Difficult Year for Kids

“2020 was a particularly difficult year for everyone, but even more so for my daughter, Mae.  Often times I found myself at a complete loss trying to help her”, shared a parent working with Families CARE in Kearney, Nebraska.

“As a parent, there are times you just can’t connect on the same level as a teenager.  When Mae approached me with the need to connect to local teens that share her struggles with mental health, I set out to find a program like this”.

Families CARE Supports Youth

Mae’s father found Families CARE’s Wellness Café.  For decades, Families CARE has been providing support, advocacy, activities, and opportunities like Wellness Café to children, youth, and families who are at risk and/or experiencing a mental or behavioral health challenge.

Facilitators, like Peer Support Specialist Jenn, engage youth in groups that are intended to foster connection and wellness, reduce stigma and isolation, and build skills for lifelong growth.

“Having educational things to teach kids about how to take care of their mental health is invaluable!”, she said.

Mae shared that she has mental health challenges and the program has helped her share her story and learn how to deal with the world, learn coping skills that she can use during hard times, and make friends that can provide support.

“Being an organizer (with Wellness Café)”, said Mae, “helped me learn how to live in the real world and realize there are bigger problems in the world than mental health”.

Wellness Café Support Groups

Wellness Café support groups are offered to two age groups, 11-14 & 15 and older.  Groups focus on teaching youth how to learn from lived experiences of their peers, WRAP skills, & exploring physical health as it relates to mental health.  The Café also helps reduce stigma and improve wellness while it provides activities for families to experience inclusion and a sense of community by meeting other parents & families that experience similar challenges.

With our 2022 grant recipients being required to align their grant goals with their local public health districts Community Health Improvement Plan, Families CARE identified the connection between services, such as the Wellness Café, and decreasing risk factors for youth.

Decreasing Risk Factors

There is some evidence that suggest that this kind of support and connection can decrease risk factors, including the risk of suicide, because youth are interacting with peers with similar challenges, in a healthy setting, facilitated by Certified Peer Specialists. They are learning physical & mental wellness tools that they can use during challenging times.

We are thankful for non-profit organizations, like Families CARE, that are invested in the lives of children and that make a difference in their lives every day!

Please join us to address mental health challenges and grow healthy, happy young people across Nebraska by donating today: https://bit.ly/3lwhtjl

After tragically losing her beloved 13-year-old son in 1935, Arvilla Snow-Redfern sought healing from her loss by fostering fourteen orphaned youth on 20,000 acres of family ranch outside of Alliance, Nebraska. It was during this time that she began to visualize a more holistic picture of how she might help youth in need, long after she would be gone from this earth.

In the forties and fifty’s, Arvilla surrounded herself with a plethora of bright individuals that allowed organic development of her vision, which was first described in the original articles of incorporation in 1951. Her intent to “create and maintain a home and facilities for the rearing and training of orphaned, homeless, neglected or underprivileged boys that they may be raised and educated in a healthy and morally wholesome environment and trained in the theory and practice of farming, ranching, stock raising and other useful arts and vocations, and develop into industrious and respectable citizens”, was eventually realized after many roadblocks and setbacks.

Between 1964 and 2009, over eight hundred young men walked through the doors of the ranch, which effectively provided home, skills, and encouragement. Ultimately, Arvilla’s dream became a reality. Though the board of directors opted to close the Ranch doors in 2009, after state reform requirements would have changed the working ranch into a treatment facility, the foundation has continued serving many more youth through grants to nonprofit organizations.

Now in our 70th year of operation, the Snow-Redfern Foundation has served over 114,000 kids across Nebraska, which is likely many more young people than Arvilla could have ever imagined. In perpetuity we will continue to honor Arvilla’s legacy through the work we do-investing in the good life for kids.

When 250 volunteers in Western Nebraska come together to package 80,000 meals there is a sense of community connectedness that exemplifies the good in people. United Way is at the heart of this movement they call Day of Caring, coordinating an event where the volunteers package shelf-stable meals that remain in the community for food insecure families, children, and seniors.

