Summer is a great time for families to make memories, keep kids active and strengthen bonds without spending a lot of money. With longer days and more flexible schedules, there are plenty of fun and affordable ways to enjoy the season right here in Nebraska. Whether you’re starting new traditions or just looking for fresh ideas, this list offers 10 low-cost Nebraska summer activities your whole family will enjoy.

Youth aging out of foster care face many unique challenges that youth in more traditional or stable environments don’t, making it more difficult for them to receive academic support, continue their education and build a successful future. According to data gathered by KVC, only 55% of youth aging out of foster care graduated in 2020, with only 3% going on to earn a postsecondary degree. Education plays a critical role in helping these young individuals break the cycle and build a better future for themselves, which is why KVC Nebraska offers a wide range of resources aimed at assisting youth with their education, from our Fostering Educational Success (FES) program to the many therapy and foster care support services we provide. Explore how Fostering Educational Success is changing lives, and why this program sets students up to experience success post-foster care.

Every child deserves to grow up feeling safe, loved and supported. Yet for too many children, these foundational rights are out of reach. Child abuse and neglect are harsh realities that impact millions of young lives every year, including many right here in Nebraska. Each statistic represents a child in need of protection and a family in crisis. But there is hope: each statistic also signifies a community with the power to make a difference.

KVC Nebraska offers team members the opportunity to make a lasting impact in a workplace where professionals find purpose and passion and serve the greater Nebraska community. In a field with significant burnout and turnover, KVC Nebraska has built a close-knit and award-winning workplace with people who genuinely care about the success and wellbeing of their colleagues.

Caregiving is challenging! Caregiving takes countless forms — parenting babies, being a foster parent of teens, acting as a caregiver for an aging family member, co-parenting alongside someone else- the list goes on! No matter the setting, no matter who you’re caring for, burnout is normal. But self-care can help. When you care for yourself, you’re better equipped to help those in your care. Let’s explore how parents and caregivers can bolster mental health.

Parents and caregivers can set children up for success by planning ahead, communicating proactively and prioritizing mental health both now and throughout the year. Check out this back-to-school mental health checklist to get started!

LGBTQIA+ youth face unique challenges in foster care, often compounded by prejudice and lack of acceptance. As a foster parent, you can make a life-changing difference by creating a supportive, inclusive home. Learn strategies to foster a welcoming environment for LGBTQIA+ children and teens.

Explore the signs, types and impact of neglect, the most prevalent form of child abuse, and understand how to identify and address it.

Learn the signs on social media that someone may be at risk of suicide, and know how to assist them if they’re in need of help.

Whether it’s setting aside time for self-care, exercise, or pursuing hobbies, a routine provides a foundation for mental health in families.