CSS Outreach Offices

By Katie Patrick

Neighbors helping neighbors.

Over the past few weeks, this phrase has been heard frequently alongside victims and state leaders alike, as they talked about the largest wildfire in our state’s history. More than 800,000 acres burned in the Nebraska wildfires, affecting fields and displacing cattle at all stages of operations— disrupting herd management, altering breeding and nutritional patterns, rotational grazing and much more.

Yet, it seems that at every stage, help came from neighbors—whether those in close proximity to the fires, whose land was spared, or those in neighboring states who stepped up to help. This is what Nebraska is all about—resilience and compassion.

By Katie Patrick

My daughters and I were four dozen deep in our cookie-making tradition when my work phone rang on Christmas Eve. I often don’t answer outside of working hours, but something told me that I needed to answer that call.

When I did, a woman was on the other line crying. I asked her what happened and if there was anything I could do to help. She explained to me that she was calling on behalf of her daughter, who was living with an ex-boyfriend and his family. The environment was toxic, abusive, and escalating—and she had nowhere to go.

In the latest 180 with Katie—a quick, three-minute update—CSS Executive Director Katie Patrick and Development Officer John Soukup share how your support is making a real difference in both immediate needs and lasting transformation. From a powerful story of faith and generosity at “Mercy Station” in Lincoln to record numbers of families served with basic necessities—and lives being changed through the prison and reentry apostolate—February was filled with impact made possible by you. You’ll also hear how growing donor support and expanding sustainability efforts are helping strengthen our mission of providing more Hope in the Good Life for the future.