife, Amy, who started volunteering at the Catholic Charities Food Pantry in 2020. Occasionally, he and their kids would join Amy and help with food rescue and to hand out daily food bags at the pantry. Amy and his daughter, Josie, continue to volunteer weekly and they even earned a volunteer appreciation award in 2024 from Catholic Charities for their service. Lawrence is grateful to join them when he is able.
“I really love the camaraderie with all of the volunteers at the Catholic Charities Food Pantry,” said Lawrence. “This is also the first place I’ve volunteered where I am face to face with the need and seeing the people I am helping.”
In 2024, Lawrence gathered a group of his work colleagues to help plant produce and fruit trees at the Catholic Charities Food Pantry Community Gardens. He enjoyed seeing how the gardens grew throughout the spring and summer, as well as clients enjoying the fresh produce.
Lawrence started to learn more about Catholic Charities when he and Amy attended the Catholic Charities Centennial Gala in September 2024. He had been discerning a new volunteer opportunity, and in listening to the motivational speakers at the Gala, he felt even more called to get involved.
“At the Catholic Charities Centennial Gala, I heard a number of inspirational speakers who talked about the need in our Diocese and how that need continues to grow,” said Lawrence. “I felt like I was being encouraged to make a commitment to help, and that Catholic Charities would be a great opportunity.”
With the encouragement of former Catholic Charities Executive Director, Barbara Decker, and current Catholic Charities Board of Directors member, Fr. Larry Hoffmann, Lawrence accepted an invitation to join the board, and will be serving on the Finance Committee. He is looking forward to learning more about the inner workings of Catholic Charities while supporting the mission to serve those in need with dignity and respect.
“The mission of Catholic Charities really resonates with me and I find great value in opportunities that empower individuals and strengthen families,” said Lawrence. “By being a part of the Catholic Charities Board of Directors, I hope to find ways to extend support for many more families and individuals who are in need.”
Lawrence encourages others to get involved with Catholic Charities, whether it is through volunteering, advocacy or providing financial support to advance the mission.
“I’ve had a really positive experience with Catholic Charities,” said Lawrence. “I’m confident that if other people choose to get involved, they won’t regret it.”
For more information on how you can get involved and support the mission at Catholic Charities, contact Director of Development and Marketing, Bobbi Jo Smith at 515-237-5064 or bsmith@catholiccharitiesdm.org.
