Creating Confidence

“Billy nervously walked toward the horses, and he instinctively stuck his hand out to greet the closest horse. His shoulders and arms were rigid. His hand was a tightly closed fist. The horse walked away. The following day, Billy’s arm and shoulder were less rigid. However, the hand remained tightly clasped. The horse backed up a few steps but did not walk away. On the third day, although Billy was still a bit hesitant, he took several deep breaths (without being prompted) before he approached the horse. As a result, the tension in his body dissolved. As he moved forward, the horse extended his nose to smell (greet) his open hands,” shared Nancy.

Success Comes in Unexpected Forms

Nancy Lyon, who operates LyonHeart Equine Assisted Learning program in Kearney, Nebraska, shared that she sees successes that come in unexpected forms. one of the first tasks they ask of the children (no matter the program topic) is to build a relationship with a horse by introducing themselves to the horse.

LyonHeart has been awarded grant funds from Snow-Redfern Foundation for serval years, which have, in turn, been translated into family scholarships for individual/private sessions. The work Nancy does with children and horses helps kids develop confidence to creatively solve academic and life challenges, develop and consciously choose to positively regulate emotions in stressful situations by becoming aware of non-verbal communication, and to learn to identify & utilize their network of support.

Target Population

The target population that they serve are children and youth between the ages of 5 and 18.  The children enrolled are vulnerable and/or at-risk, based upon parental behavior ratings. LyonHeart reported that 18% of the kids they serve have behavior concerns, 12.5% experience anxiety, 15% experience anger, and 7% are in an adoption or foster care situation. Other indicators documented include the in incidence of single parent households, academic challenges, depression, low parental income, and involvement with Individual Education Plans.

As of June 2022, Snow-Redfern grant funds have funded twelve scholarships for individual/private sessions and a three-day summer group program, and another thirteen scholarships just for the summer group program.

Thanks to the dedicated work of LyonHeart Equine Assisted Learning Program, many kids can develop confidence and life skills and we are proud to be a partner in their work.

In the spring of 2022, the KM Dahlstedt Memorial Scholarship was organized by the Dahlstedt family, after the death of Kevin Michael Dahlstedt in 2007.  Employed with BNSF for nearly was the vice-local chair for the UTU as well as serving as councilman for the Alliance City Council.

He was passionate for the culture, the history, and the work of railroading. For him, it was truly more than a job. Kevin was also a history enthusiast, and an avid reader.

His widow, Kevin Leigh, and their three children, Wren, Mara, and Conrad, want to extend Kevin’s generosity by encouraging students to pursue a career in high-demand trades, and possibly, find a lifelong passion.

Snow-Redfern Foundation received multiple scholarship applications for these funds, and ultimately awarded $5,000.00 scholarships to four students graduating from Alliance High School. The awarded students are all enrolled for fall classes at various colleges.  The majors include nursing science, powerline program, criminal justice, and veterinary science.

We are thankful to the Dahlstedt family for their commitment to the community and to the young people that are pursuing education, training and ultimately, careers in Nebraska.

“Honoring a family member through a scholarship fund is a wonderful way to not only extend a legacy, but also to have a positive impact on the life of a young person”, shared Snow-Redfern Executive Director, Sara Nicholson, who encourages more families to consider this charitable and loving option for giving.

We are honored to announce that eight (8) High School Seniors have been selected as scholarship recipients for the Snow-Redfern Foundation managed scholarship funds.

Hempel Family Scholarship

Three young people were selected by the Snow-Redfern Foundation to receive the Hempel Family Scholarship in the fall of 2022. Braelyn Shrewsbury, of Alliance, will be pursuing a degree Veterinary Technology from Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture. Emma Wood, of Alliance, will be attending University of Nebraska at Omaha for a bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education and master’s degree in School Counseling. Julie Johnson, of Hemingford, will be attending Western Nebraska Community College to pursue a degree in Social Work.

K.M. Dahlstedt Scholarship

Four students were selected for the K.M. Dahlstedt Scholarship, to be awarded for the fall of 2022. Zane Stoike, of Alliance, will attend Western Nebraska Community College to pursue a degree in Powerline Construction and Maintenance. Braelyn Shrewsbury, of Alliance, will be pursuing a degree Veterinary Technology from Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture. Abigail Burr, of Alliance, will attend University of Nebraska at Kearney in pursuit of a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. Luna Gonzalez, of Alliance, will be attending the University of Nebraska- Omaha in pursuit of a Nursing Science degree.

Horn Scholarship

The sole recipient of the Kevin Horn Scholarship was Liliana Cuevas, of Hemingford. She will be attending Western Nebraska Community College to pursue an associate degree in Early Childhood Education.

