The Cedars Home For Children
About The Cedars Home For Children
The Cedars Home For Children Foundation raises the support that helps CEDARS Youth Services stay steady for children, youth, and families. The giving paths are practical and familiar, annual support, planned gifts, endowment support, major gifts, and capital help, all aimed at the same thing: helping kids move toward safety, stability, and enduring family relationships. If you want your gift to support work that is local and long-running, this is a place where it goes to work in a very direct way.
This foundation keeps local donors closely connected to a Lincoln mission that has been part of the community since 1947. It also gives donors a few different ways to help, from annual gifts and bequests to endowment and capital support, so the support can meet both immediate needs and longer-term ones.
Programs
The concrete work this nonprofit runs. Each program may later become a fundable project.
Annual campaigns and fundraising events
Fundraising efforts that connect donors to CEDARS Youth Services through annual campaigns, events, and major gifts.
Major gifts
Large donations that support CEDARS Youth Services and its long-term mission.
Planned giving and bequests
Legacy giving options that include wills, trusts, beneficiary designations, charitable gift annuities, real estate, stocks, donor-advised funds, and charitable remainder trusts.
CEDARS Home for Children Foundation Endowment Fund
An endowment that makes an annual gift to CEDARS Youth Services.
Holiday giving
Seasonal giving that helps kids in CEDARS care have something special to unwrap during the holidays.
Capital project support
Support for major capital projects and facility improvements that help CEDARS continue its work.
About this work
In their own words — what they do, who it reaches, and what your dollars actually fund.
Mission
To make a lasting impact in the lives of children by connecting the charitable community to the mission of CEDARS Youth Services, to help children and youth achieve safety, stability, and enduring family relationships.
Who they serve
Children and youth served by CEDARS Youth Services, along with the families connected to their care and support services.
How your donation helps
- capital projects
- annual support for CEDARS Youth Services
- essential services for kids and families in need
- emergency shelter
- early childhood care
- family support services
- counseling
- educational support
- holiday gifts for kids in CEDARS care
Our story
Founded in 1947 in Lincoln, the foundation was organized to connect charitable support to the mission of CEDARS Youth Services. Its early history is tied to Alberta Danner, Reverend Charles Danner, Hulda Roper, Marie Becker, and the Sertoma Club, whose efforts helped create a safe place for children in need.
Need help?
How someone in need can access The Cedars Home For Children’s services.
For questions or to learn more, use the contact form or contact the foundation directly. For immediate crisis support, call the Nebraska Family Helpline at 888-866-8660, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988, or the CEDARS Intake Line at 402-434-5437.
Stories
The people behind the work.
In their words
"Keep Kids Safe"
"There is a critical need in our community to provide street-based outreach to the hundreds of kids who are experiencing homelessness each day."
"I love you so much, therefore I love your biological parents so much."
"It’s a privilege to be a safe place for kids."
Ways to help
Concrete needs and volunteer roles The Cedars Home For Children has shared.
Current needs
- holiday gifts for kids in CEDARS care
- foster homes for children needing safe, stable placements
Volunteer opportunities
- Become a licensed foster parent
- Provide respite care for children in foster care
Recognition & press
Awards & recognition
- A Top-Rated Charity with CharityWatch
- Platinum Seal of Transparency from Candid
- Better Business Bureau A+ Accredited Business
- 2023 BBB Integrity Award winner
Partners & funders
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this nonprofit and how its work happens.
What is respite care?
Respite care is short-term care for a child in foster care, like a weekend, a few days, or time during school breaks, so the primary foster family can rest or handle family needs.
How do people begin the foster parent process?
It starts with training courses and a home study, so CEDARS can look at readiness and help prepare a safe, stable home for a child.
What kinds of children can foster parents care for through CEDARS?
Foster parents can choose the age range they feel comfortable with, including babies, teens, and sibling groups.
What support do foster parents receive?
CEDARS offers ongoing training, guidance, a foster care specialist, and, when needed, clinical therapeutic resources and a family partner.
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