For over five decades, Bishop Dwight A. Reed's church, Christ Apostolic Temple, has faithfully served the Des Moines community with spiritual leadership and a heart for outreach. Today, the church commemorates the influential work of its outreach program, CATCOS (Christ Apostolic Temple Community Outreach Services). As people are struggling and in greater need than ever, CATCOS has stepped up as a resource and provided tangible aid and transformative assistance to thousands of people and families throughout the country.

In the past, CATCOS reached more than 10,000 community members through various programs and services, including: food distribution, diaper distribution, wellness workshops, financial workshops, and substance recovery support. These programs and services are all part of the church’s mindset of serving one whole person-body, mind, and spirit through tangible acts of compassionate care, motivated by faith.

“We don’t just preach the World, we believe in the Word,” said Bishop Dwight A. Reed, Senior Pastor of Christ Apostolic Temple and the visionary behind CATCOS. “In solidifying our mission and commitment to meeting people where they are, at their greatest point of need and in their greatest hour of need, we try to lift them through love, care, and service.”

Supporting Families: Diaper Distribution with Dignity

Since the CATCOS Diaper Distribution Program began in 2021, it has rapidly grown. In the first year, it served 521 families; by 2022, that number jumped to 1805! The ministry has continued to distribute hundreds of bags each year, which continues to help meet a compelling need for parents and caregivers from low-income families.

“These diapers kept my baby clean and healthy when I could not afford a pack,” said one local mother. "While it might not seem like much to others, it meant everything to us."

The program offers more than physical support;it brings dignity and relief to families forced to choose between essentials like food, rent, and childcare supplies.

Feeding the Hungry: Food Drives and Holiday Outreach

CATCOS has also provided viable solutions to those struggling with food insecurity in our region. Each year, since 2020, we have been delivering Holiday Food Boxes, filled with nutritious meals and hygiene items for families, at Thanksgiving and Christmas.

In 2023, we worked with Wal-Mart to provide food and supplies for 1,373 people in need! These efforts are made meaningful and viable by our volunteers and community partners, who bring items directly to those in need.

“No one should have to go to bed hungry, especially around the holidays,” said the CATCOS program director. "We are giving people hope and peace of mind, not just food."

Healing the Mind: Mental Health and Recovery Programs

The CATCOS model strongly believes in caring for the whole person (body, mind, and spirit). The increase in anxiety and depression prompted the ministry to create the monthly mental health workshop “Living Above Anxiety,” rooted in scripture and psychology. The program provides a safe space for participants to deal with anxiety and depression through coping skills, discussion, spiritual, and emotional support.

Another key initiative is The Road to Recovery, which is intended to support recovery from addiction using biblical concepts and the 12-Step program. Specifically, The Road to Recovery walks an individual through their recovery while connecting individuals to mentors, resources, and a faith-based recovery supportive community.

"We want you to know: you're not alone and you're not beyond help," said the head of the CATCOS program, regardless of whether you are battling addiction, stress, or anxiety.

Empowering Futures: Teaches Financial Literacy and Health

CATCOS understands that long-term sustainability begins with knowledge and empowering people. In financial literacy workshops, people learn how to budget, stay out of debt, build credit, and identify long-term goals towards economic independence.

This ministry also runs a Diabetes Prevention Program. Local health educators provide education, screenings, and wellness management strategies in response to the chronic illness prevention concern, and we do this particularly in underserved neighborhoods.

These programs are free and facilitated by local professionals and health educators who share CATCOS's vision to uplift the families in our communities.

Reaching the Forgotten: Support for Seniors and the Homebound

As a ministry occupying space both with families and youth, CATCOS is also seeking to minister to and support seniors and the homebound. Many seniors and homebound individuals are socially isolated, physically limited, or do not have consistent care. Our volunteers form relationships and offer these connections through home visits and meals, and spiritual checks.

"For some of our seniors, we are the only people they see for the whole week," shared a volunteer.” We bring them food, but we also bring them joy, prayer, and presence.

Powered by Faith, Fueled by Community

At the heart of CATCOS is a growing army of volunteers, donors, and local partners who believe in transforming lives through service. Whether packing food boxes, teaching a class, or offering a prayer, every service opportunity shows the church's continued ministry of loving people through action.

"This is only the beginning," said Bishop Dwight A. Reed. "Faith was the foundation of our church, and that faith today is feeding families, restoring lives, and renewing communities through CATCOS."

Get Involved

CATCOS invites people, families, businesses, and organizations to partner together in this mission to outreach and transform.

If you are interested in volunteering, donating, or would just like to learn more about CATCOS programs, visit https://christapostolictemple.org

About Christ Apostolic Temple Inc.

Bishop Dwight A. Reed has served as Christ Apostolic Temple's pastor for many years. Known for his visionary leadership, Pastor Dwight Reed has guided the church’s growth in both spiritual influence and community outreach. Today, Bishop Dwight Reed's church continues to serve as a model of faith in action through the work of CATCOS.