CSInsider Child Saving Institute News | Spring 2021
Community Family Legacy A Letter Philanthropy 2020 At-A- Empowerment Q&A with Giving: My in Action: Glance from Peg Program Bob Marlette CSI Journey 2 3 5 George’s Story 6 8 10 Family Empowerment Program
We are stronger together...
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, CSI remains open and serving children and families Child Saving Institute’s (CSI) new Family Empowerment Program President & CEO throughout this historic pandemic—thank you for putting your trust in our services. in partnership with the Women’s Center for Advancement (WCA)
CSI staff continue to reinforce the mission, “Responding to provides hope and healing for survivors of domestic violence. the cry of child”, through every thought and action while children and families live through pressing ambiguity. The Family Empowerment Program is grow and develop skills to find stability and designed to aid hope and healing for new hope. The Board of Directors and the CSI Guild continue to lead this parents/caregivers and their children agency through nuances and situations—all with serving the (ages 4-13) who have experienced Survivors of domestic violence may be best needs of local children and families. domestic or interpersonal violence referred to the Family Empowerment regardless of age, race, material status or Program through community partners. A sincere thank you to our amazing Cabaret event’s chairs gender identity. Individuals may also inquire about Melanie and David Hecker. Melanie and David, both program participation by contacting CSI children of adoption, have returned in 2021 to ensure this “All children deserve happy childhoods. directly. Visit childsaving.org for more important event’s success. Their commitment to children In order to achieve safety and happiness information or contact Jana Habrock, cannot be underscored! for all children in our community, we Director of Prevention Services, at understand that their parent/caregiver 402.504.3637 or [email protected]. In this issue you will read about a new program and must be safe and heal from past trauma,” partnership recently launched to better serve Omaha said Peg Harriott, CSI President & CEO. families; you’ll be introduced to George and hear how CSI “We are thrilled to partner with the WCA helped prepare him for success; you’ll enjoy an inspiring to provide this new program model to interview with an adoptee, Bob Marquette; and, you will hear those in need of these services in Omaha.” a parent’s story of adoption and how CSI changed a family’s life forever. The program allows for parents/caregivers and their children to process past trauma I close by simply saying thank YOU for your ongoing and properly heal in order to rebuild commitment to children, to the health of our wonderful brighter, happier futures. Parents and community and to always doing what’s best for kids! caregivers attend classes while children and youth engage in fun, interactive activities proven to address, process and heal from trauma. Together, families will
Peg Harriott The Family Empowerment Program was supported by Grant Number 90EV0472 from the Administration on Children, Youth and Families, Family and President & CEO Youth Services Bureau, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
2 Child Saving Institute News | Spring 2021 3 George’s Story
Despite the pandemic, CSI Community Philanthropy in served 68 youth through its Independent Living Skills Action: George’s Story
(ILS) program in 2020. Child Saving Institute’s (CSI) Independent Living Skills (ILS) program helped George to be successful on a path to an independent, financially secure adulthood.
