March is Women’s History Month. This is a time to honor the women whose strength, resilience and leadership have shaped our communities. For generations, women’s contributions have too often gone unrecognized or undervalued. Yet their impact—socially, economically and historically—remains undeniable. Women’s History Month invites us to reflect on how far we’ve come and to envision a future of continued progress and equity.
At Child Saving Institute (CSI), women have been at the heart of our mission since the beginning. The Merger of CSI and Children’s Square united more than a legacy of service. It brought together generations of women leaders who have led with compassion and strengthened our community when children and families need it most.
CSI’s origins trace back to 1892, when Rev. A.W. Clark and his wife Anna Clark responded to the devastating effects of poverty, disease, neglect and abandonment on children in Omaha. Anna’s writing helped raise public awareness about the importance of caring for vulnerable children—work that echoed through the early years of the organization. As CSI grew, women remained central to its progress.
In 1911 CSI opened a training school for nurses, giving women the opportunity to learn and care for the children at CSI. A few years later in 1913, CSI joined the National Benevolent Society with a commitment that “women will now help manage the institute on the Board of Directors.”
CSI not only empowered women professionally—it supported women who needed care. For decades, the organization operated a maternity home that provided life-changing support and resources for young mothers until 1971.
The story of Children’s Square also began with a dedicated woman leading. In the 1880s, after destructive floods in Council Bluffs left children endangered and abandoned, Rev. Joseph Lemen and his wife Florence Lemen founded what would become Children’s Square.
At one time, Florence would care for more than 20 orphans while raising four children of her own. Even during financial hardship, the Lemens refused to turn away a child in need. Florence continued her tireless work until her passing in 1902. She left behind a legacy of care that shaped the campus that stands today.
The Children’s Square campus has a history of letting women leading that goes further than Florence. The third CEO was Ethel Lemen Smith, granddaughter of Rev. Joseph and Florence Lemen, appointed in 1951. Into the 21st century, Children’s Square continued to empower women to take leadership positions. Carol Wood served as president and CEO for 28 years and retired in 2020. Viv Ewing, Ph.D., served as CEO from 2022 until shortly before the Children’s Square and CSI merger in 2025.
This legacy of women continues. Today, CSI remains a champion for women both within our workforce and in the communities we serve.
- 88% of CSI’s staff across all campuses are women.
- 75% of our leadership team is made up of women. This far surpasses the global average of 32% women in leadership roles.
- Of the 3,500+ clients we serve each year, 54% are women. Many of these women rely on CSI for support, safety, guidance or healing during a vulnerable time in their lives.
CSI was built by strong, passionate women who stepped up to do what was right for children and families. That commitment lives on today. Our workforce continues to be a place where women lead boldly, support one another and empower the children and families who depend on us most.
Women’s History Month reminds us that behind every moment of progress—every family strengthened, every child protected, every community uplifted—are women whose courage and compassion continue to shape our future.
To learn more about Women’s History Month, explore resources and celebrate the women who inspire change in your own life and community.
