Johnny Ray was sentenced to life in prison, plus 50 years, for a crime he committed at just 17 years old. In the silence of an empty room after his sentencing, his painful cries of regret and hopelessness were met by an unexpected voice—the voice of God, telling him to have faith. That moment began a journey. First through the support of a religious sister, then others, Johnny experienced a spiritual conversion that transformed his life. Now, no longer behind bars, he’s dedicated to inspiring faith and hope in those still incarcerated. He shares his incredible story on this episode of Hope in the Good Life.

“At the end of the day, we feel the USA is our country, and the American flag will fly prominently.” Those are the words of Hasan Khalil, organizer of the first Youth World Cup Celebration sponsored by Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska. Hear Hasan talk about how he’s bringing 200 youth, most from refugee families, together for this event on July 23, at Clinton Elementary School in Lincoln from 5 to 7pm.

Of all the places in America they could continue their medical careers, two men from Nigeria found themselves building new lives in Imperial—a small town in southwestern Nebraska, surrounded by farmland and prairie, and a world away from home. Discover how Francis Oleru and Aloysius Aleke came to embrace this rural community as their own, and how Catholic Social Services helped weave their two journeys into one shared new beginning.

"Welcoming the Stranger" is a call to offer hospitality, shelter, and a sense of belonging to those who may be displaced, unfamiliar, or in need of assistance. It's also a Work of Mercy and thus an important component of Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska's mission. In this podcast, CSS team member and attorney Brad Brestel shares how the CSS Immigration Legal Services staff helps provide hope for a new life in America with affordable legal aid.

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.