August Newsletter

One Mission. One Family. Greater Impact.

“If you cannot find Christ in the poor, you will not find Him in the Chalice.”

— St. John Chrysostom

Recently, one of our guests shared words that capture the heart of Ames Romero House:

“Im grateful that the Romero House doesn’t judge us but instead helps us get to where we need to be.”

Those simple words remind us why we exist. Our mission has never been merely to provide meals, showers, or laundry. We exist to accompany our neighbors through some of the most difficult moments of their lives—to walk beside them with compassion, dignity, and hope.

That journey begins with trust.

Trust is built through everyday acts of radical hospitality, but it also grows through strong
partnerships. No single organization can meet every need facing those experiencing
homelessness, mental illness, addiction, or extreme poverty. Lasting change happens when our community works together.

Flannel and Friends Fall Fundraiser
– Tickets Are Now Available!

Flannel & Friends is Ames Romero House’s annual fall fundraiser, bringing together friends, supporters, businesses, and community members for an evening of fellowship, great food, entertainment, and generosity in support of our mission. Held at The Rustic Rose Barn in Roland, it’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy a cool fall evening in casual attire while celebrating another unforgettable year with our community of friends.

Before the dinner and festivities begin, we will have a fishing tournament and hayrack rides through the beautiful farming landscape.

Guests will enjoy live music, silent and live auctions, and a delicious dinner as we welcome back Babe’s Steakhouse of Radcliffe, which serves some of the finest steaks and meats in Iowa. Flannel & Friends reflects the spirit of Ames Romero House: building relationships, fostering compassion, and raising essential funds to provide meals, showers, laundry services, fellowship, and hope for individuals experiencing poverty and homelessness throughout Story County.

Tickets are now available directly at: https://amesromerohouse.betterworld.org/events/flannel-friends-fall-fundraiser

You can also go to our website and click on the Fall Fundraiser link located on the header bar. Each ticket includes the incredible dinner from Babe’s Steakhouse, dessert, and a free drink from the bar – but most importantly, the fellowship of our community.

With tickets at only $15 per adult, $10 for students, and children under 12 free, we want to see as many of you as possible! Last year, more than 200 attendees celebrated with us, and this year, we look forward to another evening of fun with our friends who make our mission possible.

Sunday Vespers Social Club

My name is Solomon, a student and an Ames Romero House (ARH) volunteer, and I am pleased to share with the friends of the House a new young adult ministry to be offered by ARH, beginning August 30.

The Sunday Vespers Social Club is my generation’s need for strong community, condensed into an evening of prayer and fellowship. Starting at 6:00 p.m. on Sundays during the school year, evening prayer and dinner are the focal points, with an opportunity for people in our religious community to preach and a small-group discussion to follow. This is not a strictly liturgical or preaching affair, hence our identity as a “Social Club,” with food, drink, games, and fellowship being integral to the endeavor.

Dorothy Day said concerning community that “we discover that our burdens are lighter when carried together, and our joys multiply through shared celebration.” In keeping with the ARH mission, we seek to address the spiritual and relational poverty affecting young adults in our time by inviting them to share those burdens and joys in a weekly gathering.

Our primary need from the community is always prayer, interceding for young adults in the area to find spiritual communion and a call to evangelization. Second, we are looking for volunteers to bring a meal and offer what time and talent the LORD might will to share. Finally, if you know any young adults–undergrad students, grad students, working professionals, or otherwise–please invite them to the Yellow House located at 709 Clark Avenue. Doors open at 5:30.

“Ointment and perfumes rejoice the heart: and the good counsels of a friend are sweet to the soul” (Proverbs 27:9). It is the spirit of Heavenly friendship that is the inspiration and lifeblood of the Sunday Vespers Social Club, and we give thanks for your ongoing friendship with ARH. Again, please pray that God would bless the Social Club; be assured of our prayers for you.

Yours in all Charity,
Solomon Groothuis

With Gratitude

We were honored to welcome Jayden Burke, a seminarian with the Archdiocese of Dubuque,
who served with ARH for the past two months. His presence was truly valuable as he shared
Christ’s spirit with our guests through his conversation and prayers. We all learned humility and
compassion for others by Jayden’s example.

Jonah Mittman contributed to our hospitality efforts throughout July as part of Notre Dame’s
RISE program, which connects first-year students with justice initiatives in their hometowns. We
appreciate Jonah’s contributions and wish him continued success as he begins his freshman year
at Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana.

Please join us in praying for Jayden and Jonah as they continue their studies. We hope their time
at ARH will have a lasting, positive impact on their lives.

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August Newsletter