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.
Be the Spark That Lights the Fire: The Impact of Camp Catch-Up Staff
“Your impact on these kids can be monumental,” said Gil Green III during the recent Camp Catch-Up Volunteer Appreciation Event. Camp Catch-Up creates a powerful space for siblings in foster care to reconnect, heal, and simply be kids together—often for the first time in a long time. In this blog, we share Gil’s heartfelt story about his own experience at camp, and how those few days surrounded by connection and support helped shape the course of his life.
Tagged with: Camp, camp catch-up, Camp staff, connected youth initiative, CYI, siblings, Volunteer
Posted in Middle Childhood, News and Events, Teen/Early Adulthood, Uncategorized
Posted in Middle Childhood, News and Events, Teen/Early Adulthood, 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
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.
Celebrating a Year of Progress: 2023 Achievements at Nebraska Children
As we reflect on a year of achievements and meaningful milestones, Nebraska Children would like to extend our gratitude to our invaluable partners and generous donors who have been instrumental in making this year a success. Your support, dedication, and collaboration have been the driving force behind fostering stronger communities, empowering youth, and creating lasting change across Nebraska.
Tagged with: advocacy, beyond school bells, Calming Corners, camp catch-up, communities for kids, Community Schools, community well-being, connected youth initiative, education, Food Security, Immigrant Youth and Families Taskforce, Medical Pathway Prevention, Nebraska Growing Readers, Opportunity Passport, prevention, Rooted in Relationships, sixpence, trafficking
Posted in News and Events, Uncategorized
Posted in News and Events, Uncategorized
Tyeisha Thompson Reveals the Importance of Intentional Spaces for Young People Who Experienced Foster Care and Shares Her Journey of Overcoming the System
Tyeisha Thompson, a CYI participant and recipient of the prestigious LEAP grant, talks about how she uses her design passion and newfound support to create new, safe spaces for young people like her who experienced foster care.
In Living Watercolor: Grai Gray Paints a Vibrant Future of Resilience with Connected Youth Initiative Supports
Grai Gray (they/them) is making a name for themselves in every area of their lives. From featuring a watercolor piece in the University of Nebraska Omaha’s (UNO) spring juried art show to doing digital illustrations, Grai keeps their world busy and colorful.
2022 Youth Legislative Days Kicks off Another Year Filled with Resounding Young Voices
“Sit down for just one minute and listen to me. That is what I would want to see changed; not, ‘You go here or here, or if you do this, we will put you here.’ As a kid, you don’t need to be threatened with a placement.”
Young leader Jacob Mckirdy is talking about the foster care system and the needs of children and youth who experienced this complicated entity. Read how he and other young leaders participate in Lincoln Legislative Days to make their voices heard about their passions.
Growing the Good Life 