Carnegie Arts Center had an incredible summer working with the Alliance Recreation Center’s Summer youth camp. The Carnegie, with support of grant funds like ours, visited the Alliance Recreation Center weekly to partner with the ARC to provide free summer art workshops to their students.

“Stay Wild” Sidewalk Safari

Visiting artist and Professor, Sandra Williams from the University of Nebraska Lincoln, and two honors students travelled across the state to bring “Stay Wild” Sidewalk Safari to Alliance, NE in June of 2021. The project was the brainchild of Professor Williams who had developed it in partnership with the Museum of Nebraska Art.

Her exhibit, “Anthropocene Blues” opened at MONA while they were closed for COVID in 2020. The museum proposed having a virtual lecture series.  However, Professor Williams prefers hands on experiences.

“Community based arts have always been, and always will be, part of my creative agenda. Instead of a ‘top down’ lecture I prefer that the community explore the role arts play in creative placemaking, having the tactile experience of handling ‘cut paper’ in the form of stencils, and engage with the topic of animals in a creative manner”.

Sharing Art Project with Alliance Youth

After successfully conducting the project with multiple schools in Lincoln, Professor Williams reached out to the Carnegie Arts Center to see if we would be interested in bringing the project to Alliance.

The ARC’s total attendance of 60 youth within classes of 15 produced beautiful art!

After two days of spray chalking and stenciling, the students were given fact sheets about the different endangered species.  The youth that were old enough to write created haikus about the animals, and the younger students created beautiful drawings of the animals and recited facts they had learned. In the end, students asked to keep the fact sheets and take-home extras to learn about all the animals.

Interested in helping us support important programs for youth across Nebraska?

Give today at: https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E349291&id=1

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.

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/.

 

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/

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/