2024 Annual Report

My heart is overflowing with gratitude, anticipation, and pride. Together, the employees of Visiting Nurse Association (VNA) and Easterseals Nebraska made tremendous strides in 2024 that have made us a stronger organization today and for the future.

There are three notable areas of growth that are helping us thrive:

Culture: Together we have focused on leadership, accountability, and positive change. Using the “Better Culture” curriculum, we have challenged ourselves and each other to grow as leaders and great co-workers. We took ownership of mindset, recognition, and respect, while also adding a healthy dose of fun. It makes a difference when you are proud of your organization and there’s no doubt the organization is also proud of you. And a better workplace culture leads to a more successful business.

Communication: There is nothing more important than reciprocal communication. It is one thing to open the lines of communication with employees, board members, and donors; quite another to invite and expect those same people to respond and even challenge what has been communicated. As communication has grown and people are invited to share their insights and expertise, our organizations are thriving because we are making decisions based on a wider breadth of knowledge.

Sustainability: Together we are identifying and building the means to be sustainable for another 129 years. VNA and Easterseals Nebraska are grateful to those who generously donate to help us serve underresourced individuals and families who need healthcare, supportive services, and disability services. We also recognize that there are untapped, innovative ways to generate revenue. It was a year of planning: In 2024, we expanded ideas, laid the foundation, and put people and processes in place to begin generating revenue in 2025 that will not only supplement fundraising during a challenging economy, but will also make a strong contribution to sustainability for years to come.

I’m proud of the strides we have made and the direction we are moving. As you read our 2024 annual report, I hope you feel that same sense of pride.

Thank you for helping us care for the individuals and families who rely on VNA and Easterseals Nebraska to receive the support they need. Because of you, they thrive.

Dr. Carole Patrick
President & CEO

My name is David, and I came to Siena Francis House 10 years ago after getting out of prison for the third time, determined to change my life. I met Nurse Ann when I entered the Miracles Addiction Treatment & Recovery Program. When I was thinking about leaving the program, she gave me the confidence to stick with it, and I’m forever grateful for that.

After graduating, I started a vending machine business that helped me have income to start renting a room. My first vending account was at the shelter, and I grew the business to 20 locations. I saw Nurse Ann continue to be a beacon of light, giving hope to others who were unhoused.

Seven years later, the pandemic hit. Many businesses switched to remote work, which slowed down vending machine use, and I had to rethink how to make ends meet. I took a job as overnight shelter staff at Siena Francis House, which led to a promotion to donation driver. That’s when I met Nurse Lesa. Her positive attitude and the hope she gave others were truly inspiring. She offered people the tools to live healthier lives with dignity.

Now, working as a donation manager, Nurse Lesa and I have built a great relationship. She helps me sort medical donations to determine what we can use at the shelter and what should go to organizations offering higher levels of care. Together, we’ve been able to redirect supplies to those who need them most.

Nurse Ann and Nurse Lesa have been angels in my life. They offered guidance when I had the opportunity to buy my first house. Without them, I wouldn’t have made the journey from homelessness to homeownership. Even now, they continue to inspire me to serve others. Thank you, Nurse Ann and Nurse Lesa, for all you do to bring hope, dignity, and healing to those who need it most.

At 95, Betty had been living independently in her home when her younger sister Clara, 92, moved in from an assisted living facility. With no immediate family or nearby support, the sisters were doing their best to manage on their own.

When Betty was referred to the Visiting Nurse Association’s Home Health Aide program, she appeared slightly forgetful but remained physically capable, still running errands, making decisions, and doing yard work. However, during Betty’s assessment, VNA’s clinical manager noticed the home needed housekeeping, and the bathtub hadn’t been used in months. Betty shared she had been relying on sponge baths instead.

Betty soon began receiving weekly visits through our program. These visits build relationships and trust so clients feel safe disclosing needs beyond the initial assessment. During one early visit, while the home health aide changed her bedding and started the laundry, Betty was relieved to learn she could receive help with light housekeeping. On another occasion, she casually mentioned mowing her large yard — at 95! Concerned about her risk for falls, the aide helped arrange for a neighbor to take over using Betty’s riding mower.

As care continued, VNA staff identified additional ways to support Betty’s safety at home. The clinical manager coordinated with a local handyman to install grab bars and a handheld showerhead, allowing Betty to bathe more safely with her home health aide’s help.

Thanks to the support of VNA’s Home Health Aide program, Betty can remain safely at home and maintain her independence with dignity.

Easterseals Nebraska’s AgrAbility program enhances quality of life for farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural workers with disabilities. After Eric Fass experienced a near-death brain injury that resulted in extensive rehabilitation and challenges with daily functioning and maintaining a cattle operation, the AgrAbility team helped the Fass family discover assistive technology that helps him continue his purpose and passion.

Video credit: InfoFilm