Snow-Redfern Internship through Chadron State College

 

We are seeking a student attending Chadron State College who is interested in partnering with us for a internship/scholarship opportunity.

The Marketing and Development Intern would assist us in creating awareness and engaging in promotional efforts, as well as assisting with program and community development activities. This remote opportunity will require approximately 10 hours per week and can be extended beyond one semester, if appropriate.

Candidates should be proficient with various social media platforms and Canva, and be able to work independently on projects, with support from Foundation staff.

Main Duties

  1. Building social media campaigns and preparing promotional materials and presentations.
  2. Developing tools and methods for collecting data such as surveys, opinion polls or questionnaires
  3. Creating graphic representations of data
  4. Monitoring and contributing to the foundation’s social media platforms and adjusting outreach tactics, as needed.
  5. Assisting in the development of an ambassador program
  6. Assisting with grant program development and community development
  7. Assisting with elevating youth voice through projects and planning efforts

The intern will be exposed to various types of work done within a private foundation, with opportunities to learn and practice.  Though the internship will be primarily virtual, there may be a limited number of in-person opportunities that they will be invited to attend within the panhandle, which will be optional and include travel expenses.

The internship is only available to students at CSA this year, and those interested should reach out to the CSC Internship office to learn how this internship will cover payment of the selected students’ internship credit hours.

Please contact us or the CSC Internship Office if you, or a CSC student you know, is interested in this opportunity for the fall or spring semester.

 

 

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

Three young people were selected by the Snow-Redfern Foundation to receive the Hempel Family Scholarship in the fall of 2023. Carver Hauptman, of Alliance, will be attending Cornell University to study Environmental Sciences. Tegan Rice, of Bridgeport, will be attending the University of Nebraska at Lincoln for Political Science. Arielle Lawrence, of Marsland, will be attending the University of Nebraska at Kearney for Political Science.

Five students were selected for the K.M. Dahlstedt Scholarship, to be awarded for the fall of 2023. Tyler Cotton, of Alliance, will be attending Western Dakota Technical Institute to pursue a degree in Diesel Technology. Avery Davies, of Hemingford, will be pursuing a nursing degree at Western Nebraska Community College and then University of Nebraska Medical Center. Kason Loomis, of Alliance, will pursue a Fire Science degree from Casper College. Delaney Childers, of Alliance, will attend Laramie Community College to pursue an Animal Science degree. Cambree Schmaltz, of Bayard, will attend Kansas State College for a degree in Agri-Business.

Preference for these two scholarship programs is given to seniors that attend high school in Box Butte or Morrill Counties and plan to pursue careers in trades or careers related to agriculture, as well as students that will attend college in Nebraska, or return to Nebraska upon obtaining their degree.

“We are honored to offer this opportunity to students, such as Carver, Tegan, Arielle, Tyler, Avery, Kason, Delaney, and Cambree. The scholarship programs pay tribute to the memory of Edward M. and Eda S. Hempel and K.M. Dahlstedt and create opportunity for the recipients- all whom possess impressive qualities, including leadership, service, and dedication to academic studies,” commented Sara Nicholson, Executive Director of Snow-Redfern Foundation. “This year’s recipients demonstrated incredible commitment to their future’s, their families, and their communities.”

Though the scholarship awards are intended to pay homage to our roots as Nebraska Boys Ranch and the ranching values articulated through the 70 plus years of providing kids with the skills they need to be successful in their lives, the scholarship emphasis is on the simple concept of providing opportunity to kids that want to return to their rural communities to share their trade. “We want to invest in the future of our communities through kids that value them,” said Denise Harris, Snow-Redfern Foundation Board President. “We invite anyone sharing this desire to reach out to us and talk about the many ways in which they can create opportunities in their community and for kids.”

The Hempel Family Scholarship award has been an ongoing and generous gift 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. A new scholarship fund, the K.M. Dahlstedt Scholarship, was developed last year with the Dahlstedt family who desired to honor their father and husband through awards focusing on the future success of students pursuing trades in our community.

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.

Estate planning isn’t just for the rich and famous. For example, you may have family heirlooms (such as jewelry or artwork) or real property that has sentimental value to certain family members. Wills and trusts can help ensure that your estate is divvied up fairly after your passing. But you won’t be around to explain or interpret your estate plan when it’s triggered. So, your will and other estate planning documents should be as clear as possible to help ensure your intentions are honored.

