Emergency Shelters
CSI has provided emergency shelter and supportive care for children during family crises since 1892. When the initial orphanage closed, CSI adapted services to continue to meet the needs of children and in 1985 merged with the Children's Crisis Center, a Junior League of Omaha project.
Over the last 16 years, CSI refined and expanded the crisis nursery concept into therapeutic emergency shelters for children 18 years of age and younger. Today, the Omaha police or Child Protective Services place most of the children and teens in the shelters for their health and safety. Sometimes placement is made by families experiencing crises or challenges in the care of their children. The focus in the shelters is on therapeutic care with individualized care plans tailored to the strengths and needs of each child.
CSI has two emergency shelters: Children's Crisis Center and Kids' Cottage. The Children's Crisis Center has space for 12 children, generally ages 12 and younger. Kids' Cottage can accommodate 24 children and teens, ages 18 and younger. All children and youth attend their home schools and are transported to appointments as needed.
Currently, on any given day, up to 36 children and youth, from birth to age 19, receive emergency care at one of CSI's shelters. Shelter staff are selected and trained to practice nurturing care and support. Volunteers are consistently utilized to maximize one-on-one attention. All children have individual service plans that emphasize strengths, identify achievable goals, and reinforce small achievements.
If you would like additional information, call (402) 553-6000 to speak with shelter staff.
