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Who We Are

Our mission is to help children and youth achieve safety, stability, and enduring family relationships. Each day, CEDARS provides this mission-focused work to over 1,000 kids through an array of programs. In the last year, CEDARS supported 2,531 kids and families.

CEDARS started in 1947 because one couple believed they could provide a better life for a child. That belief grew into the CEDARS we know today – a powerful force for good that helps kids and families across Nebraska.

Jim BluePresident and CEO

CEDARS Senior Leadership

Jim Blue

President

jblue@cedarskids.org

Cindy Rudolph

Chief Financial Officer

crudolph@cedarskids.org

Tina Rhode

Executive Vice President for Human Resources

trhode@cedarskids.org

Melissa Nance

Executive Vice President for Service Delivery 

mnance@cedarskids.org

Kristin Jakub

Vice President of Communications 

kjakub@cedarskids.org

CEDARS Service Directors

Vicky Thompson Smith

Service Area Director - Emergency Shelter, Youth Opportunity (Drop-In) Center, Semi-Supported, and Independent Living Programs

vsmith@cedarskids.org

Nikki Barber

Service Area Director - Foster Care and Youth and Family Intervention

nbarber@cedarskids.org

Amara Madsen

Service Area Director - Clinical, Prevention, Early Childhood, and School-Age Programs

amadsen@cedarskids.org

CEDARS Youth Services Board of Directors 

Keith Bell
Spencer Bergen 
Quentin Brown
Molly Brummond 
Bill Ellerbee 
Dr. Lynn Fuller - Vice Chair 
Judi gaiashkibos 
John Goldrich 
Judy Halstead - Vice Chair 
Dr. Jeanette Jones 
Jennifer Kirkland 
Tom McBride - Vice Chair 
Tony Ojeda - Vice Chair 
Lindsey Palmer
Dan Parsons 
Lance Perez
Becky Perrett
Makenzie Rath - Chair 
Katie Runge
Juan Roman 
Chris Wagner - Vice Chair 
John Woodrich

 

Contact Us

For questions, general feedback, or to learn more about us, please fill out our contact form. We will be in touch as soon as possible.