By Katie Patrick
During the Advent season, Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska witnessed—more than ever before—the humbling generosity of our donor community. Your response to the urgent needs of the poor and vulnerable across all of southern Nebraska came in many forms: financial gifts, gift cards, donated items, and prayer. These truly sacrificial offerings are held close to our hearts and are never forgotten.
In this episode, John Soukup revisits a story of welcome that still matters today. In the aftermath of the 2021 evacuation of Afghanistan, CSS Volunteer Jeff Kanger opened his home to an Afghan family seeking safety and security, hosting them until Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska helped secure a permanent home through its refugee resettlement efforts. As the new year begins, this conversation reminds us that welcoming the stranger isn’t a one-time response to crisis, but an ongoing commitment to mercy, dignity, and Hope in the Good Life.
In this November episode of 180 with Katie, Executive Director Katie Patrick and Development Officer John Soukup look back on a month of strong community engagement, increasing need, and hopeful moments across southern Nebraska. The 180 second episode highlights record social media reach, generous donor and grant support, and meaningful impact through food assistance, family support services, immigration legal services, refugee resettlement, sustainability efforts, and the Prison & Reentry Apostolate. From Thanksgiving baskets and holiday outreach to community events and behind-the-scenes ministry, this episode offers a snapshot of how Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska continues to bring Hope in the Good Life to thousands of neighbors each day.
“I’ve heard of one family that faced the decision of whether or not to get Christmas presents for their kids or have a decent Christmas dinner,” said CSS Development Officer John Soukup. “We don’t want families to have to go through that kind of decision-making.”
In this episode, we take a look at meaningful and tax-wise ways to give as the year comes to a close. Host John Soukup sits down with planned giving expert Jim Gustafson, to explore simple year-end gifts, monthly giving, IRA charitable distributions, appreciated assets, grain donations, Donor Advised Funds, and more. If you’re considering a year-end gift to CSS or another nonprofit, this conversation offers clear, practical insight on how your generosity can make a real impact.
By Katie Patrick
For the second year in a row, Catholic Social Services has chosen a patron saint of the year. The CSS team offered thoughtful and inspiring nominations, each reflecting how the saints have embodied the works of mercy throughout history (Who did we pick? More on that another time!). As their leader, I was moved to see how deeply our team identifies with the mission of serving the poor and vulnerable — striving, in its own way, toward sainthood. Shouldn’t we all?
EXTRA EXTRA! Read all about the latest CSS HOPE IN THE GOOD LIFE news!
By April Boellstorff
Regional Director in Auburn, Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska
Auburn CSS had originally planned to distribute 40 Thanksgiving meal kits, complete with a turkey and all the trimmings, to local families in need. When the Thanksgiving request line opened, all 40 meals were claimed within five minutes!
Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska (CSS) hosted its annual Trivia Night in Imperial Nov. 14—an evening of friendly competition and community generosity in support of CSS’s outreach across southwest Nebraska.
After a year’s absence, Trivia Night in Imperial returned this year when a record-breaking 18 teams filled the Nutrien Event Center Nov. 14.
