LAS VEGAS (KSNV) — Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada is marking 85 years of service on April 16th, a milestone that leaders say reflects both the organization’s growth and the region’s ongoing needs.

The nonprofit says it traces its early roots to Northern Nevada and later expanded into Southern Nevada to help people after the building of the Hoover Dam. Historical photos from the organization show its footprint widening over the decades as Las Vegas grew.

Today, Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada operates 16 programs and serves about 4,500 individuals every day, according to President and CEO Sara Ramirez, who adds the organization’s work is driven by three core values: families, food, and housing.

“No one promised us an easy life. If you have a solid family base around or support system around you, you’re more likely to overcome the crisis and not only overcome but overcome it quickly back to a state of normalcy,” Ramirez said.

On food security, Ramirez said, “Food is life and that is imperative regardless of whether your are a newborn child or a senior in our Meals on Wheels program.”

For housing stability, Ramirez noted the 400-bed men’s shelter and the St. Vincent Apartments, a 120-unit apartment complex on the Catholic Charities campus that provides a place to stay for people who are unhoused or facing housing instability.

The anniversary comes as Clark County awaits results from the annual point-in-time count, a census of people living without a permanent home that took place in January. The last census found nearly 8,000 people experiencing homelessness on a single night.

While the official count is still being tallied, Nicole Anderson, vice president of social services, described what she witnessed during the count.

“To go out in the community at 4, 5 in the morning, and intentionally look for people and see the areas they’re sleeping in; to see a young woman, under a blanket in a corner because that’s the only place she can stay warm, it’s heartbreaking,” Anderson said.

Anderson spoke with us in a classroom. “Clients work off these computers,” she said, describing the space where people can learn — or in some cases re-learn — employment skills, including how to interview, as they work to regain stability.

“They have to be ready, seeing them, make those changes and be confident again, and lean on these case managers and on each other, there’s a cool thing that happens naturally and organically,” Anderson said.

Ramirez also described what she called a growing trend of older people experiencing homelessness and shared what a daily meal can mean for someone struggling. “He had shared, Sara, my life is hard but for one hour every day, I can come to the dining hall, find a meal and find peace,” Ramirez said.

LAS VEGAS (KSNV) — The enrollment period for the Nevada prepaid tuition program is almost over.

Wednesday, April 15, is the final day to create an account for the current enrollment period.

It’s a chance for parents to jumpstart their children’s education by starting to save now.

Nevada State Treasurer Zach Conine joined us to talk more about how you can lock in future tuition at today’s rates.

Visit nvigate.gov to learn more and to open your account.

LAS VEGAS (KSNV) — Sunrise Hospital & Medical Center has been officially designated as a Level I Trauma Center by the State of Nevada, the highest level of trauma care available, the hospital announced Tuesday.

The designation is expected to strengthen the Las Vegas hospital’s ability to recruit and train leading physicians, advance trauma research and deliver the highest level of care for the community.

“We extend our sincere appreciation to Governor Lombardo for recognizing the need for this important designation and allowing us the ability to train and attract top-tier physicians in Nevada and engage in trauma research,” said Todd P. Sklamberg, CEO of Sunrise Hospital. “We also want to recognize our physicians, first responders, regulatory partners and the broader community for their continued support throughout this process.”

MORE: Sunrise Trauma sees rise e-bike, e-scooter injuries in early 2026, many brain-related

Level I Trauma Centers are equipped to deliver total care for every aspect of injury — from prevention through rehabilitation — and must meet rigorous standards established by state and national accrediting bodies.

The designation also affirms Sunrise Hospital’s commitment to clinical excellence, continuous research and education in trauma care.

“Congratulations to Sunrise Hospital & Medical Center on this extraordinary milestone that will strengthen Nevada’s healthcare system and move our state forward,” Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo said. “Level I Trauma Center designation reflects the highest standard of care and ensures that communities in Southern Nevada have access to lifesaving services when they need them most. I am deeply grateful for the dedicated healthcare professionals and first responders whose commitment continues to elevate patient care across the state.”