By John Soukup
for the Register
Since the 1970s, Vietnamese refugees have played a pivotal role in shaping the cultural and social fabric of Lincoln, Nebraska. Their journey to the city began in the aftermath of the fall of Saigon in 1975, when Lincoln was designated a “Refugee Friendly” city by the U.S. Department of State. This designation marked the beginning of a thriving Vietnamese community that continues to leave a lasting impact on the city.
A key player in this effort was Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska (CSS). Founded in 1932, the organization expanded its mission in 1948 to include refugee resettlement. Working closely with the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and the U.S. Department of State, CSS provided vital assistance to arriving refugees—including transportation to medical appointments, cultural and community orientation, English and citizenship classes, and job placement support.
By Miranda Schumacher
Development Officer at CSS Hastings
Our vision at Catholic Social Services is to inspire hope and love in every encounter. We’re here to help our neighbors, like Annette, who come to us in their most challenging times yet are so grateful for the assistance they receive. We’re here thanks to many of you, our partners in hope, because of your past support through Give Hastings Day.
Lincoln Catholics are mourning the death of Pope Francis, while carrying on his legacy.
On Tuesday, Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska served free coffee and fellowship to those in need, just like Francis taught. Three workers there — Jamie Carson, Katie Patrick and Marilu Cazares — told Channel 8 how they are feeling after the pope’s death.
By Levi Baus,
Volunteer Coordinator in Lincoln, CSSS
For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me…Truly, I say to you, as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me. — Matthew 25: 35-36, 45
In the aftermath of the fall of Saigon in 1975, Lincoln was designated a "Refugee Friendly" city. This designation marked the beginning of a thriving Vietnamese community that continues to leave a lasting impact on Lincoln and the state. CSS helped resettle 257 Vietnamese refugees within the Diocese of Lincoln that year, mostly in Lincoln but also in Hastings. Among those first arrivals was Alex Tran, who was around 10 years old when his family, along with more than 20 relatives, arrived in Lincoln. Alex reminisces with us about that escape from his home country and what that experience was like through the eyes of a child.
By Hope Weninger
Accounting & HR Manager, Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska
Chances are you are a caregiver. Maybe you are a mom or dad raising your children; a daughter or son aiding your aging parents; or caring for others in your chosen profession or vocation.
Just as you are told in the preflight check, put your own oxygen mask on before assisting others. Conceptually, most of us know that, in order to effectively help others, we must take care of ourselves first. But do we?
By Katie Patrick
It was springtime, and the rain was pouring down. I had just met with one of my first clients in my new position at Catholic Social Services in 2019. Let’s call her “Casey.” She and her friend “Naomi” had been badly beaten by their boyfriends the night before. They seemed to be each other’s only support, both fleeing from domestic violence.