Preference for these three scholarship programs is given to young people attending Hemingford or Alliance Public Schools, with plans to remain in Nebraska following completion of their higher education.

“We are honored to offer this opportunity, which pays tribute to the memory of Edward M. and Eda S. Hempel and K.M. Dahlstedt, and honors or former board member, Kevin Horn. We are pleased to award this scholarship to students, such as Braelyn, Emma, Julie, Liliana, Zane, Luna, and Abigail- all whom possess impressive qualities, including leadership, service, and dedication to academic studies,” commented Sara Nicholson, Executive Director of Snow-Redfern Foundation.

Sharing Family Legacy

“We have been blessed with the opportunity to award the ongoing generous gifts honoring Mr. and Ms. Hempel, who were consistently generous contributors to Snow-Redfern Foundation, formerly the Nebraska Boys Ranch. Mr. Hempel was a long-time board member and he and his family supported the youth at Nebraska Boys Ranch through service and contributions intended to impact the lives of the youth placed at the Ranch,” shared Snow-Redfern Foundation’s Grant & Scholarship Committee Chairperson, Andrew Hunzeker. “This year we were also honored to received two additional scholarship gifts and are thankful to the Dahlstedt family and Kevin Horn for supporting the future success of these students.”

Snow-Redfern Foundation believes in the power of opportunity and invites those interested in creating impact for youth to Join them in investing in the good life for kids.

Join us by investing in the good life for kids – https://form-renderer-app.donorperfect.io/give/snow-redfern-memorial-foundation/donor-campaign

 Snow-Redfern Foundation provides financial support to nonprofit partners that offer programs and services that make a life-changing impact for kids in need. As the former Nebraska Boys Ranch, Snow-Redfern Foundation has a rich history in advocating for, protecting, and encouraging youth in need of hope and healing. Though we no longer provide direct care, our commitment to equipping
young people with the skills they need to be successful and live a good life remains.

Various Panhandle partners have been coming together to determine how they can join forces to answer an important question:  What is the best path forward in creating a sustainable spectrum for a frontier-based career pathways framework?

A career pathway is a defined service model that is delivered in partnership with education and workforce that helps individuals advance educationally and economically. Career pathways are intended to encourage and expand the number of students, jobseekers, and workers who earn industry-recognized, postsecondary credentials that correspond to the skill needs of employers in high-demand industry sectors.

Though varying models of this systemic approach to improving outcomes for students and employers have been around for decades, there remains a necessity for individualization accommodations based on geography, resource availability, culture, and need.

In April, a group of individuals were invited to a facilitated discussion to determine first steps.  Next steps include a consensus workshop scheduled for June 1st in Scottsbluff.

“We need the voice, input, and knowledge of as many system partners as possible to ensure the plan we develop is comprehensive, outcome- focused, and impactful for all affected populations and industries”, said Snow-Redfern Foundation ED, Sara Nicholson.

Though the partners involved have fluctuated over the past two years, included in planning have been the local school districts, WNCC, UNL Extension, Twin Cities Development, Scotts Bluff and Box Butte Economic Development, ESU 13, Department of Labor, and local businesses such as Paul Reed Construction, Aulick Industries, and Murphy John Deere.

Want to be involved?  Email us at [email protected] today!

There are all kinds of creative and educational opportunities blooming for kids! One of the grants that we awarded last year was called the Outdoor Nature Classroom.  The City Sprouts hosted classes for Home Grown Kids, their youth education program for homeschooled children, throughout the chilly spring weather.

“Support from Snow Redfern made it possible to provide educational garden beds and a vermicomposting center for the children to learn from year-round outdoors in our Geodesic Greenhouse. Kids are able to learn about nature through hands-on experiences growing food, composting, cooking, and more”, shared Katie Kresha, Executive Director of City Sprouts.

The space is also used to host field trips and other educational programs for youth and adults and this year we funded this cool learning opportunity in Scottsbluff!

Learn more about the outdoor classroom, educational opportunities, and upcoming events at www.omahasprouts.org!

Help us invest in the good life for kids!

Mental health problems affect 1 in 5 young people, but two-thirds of those who need treatment do not have access to it. Lack of access to supports can have a serious and lasting impact across all areas of a child’s life.

Leaving children without support contributes to school drop-out, unemployment, and involvement with the juvenile or criminal justice system. In addition to loss of short- and long-term opportunities, there is also loss of life with suicide as the second leading cause of death for those ages 10 to 24 (Mental Health America).

Discussing Mental Health Was Uncommon

Board member, Donna Jones, grew up in a time when mental health was not something openly discussed. She recalls that it was seen as something shameful, uncommon, and something you did not seek out help for and that it was a condition in which services were rarely available. If services were available, however, they were not accessible. Over the years, Donna recalls how this led to people in her life that self-medicated with drugs and alcohol to cope with their mental health concerns.

