Brittany’s Story
“I like helping people and I think the medical field is the best way to do that,” says Brittany about her future plans to become a doctor. She hopes to one day open her own clinic. Graduating with honors from Central High School, Brittany is now pre-med at the University of Nebraska Lincoln and on her way to accomplishing her goals.
Brittany tributes her success so far to the help of her mentor, Marsha. “My mentor has done SO many things for me, its ridiculous!” says Brittany. She recalls the trips she and Marsha took to Office Depot every August to get the supplies she needed for the school year. “She cares enough to make sure I have everything I need to further my education.”
Brittany says the staff of All Our Kids has also supported her on her journey, “All Our Kids has helped me grow as an individual and they keep me going with my goals,” she says, “You can tell just how much they care.”

Dosh’s Story
“It’s the most fulfilling thing I’ve ever done,” says the girl with the booming voice and the bubbly personality, about her time with All Our Kids, Inc. Donsurae, or “Dosh” as she is better known by her friends, has been a part of the All Our Kids program since eighth grade and has enjoyed every minute. “I have gained so much,” she says.
Dosh graduated from Central High School and is currently attending the University of Nebraska at Omaha, (UNO). Dosh has yet to declare a major at UNO but knows it will have something to do with Public Relations and Mass Communications. She has already made plans to continue her education after obtaining her Bachelor’s degree, “I am going to get my Master’s for sure,” she says.
Dosh credits the staff and mentors of All Our Kids for helping her stay on the right path and to find her way, “They’ve taken an interest in who I am and have given me the support I need,” she says. Dosh intends to give back to the All Our Kids program as a mentor one day and she encourages others to do the same, “It gives you the opportunity to be a blessing to a young student,” she says, “I love this program!”

Donald’s Story
Fighting crime is what Donald sees in his future, and while he might lack a cape and super-powers, he does hope to have his own side-kick, working as a police officer with in the K-9 department.
Donald graduated from North High School and is now attending the University of Nebraska at Omaha, majoring in Criminal Justice. Donald first became interested in law enforcement when he went on a ride along with an Omaha police officer. In addition to police work, Donald admits he has a soft spot in his heart for animals. He currently works at Camp Bow Wow, caring for pets while their owners are away. Donald says working with a K-9 Unit just seemed like a natural fit.
To accomplish his dreams, Donald knows he has a lot of work ahead of him, but feels prepared to take it on because of the support and motivation he has received from his mentor, Hague. “He has helped me stay on track and even helped me get the job I have now,” he says. Donald says he has really enjoyed his time with All Our Kids and his advice to younger students is simple, “Get on the right path and stay there for a better future.”

Thomas’s Story
“Going Green” is an expression that Thomas takes to heart. He intends to become an environmental lawyer and fight to protect wild life and nature preserves.
Thomas said his high school biology class was the inspiration for his career path. He became fascinated with animals and how they co-exist in nature. Now a graduate of Creighton Prep, Thomas is currently at the University of Nebraska, Lincoln majoring in Environmental Studies.
He wasn’t always as focused as he is now. “I was kind of a bad student my freshman year,” Thomas recalls. Thomas joined All Our Kids, Inc. his sophomore year in high school and began to see an improvement in his grades. “[All Our Kids] motivated me to keep my grades up,” he says. Thomas adds that the staff also educated him on the tools he would need for college and what he would need to do to be successful.
Thomas advises younger students to work hard to get what they want, “Do whatever it takes to achieve your dreams,” he says.

Amber’s Story
“Sure I’d like to make a lot of money but I think its more important to enjoy your job,” -Wise words from All Our Kids college student, Amber.
Amber has been in the All Our Kids program since 8th grade and says that overall, the best part of being in All Our Kids was meeting her mentor, Vicky. “I didn’t think I needed a mentor, but [Vicky] is an adult I can really trust. She has been a real friend,” she says.
Amber is attending Saint Louis University and although she isn’t exactly sure what the future holds, she is taking what she has learned from All Our Kids to heart. “I see what the staff gets out of what they do and I want that,” she says. Amber adds she really enjoys helping people and working with kids. She says that the community projects she participated in with All Our Kids sparked her interest in social work. She has gotten a lot of practice through all of her volunteer experience including working with the Children’s Hospital Teen Connection, Solomon Girls Club and the Nebraska Humane Society.

