Our foundation was officially established in 1991, but its roots run deep in the Des Moines community.

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In the early 1980s, four local Catholic schools, Visitation, St. John Basilica, St. Ambrose, and St. Peter, faced serious financial challenges. Rather than close, they united to form Holy Family School, preserving access to faith-based education for families in the heart of the city.

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By 1991, rising costs once again threatened the school’s future. In response, Fr. Tom Pfeffer and a dedicated group of supporters rallied the community to act, founding the Holy Family School Inner City Foundation.

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That commitment made a lasting difference. All Saints School later joined the merger, and by 1998, the foundation had raised $3 million to expand and renovate the Visitation campus, bringing all students together under one roof and establishing a permanent endowment. In 2003, an additional $2.3 million was raised to further strengthen the school’s future.

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Today, our students reflect the rich diversity of Des Moines, but our mission remains the same: ensuring every child has access to a strong, faith-based education.

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Your support helps make that possible, today and for generations to come.