Addressing Poverty

25,000 of those meals are provided to food insecure youth in Box Butte and Dawes County by United Way of Western Nebraska, where poverty rates are pervasive. 28.8% of children under 18 and 48.2% of children under age five live in poverty in Box Butte County and 15.6% of youth under 18 and 19.3% under age five live in poverty in Dawes County.

Snow-Redfern grant funds help United Way provide nutritious shelf stable meals to food insecure families, seniors, and youth, with a focus on alleviating hunger. But the grant funds are just a piece of the larger coordination required to combat such a significant issue.

Community Collaboration

Karen Benzel, Director of United Way of Western Nebraska, serving Box Butte and Dawes Counties, also coordinates other activities aimed at collaboration across agencies and increasing reach as it relates to poverty, including the Poverty Task force.

“Snow-Redfern Foundation grant funds create a lasting impact in our community. The funding partnership that Snow-Redfern Foundation provides to our program allows United Way of Western Nebraska to meet basic needs for at-risk youth and their families by providing access to quality nutrient-rich foods and United Way is able to serve our community through addressing food insecurity in large part due to the funding partnership of Snow-Redfern Foundation,” shared Karen.

It cannot be repeated enough-it takes a village to raise a family and this village is full of caring and supportive volunteers that are stepping up for those families that need a little help to get through tough times. We are proud to be one of the many entities that support this important work.

Giving Back

Kevin remembers that during National Jaycees Week in the late 1980s, he and his fellow Alliance Jaycees would visit the former Nebraska Boys Ranch and play basketball and other games with the boys residing there. The joy he found in being surrounded by young people has continued throughout his life, impacting many lives.

After graduating from Brown Institute of Broadcasting in Minneapolis, Kevin enjoyed 30 years of radio broadcasting in Nebraska.

Though he is now the Box Butte County Clerk of the District Court, he has continued to be involved with broadcasting Hemingford High football games and supporting kids in many ways, including driving an Alliance Public Schools Activity Bus for 23 years. He also has served on the Box Butte County 4-H Council, Extension Board and Alliance Chamber of Commerce Board.

The Gift of a Scholarship

As Kevin finishes his final three-year term with the Snow-Redfern Board of Directors this year, he has been contemplating how he might help more kids through Snow Redfern. With his radio broadcasts of Hemingford Bobcats football games, Kevin has teamed up with Eagle Communications (KCOW, Alliance) to offer a Snow Redfern Foundation scholarship that will provide financial assistance to a graduate of the Hemingford High School Class of 2022.

A lifelong Nebraska resident, Kevin highly regards the values and work ethic instilled within our rural communities and embedded within our culture. As a parent, husband, county official and volunteer, Kevin has helped to embody these standards and ideals through all he does, which is a lot!

Unite Nebraska makes it easier to share information between social service providers through a shared technology platform called Unite Us.  Joining the network is free for community-based organizations!

Technology Addresses Social Needs

This community data exchange of health and social service providers is sponsored by CyncHealth and coordinated with Nebraska 2110.  It enables providers to send and receive electronic referrals, address people’s social needs, and improve health across communities.

Community Engagement Manager with Unite Us, Emily Lehmann, has seen the benefit of this platform in her experience working with Child Protective Services and Juvenile Parole.

“So many times I sat in team meetings and court hearings feeling like we had failed children and families”, shared Emily. “Time-and-time again, we asked them to complete a laundry list of items instead of meeting them “where they were at.” Unite Nebraska allows for just that. Families that are already in crisis no longer have to re-tell their story over and over to different organizations while trying to access services”.

Wrapping Families with Services

Emily shared that the responsibility is now on the provider to connect to the family and wrap them in services, creating strong health equity among the underserved, and within rural communities.

“ I couldn’t be more honored to be a part of this groundbreaking opportunity”, shared Emily.

Joining the network is at no cost for community-based organizations and many organizations that are considered part of the safety net, like community health centers, tribal clinics, and mental health centers.

“We see the benefit of community-based organizations collaborating for shared success of children and families and in a world of growing needs there is hope in new technology that can create connections for change”, said Snow-Redfern Foundation Executive Director, Sara Nicholson.

