Sustainability Department

❓Q: Why are we focusing on sustainability? Isn’t our mission about helping people?

A: Sustainability is about helping people - especially those most impacted by inequality and environmental harm. Communities facing poverty, poor housing, or food insecurity often face higher exposure to pollution, limited access to clean water, and unsafe living conditions.

By focusing on sustainable solutions, we’re addressing these issues at their roots and building a healthier, safer, and more resilient community for the long term.

❓Q: How does this connect to our core values at Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska?

A: At CSS, our mission is rooted in serving the vulnerable with dignity, compassion, and love. Sustainability, one of the CSS Core Values, supports this mission by caring not only for those in need today but also by protecting the well-being of future generations and the communities we serve.

Our guiding principles - including human dignity, solidarity, stewardship, and a preferential option for the poor- are deeply connected to sustainability: 

• Human Dignity: Everyone deserves a safe, healthy environment to live, work, and raise a family. Sustainable practices help ensure that basic needs are met, especially for those who are often overlooked. 
• Solidarity with the Poor: Environmental harm and resource insecurity disproportionately affect the poor and vulnerable. Sustainability addresses these injustices directly by advocating for solutions that protect those most at risk. 
• Stewardship of Creation: We are called to care for God’s creation. This means protecting the earth using its resources wisely and responsibly, so they are available to all - now and in the future.

Sustainability is not a departure from our mission – it’s a way of living it out more fully, ensuring that our care for others is not only immediate but lasting. 

❓Q: How does Sustainability help CSS and our community stay strong and resilient?

A: Sustainability helps Catholic Social Services build resilience – for our organization and the communities we serve. 

Here's how:

• Reducing vulnerability to rising costs: Energy-efficient buildings, local food sourcing, and waste reduction strategies help us lower operating costs, which means more resources can go directly to client services – especially during times of economic strain. 
• Protecting the most at risk: Low-income and vulnerable populations often feel the effects of environmental disruptions first – whether it’s flooding, heatwaves, or utility outages. Sustainable planning helps us provide safer spaces and more reliable services in a crisis. 
• Building community resilience: By partnering with others to support sustainable food systems, affordable housing, and clean environments, we strengthen the whole community’s ability to bounce back after hardship – especially those who would otherwise be left behind.
• Living our Catholic values: We are called to be responsible stewards of God’s creation and to care for our neighbors not only in emergencies, but in how we plan, build, and serve. Sustainability ensures our work is rooted in justice and responsibility for the long-term good.

❓Q: What difference can sustainability really make for a small organization like CSS?

A: Every action counts! Even small efforts – like reducing energy use, sourcing food locally, or improving efficiency in our programs – help us serve more effectively and responsibly. Sustainability helps us stretch our resources, reduce waste, and model faithful stewardship. And when many small organizations take action, the collective impact is powerful.

❓Q: Won’t sustainability take focus or resources away from helping clients directly?

A: Not at all. In fact, sustainable practices often support our client services.  For example, energy-efficient buildings lower operating costs, which means more funds for direct support. Similarly, local partnerships reduce transportation costs. Additionally, shopping second-hand through our Gift & Thrift Stores and eCommerce helps reduce waste to landfills, while financially supporting our various programs. Ultimately, sustainability enhances – rather than replaces — our core services.

Your voice matters! Help shape the future of CSS. 

We're gathering insights for our Sustainability Plan through a brief stakeholder survey. Your opinions on key sustainability priorities will directly influence our goals and initiatives, helping us enhance organizational and community resilience and protect humanity and creation. 

🌎 Learn More: The Human Impact of Climate Change & Sustainability

• Effects of Climate Change on Low-income Communities. 

• Climate Change and the Health of the Socially Vulnerable 

• Sustainability and Economic Growth. 

• Social, Environmental, and Economic Impact of Sustainable Development.

🌱 Learn More: Catholic Teaching & Sustainability

• Catholic Church and Climate Change: Why Catholics care about Climate Change

• Sustainability and Catholic Social Thought

We're grateful for your interest and support as together we work to build a sustainable HOPE IN THE GOOD LIFE!