CSInsider Child Saving Institute News | Fall 2021
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Last Letter from Peg
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Foster Parents Needed: Do you have what it takes?
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They’re Just Kids: Janet’s Foster Care Journey
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Meet Our New CEO & CDO
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Leave a Legacy for Kids
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Back-toSchool Support
Do You Have What It Takes?
Hope for the future... Dear Friends, We start the Child Saving Institute (CSI) newsletter by saying, thank you. Thank you to our community partners, to our incredible volunteers, to our donors, to our staff and most importantly, to our children and families. Peg Harriott, President & CEO
This will be my last CSI newsletter and it brings both joy and sadness. I thank each and every one of you for your support, advocacy and commitment to kids and families in our community. Without you, we are unable to do this lifechanging work. Reflecting on the past 13 years, there have been many challenges but even more successes and times to celebrate. These successes, big and small, bring great hope for the future. Hope for all children to have safe, healthy and happy childhoods. Hope that all families in our community have the opportunity to thrive. Hope that the work we do each day makes a positive impact on those around us. In this issue you will read about our community’s desperate need for caring foster parents; hear about one of our own foster parent’s foster care journey; meet CSI’s new President & CEO and Chief Development Officer; and have the opportunity to learn how gracious supporters, like yourself, are changing the lives of thousands of local children and families. I close by once again saying thank you for your ongoing commitment to children and families and for assisting on this journey to find hope for the future of our community.
Change a life. Become a foster parent.
All children, including teens, need loving, nurturing role models—especially those who come into foster care. In Douglas and Sarpy counties alone, hundreds of teens in foster care face tomorrow knowing they are completely alone, uncertain of where they will spend the next night, or if they will see their siblings any time soon. With acceptance and understanding, you can help change a teen’s life by offering a loving, committed environment to live and grow—a home with people who care— and the freedom to dream of a happier future… as all kids deserve. Becoming a foster parent to a teen is a big decision. You may think you don’t have what it takes. Can you make a difference? Is it too late to have an impact? Are they big? Are they scary?
sets have a much harder time finding foster homes than younger kids or those without siblings. Moving from home to home, these kids can miss out on some of the basic things we learn from our parents. Fostering a teen isn’t scary. These kids... are just kids! They may be bigger but they represent a big opportunity. An opportunity to make a difference in a life and make a big impact in our community. Do you have what it takes to foster a teen? It may not be as hard as you think! Visit childsaving.org to learn more about our upcoming Foster Parent Orientation or for more information on how you can support local teens and siblings currently in foster care.
What does it really mean to foster a teen?
Peg Harriott President & CEO
Teens need the basic things in life we all take for granted: someone to teach them how to drive, someone to cheer them on at high school graduation, someone to show them how to cook, clean and do laundry. For many local teens, a stable, loving family isn’t guaranteed. Teens and sibling
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Janet’s Foster Care Journey
They’re Just Kids Who Need Love—They Need Me Janet Rogers has been a foster parent with Child Saving Institute (CSI) for nearly 16 years, taking many teens into her home. Why? Because they’re kids who need love! Janet Rogers is a difference maker in child welfare. Over the years, she has become known as a reliable foster parent willing and happy to open her heart and home to teens and other children having difficulties finding stable placement. This past year alone, Janet has been put through many crisis situations with the children living in her home. Despite these challenges, Janet has remained dedicated and passionate about supporting local teens in foster care.
Each day, hundreds of teens and siblings need loving and safe homes. Do you have what it takes?
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Child Saving Institute News | Fall 2021
Janet Rogers
Janet has been a foster parent with CSI for almost 16 years. During this time, Janet has fostered dozens of youth— mainly teenagers and children who have struggled in other foster homes. She has even provided guardianship to one youth to ensure her success.
stays in contact with these youth after they leave her home. The youth visit Janet frequently; she remains an informal support for them. Janet also works to ensure youth maintain their relationships with their biological families and the
What makes Janet such a great foster parent for these youth? She is not afraid to reach out to CSI when she is unsure about something or needs help. She accepts long-term, short-term and respite placements—sometimes on very short notice. In crisis situations, Janet is an excellent problem solver, and is quick to inform her CSI worker when a need arises.
Janet is an example of a passionate and dependable foster parent, who ensures youth are safe and happy while in her care and after leaving her home.
