Inspiring Hope with Catholic Charities of Omaha

As Catholic Charities of Omaha celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2026, we sit down with someone who has witnessed nearly half of that history firsthand.   In this special episode of Inspiring Hope, host Dave Vankat talks with Terri Jewell, Director of Administrative Services, who is celebrating 47 years of service to Catholic Charities. T   erri shares powerful stories of adoption journeys, addiction recovery, volunteer devotion, and the quiet impact of simply answering the phone with compassion.   You'll hear: • How Catholic Charities has evolved over 100 years • Full-circle adoption stories that still unfold today • The volunteers and leaders who shaped the mission • What gives hope for the next century   "We cannot all do great things, but we can do small things with great love." – St. Teresa of Calcutta   Learn more about Catholic Charities of Omaha:   https://www.ccomaha.org    

November is National Adoption Month,  a time to honor the incredible stories of love, connection, and hope that adoption makes possible. Did you know Catholic Charities of Omaha got its start more than 100 years ago by helping operate the St. James Orphanage alongside the Sisters of Mercy? Thousands of children found loving homes through their care. Today, that legacy continues through Catholic Charities' Post Adoption Services, which preserve adoption records dating back to 1873. In this episode, you'll hear from Wendy Spetman, who leads Post Adoption Services at Catholic Charities, and Mary Pruss, who was adopted through Catholic Charities along with her husband and daughter. Mary shares the moving story of how she was reunited with her birth siblings, a connection made possible through Wendy's dedicated work. Together, Mary and Wendy reflect on the beauty of adoption, the power of family, and the mission of Catholic Charities and the Sisters of Mercy to uphold the inherent dignity of every individual. To learn more about Post Adoption Services, call 402-829-9255. #InspiringHopePodcast #CatholicCharitiesOmaha #NationalAdoptionMonth #AdoptionStories #SistersofMercy #Family #Hope #FaithInAction

In this powerful episode of The Inspiring Hope Podcast, we shine a light on an issue that impacts far too many families in Douglas County — domestic violence. Each day, an average of 51 domestic violence–related 911 calls are made in our community. Catholic Charities operates Douglas County's only emergency domestic violence shelter, providing 4,725 nights of safety in 2024 alone to survivors and their children. Host Dave Vankat is joined by Payton, Catholic Charities Director of Domestic Violence Services. Payton courageously shares her story of abuse in her family and how this journey inspired her to dedicate her life to supporting other survivors as they find safety, hope, and healing.     Listen now to hear Payton's powerful testimony and learn how we, as a community, can stand with survivors and help end the cycle of violence.     Learn more or support our mission: https://ccomaha.org/domestic-violence-services/    Subscribe to the Inspiring Hope Podcast for more stories of grace, resilience, and hope.  

Food is more than nourishment—it's a basic right, a cultural expression, and a spiritual connector. Yet here in Nebraska, more than 300,000 people, including 92,000 children, experience food insecurity each year. In this episode, we sit down with Catholic Charities Executive Director Denise Bartels and Tri-Faith Initiative Operations Manager Abdul Mackie to explore how their partnership with the Team Up Project brought together diverse communities of faith to address hunger in meaningful, collaborative ways. Denise and Abdul recap the Bread to Bridges event and describe the long-term impact their partnership can have in addressing food insecurity in Omaha. This conversation is a reminder that solving hunger requires dignity, respect, and collaboration—and that lasting change happens when we come together. Learn more or get involved: ccomaha.org

In this episode of Inspiring Hope, host Dave is joined by Craig Zimmer, Community Engagement Coordinator at Catholic Charities, and longtime volunteer Sue Carlson to explore how volunteering does more than meet a need—it builds connection, transforms lives, and multiplies hope. You'll hear stories of purpose and personal impact, learn about the many ways to get involved, and discover how acts of service—no matter how small—can leave a lasting legacy.  From food pantries to mentoring, there's a place for everyone to make a difference. As we embrace the spirit of the Jubilee Year—a time for renewal and faith in action—this episode is a powerful reminder that when we give our time, we give hope. Feeling inspired to take that first step? Tune in and find out how you can get involved today.

In this episode of Inspiring Hope, host Dave sits down with Christine Ochoa, Pantry Coordinator at Catholic Charities of Omaha, for an inspiring look inside The Market Choice Pantry. Discover how Catholic Charities is redefining food assistance—not as a handout, but as a human connection rooted in dignity, cultural respect, and community. Christine shares powerful stories from the front lines: from clients "shopping" for food that feels like home to partnerships with the Tri-Faith Initiative that unite diverse communities in the fight against hunger. Learn how you can be part of this mission—by volunteering, donating, or simply listening with empathy. Because at Catholic Charities, food is never just food. It's hope. It's home. It's humanity.

In the second episode of the Inspiring Hope Podcast, co-host Dave welcomes Jenna Whitaker, Director of the Catholic Charities School Mental Health Program, and Deb Kelly, a board member and mental health advocate. They delve into the crucial topic of mental health support, particularly for young people, and how Catholic Charities is addressing these growing needs.  The conversation begins with Deb sharing a powerful personal story of tragedy that ignited a mission to bring mental health support to her community. Jenna then discusses the immediate and ongoing response of Catholic Charities, emphasizing the speed and compassion with which they mobilized to provide support, including therapists and the integration of mental health care within the school environment.

  On this inaugural episode join Archbishop George Lucas of Omaha and Denise Bartels, Executive Director of Catholic Charities, for a profound conversation exploring the heart of Catholic Charities' mission. In this episode, we delve into how their work embodies hope, and how that hope transforms lives within our community. In light of Pope Francis' declaration of this Jubilee Year as "Pilgrims of Hope," we discuss the deep connection between faith, service, and the tangible impact of Catholic Charities' outreach.       Learn how you can be a part of this vital mission and inspire hope!  

  Welcome to 'Inspiring Hope,' the podcast of Catholic Charities of Omaha, where we share stories of grace, resilience, and the profound impact of our mission. This podcast is about telling the real stories of those we serve, our staff, volunteers and donors who make this work     possible. You'll hear from people whose lives have been transformed—not just by the services we provide, but by the mercy and love they've encountered through this ministry.       'Inspiring Hope' is more than just a podcast—it's an invitation to witness the incredible ways God is working through others because together, we are the hands and feet of Jesus Christ.