Not Alone Radio Program, Feb. 8: Nebraska Families Collaborative

The Child Welfare System has long been a source of grave concern to Nebraskans. We see more and more families living in ways that are detrimental to the health and well being of children; sometimes the safety of the child is of such serious concern that children are removed from their homes. In other circumstances, children need to receive mental health care, and the only option available for parents so that their child may receive this care, is to ask that their child be made a ward of the State, in essence terminating their own parental rights, and having the child removed from their home.

Veteran Affairs Expands Services for Women

In 2009 and 2010 post traumatic stress disorder, hypertension, and depression were the top three diagnoses for women Veterans treated by the VA. Cindy Niemack-Brown, Women Veteran Program Manager feels these issues are high in women because females versus males have a tendency to delay their health care over others, often complicating the underlying health care issue.

“As a licensed mental health practitioner and a woman myself, I know that women pride themselves on taking care of others rather than themselves. Often, women who have been deployed have higher readjustment issues and cases of depression because it can be challenging adjusting and integrating back into the role of mother, care giver, or wife,” Niemack-Brown said. “We hear women say that when they come back after being deployed they don’t get the same kind of support or acknowledgement that men receive and they feel isolated.”

OneWorld Community Health Center Starts Youth Navigator Program to Reach Foster Care Youth in Transition

A new program offered at OneWorld Community Health Center, The Youth Navigator Program, is now available to assist youth making the transition out of the foster care system to living independently within the community. The program, funded with a two-year grant, helps to develop a plan for participants to create and/or maintain a healthy lifestyle as well as guide them in attaining their personal goals for the future.

KVC Health Systems

An on going struggle for Nebraska families with children requiring mental health care is locating qualified treatment and finding ways to pay for the services. In an effort to address this struggle, Nebraska’s Department of Health and Human Services recently ‘privatized’ behavioral health care for children’s services by awarding contracts for comprehensive care to five lead agency providers. Three of the lead agencies have since terminated their contract with DHHS; the two remaining are Boys Town and KVC Health Systems. Priorities of these lead agencies include providing a single resource responsible for that family’s care, then coordinating recovery services and reunification for the family through that lead agency.

Not Alone Radio Program, Sept. 28, 2010: Respite Care Resource Center

The September 28 Not Alone broadcast addressed yet another need in the field of behavioral health care — the opportunity for affordable respite care for family members caring for those with special mental health needs. We often consider the need for emotional and physical refreshment for families caring for a child who is physically fragile, or caring for an elderly family member with memory or behavior challenges, but who cares for teens with behavior disorders so the family can experience some relief?

Real Talk Program Cultivates Emotional Intelligence in Youth

Built on a philosophy that embraces the spiritual, physical, emotional, intellectual, and cultural love for self and others, the Center for Holistic Development (CHD) in northeast Omaha uses its extensive range of community events, youth programs, and outreach services to help individuals develop balance and well being.

Building Bright Futures Introduces School Health Centers

On behalf of The Kim Foundation, I attended a luncheon sponsored by Building Bright Futures recently introducing new school-based Health Centers. The Health Centers will be located in five Omaha elementary schools and King Science Magnet Center. These school-based medical centers will provide on-site medical services to children and will be used to diagnose and treat many common conditions in children, as well as provide immunizations, general physicals, preventative care, and sports readiness exams.

Lutheran Family Services Annual Faith in Action Dinner

On behalf of the Kim Foundation, I recently had the privilege of attending the Lutheran Family Services Annual Faith in Action Dinner. Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska (LFS) is a faith-based, statewide human care organization which impacts more than 35,000 individuals, serving from 32 offices in 18 cities in the areas of behavioral health, children services, and community services. Each year, LFS pays tribute to those whose actions demonstrate a commitment to faith-based values and principles.

Not Alone Radio Program, Sept. 14, 2010: Ticket to Work Program

Consider for a moment how much your career is part of your life and part of your identity. How often do we become acquainted with strangers by asking, “What kind of work do you do?” We even ask our young ones, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Most people spend about 40 years using their talents and abilities, their education and their skills, earning a living, being productive, and contributing to their community.

Heartland Family Service Celebrates Good News

It’s a girl! A beautiful baby girl, little Tricia, was recently born healthy and drug free! Tricia was the 25th baby born to Family Works Moms who are changing their lives for their children. Family Works is an innovative program of Heartland Family Service in Omaha allowing Moms to keep their children with them as Mom undergoes addiction treatment.