Testimonies

“Without the Public Policy Center’s involvement in the Minority and Justice effort, we would not be close to where we are today. I expected a University Center to contribute to cutting-edge knowledge about race and justice matters. What I didn’t anticipate was the Center being able to provide key leadership, sophisticated facilitation skills, and real sensitivity to delicate policy matters. The Center has been key to the initiative’s numerous successes.” — Justice John M. Gerrard, Nebraska Supreme Court

“We came together through NEBHANDS to respond—through unconventional and never-before-heard-of alliances—to the behavioral health needs across our 76,000-plus square miles of prairie land. NEBHANDS knew the value of each person living in every corner of our state, and together we responded, recognizing the importance of volunteers, community and faith-based organizations, and public agencies and institutions. We have responded through NEBHANDS with increased care and compassion to the needs of those among us who suffer with behavioral health issues.” — Ruth Henrichs, Executive Director, Nebraska Lutheran Family Services

“Volunteers who took the Nebraska Psychological First Aid course prior to responding to Hurricane Katrina reported that it was the most helpful disaster training they’ve received. I’ve had participants tell me they used the Nebraska Psychological First Aid skills not only after disasters but in response to the small crises that happen every day in our state.” — Robin Zagurski, L.C.S.W., University of Nebraska Medical Center

“My work as a PPC undergraduate research assistant over the past four years, more than anything else during my educational experiences, helped solidify my goal to become a policy researcher. I'm now pursuing my master's degree in International Science and Technology Policy at George Washington University and was awarded a fellowship for 2006 with the National Academy of Sciences, Committee on Science, Engineering and Public Policy.” — Ian Christensen, BA of Science in Biochemistry, UNL, August 2005