Alex Chapa’s journey illustrates his transformation through fatherhood, coaching, and seeking second chances. Overcoming a challenging upbringing, Alex embraced help from a PALS Coach, which led him to stability, confidence, and a renewed purpose as a father. Committed to breaking cycles, he aims to provide a nurturing environment for his children.
Blog Archives
From System-Impacted to System-Changer: Nandi’s Advocacy Journey
Nandi Kumondan, a system-impacted youth, turned her challenging experiences into advocacy for young people facing similar struggles. After her mother’s accident and subsequent passing, Nandi navigated legal obstacles without support. Through initiatives like Connected Youth Initiative, she now advocates for foster youth rights, ensuring they receive essential resources and support.
Celebrating the Heart of Camp Catch-Up: A Night Honoring Volunteers
Camp Catch-Up held an appreciation event at Platte River State Park, celebrating volunteers crucial to its mission. Director Mona Tarin and guest speaker Gil Green III emphasized the transformative impact of the camp on children’s lives. The evening honored dedicated volunteers and community partnerships, highlighting the significance of support in fostering hope for campers.
Tagged with: camp catch-up, foster care, Volunteers
Posted in Cradle to career, Middle Childhood, Systems, Uncategorized
Posted in Cradle to career, Middle Childhood, Systems, Uncategorized
Legislative Days: Shaping Future Leaders in Nebraska
“It could have been us.” Powerful words spoken by a young advocate during Legislative Days, capturing the real-life stakes behind the bills debated at this year’s event. Designed to educate young people on the legislative and policymaking process, the event gives youth leaders a platform to push for meaningful change. Hosted by Connected Youth Initiative (CYI), an initiative of Nebraska Children and Families Foundation (Nebraska Children), Legislative Days emphasizes civic engagement as a tool for personal growth and community betterment. For many participants, this event marks the beginning of their advocacy journey, setting them on paths to future leadership roles.
Tagged with: connected youth initiative, CYI, foster care, Governor, Legislation, Legislative Days, Lived Experience, Supreme Court
Posted in Legislature, News and Events, Systems, Teen/Early Adulthood, Uncategorized
Posted in Legislature, News and Events, Systems, Teen/Early Adulthood, Uncategorized
A Day of Laughter, Connection, and Sibling Bonding at Camp Catch-Up’s Winter Carnival
At Camp Catch-Up’s Winter Carnival, siblings separated by foster care reunite for a day filled with games, connection, and joy. From bouncing balloons to heartfelt gift exchanges, every moment is about strengthening bonds and creating cherished memories. For many, this is the only time they see their siblings all year—making every hug, laugh, and shared experience priceless.
Tagged with: camp catch-up, children, family, foster care, Parenting, sibling, sibling love, siblings, Winter Carnival
Posted in Middle Childhood, News and Events, Systems, Teen/Early Adulthood, Uncategorized
Posted in Middle Childhood, News and Events, Systems, Teen/Early Adulthood, Uncategorized
Finding New Directions: The Preventative Power of Youth Coaching
David Santos, facing homelessness and underemployment in Nebraska, was on the brink of leaving for Colorado with no concrete plan. However, a timely call from Zach Preble, a PALS Coach from Central Plains Center for Services, changed his path. Zach, funded by the Nebraska Children and Families Foundation’s Connected Youth Initiative (CYI), provided coaching focused on David’s strengths, connecting him to resources like housing and job training.
Tagged with: Central Plains Center for Services, community, connected youth initiative, CYI, homeless, homelessness, housing, Job Security, news, Rural Nebraska
Posted in News and Events, Systems, Teen/Early Adulthood, Uncategorized
Posted in News and Events, Systems, Teen/Early Adulthood, Uncategorized
Nurturing Hope: The Role of Youth Coaching in Young Adult Lives
Nyaruot’s early life was marked by frequent moves and instability, but after finding stability and support in a foster family, she faced new challenges in college. With the help of her coach, Tanya and various programs, she overcame setbacks and achieved her goals, earning a social work degree. Her journey highlights the power of resilience and support networks.
150,000 Reasons to Celebrate: Youth Advocacy at Nebraska Children and Families Foundation’s Legislative Days
The voices of Nebraska’s youth proved to be a powerful force, swaying Governor Jim Pillen to support crucial legislation impacting food security for 150,000 children in Nebraska. The young advocates, representing communities across Nebraska, presented compelling arguments at Legislative Days, ultimately influencing the governor’s decision. Their success highlights the transformative impact of youth advocacy in shaping policy.
Tagged with: Connected Youth Initiatve, CYI, foster care, Legislative Days, project everlast, youth voice
Posted in Legislature, Middle Childhood, News and Events, Systems, Teen/Early Adulthood
Posted in Legislature, Middle Childhood, News and Events, Systems, Teen/Early Adulthood
Passion Projects: Young People LEAD the Summer to Make their Voices Heard!
Thanks to the Nebraska Children Youth Advisory Board and our Assistant VP of Policy and Leadership, Lincoln Arneal, the CYI Youth Advisory Board, and many young leaders, we finished the third year of LEAD the Summer! First, we’d like to tell you a bit about CYI. A Nebraska Children initiative, CYI works with young people between 14-26 who experienced foster care, child welfare, homelessness, human trafficking, juvenile justice and probation, and other challenges.
Together, resilient young people and our organization create positive outcomes, especially during retreats like LEAD the Summer, where young people use their voices to create a better Nebraska. Read how resilient young people and our organization create positive outcomes, especially during retreats like LEAD the Summer, where young people use their voices to create a better Nebraska.
Camp Catch-Up Ends, but Not for Long: Here are Some Reflections on Moving Memories
Nebraska Children and Families Foundation’s work includes many meaningful initiatives. There’s one, however, that’s extra special. Camp Catch-Up (CCU) is a moving event that takes place during the summer and fall. Read about the latest session.
Growing the Good Life 