When Thom and Caryn Carson found the Nebraska Children’s Home Society they were already parenting Elena who, at the age of 16 months, had never known life outside the hospital and had already undergone 20 surgeries, including a liver transplant at University of Nebraska Medical Center. New to all of the challenges of parenting a medically fragile child, the Carsons were looking for some support. “When we found NCHS, I immediately thought, 'this is exactly what I’m looking for.'"

The same day they transferred their foster care license over to NCHS, the Carsons got a call about Cate. A micro preemie, born three and a half months early and weighing just shy of 2 pounds, Cate met the Carsons while she was still in the NICU. “Cate still has health issues, but she’s now a thriving preschooler and the most joyful child you’ve ever met,” says Caryn. After Cate came Ava, whose story was very similar to Cate’s. The Carsons have since adopted all three girls.

Caryn acknowledges that parenting a child with special needs (nevermind three or four) isn’t for everyone, but notes that “All the medical issues—they’re only one part—they aren’t who these girls are. In each case, we just couldn’t bear for a second the thought of them going through all of this alone.” Because of NCHS, families like the Carsons don’t ever have to feel like they’re alone either.

“Our NCHS caseworker has been such a blessing to us—helping us navigate all the medical specialists and insurance issues, find the services we need, and even acting as a sounding board for us at any time of the day or night. She’s really become a part of our family.” Caryn also notes that through NCHS they’ve been able to meet other foster parents with children facing medical issues. “Having that support has been more valuable than I could say.”

Thanks to continued support from people like you, NCHS is able to provide services to families like the Carsons, as well as fund pregnancy, parenting and adoption services, and offer affordable child care. The need keeps growing, but with your help, NCHS can continue to serve Nebraska children and families.

WE SINCERELY APPRECIATE YOUR SUPPORT

Providing safe, loving homes for children in need and – thereby helping to assure their successful futures – is the purpose of Nebraska Children’s Home Society. And... That is just one of the reasons why we do not charge a fee for our adoption services. We exist simply to provide secure, permanent homes to children of all ages. However, we desperately need your financial support to continue our mission and facilitate our programs. For example...

Did you realize that we must raise $1.14 million every year
just to cover the cost of our adoption program?
YOU CAN HELP.
Your gift of $25, $75, $150, $500 or more allows us to continue our vital mission of bringing hope and happiness to all children in need – now and following along the paths of their lifetimes.
Thank you for your support.