First Light Child Advocacy Center

10/19/2026

🎉 Happy Birthday, Makenna!

Today we're celebrating Makenna Gildersleeve, one of our wonderful Family Advocates here at First Light!

Makenna brings compassion, kindness, and a genuine heart for helping children and families to everything she does. Her dedication to making sure families feel supported during difficult times is just one of the many reasons we're grateful to have her on our team.

Please join us in wishing Makenna a very happy birthday! We hope your day is as wonderful as you are! 💙

10/16/2026

💜 Today, our First Light team wore purple in recognition of Wear Purple Day and Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

We wear purple to stand with survivors, honor their strength, and raise awareness about the impact domestic violence has on individuals, children, and families.

At First Light, we believe everyone deserves to feel safe, supported, and heard. Today and every day, we stand together to remind survivors that they are not alone. 💜

10/14/2026

We are so grateful to have Ruby as part of the First Light team! Her compassion, dedication and commitment to advocating for children and survivors make such a difference in our community. Thank you, Ruby, for the incredible work you do, and thank you to Heartland United Way for highlighting her story and the importance of this work!

💙80 STORIES OF IMPACT💙

"Every shift as a frontline ER nurse at CHI St. Francis demands everything I have. In the high-stakes chaos of the emergency room, you quickly learn to be the calm in the storm, stabilizing patients on what is often the absolute worst day of their lives. When I first started working here, I immediately noticed a profound, painful gap: the critical, overwhelming need for specialized Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANEs). Witnessing that vulnerability firsthand became the catalyst that drove me to become a forensic nurse. I knew I needed to step into that storm, providing a safe harbor of immediate, trauma-informed care right there in the hospital.

Once I stepped into that role, a devastating reality became impossible to ignore. I noticed a steady, heartbreaking increase in the patients we were treating, seeing more and more children walking through our doors as victims of abuse or neglect. It was a sobering realization that these innocent lives were facing unimaginable trauma right here in our own community, and they desperately needed a dedicated, seamless network of protection and care.

Recognizing that need led me to my role with the First Light Child Advocacy Center, where my hospital work and community advocacy complete each other. As a forensic nurse, my hands carry a unique weight: bridging the vital gap between medicine and justice.

I choose to give back through Heartland United Way partner programs because I refuse to let any child or survivor feel invisible or defined by their trauma. By breaking down language barriers, providing specialized forensic care, and locking arms with this dedicated network of organizations and strong community leaders, I am honored to help our most vulnerable neighbors reclaim their safety, their voices, and their stories." Ruby Prado, SANE Nurse (seen here at the GI Public Library's Bear Fair)

SUPPORT OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS: https://www.heartlandunitedway.org/donate

10/13/2026

Join us in wishing Ruby a very Happy Birthday this month!

Ruby brings so much compassion, knowledge, and dedication to the families she serves. As a registered nurse, Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE), and nursing educator, she has a true passion for helping others, especially those who need someone in their corner.

Her bilingual skills, personal experiences, and commitment to making a difference are just a few of the things that make her such a valuable part of the First Light team!

We hope this birthday month has been filled with all the things you love, Ruby!

10/12/2026

Just a reminder that our office is closed today, October 12th! 💛

While our doors are closed for the day, immediate assistance is still available through our after-hours number.

We’ll be back to our regular office hours tomorrow, October 13th!

10/08/2026

Husker spirit with a whole lot of heart! ❤️🏈

A HUGE thank you to Heartland Bank in Grand Island for raising $2,820 for First Light through their My Heartland Gives initiative!

By hosting a Husker tailgate and collecting donations, they brought their community together to make a meaningful difference for the children and families we serve.

We’re so grateful for Heartland Bank and everyone who contributed to making this possible. Your generosity helps us continue providing hope, healing, and support to those who need it most!

10/07/2026

Walking through the doors of a Child Advocacy Center can feel unfamiliar—especially when you don’t know what to expect. 💙

At First Light, every part of the experience is designed to help children and families feel supported, informed, and cared for.

From the moment you arrive, our team is here to guide you through the process, answer questions, and make sure you know you’re not navigating this alone.

Take a look inside First Light and see what families can expect when they walk through our doors.

10/02/2026

We’re growing our team! ☀️

First Light Child Advocacy Center is seeking a full-time Forensic Interviewer to join our team in Grand Island.

+ Full-Time
+ Grand Island, NE
+ Starting at $50,000/year

Learn more and apply today: https://firstlightchildadvocacycenter.bamboohr.com/careers/24

09/24/2026

A day in the life with Makenna! 💙

As an Advocate at First Light, Makenna plays an important role in helping children and families feel safe, supported and heard during some of their most difficult moments.

From welcoming families into our center to providing resources, guidance and a comforting presence, no two days look exactly the same, but every day is centered around making a difference.

Take a peek behind the scenes and see what a day in Makenna’s shoes looks like! ✨

09/23/2026

Exciting news! ☀️ CAN 101 is going virtual!

First Light’s Child Abuse and Neglect (CAN) 101 training will soon be available virtually, making it easier than ever to equip your staff with the knowledge and confidence to recognize and report child abuse and neglect.

💻 Same important training, now from the convenience of your own space!

Prefer in-person training? We’ve got you covered! In-person training is still available. Simply reach out to our team to learn more or schedule a session.

Stay tuned for upcoming registration details!