By April Boellstorff
Regional Director in Auburn,
Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska
How do you explain a job that fills your heart to overflowing? When people ask what I do, words often fail me. How does one properly verbalize love? At Catholic Social Services, every day brings new reminders of what love is. It’s more than just a feeling—it’s action, compassion, and connection.
As St. Augustine said: “What does love look like? It has hands to help others. It has feet to hasten to the poor and needy. It has eyes to see misery and want. It has ears to hear the sighs and sorrows of men. That is what love looks like.”
At this year’s 38th Annual Celebration of Hope Gala, we are privileged to honor a true example of servant leadership. Mike Hosek has been named the recipient of the CSS Heart of Christ Award, and in this podcast, you'll hear how his early experiences shaped his commitment to leadership and service. Discover how Mike has brought more Hope in the Good Life to those served through the CSS Food Market and Meal Services Program. His story is a powerful reminder that living out the Gospel doesn’t require changing the whole world at once—it simply calls us to keep saying yes to the opportunities before us.
By Katie Patrick
If you have never attended Catholic Social Services’ Celebration of Hope banquet, I urge you to join us this year. With the primary goal of sharing our mission and celebrating the impact our donors have made this past year, we are adding several new elements to the evening of Saturday, March 15.
By Katie Patrick
Did you know that for the first time, Nebraska taxpayers can make a more significant impact while benefiting from the Nebraska Pregnancy Help Act? The Act offers a nonrefundable tax credit for cash contributions to approved pregnancy help organizations, including Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska (CSS).
While the potential impact from the Trump administration on refugee programs is still uncertain, CSS remains committed to serving the needs of all vulnerable individuals within our community. In this podcast, we hear about the hope provided by CSS to people who we have served through our Refugee Resettlement program. Once they are “welcomed home,” CSS does much to provide a real home.
Hear how supporters of the St. Gianna Program at CSS and other Pregnancy Help Organizations can earn more than just a tax deduction thanks to recently enacted legislation called the Nebraska Pregnancy Help Act that creates a win-win for all involved.
By John McDermott
Vice President, Marketing & Development
Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska
Around this time each year, it’s natural for us to look back and feel grateful for God’s countless blessings. For me, during the Christmas season and at the start of a new year, I thank God for all that He has done for me over the past year – not just in my personal life, but in my work life. I’m blessed to work at Catholic Social Services and am so thankful for my co-workers, our volunteers, and those who support our mission through prayers and with material and monetary donations. I’m also blessed to have the opportunity from time to time to see how grateful those who come to CSS for assistance are for any help we can provide.
