Christian Heritage: Empowering Families and Transforming Futures in Nebraska

In Nebraska, over 4,000 children are in foster care at any given time. Christian Heritage is committed to changing the future of child welfare by mobilizing a Gospel-centered community to support vulnerable children and families. Their mission is to see every child flourish in the face of adversity and trauma.

A Legacy of Compassion and Commitment

Founded in 1980 by Gregg and Lisa Nicklas, Christian Heritage has been a leading Christian child welfare organization in Nebraska for over four decades. Their vision is to see every child flourish in the face of adversity and trauma. Through their three core programs, Families Together, Foster Care, and Beyond Prison—they provide comprehensive support to children and families in need.

Families Together: Preventing Foster Care Through Early Intervention

The Families Together program offers short-term care and support to families at risk of entering the foster care system. By providing immediate assistance and resources, Christian Heritage helps families stabilize and maintain custody of their children. In 2024, the program hosted 16 children, keeping them out of foster care for a total of 289 days. Additionally, 100% of referrals were met or new resources provided, demonstrating the program's effectiveness in addressing immediate needs.

Foster Care: Providing Loving Homes for Children in Need

Christian Heritage has been a pillar in Nebraska's foster care community since 1980. They recruit and train foster families to care for children in loving, Christian homes. In 2024, the organization served 158 unique children, with 94 children in care on average each day. The program also facilitated the reunification of 22 children with their parents and the adoption of 22 children, providing them with permanent, loving families.

Beyond Prison: Strengthening Families Affected by Incarceration

The Beyond Prison program focuses on strengthening families by teaching practical parenting skills to individuals impacted by incarceration. In 2024, the program served 311 children and graduated 363 adults from its classes. Furthermore, 104 children visited their incarcerated fathers, and 100% of dads surveyed reported improved connections with their kids, highlighting the program's success in fostering family bonds.

How You Can Make a Difference

Christian Heritage relies on the generosity of donors and volunteers to continue their vital work. Consider the following ways to get involved:

1. Donate to provide essential services and support to families in need.

a)      $50: Provides essential supplies for a family in the Families Together program.

b)     $100: Supports the operational costs of the Foster Care program for one day.

c)      $250: Assists with training and resources for a new foster family.

d)     $500: Covers the expenses of a mentor family for one week.

e)      $1,000: Funds a comprehensive family support package, including housing assistance, life skills training, and aftercare services.

2. Volunteer your time to assist with programs or mentor families.

3. Share Christian Heritage's mission to raise awareness and build community involvement.

Learn more at Christian Heritage