Southern Nebraska Register
The public is invited to an open house and tour of the Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska (CSS) headquarters in Lincoln Oct. 14, to celebrate the completion of a major expansion and renovation project.
The event will be open from 1 to 3 p.m. at the site, 2241 O St., Lincoln. Bishop James Conley will bless the building at 1:30 p.m.
“The primary motivation for the project was an expansion of CSS programs and services requiring a need for more space,” explained Katie Patrick, executive director.
Increasing demands from the community led to the expanded services.
“Programs like the Food Market, Family Support Services, St. Gianna Program (for women escaping domestic violence), Refugee Resettlement, Immigration Legal Services, and Employment Services, have all seen a surge in activity, necessitating the hiring of additional staff,” Patrick said.
“Plus, making the entire campus more inviting, functional, and secure for clients, staff, and volunteers, was equally important,” she added
Grants and private fundraising covered the cost of the $3.5 million effort.
Renovations to the building include a newly designed grassy area and entryway, a revamped waiting room, and a more hospitable space for the breakfast and sack lunch programs. The multiple-purpose room, now larger and more versatile, will serve as a hub for classes on financial literacy, English and US Citizenship, community gatherings, job fairs, and more.
Last year, the first stage of the renovation project was completed with the remodel of the St. Louise Gift & Thrift Store, adjacent to CSS. A community garden and greenhouse were also established next to the thrift store.
CSS is a non-profit organization that has been in existence for nearly a century, helping people in need of all backgrounds and faiths across 24,000 square miles of southern Nebraska, headquartered in Lincoln.