Here are some strategies to consider when drafting or revising your estate plan that can help minimize future disputes over your estate.

Treat Heirs Equitably

If your heirs contest your will or trust, it may be tossed out of court. That means your estate will be distributed per the laws of “intestate succession” — as if there’s no will or trust in place. However, if your will or trust follows the applicable laws closely, there’s less likelihood your heirs could successfully contest it.

For example, a will that calls for shares of an estate to be split equally between the decedent’s children, including any stepchildren, seems fair and aligns with applicable laws. Therefore, it’s unlikely that an heir could contest this will.

But this strategy may not be fair or equitable in all situations. For instance, suppose you have a son from your current marriage who’s a college student and a daughter from a previous marriage who’s financially independent. Your son needs more financial assistance, so he might not think it’s fair to divide your estate equally between the siblings who are at different stages of life.

Explain Your Plan

Warren Buffet once described his philosophy for leaving the correct amount to children as, “Enough money so that they … feel they could do anything, but not so much that they could do nothing.”

Whatever your rationale is for dividing the estate, to avoid disputes or disappointment, it’s a good idea to describe your thinking to your family while you’re still alive. For example, if you leave a child out of your will because he or she is financially independent, the individual might contest the will, arguing that the omission was an oversight. However, your intentions will be clear if you explicitly describe them.

The caveat is that you should be careful about the reasons for disinheriting an individual. If you argue that you’re taking this step because he or she is “financially independent,” the definition of the term can be a reason to litigate.

Thwart Challenges to Your Mental Capacity

When wills are contested, the suits often claim undue influence or lack of testamentary capacity. Typically, states have an age requirement, usually 18 years old, and a mental capacity requirement.

To demonstrate you’re “of sound mind and body” in a legal context, you generally must know:

  • The nature/extent of property,
  • The natural objects of your property,
  • The disposition that your will makes, and
  • How to connect these elements to form a coherent estate plan.

Three common ways to avoid challenges to your testamentary capacity include:

  1.  Acquiring a written evaluation by a physician or psychiatrist,
  2. Selecting witnesses who can attest to your mental capacity and are likely to out-live you, and
  3. Possibly recording your will.

With the third option, be aware that if you appear nervous or hesitant in front of the camera, the court could perceive it as a sign of confusion or duress. Consult with your attorney about this action.

Hire a Professional Executor

Traditionally, the executor of an estate is a trusted child, friend, trustee or personal representative. However, this may open the door to abuse-of-power claims.

To decrease the likelihood of these arguments, consider using an independent, paid professional. Typically, people select their family attorney, CPA or financial advisor, but you can also use an institutional fiduciary, such as a bank or trust company.

For More Information

These are just a few examples of the numerous strategies you can deploy to guard your estate plan against misunderstanding and possible litigation. Your estate planning attorney will help design an estate plan that meets your goals while reducing the risk of litigation.

Property valuationsWhat If You Own a Family Business?

If you own a family business, you may be considering leaving it to children (or other loved ones) who are active in its day-to-day operations. But your will might not be the optimal tool for transferring private business interests. Instead, you might consider selling the business to heirs who are actively involved while you’re still alive. This can help eliminate the risk of another heir contesting your will, which could leave your business in limbo.

In general, disgruntled heirs will have a more difficult time challenging a lifetime sales contract than a bequest in your will. Your financial and legal advisors can help you with options for a lifetime sale, including installment sales and sales to intentionally defective grantor trusts. These plans can spread the payments over numerous years while minimizing the tax impact.

Learn more from our accounting partners at HBE, at: https://hbecpa.com/ways-to-secure-your-estate-plan/

ESTATE AND INHERITANCE TAXES

by Patricia Jones, Alliance Community Task Force: Creating Opportunity

When a person dies, their assets could be subject to estate tax at the federal level and inheritance tax in Nebraska. Both of these were designed to limit the transfer of wealth to people who were not involved in earning it, and they are controversial.

Federal estate taxes were created in 1916, taxing estates valued at over $5 million. This amount changed to $50 million in 1932. In 1940 it dropped to $10 million, then $5, then $3. In 2002-2007 estates worth more than $2 million paid the tax. The exemption amount has increased annually since then.

