"In February 1992, they arrived in the heartland of America, Lincoln, Nebraska, with little more than a handful of possessions, no command of the English language, and not a single familiar face in sight. It was in the midst of that bitterly cold month that they started their journey to build a new life." This week's Messages of Hope shares a journey of hope undertaken by Tran, thirty-two years ago, from Vietnam to Hope in the Good Life.
"Roughly a year and a half ago, we began our first Bible study at St. Gianna Women’s Home, upon the request of the visiting Christ in the City missionaries. While I wasn’t certain exactly how successful our turnout would be, we agreed, thankful that the female missionaries wanted to live out a part of their service at St. Gianna’s."
Bill Murphy fervently advocates for volunteering with Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska, extending his recommendation to everyone he encounters. He cherishes his volunteering experiences because, in the face of his faltering eyesight, he can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who require assistance. This dedication has earned Bill the prestigious Life of Christ Award, which will be presented to him at this year's Bountiful Harvest Dinner in Hastings on October 8. In this podcast, Bill shares his story of how he discovered CSS, and how he's helping others "see" hope as a volunteer.
by Katie Patrick
In a world that often seems preoccupied with the hustle and bustle of daily life, it is heartwarming to witness young people stepping up to make a difference in their communities. Recently, 15 students from Hastings College did just that by volunteering for a day at Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska.
We find Hope in the Good Life in southcentral Nebraska and in the art being produced by Sondra Jonson. She owns SL Jonson Studios in Cambridge, Nebraska, and has donated much of her art to benefit Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska and other charities. Like CSS, her art provides Hope to those who may be inspired by her creations. As a supporter of CSS, she talks about the importance of giving back and, in doing so, providing the hope so many need.
Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska (CSS) in Auburn operates not only as a place where those in need can secure food for their families, or where an individual living on a fixed income can access emergency cash assistance when their only vehicle needs repair, nor is it only a place for local folks to shop at the St. Francis Gift & Thrift. It is, in fact, much more than this. Catholic Social Services in Auburn provides essential services that go beyond the surface, touching hearts and uplifting spirits.
