An Evening With Ellen and Friends

Details: 19 November 2010

After talking to her for a moment while hearing her story, I realized she was lucky to be alive.

She is fortunate enough to have a supportive family she can live with as they help her raise her small children. After receiving assistance from our emergency service department, including a food pantry complete with a turkey, along with the number of our clinical department for some needed counseling, she left with moist eyes; tears generated by love and gratitude.

Unfortunately there are more like her, victims of domestic violence and those women escaping abortion and in need of assistance. Because of the generosity of the faithful of southern Nebraska and beyond, our second and biggest site of St. Gianna Women’s Homes will be opening soon.

I am exited to announce that on Sunday, Dec. 5, Ellen Soukup will perform on stage at the Rococo at 140 N. 14th St., Lincoln. Hors d’oeuvres will begin at 6 p.m. with the concert starting at 7 p.m.

Those who have heard her sing will want to hear her again, those who have not are in for a treat. Back again this year will be Mary Odgaard and the famous Cantabella singers from Pius. Also, I am elated to announce that Mr. Kevin Murray from Murray’s For Men of Stature will be performing a trumpet solo as well. Proceeds will benefit St. Gianna Women’s Homes.

We are again fortunate and blessed to have as our media sponsor for this event Spirit Catholic Radio, that powerful instrument of conversion that can be heard by tuning in at 102.7 FM. Because of Spirit Catholic Radio, numerous individuals young and old and families are enriched as souls are won for Christ and His Mystical Body, which is the Holy Catholic Church. We are truly blessed to have them in our midst.

I would also like to thank in a special way the ladies of the Diocese of Lincoln who are members of the LDCCW who recently conducted a diocesan-wide diaper drive. Through their efforts and the generosity of those who participated, an astounding 47,000 diapers were collected for various pro-life agencies across southern Nebraska, including Catholic Social Services, at a value exceeding $13,000! We at Catholic Social Services and the other agencies who benefitted from this drive also would like to thank those who donated diapers and cash to purchase them. We are hoping and praying this will be a yearly drive, because we are always in dire need of them.

I would also like to extend a special thanks to Kay and Jerry Wessel, who helped coordinate and collect them.

Before saying goodbye to the woman mentioned above, I noticed two little boys in her van. One was a beautiful baby boy, fast asleep in a car seat. As you might imagine, she needed diapers as well. Thanks to the women of LDCCW and those who donated to the diaper drive, we have plenty not only for her but for women like herself all across southern Nebraska.

I am deeply grateful to all of our benefactors for through their prayers, material donations, and cash contributions we are able to make a difference in the lives of many individuals, young and old as well as families who come to us on a daily basis for social and clinical services. Please know that you and your intentions are in our daily prayers!