In 2023, the federal estate tax applies only to estates worth more than $12.92 million. For a married couple, that is a combined exemption of $25.84 million. Only the amount over that threshold is taxed, and the rates are progressive. The first $1 million (over the $12.92 million) is taxed at lower rates – from 18% to 39%. Everything above that is taxed at 40%. This tax applies to about one tenth of one percent of Americans.

One of the reasons people argue that federal estate tax should be eliminated is the fact that there are ways to avoid paying anything at all. Every year, married couples can give away a certain amount in tax-free gifts to other people, including family members.  The annual gift tax limit is currently $16,000 per person. So, a husband and wife could each give away $16,000 every year for a combined $32,000 in annual tax-free gifts. Through annual gifts, married couples can reduce the value of their taxable estate while benefiting their intended beneficiaries.

Estate taxes can often be avoided by setting up a trust. Most trusts give the surviving spouse rights to the assets, with no estate tax on the assets put into this trust. For example, the surviving spouse can draw income from the trust, live in the house, etc. When the surviving spouse dies the trust assets are distributed to the intended beneficiaries.

A charitable trust names a charitable organization as the beneficiary of the trust assets. Assets in the charitable trust can include cash, stocks, real estate, and other property. There is a reason why the super-wealthy have foundations in their names.

A family limited partnership (FLP) is beneficial because it allows family members to pool their assets and then shift them to other members in the family, and it is common in agriculture. The assets you put into an FLP and transfer to others are taken out of your estate, with significant estate tax savings. FLPs offer a strategy for family farms to transition the farm on to the next generation. The older generation manages the operation at first, and the younger generation can, over time, take over the operation.

Nebraska is one of six states that collects an inheritance tax, and counties collect and use this tax. Inheritance tax is not calculated on the total of the estate; it is collected on the amount paid to each person who receives something from the estate.

The tax is levied on Nebraska property inherited from parents, siblings, extended family, and non-relatives. Spouses are exempt and inherit tax-free. Other beneficiaries inherit a certain amount tax-free, but then pay based on their relationship to the deceased. When property is inherited from immediate family members, the value worth more than $100,000 is taxed at 1%. Property inherited from near relatives is taxed at 11% for the part that is worth more than $40,000, and property inherited from distant relatives and non-relatives worth more than $25,000 is taxed at 15%.

The Revenue Committee of the Nebraska Legislature is considering advancing a constitutional amendment, LR23CA, to end inheritance tax. If approved, this would be on the ballot in the next general election for voters to decide.

If these two “death taxes” are ended, we must remember that the dollars collected from them must be made up with other taxes. This would be one more example of transferring tax obligations from the wealthy to those with no assets, again raising taxes on low-income households.

As you consider the benefits of leaving your legacy for the next generation, consider non-profit organizations, such as Snow-Redfern Foundation.  We build partnerships with communities and utilize data to determine how your gifts can best meet the needs of children.  For more information, please contact us or learn more at: https://www.snowredfern.org/give-today

Graduation is just around the corner, and with the preparations for closure of the high school days also comes planning for all the great things that will happen AFTER the big day!  A big part of planning efforts includes determining if college is on the horizon, and, if so, mechanisms for paying for it.

Fortunately, if seniors take the time to scour the web and partner with their parents, school counselors, or others that can guide them, they will find that there are actually many options available to assist with funding a college education.

Our scholarship programs are among those available this year!  Thanks to two very generous and caring donors, Snow-Redfern Foundation will be selecting and awarding eligible seniors with scholarship funds this spring.

Students interested in applying can do so by reaching out to their school guidance counselors for more information and for the link to complete the application.  All applications are due no later than March 31, 2023.  Below are the two scholarship programs offered in the spring:

K.M. Dahlstedt Scholarship

The family of KM Dahlstedt has established an annual memorial scholarship fund to provide support to high school students who are pursuing a degree in vocational training education. This one-year award can be used for education-related expenses if the candidate meets the established criteria. Up to five (5) scholarships will be awarded in the amount of $1,000.00 in the 2023-2024 school years.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the M Dahlstedt Memorial Scholarship, students must meet the following requirements at the time of application:

  • Currently enrolled high school student who will graduate in the current year
  • Citizen of the United States
  • Resident of Box Butte County in Nebraska
  • Accepted to an accredited technical college as a full-time degree seeking student

