By John Haag
Lincoln Warehouse Manager,
Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska
Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska (CSS) has been, and hopes to continue to be, blessed with very generous donations across 24,000 square miles of southern Nebraska. One of the most-asked questions is, “What happens to the items I donate?” Well, dear readers, that is an excellent question! So together let’s tackle that question and more, and hopefully gain a better understanding of CSS’s role in showing dignity to all we encounter while providing “Hope in the Good Life.”
New interactive activity deepens understanding of clients’ challenges
By John Soukup
Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska
Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska (CSS) held its 38th annual “Celebration of Hope” gala and silent auction at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Lincoln March 15, with more than 450 attendees.
The event marked a significant milestone as it introduced a new, interactive element designed to deepen attendees’ understanding of the challenges faced by CSS clients. For the first time in the event’s history, organizers included a guided activity aimed at offering guests an immersive experience into the lives of those they serve.
By Poe Dee,
Refugee Resettlement Director
Every refugee has a story to tell about his or her journey. To be sure, the journey of a refugee is not an easy one. Refugees flee their country because of persecution, war, or violence. Unable to return to their homeland, they seek refuge in another nearby country.
Life in refugee camps is difficult, though, and most refugees do not have opportunities to thrive in such conditions. This is why, when given the opportunity, refugees choose to be resettled in a third country, like the United States, in order to find a safe and stable place that they can call home.
We're honored to present Mike Hosek with the 2025 Heart of Christ award for his work nourishing HOPE IN THE GOOD LIFE through the Walk to End Hunger events.
By Mario Racicot
Director of E-commerce
Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska
Last spring, a wonderful donor dropped off several boxes of china, sterling silver, and antiques. She had been clearing out her basement and wanted to pass on the items to Catholic Social Services, to sell on eBay. A few months later, we sold her sterling silver for a little over $2,000. I reached out to share the news and she sent me this response:
By Katie Patrick
Our upcoming Celebration of Hope gala and silent auction on Saturday, March 15, promises an evening of inspiration, fellowship, and a chance to make a tangible difference in the lives of those in need across southern Nebraska. This year, our event will take on a new dimension with our silent auction, offering attendees the opportunity to bid on an array of memorable experiences and valuable items.
By Elli Wyllie,
Marketing Associate,
Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska
“For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.” Matthew 25:35-36.
When we hear these words, we often think of the great saints—Mother Teresa of Calcutta, St. Francis of Assisi, and St. Damien of Molokai; individuals who embraced this call in radical ways, serving the poorest of the poor in India, selling every possession they had, caring for lepers. Their stories are inspiring, yet they can sometimes lead us to wonder: Well, what can I do? Most of us are not in a position to drop everything. We have families, jobs, and responsibilities that are noble and good. The stories of great saints can sometimes feel overwhelming. But the reality is that most often, answering God’s call doesn’t require drastic measures. It simply requires a “yes,” and a willingness to try.
by Veronica Pino
St. Gianna Program Manager
Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska
Oftentimes at St. Gianna Women’s Home, we work with a family for a year—sometimes even longer—and when they complete the program, we don’t hear from them.
Although we are always thankful when they have undergone a successful transition to their next step outside of St. Gianna’s, it can be difficult to have those relationships disappear. We always encourage them to keep in touch—to continue to share their struggles and their joys with us. However, trying to keep up with work, kids, school, and all the other activities of a family that is taking steps forward usually leaves little time for extra phone calls or visits.
Every now and then, though, we hear from a family who wants to share a little about their current life after St. Gianna’s. Sometimes this happens a few months after graduating from the program; other times, years pass before someone reaches out. But it’s always a special moment to hear stories or see pictures of growing kids as they share their continued achievements.