Janet has worked with multiple youth to ensure they successfully age out of foster care. She goes above and beyond and
informal supports already in place.
Our community is in desperate need of loving foster parents to help care for teenagers, and Janet is always ready to lend a hand when a child needs a temporary home full of stability, structure and love.
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Meet Our CEO & CDO
Cheers to 13 Years
Meet Our New CEO & CDO
Peg Harriott has positively impacted thousands of lives. Today, we
Child Saving Institute (CSI) is excited to introduce its new President & CEO, Jaymes Sime. The organization also recently welcomed Lori Bechtold as its new Chief Development Officer.
celebrate her 13 successful years at Child Saving Institute (CSI). Peg Harriott joined CSI as President & CEO in May 2008. Over the years, she has undoubtedly touched the lives of many children and families. During her tenure at CSI, the number of children and families served has increased from 1,500 to 2,500 annually, the number of staff has nearly doubled, and the annual budget grew from $5.8 to $10.2 million—allowing for expanded services to reach even more more children and families.
Jaymes has served as the Executive Director of the MICAH House in Council Bluffs for nearly six years. During his time as the organization’s leader, Jaymes has doubled its staff, grown its annual operating budget
Peg Harriott, Wanda Gottschalk and Donna TubachDavis at a past CSI fundraising event.
Peg says she always knew she was going to spend her career working with children. In high school, she worked as a camp counselor for the Great Plains Girl Scout Council, from which she credits the starting point for developing her leadership skills. During college, she worked for the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Mental Health Clinic Personal Crisis Line. She also worked as a resident advisor at the former Uta Halee Girls Village, where she provided direct care to children living in its residential treatment center.
Joey, Peg’s nephew, delivered gifts to CSI kids as part of his birthday wish to help support those less fortunate.
Peg went on to lead the former YWCA (now the Women’s Center for Advancement) for nearly a decade. Today, the WCA remains the community’s leader in supporting survivors of domestic violence. While Peg will soon depart as CSI, she will continue to make a difference in the lives of children for years to come. We thank Peg for her continued love and unconditional advocacy for children. Cheers to the past 13 wonderful years! 6
Child Child Saving Saving Institute Institute News News | | Spring Fall 2021 2020
CSI’s Early Childhood Education (ECE) children say “thank you.”
over 200%, completed a $3.7 million capital campaign and successfully launched several other key growth strategies. In addition, Jaymes spent three years serving children and families as the Community Outreach Coordinator and InHome Family Services Consultant at Boys Town. Jaymes holds a master’s degree in public administration from South University and was awarded the Omaha Jaycees Ten Outstanding Young Omahans in 2017. “Jaymes has devoted himself to serving children and families. He is a community leader embracing innovation and creativity to do what’s best for children and families,” said CSI’s Board Chair, Mike Geppert. “We are excited for Jaymes to join the Child Saving Institute team and look forward to this next chapter in CSI’s already amazing story.” “I’m grateful to have the opportunity to lead an organization with such rich history serving children and families in Omaha. It won’t be easy following the legacy that Peg Harriott has created, but she has built a tremendous leadership team and I can’t wait to work alongside them to continue responding to the cry of a child,” said Jaymes.
Jaymes will assume the role as CSI’s President & CEO on October 4. Peg will continue with the organization until October 15. Jaymes and Peg will work closely Jaymes Sime, together to Incoming President & CEO ensure a smooth and successful transition of leadership. In addition, CSI recently welcomed its new Chief Development Officer, Lori Bechtold to the team on August 24. Lori has more than 20 years of fundraising experience including major gifts, capital campaigns, grant writing and events. Lori holds a Lori Bechtold, master’s degree Chief Development Officer in public administration and a Certificate in Fund Raising Management from the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. She is a member of the Omaha Downtown Rotary Club and the Association of Fund Raising Professionals. Having spent her career working for various nonprofit organizations, Lori strives to make a positive impact on individuals and families in the Omaha community.
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Legacy Giving
AUNTYs Make Life a Little Sweeter
Leave a Legacy for Kids
Written by Wanda Gottschalk, a Child Saving Institute (CSI) AUNTY and Cali Page, CSI Legacy Giving Coordinator
Written by Rhonda Heineman, a friend and long-time supporter of Child Saving Institute (CSI)
An important question at CSI has always been how does the agency stay connected to those who have played an important role in CSI: adoptive parents, adoptees, board members, guild members, volunteers, staff and many others.