Edward M. and Eda S. Hempel Family Scholarship

Through the generosity of the Edward M. and Eda S. Hempel and family, this scholarship fund integrates the vision and beliefs once taught to young people at the Nebraska Boys Ranch. Though NBR is no longer in existence, the Snow-Redfern Foundation manages Arvilla Snow-Redfern’s estate through grants and scholarships to youth. Mr. and Ms. Hempel were integral in sustaining the Boys Ranch over the years and were generous contributors. Mr. Hempel was a long-time board member and he and his family gave generously of themselves through service and contributions so that the lives of kids might be better.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the Hempel scholarship, students must meet the following requirements at the time of application:

  • Citizen/ permanent resident of Nebraska
  • Motivated to successfully complete a college degree
  • Planning to attend a Nebraska college within the next year
  • Enrolled at a high school within Box Butte or Morrill County
  • Nominated by a school designee (such as school counselor)
  • Preference is given to applicants that have a FAFSA EFC between $7,000 and $12,00

As our communities heal from the pandemic induced trauma, existing youth-serving systems of care have found shifting and/or new needs as the country adjusts to a new normal.

Though the future of everything has changed, and how this may impact youth today and tomorrow is uncertain, our hope is to better understand the landscape as to inform future investments and grantmaking endeavors.

Incredible Opportunities

We believe our youth serving system has an incredible opportunity to reimagine our work together and consider innovative ways to maximize impact.  In early 2022, we pursued available data about Nebraska youth and the current environment as to best contribute and support post-pandemic needs. Surprisingly, the variety of reports offering available data often failed to expand that statistical information into recommendations for action.

Youth Voice

Additionally, it was recognized that without the voices of young people and their lived experience, the data interpretation lacked “meaning making” and inherently would leave organizations to leverage their own shared understanding.

Because of this, we decided to support a youth-driven study that would elevate stories in their own way and explore opportunities to amplify this need.

Through a collaborative project with the Panhandle Partnership, we initiated an environmental scan to collect the most recent available data and host conversations with youth serving organizations in the Nebraska panhandle.

We engaged Blue Agate Collaborative to co-create a project design and facilitate workshops, and GIS and Human Dimensions to perform the data collection and environmental scan reporting.

Engaging Community Organizations

The objective was to engage community organizations in reviewing the needs of young people in the Nebraska panhandle, and how we (Snow-Redfern Foundation), and hopefully other interested foundations, might best support the youth serving system of care.

“Panhandle partners have a shared experience that reorients to our current environment and affirms collective vision of opportunities.  By engaging in this study, our hope was to expand consideration about the role of foundations in supporting community partners and maximizing innovation beyond traditional services. Through recommendations from this work, we believe we will be better positioned to make data-driven decisions about our fiscal and partnership investments to enhance the lives of youth”, said Executive Director, Sara Nicholson.

On July 18th of this year (2022), we hosted a Discovery Call, facilitated by Dr. Maya Chilese of Blue Agate Collaborative, with the purpose of identifying a shared vision about the current state of community and to frame the scope of the Environmental Scan.

Following the Discovery Call, Dr. Juan-Paulo Ramirez of GIS, and Human Dimensions, completed the Environmental Scan to better understand our current environment about youth in the Nebraska panhandle, and identify opportunities for action.

On September 30th, a Focused Workshop was facilitated by Dr. Chilese to support a collective vision and opportunities to elevate among panhandle partners and foundations.  Following that session, Dr. Ramirez, and Dr. Chilese finalized the first portion of the study by providing a detailed report that outlined relevant data, summaries, themes from each session, and recommendations.

Interactive Flipbook Report

The interactive report can be found at: https://online.flippingbook.com/view/869162482/

We believe further exploration is necessary to adequately guide funding decisions next year, so a survey will be provided to youth-serving non-profit organizations across the state, asking for their input about how foundation funding could best impact the system, said board president, Brooke Shelmadine.

Ideally, this study would be expanded to include the entire state of Nebraska.  To do this on the scale necessary for inclusivity and statewide collaborative recommendations, we would need support from other interested foundations or donors that could contribute to increasing impact for children.

Interested in supporting this work?  Let us know by reaching out: [email protected]

This study is being used as a catalyst for guiding our 2023 and beyond grant funding decisions, allowing opportunity for data-driven planning that leverages impact for Nebraska’s most vulnerable population- our children.

