Heartland Family Service Recognizes Four Local Families
An Omaha couple made up of a lawyer and a law professor was recognized recently for valuing service to the community, friendships, each other and their family.
Catherine M. Mahern, an associate professor at the Creighton University School of Law and director of the Abrahams Legal Clinic, and Gary Fischer, general counsel at Family Housing Advisory Services Inc. of Omaha were recognized with Heartland Family Service’s Commitment to Family Award at last month’s 2019 Salute to Families program.
Mahern and Fischer have known each other for 26 years and have formed a strong bond with each other, their children and their grandchildren, according to a news release from the nonprofit.
“The challenges they have overcome have not devastated their family, but instead pulled them closer together,” according to the news release. “Kate and Gary believe in giving back to the community, with a particular passion for helping families.”
The award was presented Nov. 21 at Happy Hollow Club as part of Heartland Family Service’s 37th annual Salute to Families – held in conjunction this year with National Family Week.
In addition, three other families and an advocate were recognized:
• Tonia and Ray Aranza won the Leadership Family Award. “Tonia and Ray enjoy helping causes that are meaningful to them and that help those in the Omaha community,” according to the news release. “As a blended family, they understand the importance of strong family life. The Aranzas believe in a strong work ethic and helping others. They practice leading by example each day and inspiring others to lead by using their strengths.”
• Melissa & Matthew Graves won the Community Service Award. “The top values that guide Melissa and Matthew’s lives each day are honesty, integrity and kindness,” according to the news release. “Their faith is a key focus for their family, and they believe in focusing on their strengths to help others. After the death of their son Lane, they established the Lane Thomas Foundation, which is dedicated to supporting families of children who need life-saving organ transplants.”
• Grace & Nicole Burns won the Challenge and Successful Family Award. “Grace and her granddaughter Nicole have overcome a number of challenges in their family life, which has only strengthened their bond,” according to the release. “They believe in following the values of faith, integrity, and encouragement.”
• Diane Cochran won the Family Advocate Award. “Diane has worked tirelessly to provide guidance and support to children and families in our community for 40 years,” according to the news release. “As the Director of the Transition and Employment Program at the Madonna School, Diane consistently works with young adults with moderate disabilities. Her Christian faith is one of her most important values, and she also strives to lead with integrity in all aspects of her life.”
For additional information on Heartland Family Service, visit heartlandfamilyservice.org.
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