Dan’s Story
On his first musical world tour is where you might find Dan in five years, who says he would ultimately like to be in a world-famous funk band.
Right now Dan is attending the University of Nebraska at Omaha and while he is currently undeclared, he is leaning toward a major in music. “I think eventually teaching music would be cool,” says Dan. He says that music is a big part of his life. “I played the drums in the [high school] band and I also play the guitar just for me.”
Dan says that being in All Our Kids has helped him to get where he is by keeping him focused on his future and pushing him to stay on the track which will lead him to where he wants to be. Dan also adds that All Our Kids has taught him a sense of responsibility. “I think I’ve become more self-sufficient,” he says. He advises other students who find themselves struggling to reach out to organizations like All Our Kids for help. “Programs like [All Our Kids] are beneficial because you learn a lot and make connections with people for the future.”

Erika’s Story
“Erika, you are the next Iron Chef” is a phrase you may hear one day soon. A graduate of North High School, Erika is now attending Metro Community College and is enrolled in the Culinary Arts program. Erika has big dreams of one day working beside the world’s top chefs, “I would love to work with Bobby Flay, Alton Brown or Emeril Lagasse someday,” she says.
Erika has been with the All Our Kids program for 5 years and believes that being in the program has encouraged her to keep going, “[The staff] was always checking up on me and got me a tutor when I needed one, she says, “They do a lot for us”.

Janet's Story
When Janet celebrated her 15th birthday with a traditional Quinceaneras, an elaborate “coming-of-age” party that, according to Latin tradition, announces a girl’s transition into womanhood, she invited her mentor Terri and Terri’s family to the festivities. The two families from different cultures have embraced each other across the bridge provided by All Our Kids. “Terri is like a big sister to me,” says Janet. “she’s someone I can count on in good times and bad, someone who will be there whenever I need help.” Janet just recently graduated from South High School in the Spring of 2006 and is now attending Iowa Western Community College, majoring in Human Services.

Foster's Story
In high school, Foster worked as a part-time janitor at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. He might hold a similar job today without the guidance of UNMC mentors who inspired him to look at his future in a whole new way. “They started talking to us about setting goals for ourselves, and what we had to do to get there,” recalls Foster. “Nobody had ever talked with me about things like that.” The boy without direction became a more confident young man with a plan. Foster connected with All our Kids in search of financial resources for secondary education. “My parents could barely make ends meet. They certainly couldn’t afford to send me to college. All Our Kids lifted this enormous burden from my shoulders.” Foster received more than a scholarship. Supported by a program designed for first-generation college students, he pursued his interest in computers at Metro Community College, where he earned a two-year associate’s degree in information technology and networking. Guidance and tutoring helped ease the way. An internship gave him a taste of corporate life. Success emboldened him and he set his sights higher. He transferred to Bellevue University where the curriculum was more challenging. Financial Support from All Our Kids allowed Foster to limit the number of hours he worked so he could focus on his studies. In the spring of 2002 Foster received a bachelor’s degree in Computer Information Systems. Equipped with a degree and a new sense of adventure, Foster traveled to Memphis, Tennessee to interview for jobs in the bustling city. In March 2003, he began his new career as a desktop support technician at the headquarters of AutoZone, a fast-growing Fortune 500 company that operates nearly 3000 stores in the U.S. and Mexico. “It’s the kind of job where you have to be quick on your feet,” explains Foster. “I’m building images, PC’s, just about everything. I’m learning new things everyday.” Foster thrives on the fast pace. It’s a far cry from what he might have expected in life.