CARE in Central Nebraska

On any given day in Central Nebraska, you can find one of the dedicated employees of Families CARE supporting and advocating for parents, youth, and children.  With funding support from Snow-Redfern Foundation and other vital sources, this non-profit family organization provides services to parents who have children with emotional, behavioral, or mental health challenges.

Parent Voice

Among the many services and supports they provide, teaching parents that they (as parents) are the most important voice in their children’s lives is the most important. Advocacy and support are provided by peers; parents who have lived experience to share with other parents, and includes helping them identify their strengths, needs, and goals, developing strategies to meet their goals, sharing resources and service referrals, supporting them at school meetings, team meetings, or court, providing support groups for parents and youth/children, offering special events, and providing the partially Snow-Redfern Foundation funded Wellness Café.

Wellness Café Support groups are offered to youth in two age groups:  Middle School (5th-8th grade) and Young Adult (9th grade – college).  Meetings consist of time to connect and eat together, activity and hands on learning, sharing and success stories for growth.

Opportunity for Connection

Executive Director, Karla Bennetts, said “this model provides youth an opportunity to build connection and add informal supports through their peers”.

All activities provide youth with a new skill or tool they can utilize in their journey to live a life of wellness.  The discussions provide youth an opportunity to learn, connect and share.  Youth learn from one another and gain support as they share their stories of challenges and successes.

Youth Voice

“Youth voice is prioritized with youth establishing comfort rules for their groups and what they wanted to learn about, discuss and do at future meetings”, said Karla.

To learn more about Families CARE and the work they do to support parents, youth, and children, check them out at: What We Do – FamiliesCare.org Parent AssistanceFamiliesCare.org Parent Assistance

                  

The Snow-Redfern Foundation recognizes the impactful work of 38 Nebraska non-profits through 2022 project grant funding.

Snow-Redfern Foundation’s focus is partnering with nonprofit organizations to provide them the funding, support, and other resources to do more of the things they do best for kids. Project grants are one of the ways in which that support is extended each year, with emphasis on funding projects that foster the greatest impact related to well-being, education, and basic needs of children and youth.

The Potential of All Youth

Arvilla, the founder of the foundation, believed in the potential of all youth, and that passion has been carried forward for over 70 years. Her vision was to equip young people with the skills they need to be successful members of the communities where they live, grow, and work, which was first conducted through the Nebraska Boys Ranch, and now through the foundation’s grantmaking, scholarships, and leadership programming.

“We believe that every child has potential, but not every child has the opportunity to realize it. When their opportunity is enlarged, their potential grows with it”, said Executive Director, Sara Nicholson. “Our grantmaking programs are a vehicle for realizing that potential by honoring our founder’s vision and promoting positive impact for the kids that need it most”.

$2.3 Million in Project Grant Awards

In the last 10 years, $2.3 million in project grant funding from the foundation has created opportunities and reduced barriers for nearly 162,000 children and 600 organizations across the state.  “Each year, the needs seem to multiply, and we have been blessed with the ability to help where we can, as much as we can through many meaningful interactions and partnerships”, said Board President, Brooke Shelmadine.

In addition to the project grant awards, the Snow-Redfern Foundation was the sole funder of the Youth in Power program, which is a three-year grant program awarded to Panhandle Partnership, Inc. in cooperation from Community Action Partnership of Western Nebraska. 2022 grant funding was also awarded to Gering Public Schools and Panhandle Public Health for Career Pathways projects, to Panhandle Partnership, Inc. for the Root2Rise- Young Women’s Leadership program and a youth study, and to various high school seniors as scholarships for post-secondary education. Learn more about the work we do with partners at: https://www.snowredfern.org/nonprofits/.

About the Snow-Redfern Foundation

In 1951, Arvilla Snow-Redfern created a home for orphaned, homeless, neglected, and underprivileged youth and believed every young person needed home, encouragement, and training. As the foundation translates her original intent to be relevant in today’s world, the spirit and her vision are closely maintained to ensure the Nebraska Boys Ranch history continues to enrich the culture of the foundation.