Good Mental Health IS Important

Donna shared that she did not realize, nor was she able to acknowledge until later in her life, the vast importance of good mental health. She confidently believes that if mental health had been openly discussed and de-stigmatized, that she would have seen these individuals thrive, instead of struggle, with untreated mental health concerns.

Later in life, Donna experienced the most unfathomable loss. Something no parent or person should have to experience. Her teenage son, Logan, died by suicide.

“Logan was extremely strong and brave as he sought help for his depression. He did not feel shame and was willing to be open and honest about his struggles. He even gave a speech in school about it,” shared Donna.

Even though Logan’s story ended too soon, the fact that he was able to speak up and help take away some of the stigma surrounding mental health care gave Donna the drive to continue his fight.

“Logan will live on through me and my passion to help youth overcome their struggles with mental health.”

When Donna was approached to be a board member for Snow-Redfern Foundation, she believed it would be an amazing opportunity for her to work collectively to help positively impact her community around youth mental health.

Prevention, Early Identification, and Access to Services

We know that most people who will develop mental health disorders experience symptoms by age 14. Identifying these early signs and providing appropriate supports can improve the child’s life, mitigate worsening symptoms, and improve mental health in the future. According to Mental Health America, three universal strategies should be used to combat this serious issue: Prevention, Early Identification, and Access to Services.

We are honored to have Donna serve our community and help make a difference in fight to improve mental health services and supports.

Help Donna and Snow-Redfern Foundation to honor Logan and positively impact communities by creating awareness about children’s mental health related issues.

The kids are already counting down the days until the end of school. But before they are let loose for the summer, you do have to prepare them for upcoming summer break. Try these suggestions to see if they help the year runs smoother!

  1. Start a “summer kick-off” calendar at home. Remember Advent calendars that are used to help children know how when Christmas is coming? It’s the same idea. You can also use the same type of calendar during the summer to help children prepare to head back to school when summer is over. I threw together this easy countdown printable to place in an extra picture frame we had. Just use a dry erase marker to customize it to your countdown
  2. Your child may be nervous about missing their friends. One way to alleviate this stress is to make acquaintances with the parents of your children’s friends. Exchange telephone numbers or emails and plan to meet for play days every so often during the school break.
  3. Rather than throw structure out the window when the last day of school is over, it is important to maintain it. Some kids have difficulty with sudden changes. It may be helpful for them to get up at the same time for the first couple of weeks and then slowly allow them (and you!) to sleep in. One benefit of maintaining some sort of structure during the summer is that it will make it easier when it comes to back to school time. We try to stick to a summer schedule. It’s a loosely based schedule but it also helps us figure out what to do each day!
  4. Plan activities for the summer so your children have something to look forward to. Get the kids involved and discuss different activities you can do as a family, from simple crafts to helping you cook or specific day trips to the zoo, an amusement park or a day at the beach.
  5. Check in with your child’s teacher. Ask them if there are any areas your child needs to work on during the summer and what types of fun activities you can do to help. Remember, however, you want to keep the activities fun so your kids don’t feel like they are still in school. Also, it’s really important to keep your kids reading over the summer.
  6. Stock up on bug repellent and sunscreen. Also make sure your first-aid kit is well-stocked and available for the bumps, bruises and scraped knees that are sure to happen. Remember, summer skin care is important.

This blog was adopted from the blog, A Grande Life.

There’s Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, even Children’s Day in some countries around the world. But what about a Family Day — a day where we can celebrate and appreciate all members of the family in one wonderful day?

Well, there is a day for that, too, and it’s called International Day of Families. It’s held May 15th every year, and is a great way to celebrate our own families and families around the world. Happy International Day of Families.

What Is International Day Of Families?

International Day of Families, or International Family Day, is a global observance that’s celebrated each year on May 15th. While it’s not a public holiday, the day celebrates the importance of families, people, society, and cultures around the world. Its aim is to raise awareness of issues relating to families across the globe, while giving attention to the fact that families are the basic unit of a society.

On this day, we must recognize that some families are facing hardships, while also being grateful for our own families. This day can be what you make of it. It’s a day to celebrate your family and acknowledge what your family means to you.

Some things we can see on or leading up to International Day of Families each year are awareness-raising events, broadcasts, media reports, and national family days.

For example, many families play a role in their children’s education, even as they get older.  Snow-Redfern Foundation is here to celebrate you and your family as you work towards your degree and a rewarding career.

Why International Day Of Families Is Important

International Day of Families is important for several reasons. Not only does it raise awareness about issues impacting families globally, it reminds us how crucial family is to society. Without family, many of us would not be where we are today.