An Independent Living Skills (ILS) program enrolled in CSI’s ILS program. Their lives are participant since 2018, 24-year-old tenuous, and setbacks can have large George was deeply affected by the consequences. global pandemic. During the pandemic, George’s mother became ill and when Often, the role of the ILS Specialist is to she was in the emergency room, she encourage youth, such as George, and tested positive for COVID-19. Her positive help restore confidence and motivation test resulted in George needing to to move forward in the face of unrelenting quarantine. While he did test negative, obstacles. Also, the ILS Specialist attends during quarantine George lost his to the basic needs of the youth. No employment. Unemployment and his person is motivated or emotionally stable mother’s illness brought feelings of if they are hungry or malnourished. The malaise, frustration, hopelessness and ILS Specialist connected George to food, depression. to rent assistance, while helping George complete unemployment forms. George, like many youth who age out of the foster care system, was on the The ILS Specialist also encouraged edge as he remained responsible for rent, George to consider college or trade utilities, a car payment, gas money and school. When a person is embroiled in food. George relied on his ILS Specialist stress, they need help envisioning possible to help him wade through this stress and paths forward. With funding assistance, depression. George completed truck driving school in September 2020 and is now gainfully Young adults who are fortunate enough employed within an industry that is in to grow up in a secure family might call high demand. George’s ILS Specialist is their parents, their siblings or an aunt or very proud of him as he is on the path uncle for financial help and emotional to an independent, financially secure support. Maybe, they move home until adulthood. employment has stabilized or maybe they go home for meals and to do laundry until they regain financial stability. This is not an option for the young people
4 Child Saving Institute News | Spring 2021 5 Q&A with Bob Marlette
Q&A with Bob Marlette I was interested in finding out who my birth with the family that I have. Opportunity has parents were. I always said, “absolutely appeared and I have been able to take Bob is a producer, songwriter, musician, engineer and mixer who has worked not!” Because I always felt that my mom advantage of it over and over. was my mom and I didn’t want to know any with hundreds of artists including Black Sabbath, Marilyn Manson, Rob Zombie, I have a life in Los Angeles with my wife, other mom. I felt it would be disloyal to my Tracy Chapman, Cheryl Crow, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Alice Cooper and many more. daughter, her husband, my son, and our parents. I don’t think they would have felt two grandchildren. We live in a nice house He was also adopted through Child Saving Institute (CSI). badly, but I would have. where I have my studio. We are well fed Talk about your parent’s decision to adopt. All I ever wanted to know about my and have love around us all the time. I remember, so vividly, my parents being birth parents is what they looked like, a I have a career that I love, as a producer, clear that they CHOSE me. They saw me photograph. All the other kids got to know songwriter, musician, engineer, and mixer and felt an instant connection. I think where they came from. I didn’t look at all and I continue to work really hard at what hearing that over and over through the like my parents. years was instrumental in me feeling so I do (thanks mom and dad.) I am blessed comforted and secure with the whole How did your parents support your musical to have worked with hundreds of bands adoption thing. talents? and musicians on music that means a lot to As far as I can tell, my music began with my millions of people. I never asked them about their decision parents. to adopt, but I do know they were most Why do you support the mission of CSI? definitely aware of the needs of others. They They were music lovers and music was I truly believe CSI was the conduit between knew there were many children in the world always around the house. My mother me and my happy loving life. I am so lucky that needed families. played a little piano and my father could that my birth mother brought me to you. be seen regularly lying down on the living I am grateful that CSI was there for her What were your early years like growing up room floor listening to his records on full because being there for her meant being in Nebraska? meeting spot). We had to stay on our toes blast. Sundays were all about the French there for me. My two sisters and I had an ideal childhood so we wouldn’t get busted! Of course, those singer, Edith Piaf, who my dad had seen We will continue to support Child Saving growing up in Lincoln, NE. A real life “Leave days are long gone! live in France when he was in the Army! I Institute in any way we can. it to Beaver,” complete with bike riding was so lucky that my parents thought it was around the neighborhood, fort building When did you learn of your adoption? How important to have music in our home. A special thanks to Evell Thomas and all in the woods, and exploring the streets of did that make you feel? the other amazing people we have met at Lincoln. My childhood felt free and safe. As My parents started telling me I was adopted Before I was old enough to drive, my mom Child Saving Institute. I am forever grateful. long as I came home when the dinner bell at a young age and I didn’t really know started taking me to play nightclubs in rang, all was good! what it meant. I remember a conversation Omaha. She thought I should be exposed at around four or five