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 Awards recognize and honor the community champions of Council Bluffs who uplift the city.
While Culinary Remix is a new event, it is continuing the legacy of the Jason Awards. On Friday, Aug. 21 at the Mid-America Center CSI will celebrate the impact of the Children’s Square campus while also honoring the 2026 Jason Award winners: Debra S. Kaplan and the Council Bluffs Police Department.
As a former teacher, Kaplan spent years nurturing, encouraging and inspiring young people. While her classroom days may be behind her, her commitment to children certainly is not.
Today, she continues to support local nonprofits in a unique and meaningful way by generously donating her time and talent as a photographer at events. Through her lens, she captures the moments that tell our story: the smiles, the connections, the joy and the impact that happens when children and families feel supported and cared for.
“The work that CSI does in our community is incredible, and honestly, I feel that support from Child Saving Institute as well,” Kaplan said. “When you connect with people, you never know where that ripples of influence will stop.”
Her photographs do more than preserve memories. They help us share our mission with the community, celebrate the children and families we serve and inspire others to become part of our work.
Executive Director of Collective for Hope Cliff McEvoy is another community member who witnesses the impact Debra creates.
“She captures these moments that mean more than you could ever imagine to us as individuals and organizations,” McEvoy said.
Humble in nature, Kaplan is deeply moved to receive this recognition.
“It’s quite an honor. I don’t seek recognition for what I do,” Kaplan said. “I’m the one who gives, I don’t expect to receive, so it’s quite an honor.”
CSI is deeply grateful to Kaplan for her generosity, creativity and unwavering commitment to the children and the families we serve.
The Council Bluffs Police Department (CBPD) has kept this city safe since its very inception. They have been a loyal collaborator to the work at Children’s Square campus. Through their compassion, partnership and unwavering dedication to the well-being of our community’s youngest and most vulnerable members, they have become trusted advocates for children and families throughout Council Bluffs.
“One of the core aspects of law enforcement that people routinely forget about is our community caretaker role,” Police Chief Matt Davis said. “It’s critical for us to develop constructive, positive relationships with youth in our community.”
The work of building strong families and healthy communities cannot be done by one organization alone. It requires partnership. It requires a shared commitment to putting children first. It requires leaders who understand that every child deserves to feel safe, supported and valued.
“Our supervisors routinely meet with staff [at Children’s Square] so we can troubleshoot, problem solve, be creative and be responsive,” Davis said. “That relationship and dialogue is critical to support our success. The most important thing is that we have willing partners at the table who are going to cooperate and work together for the benefit of these children.”
The CBPD has consistently demonstrated their care for children and the community, and their partnership has made a meaningful difference in the lives of countless children and families.
“It’s a great honor to receive this award,” Davis said. “To know that partners that we work with in the community acknowledge us and recognize us for the role that we play.”
It is CSI’s honor to present a Jason Award to the CBPD in recognition of their outstanding service and commitment to strengthening our community and creating a brighter future for the children and families we collectively serve.
Join CSI on Friday, Aug. 21 at the Mid-America Center from 6 to 10 p.m. to celebrate Kaplan and the CBPD with the Jason awards and enjoy some ‘90s nostalgia, all while uplifting the vital work being done every day at CSI’s Children’s Square campus.
