History

Gregg & Lisa Nicklas

Christian Heritage was founded in 1980 by Gregg and Lisa Nicklas as God led them to care for at-risk children.

Their commitment to caring for children led to Gregg's resignation from a successful marketing career with IBM, relocation to Lancaster County and becoming licensed foster parents, providing care for teenage youth in their home. The Nicklases have five children, six grandchildren and reside south of Lincoln, Nebraska.

Christian Heritage was incorporated in 1980 as a non-profit organization and shortly thereafter received its 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status from the IRS. Christian Heritage operates under the direction of an eight member Board of Directors.

On September 15, 1981, the first boys' home was opened to care for eight abused and neglected boys. In January of 1985 the first girls' home was opened. Since then foster care and independent living services were added to the continuum of care.

Additional homes were opened in both Lancaster and Buffalo counties to serve at-risk children: two near Kearney in 1999 and 2000 and then two in Lancaster County in 2001. In an effort to continue to operate family-centered services, these six homes were transitioned from group homes to professional foster homes in 2007 and early 2008.

Christian Heritage is licensed as a child-placing agency and has had the privilege of serving over 3,000 children. Today Christian Heritage serves over 110 children each day in communities throughout Nebraska with offices in Lincoln, Kearney and Omaha.

Vision

Families Restored, Children Filled with Hope and
Prepared for Life.

Mission

The mission of Christian Heritage is to provide compassionate care and instruction for at-risk children.

Philosophy

Every child deserves to be adequately cared for by his/her parent(s)
Every parent is entitled to assistance in learning how they can better care/provide for their children
Those children/families needing an assessment and/or therapy should have access to services within their home environment or the least restrictive, most appropriate environment
If it is absolutely essential for children to be placed out-of-home the children should be placed in the most appropriate, family-like environment in the closest proximity to their family; every effort should be made to facilitate reunification
If immediate reunification is not a viable alternative the most appropriate, most family like environment is essential; within the community of the family, if at all possible
Those children who have been placed out-of-home for an extended period of time deserve intensive reunification intervention to facilitate their return home. If this is unsuccessful a permanent home should be sought for every child
Those children in group or institutional care must be moved toward home. If circumstances prevent them from returning to their parent(s) then alternative, permanent families shall be made available
Those adolescents in out-of-home placements who are nearing the age of majority and without family support are entitled to skills training to prepare them for adult living