Having Dwight A. Reed as leader, Christ Apostolic Temple is changing lives in Des Moines using a fully integrated outreach model that deals with the physical, mental, and spiritual needs at the same time. Christ Apostolic Temple Community Outreach Services (CATCOS), as a church arm, has an everlasting impact by providing religious and practical support together. This wide-ranging approach nurtures resilience and extensive growth by ensuring that the whole family, individuals, and the community feel consistently supported in every aspect of their lives.

A Holistic Approach to Wellness

“At the center of our ministry is the belief that healing occurs when faith meets real-life needs,” explains Bishop Dwight Reed. “We don’t just give out meals or clothes; we walk with people to dignity, hope, and wholeness.”

Under the leadership of Bishop Dwight A. Reed, CATCOS has streamlined its several programs to address multiple aspects of poverty relief. The outreach involves:

Physical Care: CATCOS operates a strong food pantry that serves families experiencing food insecurity. The food pantry serves about 20 families each month, which, on average, means an additional 80-90 individuals in whole family units. The pantry, which offers fresh produce, staples, and wholesome selections that meet a variety of dietary needs, runs smoothly thanks to volunteers and staff.

Hygiene Support: The church is also providing diapers. More than 1,800 diaper bags were given out at a diaper bank in 2022.

Preventive Health Education: Through organized lectures and tools, the CAT Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) teaches participants how to manage risk factors associated with diabetes.

Mental Health & Recovery as Cornerstones

Understanding that poverty and trauma are harmful beyond a physical strain on the body, Bishop Reed has focused some attention on mental and emotional health:

“Living Above Anxiety” Workshops: These free classes, which are taught by certified facilitators from NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness), allow community members to engage freely in battling stress, depression, and anxiety in a safe environment.

“Road to Recovery” Program: A twelve-step addiction recovery class, created in partnership with the Iowa Department of Corrections, allows individuals with an addiction to substance use to seek support.

The programs are not merely designed to provide temporary relief, but assist people in personal transformation, providing the skills and support necessary for rebuilding.

Bishop Reed’s philosophy, as evidenced in his ministry blog, represents his commitment to treating all individuals with dignity and respect, not merely “throwing” resources to community members, but building rapport and showing genuine care. Numerous community members have reported that these initiatives give them hope, boost their self-esteem, and foster a feeling of community that enables them to pursue better chances.

Spiritual Care and Personal Restoration

For Bishop Reed, holistic care always includes a spiritual component. CATCOS is engaged in many faith-based efforts:

Homeless Ministry: The outreach teams make regular visits to the residents of the shelters to provide not only meals, but also spiritual counseling, building relationships with folks, and even provide baptism for some.

Sick & Shut-In Ministry: Ministers and volunteers visit nursing homes, hospitals, and individual homes once a month. This team visits those who are homebound, offering prayer and pastoral care to those who are feeling alone.

Reentry Support via the Yeshua Center: CATCOS has a reentry program set up to help individuals who are coming out of prison. Participants receive housing assistance and job assistance, but also spiritual mentoring and support.

New Wellness Updates Coming Soon

In addition to its current programs, CATCOS is getting ready to initiate several wellness-driven partnerships:

Health Camps: Planned seasonal health camps in collaboration with local providers for no-cost screenings, basic diagnostics, and health education in lower-socioeconomic neighborhoods.

Mental Health Awareness Events: Quarterly mental wellness fairs that unite mental health professionals, peer-support, and faith leaders to de-stigmatize mental illness and offer tools for emotional resilience.

Community Fitness and Nutrition Program: Partnerships with non-profits to set up group fitness (walking club, light exercise) and cooking healthy classes, particularly geared towards low-income families.

Bishop Reed’s initiatives capture his hopes for Jesus’ Church: a church that is not reactionary to crisis but builds a more sustainable health infrastructure for its commissive church.
About Bishop Dwight A. Reed and Christ Apostolic Temple

Dwight A. Reed, Presiding Bishop of Christ Apostolic Temple, Inc., located in Des Moines, Iowa, is one of the largest (if not the largest) predominantly African-American churches in Iowa. He is also a dedicated advocate for historical preservation through Apostolic Archives International, Inc. Bishop Reed, raised in a legacy of ministry, serves with a passion for social transformation and genuine love.

Christ Apostolic Temple Community Outreach Services (CATCOS) is the church's social outreach arm. Under the leadership of Bishop Reed, CATCOS implements a broad range of programs for community uplift - food distributions, diaper banks, diabetes prevention, mental health wellness, alcohol recovery, senior day care, re-entry, etc. Visit: https://dwightareed.wordpress.com/