If you ever feel like your life is like a sinking ship and you are taking your babies down with you, then it’s time to seek help. That is exactly where I found myself 30 years ago this October. Moving back to Omaha as a single mother and unemployed, I saw the CSI sign—it was a message from God.
In 2012, a small group of women came together and formed a giving circle called the “CSI AUNTYs.” The goal was to raise funds from the members and at the end of the year, the AUNTYs would decide where in the agency the funds would be spent. One program might be awarded all the designated funds, or the funds could be divided among several programs or projects. Funds were also available through the year if a teen or child needed funds for something special like: senior pictures, a prom dress, karate lessons or a laptop for school—the AUNTYs fund would be available to help year-round.
Each AUNTY is asked to pay an annual membership fee of $250, $500 or $1,000— whatever level they are comfortable with. There is no fundraising involved and membership dues are 100% tax deductible. In April 2021, the AUNTYs funded several CSI programs to purchase special items including: a new marimba for the Outdoor Nature Explore Classroom, art and craft supplies for the kiddos enrolled in the Early Childhood Education program, funds to replenish items in the Baby Boutique and a “Summer Fun” fund for the youth living in the Emergency Shelter. Each AUNTY has a passion for supporting children in need. Will you join us? To learn more about becoming a CSI AUNTY and joining a passionate group who make a difference in the lives of CSI’s kids and families, please contact Cali Page, CSI Legacy Giving Coordinator, at cpage@childsaving.org or 402.504.3661.
The CSI AUNTYs came together to form a “village” of support for the children and youth in CSI’s care. AUNTYs are women who want to know what is happening in child welfare in Omaha and in Nebraska. They want to be there for kids through the ups and downs of their young lives, making life a little sweeter during challenging times. The AUNTYs meet two times a year. Each meeting has a special presentation about a CSI program as well as an update (the inside scoop) from the President & CEO.
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It wasn’t me, or even my 18-month-old, who was in distress. It was my son—my 4-year-old little boy was devastated without his daddy. It was hard to admit but my little boy needed saving. Without hesitation or consideration of payment, CSI helped save my sweet little boy and for that, I am forever grateful. Today, my wonderful husband of 20 years and I both believe in giving back and we make sure to include this 129-year-old organization not only in our annual endof-year contribution but long after we are gone. We have faith that CSI will continue Rev. Clark’s mission of “responding to the cry of a child” for years to come.
I will never forget what CSI has done for me and my children. My son earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and is now happily married with a precious twoand-a-half-year-old little girl. You can become a member of the Legacy Society and join others who want to make a difference in the lives of CSI’s kids and families. For more information, please contact Cali Page, CSI Legacy Giving Coordinator, at cpage@childsaving.org or 402.504.3661.
Rhonda and her two children in 1992 when she found herself as single mother raising two young children.
Legacy Society Members
CSI AUNTYs left to right: Julie Shaner, Becky Bischof, Linda Renner, Wanda Gottschalk, Paige Festersen and Liz Bushey
Anonymous (9)
Melanie Hecker
Kenneth W. Moore
Rev. N. Dwain & Virginia Acker
Heidi L. Hirschbach
Lea Morrison
Donnette Janda Borcherding & Tom Borcherding
Judy A. Hunt
Rev. Brian & Cali Page
Don Brewer
Barbara E. Johnson
Janice Schenck
Russ & Kathryn Cranston
Julie & Roger Keaton
Rev. Judith Short
Trudi Crosby
Carolyn Kinton
Cheryl C. Smith
Paul E. & Ruth Warden Few
Edward “Ned” Kirklin
Ron Sorensen
Wanda & Mike Gottschalk
Howard & Donna Lefler
Art & Michelle Swoboda
Dr. Susan Hassmiller
Caren Lillie
Cathy Tibbels
Morgan & Walter Hecht
Rebecca Z. & Michael W. McNeil
Donna Tubach-Davis & Stephen Davis
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How YOU Can Help
Every Gift Helps. Here’s How:
Back-to-School Support Many children and teens are experiencing increased stress while returning to the classroom this year. Child Saving Institute (CSI) is here to help you and your family during these abnormally stressful times. CSI offers Mental Health Services including Pediatric & Adolescent Therapy and Medication Management Services on site at its 4545 Dodge Street location. At CSI, we believe all children, including teens, deserve to live happy and healthy lives. Sometimes additional support is needed in order for children and families to be successful. In addition to our full-time Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, CSI has seven licensed therapists available for all your therapeutic needs. Learn more about available Mental Health Services at CSI by visiting our website at 106
Child Saving Institute News | Fall 2021
childsaving.org, or call 402.553.6000 to schedule an appointment.
