“Christ is in the poor. Christ loves the poor. Christ desires for us to love the poor.” In this episode of Hope in the Good Life, we hear from seminarians of St. Gregory the Great Seminary who volunteer with Catholic Social Services Community Street Outreach. Together with Alexis Broulliette who leads this program, they share powerful stories of encounter, transformation, and what it truly means to bring the Heart of Christ to the streets of Lincoln. This year, these men will be honored with the Heart of Christ Award at the Celebration of Hope Gala & Silent Auction — a celebration of hope lived out in action.

As we prepare for this year’s Celebration of Hope Gala & Silent Auction on March 14, we’re bringing back one of the most powerful conversations shared on the Hope in the Good Life Podcast.

In Episode 58, John Soukup sits down with Johnny Ray for a raw and deeply moving conversation about transformation, redemption, and the mercy of God. Once serving a life sentence, Johnny shares how his life was radically changed through faith, accountability, and the support of those who refused to give up on him.

Johnny Ray will be the featured speaker at this year’s Celebration of Hope Gala because his story powerfully reflects the mission of the Catholic Social Services Prison and Reentry Apostolate (PARA). His journey is proof that no one is beyond hope — and that restoration is possible when faith and community walk alongside those seeking a second chance.

Register today for the Celebration of Hope Gala & Silent Auction at csshope.org.

On this episode of Hope in the Good Life, John Soukup talks with Kevin Murray about Trumpet Fest, an annual concert that combines musical excellence with a mission of service. Kevin shares how the event began in 2004 and highlights the high caliber of musicians involved—from talented young students to seasoned professionals—performing a surprising variety of music in the beautiful acoustics of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Lincoln. He also reflects on Trumpet Fest’s impact as a fundraiser for Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska, raising more than $50,000 since its inception, and what continues to inspire him to bring the event back each year, including this year’s concert on February 15.

The latest 180 with Katie highlights December at Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska as a powerful month of “hope in action.” John Soukup and Executive Director Katie Patrick share how staff, volunteers, donors, and community partners came together across southern Nebraska to serve families, support those experiencing homelessness, and bring comfort during the holiday season. From food markets, thrift stores, and outreach efforts to record-breaking generosity and life-changing moments of personal care, the episode shows how small acts—meals shared, coats given, prayers offered—made a lasting impact on hundreds of lives throughout December.

In this episode of Hope in the Good Life, John Soukup revisits a story of welcome that still matters today. In the aftermath of the 2021 evacuation of Afghanistan, CSS Volunteer Jeff Kanger opened his home to an Afghan family seeking safety and security, hosting them until Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska helped secure a permanent home through its refugee resettlement efforts. As the new year begins, this conversation reminds us that welcoming the stranger isn’t a one-time response to crisis, but an ongoing commitment to mercy, dignity, and Hope in the Good Life.

In this November episode of 180 with Katie, Executive Director Katie Patrick and Development Officer John Soukup look back on a month of strong community engagement, increasing need, and hopeful moments across southern Nebraska. The 180 second episode highlights record social media reach, generous donor and grant support, and meaningful impact through food assistance, family support services, immigration legal services, refugee resettlement, sustainability efforts, and the Prison & Reentry Apostolate. From Thanksgiving baskets and holiday outreach to community events and behind-the-scenes ministry, this episode offers a snapshot of how Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska continues to bring Hope in the Good Life to thousands of neighbors each day.

In this episode, we take a look at meaningful and tax-wise ways to give as the year comes to a close. Host John Soukup sits down with planned giving expert Jim Gustafson, to explore simple year-end gifts, monthly giving, IRA charitable distributions, appreciated assets, grain donations, Donor Advised Funds, and more. If you’re considering a year-end gift to CSS or another nonprofit, this conversation offers clear, practical insight on how your generosity can make a real impact.

In this episode of 180 with Katie, John and Katie take listeners through just over 180 seconds of highlights from an extraordinary month across all Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska locations. From record-setting assistance in Hastings and remarkable volunteer engagement in Auburn to significant increases in homelessness outreach and family support in Lincoln, October showcased CSS’s mission in full motion.

On this episode of Hope in the Good Life Podcast, we’re coming to you from St. Gianna Women’s Home—a safe, faith-filled refuge in Lincoln where women and families find healing after domestic violence and under-supported pregnancies. Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska invites you and your family to Carole Fest 2025, a Christmas benefit concert on December 14th at 3 p.m. at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church. This uplifting event highlights the St. Gianna Program through music, meditations, and inspiring stories—all to support the women who call St. Gianna’s home. Joining us today are three Marian Sisters who serve as Advocates at St. Gianna’s: Sister Carol Hohmeier, Sister Gabriel Perry, and Sister Melissa Moxley. Together, they’ll share what it means to walk with these women, the moments that inspire them, and how Carole Fest helps support this life-changing ministry.

In this episode of Hope in the Good Life, John Soukup visits with two Catholic Social Services team members serving in southwest Nebraska to share how they bring hope and compassion to families in rural communities. The conversation also highlights an upcoming Trivia Night fundraiser on November 14 in Imperial—an evening of fun that supports the serious work of helping neighbors in need. As the title reminds us, when it comes to faith, community, and service, there’s nothing trivial about hope.