For more information about Unite Us, contact Emily at (308) 231-0017, [email protected] or visit their website at: https://uniteus.com/.

 

Clint Eastwood said, “Tomorrow is promised to no one.” Sadly, the pandemic and our myriad other crises demonstrate the immediacy of this reality and our urgent need to plan for it.

As it happens, plans have already been made by our state and federal governments for the property you leave behind when you pass away (your “estate”). These “default” plans may cause your assets to go to folks you don’t want to have them (for example, that nephew whose name you can’t remember or, worse yet, the I.R.S.).

 

“Fortunately, you don’t have to stick with the plans that others have made for your estate. You can make an estate plan with your estate planning attorney that will ensure the assets you worked so hard to accumulate during your life go to those persons and organization who share your values and beliefs and will do good for those you care about once you are gone”, shared Snow-Redfern Board Member and local attorney, Nathan Jaggers.

Lots of tools are available to make your assets go where (and to whom) you want once you are gone, including a transfer-on-death deed for your real estate; a pay-on-death beneficiary designation on your investment account; an LLC for your business; and a more traditional last will and testament and trust for any and all other assets.

Nathan Jaggers has practiced law since 2010 and has helped hundreds of clients make their estate plans. He joined the Snow-Redfern Board of Directors in 2018 because the foundation’s mission to provide material assistance to poor and disadvantaged kids appealed to him and allowed him to give back to his community.

As a private foundation, Snow-Redfern Foundation is one type of charitable (501(c)(3) organization that can be considered as a tax-free giving option for anyone establishing their estate plan. Supporting a charity with an estate bequest or gift can accelerate the pace of change for children in Nebraska because organizations like Snow-Redfern put in the labor to find the best ways to utilize gifts for greatest impact.

To see more information about ways to give to Snow-Redfern Foundation, check out our site at:  https://www.snowredfern.org/give-today/

Donate Now = https://www.snowredfern.org/give-today/

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.

Because of Answers & Alternatives Pregnancy Resource Center, a 17-year-old first time mom completed parenting classes. After finding herself unexpectedly pregnant, she was trying to decide what to do.

By faithfully attending parenting classes, she was able learn how to care for herself and her baby, finish high school, and pursue a career as an insurance agent.

“We believe the support, empowerment, and financial resources helped her make wise choices and put her on track to be a great mom with a successful career”, said Executive Director, Mary Hall.

Through the Snow-Redfern grant funding support, young parents were provided additional support with essential items necessary to care for their baby, including car, diapers, and cribs.

If you see the value in providing support to organizations such as this, consider sharing a gift with us so we can continue to provide grants to worthy nonprofits at: https://www.snowredfern.org/give-today/.

Youth Influencers

Youth in Power, Empowered by Snow-Redfern Foundation, is now recruiting Youth Influencers and Youth Advisory Board members.

Panhandle Partnership, Community Action Partnership of Western Nebraska, and Dr. Maya Chilese with Blueprint Consulting are teaming up to implement this 3-year grant-funded program in the Panhandle and they are off to a great start.  This grant program is the first of its’ kind that we have funded.  In past grantmaking years, we primarily funded short-term basic needs and educational projects.

We want to enhance our impact of young people in Nebraska and believe awarding a more significant grant over a 3-year period for a program that serves the entire Panhandle will provide this impact.

Meet and Greet

Youth in Power Program Manger, Tristina Meister, shared that there will be a meet and greet event at 4:00pm on September 25th at the Gering Civic Center, and we strongly encourage people across the Panhandle to attend this event and to get involved.

“Parents, community members, and youth interested in learning more about being a Youth Influencer or Advisory Board member will be provided information and an opportunity to engage with Youth in Power at this fun event”, shared Tristina. 

Empowerment

“Inspire, Empower and Equip young people as leaders and change agents for good in their community” is the new mission statement for Youth In Power, and we proudly “empower” them to create and maintain a youth driven environment with inclusive leadership and community collaboration.

