Category

Hope in Action

Helping children start the school year strong

Every child deserves the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive and that starts with access to quality healthcare. As kids get ready for the back-to-school season, Child Saving Institute (CSI) and Charles Drew Health Center partnered to ensure students start the year ready to succeed. Together, CSI and Charles Drew…
Read More

When foster care becomes chosen family

Colby Marksmeier was inspired to be a foster parent after his own experience. After getting into trouble as a kid, Marksmeier was removed from his home and placed into the foster care system. That journey gave him a unique perspective on what children in the foster care system face.   “The hardest thing was standing in front of a judge and hearing…
Read More

A legacy of service: Debra S. Kaplan and Council Bluffs Police Department to be honored with 2026 Jason Awards

When Child Saving Institute (CSI) and Children’s Square U.S.A merged nearly a year ago, we didn’t only unite services for children, we embraced the legacy that accompanies the celebrated campus in Council Bluffs.  Part of that legacy is the Jason Awards. Created in the 1980s and named after a young boy who inspired others with his hope and compassion, the Jason…
Read More

Meeting every child where they are

Every child deserves to be seen, understood and celebrated for who they are, especially within their educational experience. Disability Pride Month in July gives the opportunity to reflect on the progress education has made to include people of all abilities. In the United States over seven million students aged three…
Read More

How CSI helps families thrive

For generations, Child Saving Institute (CSI) has been a trusted partner and community leader by intentionally bringing essential services together in one place—so families can build relationships that last. While CSI is largely known for our Early Childhood Education program and Mental Health Services, our Community-Based Services are expansive, diverse…
Read More

Jumping in the pool and diving into safety

June is National Safety Awareness month. At Child Saving Institute (CSI), we take steps every day to ensure the safety and well-being of each child and family we work with. This need for safety is addressed at CSI through trauma-informed care via our Mental Health Services team or our family support specialists within Community-Based Services who are dedicated champions of the children and families they…
Read More

Tiny violins with a big impact

A child holding a violin for the first time may seem small. But in that moment, something big is unlocked. Curiosity is sparked while confidence and creativity grow as the child discovers a new way to learn. Child Saving Institute (CSI) is bringing this opportunity to more Omaha families through…
Read More

Investing in the future of southwest Iowa children and families

Child Saving Institute (CSI) announced plans to begin a series of initial capital improvements on its Children’s Square campus in Council Bluffs--focused on ensuring safe, functional and sustainable facilities that meet the evolving needs of children and families across the metro and Southwest Iowa.   This work, expected to begin early summer, represents a first phase of investment in a historic campus where several…
Read More