$25
will buy personal hygiene products for a child arriving at the Triage Center with nothing
$50
will buy a month’s unlimited bus pass so a teen parent can take their baby to doctor appointments
$100
can help a struggling mom keep her utilities on and her children in her home
$250
provides a day of care for a youth temporarily staying in the Emergency Shelter
$500
funds eight sessions of parenting workshops for a struggling parent
$1,000
will provide one month of care for youth to live in the Emergency Shelter, in which they receive safety, security, therapy and support
Healing is possible. We are here to help. Currently, CSI offers both in-person and virtual therapy appointments. Spanish-speaking thearpy services are available.
Available Services:
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Our Mission
Responding to the cry of a child.
Medication Management Services Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) Play Therapy Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) Adoption Competent Therapy (TAC)
Our Vision All children have homes where hope is kindled and dreams can be achieved. This is our work, and they are ALL our children.
Our Values Do what’s best for kids. Never give up on a kid. We can always do more for kids. Kids deserve strong, healthy families. 11
Child Saving Institute 4545 Dodge St | Omaha, NE 68132 402.553.6000 | childsaving.org
Upcoming Events Don’t miss a moment of the fun and philanthropic opportunities we have planned in the coming months. Visit our website at childsaving.org for more information about these events and how to get involved!
#GivingTuesday402 | November 30, 2021 Mark your calendar! Child Saving Institute (CSI) is excited to take part in this year’s #GivingTuesday402 event hosted by SHARE Omaha. Please join us on Tuesday, November 30 and be a part of the hearts and hands giving to hundreds of local nonprofits across the metro—including CSI. Thank you to our Giving Tuesday matching sponsor CharterWest Bank! When you give to CSI on November 30, CharterWest Bank will match your donation dollar for dollar up to $5,000 total. Make the most of your donation to CSI and give on November 30 during #GivingTuesday402!
Substitute Santa | December 8-10, 2021 Child Saving Institute 4545 Dodge St. | Omaha, NE | 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Please help Child Saving Institute (CSI) provide a joyful holiday season for hundreds of children and teens in the Omaha community. Donations to the Substitute Santa program serve foster children, youth living in the Emergency Shelter and struggling families. Please contact Cali Page at cpage@childsaving.org to learn more.
Cabaret | May 7, 2022 Embassy Suites by Hilton Omaha La Vista Hotel & Conference Center 12520 Westport Pkwy | La Vista, NE | 6:00 p.m. Save the date for Cabaret 2022! Join us and event chairs Adrienne and Patrick Fay and co-chairs Gina and Nick Patrick for a night of comedy to benefit Child Saving Institute (CSI) services for the prevention, intervention and healing of child abuse, neglect and trauma. Come and enjoy an evening of cocktails, dinner and hilarity for a great cause. Visit childsaving.org soon for more information.
Your Support Changes Lives
To further support children and families working with Child Saving Institute (CSI), please consider making a donation online at childsaving.org/help/donate. You may also contact Lori Bechtold, Chief Development Officer, at lbechtold@childsaving.org or 402.504.3660 to discuss other ways to help local children and families. Stay connected with us on social media via Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Save the Date for #GivingTuesday402 Please join us on Tuesday, November 30 and be a part of SHARE Omaha’s #GivingTuesday402 event. Thank you to our Giving Tuesday matching sponsor CharterWest Bank! When you give to Child Saving Institute (CSI) on November 30, CharterWest Bank will match your donation dollar for dollar up to $5,000 total. Make the most of your donation to CSI and give on November 30! Your support truly makes a difference in the lives of vulnerable children and families in the Omaha community. Please consider supporting CSI on November 30 during #GivingTuesday402 to be a part of change. Visit www.shareomaha.org/nonprofit/child-saving-institute to support kids and families receiving lifechanging services from CSI.
Save the date #GivingTuesday402 November 30