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

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/

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/

Alliance Recreation Center’s (ARC) AfterSchool program provides kids in need with a critical support system – and we’re proud to call them a partner.

ARC Executive Director and Snow-Redfern Foundation Board Member, Mara Andersen, is dedicated to enhancing access to quality care for Alliance children, as exemplified in the multitude of activities and programs offered through ARC.

 “ARC AfterSchool is a critical system of support for many families. At the end of their day, parents can pick their children up and go home, ready for family time”.

AJ & Jessie

AJ and Jessie joined ARC AfterSchool during summer camp 2020. Their mother was working nights while their father was also working long hours as a truck driver.  ARC AfterSchool allowed AJ and Jessie’s mother an opportunity to get some sleep and get errands done, knowing her kids were safe at the ARC.

Because of the pandemic, summer camp was the first-time children had been in a classroom in many months. Behaviors were a challenge for many, including for AJ and Jessie. It was critical that ARC staff worked with these two, not only for their own development, but because their mother needed to sleep so she could keep her job.

After experiencing the program and getting extra support, both kids are now doing well. They enjoy their time at ARC and have matured socially. Jessie branched out and joined the youth volleyball program. ARC not only takes care of transportation of the children after school, they also make sure Jessie makes it to the gym on the nights youth volleyball is scheduled.

Now she confidently interacts with the players in a totally different crew of kids and plays until mom picks her up. Her mom can rest assured knowing Jessie got to the ARC after school, ate a snack, completed her homework, and got to learn and play a new sport with new friends.

Great Progress

AJ has also matured and made great progress. During summer camp, he would act out to get attention, but now he is fully engaged in the program and participates in the activities. Mara shared that he is a kid who really loves his mom and misses her when they’re not together, so all of the art projects AJ makes are always for his mom.

“Allowing parents to stay at work, or in this case, to manage a few hours of sleep before the workday begins, means a stronger, more sustainable, healthier family unit. We are proud to partner with organizations like the Snow Redfern Foundation because we know investing in our children also invests in stronger families and communities”, shared Mara Andersen, ARC Executive Director and Snow-Redfern Foundation Board Member.

Snow-Redfern Foundation is a proud grant supporter of the ARC Afterschool program in Alliance because we know the importance that programs, such as this, can have on a child and their family. After school programs can create a sense of belonging, improve social connections, provide academic support, make learning more fun, provide safety and supervision, and build confidence.

This is a great time of year to seek out quality after school programs in your community. Help financially support these necessary programs by giving a gift at https://www.snowredfern.org/give-today/.

It takes a village to raise a child- and a community of caring adults to serve them!  Dr. Troy Unzicker, Alliance Public School Superintendent, and his wife and Director of Alliance Chamber of Commerce, Susan Unzicker, witness the vast needs of children everyday through their work in the community.

Giving to the Community

In addition to their important careers, it is through their community leadership, countless volunteer hours, and the financial gifts they share which epitomizes Gandhi’s wisdom- “Be the change which you wish to see in the world”.

As a former Snow-Redfern Foundation board member and board president, Susan led the organization through many pivotal changes and growth.

“Susan was efficient, hard-working, talented, and committed to our mission”, said current board President and leader at Box Butte General Hospital, Brooke Shelmadine, “and we hope she chooses to rejoin our board after she takes her required year between terms”.

Susan and Troy shared:

“We are proud to support an organization that has the sole purpose of supporting children.  The Snow Redfern Foundation has a long history of supporting programs and services for kids in need.  The children truly are our future and we are happy to be a small part of that support for these very important young people.”

Now a monthly financial contributor to the foundation, Susan and Troy have found a new way to share in the impact that the foundation has on creating opportunities for young people to become thriving adults.

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.

Alliance Public Schools= https://www.alliancebulldogs.org/

Alliance Chamber of Commerce = https://www.alliancechamber.com/

Lexington Public Schools shares our passion for providing support to disadvantaged children and young people.  Ensuring every child has access to healthy food, shelter, and clothing is one of many ways that, together, we are supporting kids and families.

“The Snow Redfern Foundation plays an instrumental part in The Backpacks for Kids Program in Lexington. Through the generous grant opportunities the Foundation has provided, the Backpacks Program has been able to not only serve the nutritional needs of students in the Migrant Education Program and McKinney-Vento Program, but we have also been able to expand our outreach to help all students with nutritional needs. With these funds we are able to meet the basic needs of our students which in turn helps them to be successful in the classroom. Thank you, Snow Redfern Foundation, for your generous support!” -Marni Baker

Addressing Basic Needs

With 19.2% of kids 18 and younger in Dawson county living in poverty and 78% of students receiving free and reduced lunches at Lexington Public Schools, concerned school staff created programs to ensure all children’s basic needs are being met.  They began the Voucher Program, also known as Backpack for Kids Program, to support children’s nutritional needs using donations of food and food vouchers.

Their goal is to serve 100% of the students in need and we happily support their efforts through grant funds.   They used their last grant funds from us to serve approximately 50 families and 120 students over six months, and families are expressing their gratitude!

One Family at a Time

One mother receiving this support expressed that she can better budget her money by using these funds to pay for groceries, allowing her income to pay for other needs and supplies for her children.

Another mother expressed that she could go and purchase staple grocery items when she needs them instead of having to wait until her next paycheck comes in.

“These funds make a huge impact on families in our community because it allows them the opportunity to not have to limit their food purchases due to other needs”, says Marni Baker with Lexington Public Schools.

No child should be hungry, and we are committed to funding programs across Nebraska, like Lexington Public Schools, to make this a reality for as many children as possible.  When you share a gift with us, we grant those funds to programs that fight this battle.

 Ready to eliminate food insecurity in Nebraska? 

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.

Lexington Public Schools= https://www.lexschools.org/#

Lexington Community Foundation = https://www.lexfoundation.org/

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