‘Creating a culture of encounter rather than transaction’
(SNR) – While people across the nation may still feel disconnected due to social distancing, Katie Patrick, regional director of social services for Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska (CSS), shared several updates on how CSS is performing the Works of Mercy in response to the call of God.
“The Works of Mercy give us a model for how we should treat all others as if they were Christ in disguise,” the CSS website reads. “They are charitable actions by which we help our neighbors in their bodily needs. They respond to the basic needs of humanity as we journey together through this life.”
The first new program in place by CSS is aptly called “Random Works of Mercy.” 
Random Works of Mercy connects volunteer groups with individual needs in the community. A participant will fill out a form describing needs for a service group and submit it. This is not a request for cash assistance – such requests are handled at each regional CSS office – but a physical need, such as repairs around the home.
The request is then completed based on available resources and volunteer capacity. A volunteer coordinator will follow up with the person making the request within three business days of receipt of the completed form.
“The Random Works of Mercy project is a new opportunity that lends itself to creating a culture of encounter rather than one of transaction,” Patrick explained. “We are always looking for new ways to bring our community together and what better way to do so than by serving those in need?”
She said CSS anticipates requests from the elderly, the disabled, and single parent households.
“We are asking for skilled professionals such as electricians, plumbers, carpenters, etc. who would be willing to offer several pro bono hours each year toward special projects to sign up with us,” she said. “While we are building teams of volunteers, we will still need the expertise of skilled contractors to help those in need from time to time.”
Those who might be interested in volunteering time to serving others, either as a skilled contractor or as an individual or small group, may contact volunteer coordinator, Jeremy Sousek at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 402-327-6245.
Volunteers are needed in many other ways, too. CSS has also launched a new Adopt-A-Family refugee mentorship program. Volunteer orientation began at CSS July 26, but if more people are interested in getting involved, the second informational session via Zoom will be held Thursday, Aug. 20 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. To register for this session, contact refugee resettlement director, Megan Meagher at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (402) 327-6231.
CSS has served refugees for more than half a century, and they now invite more people to assist by accompanying a refugee individual or family as they embark on a new life in Lincoln.
The format of this initiative is open-ended, as CSS hopes to encourage relationships that develop naturally. Meagher will work with volunteers to offer a family pairing that accommodates respective availabilities and life circumstances. While tailoring the pairing engagement to both families’ needs, the estimated time commitment would involve families meeting at least twice per month – virtually or otherwise, at the discretion of those involved. Both families are always encouraged to consider CSS as a continual resource for informational materials and resources, training recommendations, etc.
Another new venture, the “Food Truck Festival” began Aug. 2. Fifty CSS clients and community members were treated to meals from a local food truck, The Pasta Place. A food truck will be present every Sunday from 4 to 6 p.m. in the CSS parking lot as long as the program thrives.
CSS is partnering with local food trucks who will provide meals at a group rate, Patrick explained.
“We see this as a unique opportunity to support local business owners while remaining consistent with our mission of feeding the hungry,” she said.
In the future, they hope to expand the event to include paying customers.
“We would like to see parishioners from across the diocese come by and share a meal with us and those we serve,” Patrick said.
In the beginning, the food truck on Sundays will come with 50 prepared meals to distribute to those in need – first-come, first-serve. As the project grows, so too will the capacity to increase the number of meals provided, as well as the number of meals available for purchase. In the meantime, donations are greatly appreciated. For more information, contact Sousek at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 402-327-6245.
CSS has also launched a breakfast program, catering 20 morning meals for the homeless and working poor each morning, Monday to Friday, from local restaurant Chez SoDo, provided at a group rate. Like the busy sack lunch program – in which an average of 55 are served per day in recent weeks, the to-go breakfast meals are first-come, first-serve.
Donations to this program—or any other—may be made at www.cssisus.org.
Another new program began Aug. 5, “Getting Ahead in a Just Getting by World.” The 10-week financial literacy course is taught Wednesdays by Veronica Hotovy, residential care manager at St. Gianna’s Home for Women in Lincoln; and Marilu Cazares, emergency services coordinator at CSS.
“Getting Ahead” is a nationally recognized curriculum that seeks to break the cycle of generational poverty by encouraging participants to investigate the causes of their own poverty, and in response build resources, develop self-sufficiency, and establish stability in their own lives.
“It is our intention to offer this class two to three times per year for CSS clients,” Patrick said. “Our first class was held for the residents of St. Gianna’s Home in Lincoln.”
Those who would like to support the “Getting Ahead” program may do so as mentors to support participants throughout the course, and beyond.
“We are also in need of babysitters to watch the participants’ kids during class time,” Patrick said.
To learn more or sign up, contact Veronica Hotovy at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (402) 474-1600.
