Child Saving Institute (CSI) recently received grants totaling $130,000 from United Way of the Midlands. Thanks to the generosity of United Way donors, CSI can continue offering services to children and their families who participate in the organization’s School & Family Enrichment (SAFE), KidSquad, Teen & Young Parent Program (TYPP) and Emergency Shelter programs.
“United Way’s sustained support directly impacts the lives of thousands of children and families affected by abuse, neglect and trauma,” said Jaymes Sime, President & CEO of Child Saving Institute. “Their contributions enable us to provide essential programs that help these individuals heal and build resilience.”
What follows is the story of a child who received help through CSI’s KidSquad program.
________________________
Four-year-old Joey was referred to KidSquad at the beginning of 2024 due to challenges with physical aggression at his community childcare program. His behavior included frequent hitting, kicking and pushing peers, and he displayed aggression towards his sister at home, though he showed gentleness towards his younger brother.
Upon assessment, KidSquad consultant, Jessica, noted Joey’s positive rapport with his teacher and his enjoyment of activities like make-believe play and building with blocks. Collaborating closely with Joey’s teacher and parents, Jessica developed a comprehensive behavior support plan. This plan focused on enhancing Joey’s emotional regulation and friendship skills, providing strategies for caregivers to redirect challenging behavior and reinforcing positive actions.
The dedication of both parents and teachers to implementing these strategies quickly yielded positive results. Joey’s progress was evident in his improved behavior, reflected in his scores on the Devereaux Early Childhood Assessment Clinical. Initially in the “concerned” range for both Protective Factor and Behavior Concern categories, Joey’s scores transitioned to typical and strength levels respectively by the end of KidSquad’s support.
Joey’s mom shared a heartwarming moment: “During a family dinner at a restaurant, Joey was having a tough time following requests. I suggested using Hulk or Spiderman breathing that Jessica taught us. Joey chose Hulk breathing and quickly calmed down. It was our first enjoyable meal out in months.”
This success story highlights the transformative impact of targeted intervention and collaborative effort in supporting young children like Joey in overcoming behavioral challenges and thriving in their environments.
________________________
This story is just one example of how CSI helps strengthen families and change children’s lives, in part because of United Way grants. CSI received funding for four programs.
- KidSquad
KidSquad provides mental health and educational consultations to licensed childcare centers, teachers and parents and families experiencing difficulties with behaviors presented by a child. The free program serves Douglas and Sarpy counties with a focus on providing services to low income or those living in poverty. When contacted for services, staff work with children ages birth to 6 years of age, their teachers and classmates, and their parents and families to ensure their social-emotional development is on par with their peers and that they are kindergarten ready when the time comes. From July 2023 – June 2024, KidSquad served 213 individuals. 57 children, 88 parents and 68 classroom teachers, and overall, KidSquad services impacted more than 850 children in the 68 classrooms served. Additionally, KidSquad sponsored seven training courses, serving 171 teachers, childcare directors and parents, which covered children’s social-emotional development.
- Emergency Shelter for Youth
United Way funding allows CSI to provide a safe, secure living environment for youth who are in crisis and do not have other appropriate housing options. Youth receive one-to-one and group therapy during their stay, in addition to referrals to other needed services for themselves and their families. From July 2023 – June 2024, CSI’s Emergency Shelter provided therapeutic care and safety to 71 youth.
- Teen & Young Parent Program (TYPP)
TYPP, a dual-generation program, focuses on safety, permanency and child and family well-being to ensure safe, happy and healthy families. With United Way funding, CSI can focus on those families who have the greatest need for services and connections to community resources. From July 2023 – June 2024, 72 young parents engaged in TYPP to gain valuable parenting skills/education and connect with additional community resources to achieve future success for their families.
- School & Family Enrichment (SAFE)
With United Way funding, the SAFE program offers home and school-based support for at-risk school-aged children and their families in Omaha Public Schools, Millard Public Schools and Bellevue Public Schools. The program works to improve the outcomes for children who experience barriers to learning because of difficulties at school and/or in their homes or neighborhoods. From July 2023 – June 2024, SAFE served 113 students and 242 additional family members, totaling 355 individuals.
About United Way of the Midlands
United Way of the Midlands (UWM) has served the Omaha-Council Bluffs metro for more than 95 years. Guided by best practices and community input, it approaches poverty in a specific way – a “united” way. With the support of volunteers, community partners and donors, UWM invests donor dollars efficiently and effectively in our local community. These dollars fund basic needs, education and financial stability programs at local nonprofits, creating a circle of support for people in need. Please visit unitedwaymidlands.org for more information.
About Child Saving Institute (CSI)
CSI is dedicated to the prevention, intervention and healing of child abuse, neglect and trauma. For 132 years, CSI has been “Championing what’s best for each child and family” and meeting the changing needs of metro area children. CSI served more than 3,066 children and families in 2023. To learn more about CSI and the programs and services offered, please visit www.childsaving.org or follow CSI on social media on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
