Meet Jaymes Sime, president and CEO of Child Saving Institute.
Tell us a little about your organization. – Child Saving Institute (CSI) (www.childsaving.org)has been serving the Omaha-area for 129 years, providing services to children and families who have experienced abuse, neglect, and trauma. Today, CSI continues to focus on child-centered services while providing support to the entire family. Much focus is on prevention and working with families to ensure crisis doesn’t happen. The mission of CSI is “Responding to the cry of a child.” That is what we do each day.How did you get started in the business? – After working a few years in the public sector for the state of Iowa, I realized that nonprofit work was my calling. This work provides an opportunity to impact and change our community. In 2010, I was fortunate to begin my nonprofit career for a small organization in Waterloo, IA.
What has been your most important achievement professionally? – Successfully completing a capital campaign while simultaneously growing a small- to mid-sized nonprofit organization.
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? – Honestly, making the decision to enter the nonprofit sector changed the course of my life—I wouldn’t change that decision for a second.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – I like to be outside and be active. In the summer, I enjoy grilling out and spending time with friends and family on the patio. During the fall, nothing beats sitting out by the fire with good friends.
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? – I have five brothers and sisters, and we were raised by a single mother. Growing up, we experienced pretty significant poverty which created housing inability.
Who inspires you? – My mom. She is a hard-working, caring, compassionate woman who overcame many challenges.
What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? – “It’s better to be prepared for an opportunity and not have one than have an opportunity and not be prepared.” – Les BrownIf you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? – Compassionate.
If you could have a super power, what would it be? – Although it’s not really a super power, I wish I could prevent harm for everyone—especially kids.
What is your favorite movie? – My favorite movie would be either Shawshank Redemption or Goodwill Hunting.What is your favorite TV show? – I do watch a lot of The Office.
What is your favorite local restaurant? – I’m going to have to go with Best Burger.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – (402) 553-6000; www.childsaving.org.