For more information about Youth In Power, contact Tristina at 308-765-9947 or [email protected].  You can also keep up to date at:

  • Facebook @Youth1np0wer
  • Instagram @Youth1np0wer
  • Snapchat Youth in Power

Help us continue to support outcome-focused programs like this by sharing a gift at: https://www.snowredfern.org/give-today/

We have moved our Alliance office location!

In August, the Alliance Spartan baseball team spent a very hot afternoon moving the entire office and all the files from the storage room over to the new location at the Alliance Chamber of Commerce – 305 Box Butte Ave.  Their bulk, brawn, and sweat was rewarded with a donation made by Snow-Redfern Foundation to support the team, as well as the boys’ knowledge that they made a difference.

Spartan Volunteer Force

This team can be spotted volunteering their time and labor in Alliance throughout the spring and summer months, not just practicing and playing games, but helping their community.  Coaches Carlos Palomo and Adrian Gonzales are embedding the importance of building transferrable skills, improving social capital, making change, and facilitating respect by engaging the players in volunteer activities.

Improving Outcomes for Youth

Former coach of 16 years, Steve Gullion, who also worked at the Nebraska Boys Ranch for over 30 years, coordinated and helped with the moving day activities.  Steve and the coaches know that, according to studies, teens who volunteer are 50% less likely to participate in risky behaviors, are less likely to use drugs, and are more likely to experience psychological well-being. Though the boys may not always appreciate the hard work, they show up all the same!

“Before retiring from coaching Legion Baseball for the past 16 years, I coached many of these boys.  They are hard workers on the field as well as off the field.  They were a great help to Snow Redfern Foundation by helping them move to a different office!” said Steve Gullion.

Steve said that they have successfully moved us in to our new location, we invite all who are in the neighborhood to stop by and say “hello”! If you see one of the Spartan Baseball boys out and about, give them a pat on the back and thank them for making our community a great place to live and thrive.

If you would like to learn more about how you can help us support our local youth, email us at [email protected] or by sharing a gift at https://www.snowredfern.org/give-today/.

Ellen Lierk, current Development Committee Chair, has served on the Snow-Redfern Foundation Board as President, Secretary, and as Chair and member of various committees, for nearly twelve years and four terms, dating back as far as the Nebraska Boys Ranch days.

Leaving the World Better

As a child, Ellen’s mother encouraged her to leave the world better than she found it and so she has applied her mom’s sage advice to her careers, community involvement, relationships, and as an inclusive leader, visionary, and spiritual steward. Ellen and her husband, Charles, embedded these values with their three adult children and five grandchildren to permeate the future with hope, courage, and love.

Ellen’s professional life began as a social studies teacher and guidance counselor, with a bachelor degree in history and masters in guidance & counseling and in pastoral studies.  She also worked as a gift buyer for the family business Thiele Pharmacy & Gifts, as Box Butte County Economic Development Director, and as Pastoral Minister at Holy Rosary Catholic Church.

Her many years of service to the Snow-Redfern Foundation Board is informed by two strong beliefs.

First, “Each person is made in the image of God and each life is sacred. ”The second, “Each of us is blessed to be a blessing.” 

These beliefs echo in Snow-Redfern’s efforts to encourage young people to strive, succeed, and find light in darkness, despite challenging circumstances.  The young poet, Amanda Gorman, reminds us that “there is always light, if only we’re brave enough to see it.  If only we’re brave enough to be it.” 

As one who shares her light with others, Ellen believes that the Snow Redfern Foundation, those we support, and our benefactors who make the work possible, are lights. The light that is shared helps young people embrace their own light, ensuring that we all will have a brighter future.

Each Person is a Leader

Ellen has been impacted by Martin Luther King Jr.’s words that each person can be a leader, because each one can serve.  Throughout her life, Ellen has exemplified how servant leadership can be a light for others.  Ellen shares her light by listening carefully to others; persuading through reason; and healing divisions while building a compassionate community.

As Ellen prepares to finalize her 4th term on the board this year, she has dedicated the past year to mentoring and coaching young leaders to take her place as a giver of their own light.

Fortunately, everyone has a light that they can share with others.  If you would like to learn more about how you can share your light with children, reach out to us at [email protected] or by sharing a gift at https://www.snowredfern.org/give-today/