The Diocese of Lincoln’s new Prison and Reentry Apostolate (PARA) focuses on bringing Christ’s love to incarcerated individuals and supporting their journey back into society. The apostolate is directed by Levi Baus, who is also the Volunteer Coordinator for Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska (CSS). Hear Levi talk about this Work of Mercy and how it’s bringing Hope in the Good Life.

In the aftermath of the fall of Saigon in 1975, Lincoln was designated a "Refugee Friendly" city. This designation marked the beginning of a thriving Vietnamese community that continues to leave a lasting impact on Lincoln and the state. CSS helped resettle 257 Vietnamese refugees within the Diocese of Lincoln that year, mostly in Lincoln but also in Hastings. Among those first arrivals was Alex Tran, who was around 10 years old when his family, along with more than 20 relatives, arrived in Lincoln. Alex reminisces with us about that escape from his home country and what that experience was like through the eyes of a child.

You’re invited to join CSS for a Sustainability Open House on April 24, 2025. Director of Sustainability, Jamie Carson, tells us this engaging event aims to highlight CSS’s ongoing sustainability efforts, foster community feedback, and promote environmental stewardship, with a special focus on youth, families, and teachers.

Bill and Stacie Hooks have always believed in the importance of giving back as a way to show gratitude for the blessings in their lives. As the owners of Slim Chickens restaurants in Lincoln, they have been dedicated supporters of Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska for years. This year, their generosity continues as they proudly serve as the silent auction sponsor (https://events.handbid.com/lp/celebration-of-hope-auction) for the Celebration of Hope Gala & Silent Auction on March 15. Tune in to hear their inspiring story and the impact they’re making in the community!

At this year’s 38th Annual Celebration of Hope Gala, we are privileged to honor a true example of servant leadership. Mike Hosek has been named the recipient of the CSS Heart of Christ Award, and in this podcast, you'll hear how his early experiences shaped his commitment to leadership and service. Discover how Mike has brought more Hope in the Good Life to those served through the CSS Food Market and Meal Services Program. His story is a powerful reminder that living out the Gospel doesn’t require changing the whole world at once—it simply calls us to keep saying yes to the opportunities before us.

While the potential impact from the Trump administration on refugee programs is still uncertain, CSS remains committed to serving the needs of all vulnerable individuals within our community. In this podcast, we hear about the hope provided by CSS to people who we have served through our Refugee Resettlement program. Once they are “welcomed home,” CSS does much to provide a real home.

Hear how supporters of the St. Gianna Program at CSS and other Pregnancy Help Organizations can earn more than just a tax deduction thanks to recently enacted legislation called the Nebraska Pregnancy Help Act that creates a win-win for all involved.

What does it mean to be a part of the CSS Legacy of Hope Society? It means that through your generosity, you can support CSS in different ways, long into the future. Chris Raun of the Catholic Foundation of Southern Nebraska explains several financial strategies designed to not only support CSS but also provide tax breaks to benefit you and/or your family.

“It saved my life being here,” says Stephanie and current resident of St. Gianna Women’s Home in Lincoln. During Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Stephanie talks about her life as a victim of domestic violence that included having her leg run over by a truck, black eyes, bruised ribs, being strangled, and a lot of verbal abuse - all things she began to accept as normal in a relationship. Now she has a full-time job, people at St. Gianna’s she calls family, and a whole different outlook on life that is full of hope.

CSS is celebrating TWO DECADES of southeastern Nebraska HOPE IN THE GOOD LIFE on October 5. We'll have food trucks, face painting, fun contests/freebies, and more. Auburn Regional Director April Boellstorff joins us to talk a little about the history of St. Francis Gift and Thrift and why it is such a special place for those in need in southeast Nebraska.