Heartland Family Service Announces 35th Annual Salute to Families Honorees
Heartland Family Service (heartlandfamilyservice.org) is honoring four families and a family advocate again this year from the Omaha metro area as part of its 35th annual Salute to Families program. This occasion is particularly special because it is being held during National Family Week. It will take place at the Happy Hollow Club in Omaha on Thursday, November 16th from 6-9 p.m. This year’s honorees are:
Scott & Karla Cassels
Leadership: Scott & Karla Cassels – Scott and Karla Cassels enjoy helping causes that are meaningful to them and that help those in the Omaha community. They fully believe in supporting their friends’ causes by attending events or giving charitable donations. Some of the organizations they have contributed to include Creighton Prep, the Joslyn Museum, and Heartland Family Service. Scott has been with Kiewit Corporation for 36 years, and Karla is a board member of Friends Forever with the Nebraska Humane Society. They have two children and five grandchildren.
Dr. Viv & John Ewing
Community Service: Dr. Viv & John Ewing – Humble childhoods in Omaha inspired Viv and John Ewing to start volunteering and giving back as soon as they were able. John started out as an Omaha police officer before he became the Douglas County Treasurer, and Viv is the VP of Human Resources at Nebraska Families Collaborative. Their daughters, Christina and Alexandria, also have extensive community service experience, including the Salvation Army and the Open Door Mission, where Alexandria also works.
Sean & Anne Rich
Challenged & Successful: Sean & Anne Rich – A strong faith in God and the love of their family and friends helped Sean and Anne Rich get through one of the darkest times of their life. After having three healthy children, Anne gave birth to another child, who was born with Down syndrome, a hole in her heart, and pulmonary hypertension. Today, that little girl is healthy and happy. Sean and Anne also adopted another daughter in 2015, who was born with gastroschisis. They say she has taught them to be more flexible and creative, and to enjoy the gift of each day.
Tony & Simone Jones
Commitment to Family: Tony & Simone Jones – Tony Jones spent most of his youth at Boys Town before becoming a Family Teacher. He and Simone have now been employed at Boys Town for 20 years, and have three biological children. Over the years, they have worked with more than 200 children and families. They also teach youth leadership and life skills to eight youths in their home. Tony and Simone are on the Family-Teacher Forum Committee at Boys Town and help with fundraising and donor relations. They believe in practicing respect, commitment, and resilience within their family.
Penny Parker
Family Advocate: Penny Parker – As the Executive Director of Completely KIDS, Penny Parker’s proudest contribution is providing a place for children and families to feel safe. Before she was 30 years old, Penny suffered two strokes, one of which paralyzed her left side. She survived these challenges through hard work, the love of her family and friends, and by focusing on what she could do, rather than what she could not do. Penny believes in advocating for social justice and for speaking out for those who may not have a voice.
For more information, please contact Nicole Tromler at (402) 552-7424 / ntromler@heartlandfamilyservice.org.
Since 1875, Heartland Family Service has responded to the needs of the area’s most vulnerable children and families. Each year, the agency’s 50 programs serve more than 52,000 individuals of all ages from more than 15 locations in eastern Nebraska and southwest Iowa. Heartland Family Service provides critical human services to the individuals and families who ultimately shape the future of our community through the following program areas: Child and Family, Counseling and Prevention, and Housing and Financial Stability. Find out more about Heartland Family Service online at heartlandfamilyservice.org.