APRIL 2017

CLOSING THE DOOR ON A DECADE

Nebraska Children's Home Society CEO Karen Authier is closing the door after a decade of leading the Children's Home. She announced her plans to retire at the end of September during the March Board of Directors meeting.

"I love my work and remain enthused about the role NCHS can play in ensuring that Nebraska’s children of all ages receive safe and loving care. However, I believe that it is the right time to pass the baton to a new leader. I believe that a new leader will be able to use the momentum created and take the organization to new levels of achievement," Authier said.

"Also, at a personal level, I realize that my grandchildren are growing up fast and I want to be more a part of their lives and have time to enjoy activities that don’t fit into my current routine." Authier doesn't plan to slow down in the next six months. Her goal will be to make sure NCHS is in good shape to lay out a new 2017 Strategic Plan that will provide a solid foundation for progress and development.

RIGHT TURN® IS STILL AT RISK

We are very concerned for the future of Right Turn® post adoption services. Thank you to all of our supporters who have reached out to the members of the Appropriations Committee. If you haven't yet, it's not too late! 

#AdoptionStrong #RightTurnNE

NEW LOOK FOR NCHS

Did you know there's a new look and feel to www.nchs.org? Take a look and learn about what we're doing to ensure safe and loving care across the state.

PARENTING TIP OF THE MONTH

Another tip from the NCHS Growing Great Kids™ home visiting curriculum!

Play by Play- This is a simple way to help boost your child's language development

Follow these four steps:

1) Get down on your child's level

2) Tell your child what he is seeing, hearing, doing or feeling

3) Wait for your child to respond with sounds, words, or other nonverbal communication

4) You can use your voice, facial expressions, and even touch to help communicate with your child

Example- Your child is playing with blocks.  You could sit with them and say, "Wow look how tall your tower is!  You're putting another block on the tower.  You have the green block.  Next goes the red block.  Oh the tower fell over!  You're starting again." 

Some people feel silly at first saying everything that is happening but there are great benefits for doing Play by Play.  Children learn to effectively communicate at a younger age and will have more words.  Children feel understood.  Parents also become better communicators and can use words to discipline making that part of parenting more peaceful.  

THE $$$$$ ADD UP

IT WORKS! Have you downloaded the TAGG app yet? Made that online purchase on Amazon Smile? Registered your Baker's card? We know, we know. If you have, THANK YOU. And if you haven't, check out the dollars that have been raised for NCHS without spending an extra dime since we started the following programs: 

How much can we earn in 2017? Click on the images above to get registered. AND NOW, you can select NCHS as your favorite charity on Proseeds. Learn more!

Nebraska Children’s Home Society’s Sand in the City® 2017

Join us @ UNO’s Baxter Arena, 2425 S 67th St, Omaha, NE 68106

June 9: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Sand Sculpting Competition  
June 10: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m., Family Fun Days
June 11: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m., Family Fun Days

The event isn't possible without our amazing volunteers! Shifts are still available, claim your spot below.

STATEWIDE GIVING DAYS

May 3 - Go Big Give, Grand Island

May 3 - North Platte Giving Day

May 18 - Give to Lincoln

May 23 - Norfolk Area Big Give

May 24 - Omaha Gives