years old when I to different types of music and play with What is your most vivid memory growing up? began to understand what adoption different musicians. My dad was an engineering professor at meant. It was before we went to Holland. My first big gig was at Pershing Auditorium University of Nebraska - Lincoln for forty It was very hard for me to wrap my head on the big stage, with the hot lights, playing years. Because of that, we always had around it because I thought that they WERE for thousands of people. My life would Husker season tickets. There was nothing like my parents. It didn’t make any sense to me. never be the same after this. I knew where I a fall football Saturday at Memorial Stadium! Once they felt I understood, they always belonged. Sometimes my dad would give the tickets to reminded me, “WE CHOSE YOU.” I think his friends, so my friends and I would have to hearing them say that over and over really What are your greatest accomplishments? climb the fence and sneak into the stadium. affected me. My biggest accomplishment is the life I have When security would come after us, we built for myself with what I have been given. would scatter and meet up underneath They also encouraged me to ask questions. Pictured left to right: Bob’s daughter, Emily; his wife, I was lucky to be born where I was, and the south end of the stadium (our secret When I was still young, my mom asked me if Lisa; Bob; and his son, Chris
6 ChildChild SavingSaving InstituteInstitute NewsNews || SpringSpring 20202021 7 Legacy Giving My CSI Journey Leave a Legacy for Kids Written by Cali Page, Legacy Giving Coordinator Child Saving Institute (CSI) has been plan. You can also helping children and families since 1892. talk to your banker or My Child Saving Institute (CSI) journey what potential adoptive parents did back This is made possible because of generous investment manager began 21 years ago when I stumbled in that time. I put my heart and soul into people like YOU. People who love kids and about Pay on Death upon a potential job opportunity within the making that book—it had to be perfect! want to see all families thrive. Whether you (POD) or Transfer Development Department. donate your time, talents or treasure, YOU on Death (TOD) Two days later, we received the news—we are making a difference and helping to instructions that will At that time, I had no idea the array of were chosen! At that very moment, we ensure that CSI will be serving the Omaha transfer a portion or services CSI provided to children and knew, without a doubt that we were meant community for years to come. all of those assets to families—they offered quality childcare, to be this unborn child’s parents. CSI’s kids. Cali Page foster care assistance and an emergency Because of the generous support, CSI Legacy Giving Coordinator On, August 24, 2001 at 8:02am Nathaniel shelter for children needing a place to stay. has touched countless lives by providing When you include CSI in your will, trust or (Nate) Joseph was born. Our lives were loving homes through adoption and foster other long-term charitable plans, you are I wanted to help. So, I applied. Then, I forever changed. We brought Nate home care, providing hope and healing for kids making a commitment to a lifetime of better interviewed and got the job! Little did I know from the hospital. Our family was now who have made the Emergency Shelter tomorrows. In doing so, you are leaving a how much that moment would change my complete... Only God had other plans! their temporary home, providing quality legacy of caring for children and families, life, forever! We went on to have three more biological childcare through the Early Childhood and you are giving them the one thing they children: Jakson (born in 2004), Mia (2005) My husband, Brian, and I had a beautiful, Education program, as well as many other need most—hope. and Lauryn (2007). rambunctious 8-year-old daughter named much needed programs. By documenting your intention to provide a Alexis. We had always known we wanted Today, Nate is finishing his freshman year in CSI was there for me and my family all those legacy gift, you can become an esteemed more children but after several years with college. He has grown into a kind, smart and years ago. Brian and I want to ensure that member of the CSI Legacy Society (donors no luck our dream of a larger family was responsible young man. CSI continues to be here for children and may choose to remain anonymous). quickly fading. Nate was meant to be my son. I am forever families for generations to come. Please Become a member of the Legacy Society A year later, I was talking to a co-worker grateful to his biological mother for choosing join us and leave a legacy gift to continue and join others, like you, who want to make at CSI who happened to be an adoption me to be this amazing kid’s mama. And, supporting the much-needed work of CSI a difference in the lives of CSI’s kids and specialist. I told her I was trying to talk my I am grateful to CSI for making our family long into the future. families. For more information, please email husband into considering adoption. She whole and complete. Legacy gifts include designation in your will [email protected] or call 402.504.3661. gave me a pamphlet and I was on my way. or estate plan, beneficiary designation in I remember showing the pamphlet to a life insurance policy, IRA, 401(k) or 403(b) Brian that same night. We had a brief conversation; however, Brian was not The information contained in this newsletter is for informational purposes only and is not intended to serve as legal or tax advice. For specific information about any of the above opportunities, please consult your tax adviser or attorney. convinced adoption was right for us.
