Prairie Plains CASA is partnering with the Child Advocacy Team to bring a powerful Poverty Simulation experience to McCook Public Schools during their January in-service day.

This interactive training, facilitated by UNL Extension, places educators in the shoes of families facing the day-to-day realities of poverty—housing instability, transportation barriers, food insecurity, childcare challenges, and the impossible decisions families must navigate to survive.

Our goal is simple: bridge the gap between classroom expectations and the lived experiences of the children we serve.

When teachers understand the pressures many students bring to school, they can respond with more profound empathy, more effective strategies, and stronger support systems. This training also equips educators with knowledge of the local services, resources, and community partners available to support them and the children we all serve.

This simulation helps educators:

• See how scarcity impacts behavior, learning, and engagement
• Recognize hidden barriers that families face in accessing resources
• Strengthen their ability to connect students with appropriate support
• Build a more trauma-aware, compassionate school culture

Prairie Plains CASA and the Child Advocacy Team are committed to supporting those who need it most—children and families navigating hardship. By partnering with local schools, we’re working together to ensure every child has a fair chance to thrive.

The String Beans Kids Concert

 February 21, 2026

 1:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
McCook City Auditorium — 302 West 5th St., McCook, NE 69001

Get ready for an afternoon of music, laughter, and family fun! The beloved children’s band The String Beans!

Ticket Information

• Ages 12 & under: $5
• Ages 12 & older: $10
• Tickets are sold individually

Purchase Tickets Online

Tickets can be purchased securely through our Zeffy event link:
👉 https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/kids-concert-2

Buy early, invite your friends, and help us reach our goal of raising $5,000

                              We can’t wait to see you there!

The Reality Check event is an interactive financial literacy simulation designed to provide 8th-grade students at McCook Jr. High with a hands-on experience of managing real-world financial responsibilities. The event aims to educate students on budgeting, decision-making, and financial planning, helping them understand the complexities of adult life.

                Thursday, November 5, 2025
Time: 12:00 AM – 11:59 PM (24-Hour Giving Event)
Location: Online or in person at local giving stations

Support comfort. Support care. Support a safe start.
Prairie Plains CASA is proud to participate in the Southwest Nebraska Big Give, a 24-hour giving event uniting nonprofits and donors across our region to fuel impact and inspire generosity.