By Corbin Hubbell
Social Media Coordinator
Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska (CSS) recently extended a helping hand by distributing Thanksgiving food baskets to those in need.
The collective initiative unfolded across the Auburn, Hastings, and Lincoln CSS locations.
Our latest issue of the Patron quarterly newsletter shares our latest HOPE IN THE GOOD LIFE updates!
He's been a "bean counter" for Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska (CSS) for 24 years, and he's still amazed at what those beans have done for CSS. Bill Meduna talks about his time with CSS as Vice President of Operations, and why this agency is such a great place to work.
November 15th was the 2023 Lincoln Littles' Childcare Teachers Foundation Class Graduation, and our very own CSS childcare director, Elaine Simpson, graduated along with 18 other childcare teachers!
Food banks in 16 towns in south central Nebraska rely on Catholic Social Services for deliveries. That food is then distributed to community members in need.
After nearly three years of planning and construction, our newly renovated and expanded headquarters in Lincoln is open for business!
CSS Lincoln and CSS Auburn is here to help this holiday season.
Over one hundred members of Lincoln's Ukrainian community gathered at the House of Prayer on Friday, October 20th, to show their appreciation and gratitude to local politicians and community leaders who had profound impacts on the refugee community. Our CSS Refugee Resettlement Services team attended and was honored to receive recognition for their work in the community.
During this Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, I wanted to share my story to help honor and raise awareness for those babies who were born sleeping, those who were carried but never met, those who were held but did not go home, and the ones who came home but could not stay.
By Corbin Hubbell
Social Media Coordinator
Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska (CSS) marked a milestone on their journey of service Oct. 14.
The CSS headquarters in Lincoln opened its doors for an open house and tour, marking the completion of an expansion and renovation project aimed at addressing the increasing needs from the community.
Katie Patrick, executive director of CSS since 2021, explained the driving force behind this project.
Southern Nebraska Register
Catholic Social Services
Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska (CSS), headquartered in Lincoln, won a 2023 Sustainability Award by the Keep Nebraska Beautiful organization.
After a two-year renovation, Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska is excited to show off its new space during an open house Saturday (10/14).
The $3.5 million redevelopment and expansion includes a revamped waiting room with a new entryway and café space, a larger multi-purpose room for various classes and community events, and a chapel.
"Every year for the past eight years, Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska, in partnership with the Knights of Columbus, has hosted the annual “Coats for Kids” community event. Together, we distribute hundreds of coats to children who would otherwise be left in the cold or wearing donated, worn coats that don't quite fit. This year’s event was particularly special as it took place in our newly designed building, tailored for events just like this one!"
For over 30 years. Catholic Social Services Hastings has prioritized sustainability in its actions and practices. In the past year, this was accomplished through wise use of donated items, an innovative food recovery, and by helping families create sustainable lifestyles.
Our 2023 Bountiful Harvest Impact report shares some of the many ways CSS Hastings, thanks to community partners &over 10,000 volunteer hours, made a sustainable Hope in the Good Life difference in southcentral Nebraska.
The public is invited to an open house and tour of the Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska (CSS) headquarters in Lincoln, to celebrate the completion of a major expansion and renovation project.
"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.
For the past 27 years, Catholic Social Services has hosted the CSS Memorial Golf Classic and Auction in memory of one of our own. We have recognized former volunteers, donors, staff and community members who have impacted our mission by performing the Works of Mercy in response to the call of God.
In this episode of our Hope in the Good Life podcast, we take a walk to end hunger…or at least HEAR about how we can Walk to End Hunger on August 6, 2023, in Lincoln! Mike Hosek tells us how he coordinates this annual event to benefit the CSS Lincoln Food Market. CSS Lincoln Food Market Manager Doris Schueth shares why this event, and the CSS Food Market in general, is a nourishing source of HOPE IN THE GOOD LIFE for our neighbors needing a hand-up.
Do you recognize the quote, “no man is an island?” It’s the opening line of John Donne’s poem of the same name: “No man is an island entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main.”
"On that second anniversary, the thought was put into my head: 'That’s a gift from Jose.'" Our latest podcast episode features Mary Quintero, the widow of long-time CSS volunteer Jose Quintero. Mary shares a few stories about Jose, including how a beloved flower reminded her that Jose still watches over her. We're blessed to honor the work and legacy of Jose through our 2023 CSS Memorial Golf Classic.
When our executive director Katie Patrick asked us to write an article for the Southern Nebraska Register and share more about our work in Imperial, the first thing that came to mind was Love. Father Mike has talked about how Love can be summed up in three words: Here I am.
Abdulrazzak Alkoutaini, or "Abdul," is a refugee from war-torn Syria. While starting a new life in a new country can be hard, he said when he and his family were greeted with the words "Welcome Home" by a CSS refugee case worker after arriving in Lincoln, the fear of the unknown disappeared. He is now a CSS refugee case worker himself, and he continues to use those same words when greeting new Nebraskans as he helps them start their new lives.
"As we approached St. Gianna’s feast day this past April 28th, God blessed me with frequent opportunities to reflect on her example of loving her little one and choosing to preserve her baby’s life no matter the cost." In our latest No Greater Love newsletter, SGP Manager Veronica Hotovy shares working with a mother who expressed feeling like she was “trapped in a dark alley with no way out.” Thanks to you, we enveloped this mom in love, support, and #HopeintheGoodLife light.
