In this episode of "Hope in the Good Life", Nolan Lemna shares how his faith inspired a project connecting Nebraska farmers with families experiencing food insecurity. Through a $200,000 Nebraska Environmental Trust grant, Nolan is helping bring locally produced food to families while encouraging farmers to care for the soil, water and wildlife God has entrusted to us. He also reflects on how working the land has deepened his own faith and revealed another way to encounter God in the quiet.
Messages of Hope
By Miranda Schumacher
Development Officer at CSS Hastings Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska
What a year it has been for Catholic Social Services in Hastings!
Last year at this time, we were anticipating our office move to 124 S. Colorado Ave. and beginning plans for a new thrift store. Little did we know that the year ahead would bring even more growth—including the purchase of a warehouse right next to our new office. Along the way, we have implemented new policies, welcomed new staff, and, most importantly, continued to make a lasting impact through our mission.
Our latest Little Blessings newsletter highlights their August adventures, shares important notes from our Child Care Manager (including openings for both Littles and teachers!), and so much more. Read how our Catholic faith-based Lincoln center is nurturing Hope in the Good Life!
The CSS Memorial Golf Classic is celebrating its 30th year, and this episode looks back at how the tournament began and the legacy it has built over three decades. John Soukup talks with CSS Vice President of Marketing and Development John McDermott, who started the tournament 30 years ago, and Tom Tracy, who played in the very first tournament. This year’s event honors Tom’s parents, Tom and Margaret Ann Tracy, who were married for 72 years and built a life centered on faith, family, hard work and devotion to one another. Tom and John share memories of the tournament’s early days, the Tracy family legacy, and how the Memorial Golf Classic continues to bring people together while supporting CSS and bringing hope to those it serves.
“I am the light of the world; he who follows me will not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” (John 8:12)
Every time you decide to buy extra groceries, donate your time or treasure, and pray for our mission, that sacrifice has the capacity to bring just a little more light into our dark world.
New store hours effective September 2026
Our Bountiful Harvest Gala & Silent Auction will be held on October 4, 2026, at the City Auditorium. Each year, we gather to celebrate the work God is doing through Catholic Social Services, share stories of the people we serve, enjoy time with those who support our mission, and raise the resources needed to continue this lifesaving work for those in need.
The 30th annual CSS Memorial Golf Classic & Cookout is set for Monday, September 14th, at Hillcrest Country Club in Lincoln. We are honored to hold this year's event in memory of Tom and Margaret Tracy of Lincoln.
As summer comes to an end and the start of a new school year approaches, many families begin preparing for back-to-school expenses. For some parents, getting their children ready for school can be overwhelming.
Mondays at St. Louise Gift & Thrift are bustling with activity. Since we're closed to the public, it gives staff and volunteers the opportunity to clean, reorganize, and stock new merchandise.
From farm fields to food pantries, one Nebraska man is making a local impact and nourishing Hope in the Good Life.
Beginning August 10th, 2026, we will allow part-time enrollment at Little Blessings Child Care of Catholic Social Services. This change will allow us to better serve more families and provide them with Catholic education and care.
With less than 24 hours to go, things looked pretty bleak. And soggy.
Our first Catholic Social Services golf tournament was held on a Friday, Sept. 20, 1996. The afternoon before the tourney, we were staring out our office window at the monsoon-like conditions. The wind-driven rain was forecast to stick around all day, all night, and well into the next day—golf tournament day. It looked as if months of planning were about to literally go down the drain. Should we go ahead and cancel now and let the golfers know when we try to reschedule the event, or do we move forward with having the tourney the next day and hope for the best?
Our Little Blessings had a wonderfully busy July- read all about it, and learn more about Little Blessings Childcare of Catholic Social Services!
Our CSS Auburn office and thrift store (St. Francis Gift & Thrift) will be closed August 10-15.
In this episode, we explore how our community is helping ensure no one has to face hunger alone. Host John Soukup sits down with Mike Hosek, organizer of the annual Walk to End Hunger on August 8 in Lincoln, and Kristina Brandl, manager of the CSS Lincoln Food Market, to discuss how a simple walk has grown into a year-round effort to keep food on the shelves for hundreds of families in need. They explain how friendly competitions among Knights of Columbus councils and parishes are making a difference and discuss the ongoing need for food assistance in the community. You'll also learn how you can join the Walk to End Hunger or support the CSS Food Market throughout the year to bring hope to our neighbors in need.
There are opportunities all around to help neighbors in need. You just need to know where to look, and you find those places by opening your heart and asking, “Lord, how can I serve you today?” He will provide — I believe that with all my heart.
Read the latest CSS updates and encounters from across 24,000 square miles of Nebraska!
This year's Walk to End Hunger is scheduled for Saturday, August 8th from 10a-12p at the Pius X HS track.
"Why would you move to Nebraska?" That's always the first question I get when people learn that I'm originally from Lake Charles, Louisiana. What they don't know is that while my Cajun roots are strong, I moved 23 times growing up, and Nebraska just happened to be the last stop along the way. It was here that I became an adult, married my high school sweetheart, and brought seven beautiful children into the world.
CSS Southwest update includes how they're meeting challenges and furnishing Hope in the Good Life to the region.
Please mark your calendars for Sunday, October 4, 2026, as we gather at the Hastings City Auditorium for our largest and most important fundraiser of the year: the annual Bountiful Harvest Gala & Silent Auction!
In Auburn, our work continues to be defined by moments of profound connection and resilience. We are humbled by the opportunity to walk alongside our neighbors, whether they are visiting us for the first time or facing unexpected challenges.
