Hope in the Good Life Podcast

Johnny Ray was sentenced to life in prison, plus 50 years, for a crime he committed at just 17 years old. In the silence of an empty room after his sentencing, his painful cries of regret and hopelessness were met by an unexpected voice—the voice of God, telling him to have faith. That moment began a journey. First through the support of a religious sister, then others, Johnny experienced a spirit...

“At the end of the day, we feel the USA is our country, and the American flag will fly prominently.” Those are the words of Hasan Khalil, organizer of the first Youth World Cup Celebration sponsored by Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska. Hear Hasan talk about how he’s bringing 200 youth, most from refugee families, together for this event on July 23, at Clinton Elementary School in Linc...

Of all the places in America they could continue their medical careers, two men from Nigeria found themselves building new lives in Imperial—a small town in southwestern Nebraska, surrounded by farmland and prairie, and a world away from home. Discover how Francis Oleru and Aloysius Aleke came to embrace this rural community as their own, and how Catholic Social Services helped weave their two jou...

"Welcoming the Stranger" is a call to offer hospitality, shelter, and a sense of belonging to those who may be displaced, unfamiliar, or in need of assistance. It's also a Work of Mercy and thus an important component of Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska's mission. In this podcast, CSS team member and attorney Brad Brestel shares how the CSS Immigration Legal Services staff helps provi...

The Diocese of Lincoln’s new Prison and Reentry Apostolate (PARA) focuses on bringing Christ’s love to incarcerated individuals and supporting their journey back into society. The apostolate is directed by Levi Baus, who is also the Volunteer Coordinator for Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska (CSS). Hear Levi talk about this Work of Mercy and how it’s bringing Hope in the Good Life.

In the aftermath of the fall of Saigon in 1975, Lincoln was designated a "Refugee Friendly" city. This designation marked the beginning of a thriving Vietnamese community that continues to leave a lasting impact on Lincoln and the state. CSS helped resettle 257 Vietnamese refugees within the Diocese of Lincoln that year, mostly in Lincoln but also in Hastings. Among those first arrivals was Alex T...

You’re invited to join CSS for a Sustainability Open House on April 24, 2025. Director of Sustainability, Jamie Carson, tells us this engaging event aims to highlight CSS’s ongoing sustainability efforts, foster community feedback, and promote environmental stewardship, with a special focus on youth, families, and teachers.

Bill and Stacie Hooks have always believed in the importance of giving back as a way to show gratitude for the blessings in their lives. As the owners of Slim Chickens restaurants in Lincoln, they have been dedicated supporters of Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska for years. This year, their generosity continues as they proudly serve as the silent auction sponsor (https://events.handbi...

At this year’s 38th Annual Celebration of Hope Gala, we are privileged to honor a true example of servant leadership. Mike Hosek has been named the recipient of the CSS Heart of Christ Award, and in this podcast, you'll hear how his early experiences shaped his commitment to leadership and service. Discover how Mike has brought more Hope in the Good Life to those served through the CSS Food Market...

While the potential impact from the Trump administration on refugee programs is still uncertain, CSS remains committed to serving the needs of all vulnerable individuals within our community. In this podcast, we hear about the hope provided by CSS to people who we have served through our Refugee Resettlement program. Once they are “welcomed home,” CSS does much to provide a real home.

Hear how supporters of the St. Gianna Program at CSS and other Pregnancy Help Organizations can earn more than just a tax deduction thanks to recently enacted legislation called the Nebraska Pregnancy Help Act that creates a win-win for all involved.

What does it mean to be a part of the CSS Legacy of Hope Society? It means that through your generosity, you can support CSS in different ways, long into the future. Chris Raun of the Catholic Foundation of Southern Nebraska explains several financial strategies designed to not only support CSS but also provide tax breaks to benefit you and/or your family.

“It saved my life being here,” says Stephanie and current resident of St. Gianna Women’s Home in Lincoln. During Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Stephanie talks about her life as a victim of domestic violence that included having her leg run over by a truck, black eyes, bruised ribs, being strangled, and a lot of verbal abuse - all things she began to accept as normal in a relationship. Now she...

