Children in Need

The Children in Need program began through the support of the Hastings Community Foundation. Through a Donor Advised Fund, a loyal and caring donor has generously supported this project, helping many children in need!

“This grant allowed us to have a budgeted amount of money that we could use to help youth in our program get things they need. Keep in mind most of the families we work with live in poverty, and most foster parents receive less than $300 a month foster care stipend.  Within the first year of the Children in Need funds, we were able to buy a prom dress so a senior could go to prom, wrestling shoes for a youth who ended up going on to state, a portion of the cost for senior pictures, winter coats, boots, and mittens, a water park pass, food for a funeral (parent killed himself and family had no ties to a church), and various camp registrations.”  CASA

“I really appreciate you getting me tennis shoes. I feel very lucky. Thank you for making my day a little bit brighter.”

 “Thank you for your help with the waterpark pass. It has been a blessing and we enjoy it almost daily.”

The Hastings Symphony Orchestra

When the Hastings Symphony Orchestra needs extra money for a guest soloist or curriculum guides for its Educational Outreach Concerts, they can thank friends of the Symphony who had the foresight to endow a fund for the symphony’s benefit in 1992.  The Symphony was the first of the 23 organizations who currently have endowed funds with the Hastings Community Foundation and we are especially proud of our long association.

Historically, the Hastings Symphony was among many community partners that saw the Hastings Community Foundation spring to life. Since that time, several patrons have designated a portion of their individual contributions to the HSO Endowment Fund held by the Hastings Community Foundation. These gifts thoughtfully honor an outstanding ensemble that has provided music in this community for eighty-seven years. The Hastings Symphony is proud of our affiliation with the Hastings Community Foundation, and grateful for their services in providing support for us and numerous other community outreach projects. There is no doubt that our mutual partnership has touched thousands of lives in positive and enlightening ways.

Dr. Byron W. Jensen
Conductor/Artistic Director
Hastings Symphony Orchestra

CASA

The Hastings Community Foundation is a valued partner in community problem solving! When donors give to the Community Grant Fund, their permanent gift can meet ever-changing community needs.  One of the community groups that we often team up with is CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates).

Hastings Community Foundation has been a tremendous support for CASA of South Central Nebraska.  Thanks to generous financial support we have been able to help many abused and neglected children in our community.

     The Hastings Community Foundation allowed us to renovate a room within the Adams County Courthouse that youth and their families can use while they are waiting to testify.  Before the room, youth had to wait, sometimes for hours, before they were called to the witness stand.   Anxiety would often take over and the children would melt down by acting out, crying, or refusing to talk.   We purchased 2 chairs, a TV, posters for the walls, books, CD’s, a radio, colors and coloring books, and some board games, a PlayStation with several games and a cabinet to store everything in.    Now, they have a safe and secluded spot where they can go, get their minds on something else and reduce some of their nervousness.  As the director of CASA I can tell you from personal experience this room has helped many children and families struggling through a tough time.   RuAnn Root

Day Of Caring

Where do family members go for help when they are responsible for caring for a loved one with special needs?  Thanks to a grant from the HCF, the 9th annual “Day of Caring” was free to the 200+ participants who spent the day learning more about available services and some necessary tools for caring for their loved ones.  Many also appreciated connecting with other caregivers and becoming aware of the importance of taking care of themselves!

These are a few comments from this year’s participants:

“I have made countless connections—awareness of services, introductions to others ‘in the same boat.’  It has made me feel less alone in my journey.”

“Being a caregiver for 52+ years, being a nurse and mother of a severely handicapped son—it is soooooo unbelievable that somebody has noticed us—I have said ‘Thank you’ through out The Day of Caring.”

“The Yoga Laughter made my mom laugh and smile which she has not done since my dad passed. Thank you for everything.”

“This was all made possible by the Hastings Community Foundation” Jinx Hackler,  South Central Town Hall Caregiver Coalition