Later that week, there was a young Legacy Society Members expectant mom scheduled at CSI for a Anonymous (9) Melanie Hecker Kenneth W. Moore counseling session. She had reviewed all Rev. N. Dwain & Virginia Acker Heidi L. Hirschbach Lea Morrison of the prospective adoptive parents in the Donnette Janda Borcherding & Tom Borcherding Judy A. Hunt Rev. Brian & Cali Page Don Brewer Barbara E. Johnson Janice Schenck state and hadn’t found a couple she felt Russ & Kathryn Cranston Julie & Roger Keaton Rev. Judith Short was her unborn child’s family. Trudi Crosby Carolyn Kinton Cheryl C. Smith Paul E. & Ruth Warden Few Edward “Ned” Kirklin Ron Sorensen Brian and I decided to create a book about Wanda & Mike Gottschalk Howard & Donna Lefler Art & Michelle Swoboda our family to show her during her session. It’s Dr. Susan Hassmiller Caren Lillie Cathy Tibbels Left to right: Brian, Lauryn, Mia, Jakson, Alexis, Nate Morgan & Walter Hecht Rebecca Z. & Michael W. McNeil Donna Tubach-Davis & Stephen Davis
86 Child Saving Institute News | Spring 2021 9 How YOU Can Help Every Gift Helps. Here’s How:
will buy personal hygiene provides a day of care products for a child for a youth temporarily $25 arriving at the Triage $250 staying in the Emergency Center with nothing Shelter
will buy a month’s funds eight sessions of unlimited bus pass so a parenting workshops for a $50 teen parent can take $500 struggling parent their baby to doctor appointments
will provide one month of 2020 At-A-Glance can help a struggling care for youth to live in mom keep her utilities on the Emergency Shelter, in which they receive safety, children and families received children received love and high- $100 and her children in her $1,000 2,308 259 security, therapy and life-changing services from Child Saving quality education through CSI’s Early home support Institute (CSI) despite the pandemic Childhood Education program
102 children were served through CSI’s 71 young parents received valuable foster and kinship care services parenting education through the Teen & Young Parent Program (TYPP) Our Mission Responding to the cry of a child. 68 young adults participated in CSI’s Independent Living Skills (ILS) program 102 children participated in the School & Family Enrichment (SAFE) Our Vision program to achieve better outcomes at All children have homes where hope is kindled and dreams can be achieved. This is our work, and they are ALL our children. 800 children and youth found refuge school and at home at the Triage Center located on Project Harmony’s campus Our Values 334 children and families gained Do what’s best for kids. valuable tools through CSI’s Mental Health Never give up on a kid. 61 youth temporarily found safe housing Services offering child, adolescent and We can always do more for kids. and support in the Emergency Shelter family therapy Kids deserve strong, healthy families.
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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 for you in the coming months! Visit our website at childsaving.org for more information about these events and how to get involved. Cabaret | May 8, 2021 Embassy Suites by Hilton Omaha La Vista Hotel & Conference Center 1 12520 Westport Pkwy | La Vista, NE | 6:00 p.m. If you haven’t already, be sure to purchase your tickets to Cabaret 2021 featuring comedian Pat McGann. Join us 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! Purchase tickets online at childsaving.org or contact Anna Dwyer at [email protected] or 402.504.3664 for more information. PurseOnalities | Fall 2021 Keep on the lookout for more information regarding Child Saving Institute (CSI) 2 021 Guild’s annual PurseOnalities event taking place this fall. Attendees will enjoy some of the season’s hottest purses in incredible silent auction packages, a fabulous lunch and a great time with friends. Funds raised during PurseOnalities benefit the kids and families served by CSI. Visit childsaving.org for more information coming soon. Substitute Santa 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. Visit childsaving.org or contact Grace Peterson at [email protected] or 402.504.3634 for more information. Change a Life: Your support truly changes lives. To further assist children and families working with Child Saving Institute (CSI), please consider making a donation online at childsaving.org/help/donate. You may also contact Andrea L. Richardson, Chief Development Officer, at [email protected] or 402.504.3660 to discuss other ways to help. Stay connected with us on social media—we are on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.