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Unlocking Potential: The Next Chapter Capital Campaign
Our Place Executive Board Members
Christine Albers- President
I joined the board of Our Place because its purpose is essential to many families I have met through my work as an occupational therapist in Hastings. The challenges families with children with special needs face are many. The program at Our Place addresses one of those challenges – a safe and supportive after-school environment. My experience as an occupational therapist in Hastings guides the board in meeting its goals.
Jenifer Phinney- Vice President
Pam Buckles- Treasurer
I joined Our Place because I believe deeply in its mission. The organization provides teens with a safe, supervised environment where they can learn, grow, and connect while their family members work outside the home. Our Place gives parents the confidence and peace of mind that their teens are supported, engaged, and thriving, so they can continue to financially provide for their families.
Marie Law- Secretary
Marie is a retired educator and guidance counselor. Her passion for education continues as she serves her community through volunteering at her church and with Our Place.
In addition to her service in education, Marie brings deep roots as a fifth-generation Adams County resident. Her maternal great-great-grandparents moved to Hastings, Illinois, in 1878. Despite these family ties, she is a transplant to this community, having served in the US Air Force and Civil Service around the world before settling in Hastings.
Zipporah Johnson- Assistant Secretary
I feel grateful to serve on the Our Place Board. The mission began when my sister needed after-school services, and it has now grown to offer adult day services as well. When I was invited to join the board, I felt humbled because I had already been helping behind the scenes for a while. I care deeply about making a bigger difference for Our Place and the whole community.
Danelle Hayes- Assistant Treasurer
Erin Foster- Member at Large
Kelsey Stokely- Member at Large
I was introduced to Our Place through my work as a speech-language pathologist in Hastings, where I had the privilege of working closely with children and teens with disabilities. When I was asked to serve on the board, I felt honored to support an organization that aligns so closely with my passion for this population. I value expanding opportunities for teens in our community and am excited to help Our Place continue making a meaningful impact.
Our Place Executive Team
Adeline Johnson-Executive Director
In August 2018, Our Place After School Care started an after-school program for teens with disabilities, the first of its kind in Nebraska. There are now programs in the two largest cities of eastern Nebraska. Our Place is the only program outside of those cities. Why is that? Funding sources and qualified people to staff a developing program are limited in smaller communities. The need for the service is there; resources need to be improved. In November of 2022, our program wanted our teens to experience a level of independence gained by productive work that gives a monetary return. We opened a store called Freedom Factory where our teens can sell the items they create on commission. We continue to blaze a trail for other communities to provide this needed service for their families who care for teens with disabilities.
Jasmine McElroy- Program Manager
I have been involved with the developmental disabilities community for over 10 years, and in that time, I’ve discovered that people with developmental disabilities are some of the most caring, fun, and genuine individuals you could ever meet. This work has never felt like “just a job” to me it’s a passion.
I’m excited to be part of Our Place, because here, the focus is truly on the people we serve and finding ways to make a meaningful difference in their lives. Every day brings a new opportunity to connect, support, and celebrate the incredible individuals who inspire me to do my best work.