Family raises us in our formative years until we become adults. While not every family is perfect and there are certainly people who do not have good relationships with their families, you can use this day to celebrate whomever it is in your life that you consider “family” — even if they may not be blood relatives.

 

Every county in the United States is home to people experiencing food insecurity, defined by the USDA as a “household-level economic and social condition of limited or uncertain access to adequate food.” Food-insecure households are those that at times during the year are unable to acquire enough food for one or more household members because they have insufficient money or other resources.

The USDA estimates that 89.5% of U.S. households were food secure throughout 2019—that’s 116.0 million people.  The COVID-19 pandemic put further strain on households already experiencing food hardship, with Feeding America estimating that “42 million people, or 1 in 8 Americans, may experience food insecurity in 2021. This is a slight improvement from 2020 numbers but still represents an enormous burden for millions of children and adults”.

The Impact

Food insecurity has a tremendous impact on all people, but particularly on our most vulnerable population- children.

The nutritional content of a child’s diet affects not only his or her current health, but also his or her physical, mental, and social development, and thus his or her future health and well-being. Food-insecure children experience 2-4 times as many health problems as food-secure children.

Addressing the Need

In our 2021 Project Grant cycle, we awarded $44,800 to non-profit organizations seeking to address food insecurity for children across the state.  There has been a steady incline in the funding requests received that focus on children’s unmet basic needs.

“Though we know our funding cannot support every child’s need across our state, we aim to improve the situation for as many children as we can”, said Snow-Redfern Foundation Grant Committee Chairperson Andrew Hunzeker. “We anticipate having another year of record grant requests addressing basic needs, and we are preparing to provide additional funding support in response”.

The CASA programs (Court Appointed Special Advocates), across Nebraska have plced specific emphasis on how they can help bridge the poverty, food insecurity, and basic needs gap for children.  Many of them have created supplemental programs for this purpose, and rely heavily on private foundations, such as Snow-Redfern, to help keep these programs running.

Our Project Grant cycle will be open from July 1st to August 1st, 2022 and applications can be submitted on our website at: Through Nonprofits – Snow-Redfern Foundation (snowredfern.org)

Interested in helping many nonprofits across Nebraska to end food insecurity?  You can give today with the knowledge that we will ensure the programs impacting kids will receive it.

Tom Elliot earned a Bachelor of Science from Kansas State University and a Masters in Agricultural and Applied Economics from the University of Missouri at Columbia.  He now manages his family’s farm in the Hemingford area, and in addition to the Snow-Redfern Foundation, Tom serves as a Board of Director for both the Alliance and Hemingford Public School Foundations.   Tom believes organizations like the Snow-Redfern Foundation are important because they have a pivotal role in community support and development.

Tom’s grandfather grew up in a rural community in Mississippi.  When he graduated from High School, he had no prospects and eventually he and his brother stowed away on a train headed north to find opportunity.  The year was 1929, and his flight for opportunity was one of many during a period that is now known as the Great Depression.

Hard Times During the Great Depression

The Great Depression was particularly hard for rural communities.  While the entire nation struggled, the rural communities were particularly hard hit by the depression, and it ultimately forced a mass migration from rural America to urban areas.  The Great Depression fundamentally altered the dynamics of rural America forever.

“For my grandfather, he was lucky”, said Tom.  “He moved here to Box Butte County where he worked as a farmhand and eventually was able to buy land of his own to farm.  In the end, he was quite successful.  And while he lived through one of the most pivotal times in rural America, his concern was for the future”.

Hard Work Alone Cannot Make Success

As Tom struggled through school, his grandfather would tell him during his time, “hard-work alone could make succuss, but today’s youth do not have the luxury”.  He believed future youth would need more than a work-ethic to be successful, he believed they would a need skills and analytics that went beyond the high school education.

Discouraged by the lack of opportunity rural kids received, Tom’s grandfather initiated the Hemingford Public School Foundation and made the Foundation’s mission to provide financial assistance to all Hemingford graduates seeking higher education.  The foundation has since provided more than a million dollars in financial aid for students seeking further education.

Promotion of Rural Economy

Like his grandfather and father, Tom has a special interest in our rural community.

“Rural America has an important role in our Nation’s economy; however, the success of rural economies depends on the communities that support them.  We must safeguard our rural communities to promote rural economies, and to do this we must take personal interest in developing opportunity and growth for our youth here in our own communities.  The Snow-Redfern Foundations is an organization that aims to improve community development by investing into the social-economic disadvantaged youth and I’m excited to part of it.”

We are thankful to have Tom’s leadership and experience!  Keep an eye out for all the great work he will continue to do in our communities!