Solidarity is built into every aspect of the work done at Refugee Women Rising (RWR) but it is not without challenge. RWR’s programs flex to accommodate women born in 25 different countries speaking 30 different languages. “Our work is welcoming, relational and as unique as our collaborators,” as stated in Refugee Women Rising’s Impact Report for 2024.
Bridging Communities Inside and Out, a tagline found on the webpage for RISE Reentry Program explains in a phrase the short version of what they do. The long version of the mission is complex, yet simple–to break the cycle of incarceration and provide reentry support to help people build a new life after experiencing a prison sentence for people across the state of Nebraska. A recent visit to sit in and observe a single session of the Leadership Academy demonstrates the passion of the Executive Director, Jeremy Bouman for serving this population of individuals and is just one example of support in the process of building a new life after being system-impacted.
This year’s Madonna Della Strada Award recipients were Fr. Greg Carlson, SJ, and Fr. Larry Gillick, SJ, Creighton University’s Jesuit Community members. The afternoon program was held at Creighton Preparatory High School in the Sullivan Commons.
Priests in general, but especially Jesuits wear many hats. They are called to serve in many roles: public speaker, spiritual leader or director, leadership
developer, community outreach person, ministry coordinator, and of course perhaps the greatest of these, teacher. Fr. Kevin Schneider, SJ has worn all of these hats and more during his time in Omaha.