Grant Recipients

2022 Project Grant Recipients: Alliance Public Schools, Camp Scott, Carnegie Arts Center, City Sprouts, Crawford TeamMates Mentoring Program, DIBS for Kids, Hay Springs School-Community Foundation, Omaha Conservatory of Music-Panhandle program, CASA of South-Central Nebraska & District 10 Probation, Dawson County Parent-Child Protective Services, Inc, Families CARE, Inc, Lexington Public Schools, Lexington Public Schools Backpack Program, Maryland Living Center, Panhandle Public Health District, United Way of Western Nebraska, We Can Do This, Alliance Recreation Center, Banister’s Leadership Academy, Carpenter Center, Chadron Recreation Center, Cirrus House, Inc, EPIC! For Girls, Girl Scouts Spirit of Nebraska, Heartland Equine Therapeutic Riding Academy, Kearney Public Schools, LyonHeart Equine Assisted Learning, Nebraska CASA Association, Nebraska Children’s Home Society, Omaha Street School, Inc., Panhandle Partnership, Inc., Prairie Loft, TeamMates of Scotts Bluff County, WhyArts, Inc., African Culture Connection.

2022 Program Grant (Youth in Power) Recipients: Panhandle Partnership, Inc. (in cooperation with CAPWN and Blue Agate Collaborative).

2022 Root2Rise Young Women’s Leadership Program Recipients:  Panhandle Partnership, Inc. (in cooperation with Blue Agate Collaborative)

2022 Youth Study Recipients:  Panhandle Partnership, Inc (in cooperation with Blue Agate Collaborative and GIS and Human Dimensions, LLC)

2022 Career Pathways Recipients:  Panhandle Public Health District and Gering Public Schools

Growing Up on the Snow Ranch

Shared by valued board member, Glenda Ehler

Growing up on the Snow Ranch is a great memory of my childhood. The comradery of neighbors during branding time, the competition with the neighbor kids to get to school, preparing our livestock for the county fair and general ranch life were all part of growing up. The greatest role model of my life has been my dad, Charlie Younkin. He and his father developed a herd of registered Angus cattle on the Snow ranch.  Arvilla Redfern was also an integral part of developing the herd which she later used as part of the development of the Snow-Redfern foundation.  From his memories of the ’49 Blizzard, through hay camp and flying a spray plane my dad always pressed forward, doing the best he could. He said:

“We did what we had to do with what we had, and we were luckier than some.”

What do you have?

Do you have time you could invest in a young person, by becoming a mentor to walk alongside them as they do what they have to do to be successful?

Do you have the belief that young people can and will become successful by doing what they have to do with the resources they have?

Do you have resources to share that can assist young folks of Nebraska to become ‘luckier that some”?

Do you have the persistence to do what has to be done for youngsters who could use a boost?

Throughout my career in education, both as a classroom teacher, coach and school counselor, I have witnessed firsthand what a difference a caring adult makes in the life of a young person.  The Snow-Redfern Foundation seeks to support youth across the state in so many ways, I believe that Arvilla Redfern would be proud of the legacy she left and the work that continues to support that legacy through the foundation.

That it is an echo of things that last.

In the words of Arvilla Redfern, taken from a poem she wrote.

    At a Glance

There comes from out the silent past

An echo-as of things that last

And seem again to be so real

As memory breaks the silent seal.

When Theresa’s nephew Travis was removed from his home and placed in foster care, Theresa connected with Nebraska Children’s Home Society (NCHS) to discuss the adoption process. As an adoptee herself, Theresa remembered the traumas associated with her adoption, and she vowed to find and give Travis the support that was missing from her experience.

When Theresa was adopted, she felt like she didn’t have anyone in her life who was supportive of her identity and the struggles that she faced. As a teenager, she left her adoptive parents to stay with relatives – a decision she would regret.

On her adoption journey with Travis, Theresa is committed to not making the same mistakes she experienced as a young person. She ensures that Travis feels supported and understood and does not have to face challenges alone. In partnership with their Families Forever program specialist, Theresa and Travis are working through feelings of loss, rejection, guilt, grief, identity, and control. In addition to beginning to work through the trauma of her adoption, Theresa is understanding and identifying ways she can support Travis through his adoption experience.

Families formed through adoption and guardianship face unique and unexpected challenges. But with access to one-on-one mentoring and peer support, Theresa is confident she can overcome the challenges facing her family.

The Families Forever program helps families formed through adoption or guardianship access the tools, resources, and strategies they need to adjust to their new home life and deepen their bond as a family.

We are pleased to be a funding partner for the important adoption and guardianship support that NCHS provides across Nebraska.  For more information, call 402.451.0787 or visit https://nchs.org/families-forever/.