Legend has it our very own Nebraska Boys Town monument, “Two Brothers,” inspired a folksong in the late 60’s: “He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother,” by the British pop band, The Hollies. The ballad became a worldwide hit soaring to the top of the charts in the UK and America. The Hollies version expands the original response of the young boy carrying his physically disabled friend as a reminder of brotherly love. But the iconic bronze sculpture Father Flanagan commissioned of the two orphaned boys was based at the heart of scripture. As Christians we esteem this saying as the Golden Rule found in Luke 6:31.

In this September and upcoming editions of Foundations and Futures Newsletter, we would like to spotlight and honor our volunteers and generous supporters. “Our Values” statement is deeply rooted within this concept to our families: “We will demonstrate and model a culture of acceptance, love, and responsibility. Guiding Grace is dedicated to supporting the physical, spiritual, and mental wellness of those we serve.” That kind of commitment is not possible without your help.

From Executive Director Gina Tomes: “This is more than a program; it is a movement of elevating care that is needed today in the prolife service space.  We have created a standard of excellence in care that is desired to be replicated and shared by maternity homes and pregnancy centers. We are deeply grateful to walk this journey alongside our community, partners, and faithful supporters who make elevating services possible.”

The little orphan boy might’ve been reminding Flanagan that he’s a big strong boy and can carry his brother. But I think it was love that enabled him to carry the weight of his friend. We love because God first loved us. And there lies our strength—and our gratitude, as we share in this load together. 

Network Spotlight

This month please celebrate with us as we honor a special volunteer: Trenton Burton. He is our Youth Program Intern here at Guiding Grace. Anyone who knows Trenton, will agree he has something in common with King David of the Bible. He’s a man after God’s own heart.

Trenton is the son of Deb Burton, our Child Life Specialist. After graduating this past May from Buena Vista High School, he began to accompany her to work. “I didn’t want to leave him home alone this summer,” Deb explained, “it’s too soon in his recovery—and I thought, bringing him with me would also get him out of the house.” Turns out he’s a natural.

Once the Fr. Flanagan Children’s Space was completed, he began his summer internship here at Guiding Grace. He has taken up his own residence in the spacious office with his mom. He loves his job and takes it seriously. He shared with us at a staff meeting once: “I look at the children, and I love them. I look at them the way God loves them.”

Talking about God is Trenton’s favorite subject. After a lengthy discussion we had on the saints, I asked him if he had a favorite. Without hesitation he told me hands down, he loved Saint George. I asked him why: “Because he slew dragons,” he said, “for the women in a village and saved their lives. I want to protect women like Saint George because that is a man’s role in God’s view – to provide and protect women.” And then he added, “And it’s also my grandpa’s name, who I love to spend time with.” (I fact checked the dragon legend and it states it exactly in the book: 365 Saints – Your Daily Guide to the Wisdom and Wonder of Thier Lives by Koenig-Bricker.)

When interviewing him for this article, I asked him if he had a favorite verse or affirmation. He said, “Healed day by day, and night by night.” I told him it reminds me of Psalm 3:5: “I lay down and slept; I awoke for the Lord sustained me.” He just looked at me and was quiet and said, “I like talking to you.” I argued, “No, I like talking to you.” He shot back: “No, I like talking to you MORE.” And so, I left it at that. When it comes to love, you can’t win with Trenton.

Follow Trenton on Facebook: “Trent’s Prayer Warriors.” Find out more about his journey as a brain cancer survivor and God’s marvelous hand on his life.

Recent Car Blessing with

Christian Brothers Automotive

Christian Brothers Automotive in Papillion recently blessed one of our hard-working mothers with a new-to-her vehicle. This mama had tackled many barriers already - housing, job, community - and just had one big one left before she could really move forward: transportation.

The teams of Guiding Grace and Christian Brothers were excited to surprise her with this blessing last week, just in time for her to start her new career.

Thanks to Christian Brothers for donating this car to us and making it possible to dismantle this barrier for this family. God Bless You!

Purchase Your Tickets Now!

We are proud to be a Guardian of Life Sponsor for this year's Knights of Columbus Culture of Life Foundation's Faith, Hope & Love Gala.

Please consider joining us as a sponsor or purchasing tickets to attend - we'll see you there!

Date: Friday, October 9th

Time: 6:00 PM

Location: St. Robert Bellarmine Parish Center

Tickets and sponsorships can be purchased through the event website:

https://onecau.se/prolifegala

Financial Support

Financial gifts make it possible to hire and retain quality staff to care for our 250+ families. Our goal is to get to a 50:1 ratio for our case managers in the next year.

Monthly recurring gifts truly sustain our work. Would you consider a $50 monthly gift? Set up your recurring financial gift on our website.

Click the button below!

Material Support

Providing material support to our families - even our waitlisted families - helps their already strained budget stretch as far as possible. Please consider hosting a donation drive on our behalf. An up to date greatest needs list is always pinned to the top of our Facebook page - check it out or email Abby Skradski if you would like to know current critical needs. askradski@guidinggracenetwork.org