CSS is celebrating TWO DECADES of southeastern Nebraska HOPE IN THE GOOD LIFE on October 5. We'll have food trucks, face painting, fun contests/freebies, and more. Auburn Regional Director April Boellstorff joins us to talk a little about the history of St. Francis Gift and Thrift and why it is such a special place for those in need in southeast Nebraska.

John Brooks was invited to be a volunteer at Hastings Catholic Social Services a half-dozen years ago. Despite a disability that has caused him to use of a scooter to get around, he still has the same joy and drive to bring Hope in the Good Life to those we serve. John will be honored for his volunteerism with the Love of Christ Award at the Hastings CSS Bountiful Harvest Celebration on September...

During challenging times, it's essential to reflect on our blessings and consider sharing them with others. Including CSS in your will, trust, or other financial plans is an act of love and stewardship, creating a Legacy of Hope. In this podcast, we preview our Legacy of Hope presentation at CSS in Lincoln on August 22 at 7 pm. Scott Yates from the Catholic Foundation of Southern Nebraska gives us...

The 2024 Walk to End Hunger event August 4 has a goal of 35,000 pounds of food and dollars to support the CSS Food Market in Lincoln. Organizer Mike Hosek and Food Market Manager Kristina Brandl talk about how that goal will be reached and how desperate the need is to nourish our neighbors and bring Hope in the Good Life.

“Our world is experiencing a mental health crisis. Anxiety and depression weigh heavily on the lives of many people.” So says Bishop James Conley of the Diocese of Lincoln as he talks about his own battle with mental health and how his recovery is ongoing. In this interview, he also talks about why there can be A Future with Hope, as reflected in his recent pastoral letter of the same name.

Several local businesses have come together to present a used vehicle along with money they raised for a family who recently endured the heartbreaking loss of their unborn child following an auto accident that also totaled their car. CSS teamed up with a group called Business Networking International (BNI) to provide this hope on wheels. BNI members, Kendall Warnock of A1 Automotive and Todd Speid...

Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska (CSS) has greatly benefited from its longstanding partnership with Sandhills Global. Jim Hansen, Outreach Coordinator for Sandhills Global, emphasizes how their mission aligns with CSS in providing "Hope in the Good Life” for many across Nebraska.

If it weren't for our volunteers, CSS would not be able to accomplish the works of mercy for so many through our various programs and services. In honor of National Volunteer Week, Mike and Aggie Gesch talk about their work as volunteers in the CSS Lincoln Food Market, and the fact that they are both inspired and humbled to help provide more Hope in the Good Life to so many.

Whenever you put an ‘e’ in front of something, it usually means ‘electronic.’ When it comes to Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska (CSS) and our e-commerce offerings, the ‘e’ could also mean evangelize, extra, and environmental. CSS Director of E-commerce Mario Racicot talks about how his work fits in with the CSS core value of Sustainability.

Discover the Vincentians and their collaboration with Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska (CSS) to instill Hope in the Good Life. Larry Ellerbeck, both a Vincentian and the president of the St. Vincent de Paul Society's Lincoln Chapter, shares insights into how his team engages with individuals in their homes. Collaborating with CSS, they offer assistance with utilities, rent payments, f...

Sandra’s face is the first one many of our clients see at CSS; She, in turn, sees the face of Christ in every neighbor who comes to us for help. As a point of first contact, CSS Lincoln Office Manager Sandra Svajdlenka greets our agency's clients, discerns their needs, and connects them with resources. And, in one very blessed instance, she became a Godmother, too. In this podcast, Sandra shares s...

How does a wife and a mother of nine kids find time to even think about volunteering and making a difference in the lives of others? Emily Villa tells us how in this uplifting and tearful witness to the power of finding beauty, dignity, and even fun in the little things that can make a big difference in the lives of others. Emily, her husband Mike, and her family will be honored at the CSS Celebra...