Watching the channel 10/11 news coverage this morning about CEDARS Youth Services woke up something deep inside me. It brought back a lot of memories, and it reminded me of why we must protect the most vulnerable members of our community: our children.
Being raised by two combat veterans, I know firsthand what it feels like to navigate a quiet, isolating world. I know the distinct loneliness of a young person trying to deal with poverty, trying to fit into a world where you feel entirely alone, and carrying weight that no child should have to bear. Through my life and work, individuals have shared their stories with me—stories of abuse and trauma that I will never repeat out of deep respect for their privacy. It is a heartbreak and a shame that young people in our city have to face these realities.
No child should ever feel invisible or unsafe. For nearly 80 years, CEDARS has been standing in the gap right here in Lincoln, acting as a vital safety net by providing emergency shelter, foster care support, and a safe haven for kids who have nowhere else to turn.
As an Indoff Partner supporting the Lincoln area, my business is about building functional spaces, but my heart is in building a stronger community. Today is Give to Lincoln Day, and the safety net for these kids relies heavily on us. I am reaching out to ask the public, my clients, and my neighbors to join me in supporting CEDARS.
Let’s show these young people that they are not alone, that they fit into our community, and that we are willing to stand up for them.
Click here to support CEDARS for Give to Lincoln Day
