About Independence Rising
ndependence Rising, IR, was formerly known as Center for Independent Living of Central Nebraska. We serve 50 counties in Central and Western Nebraska. We are one of two federally funded independent living centers in Nebraska
Independence Rising’s services are offered free of charge, on a sliding fee scale, and fee for service. We work with consumers to help them achieve their chosen, community-based living goals. Consumers of the agency have a disabling condition where more resources are needed in order to achieve their chosen community-based living goals.
Independence Rising serves persons with disabilities across the age span with any type of disabling condition.
Our Staff
We have staff across the state committed to providing quality services.
Irene has worked with Independence Rising, cumulatively, since 2000 and she has been the Executive Director since January 2017. She has worked in various positions in the agency including services coordination, resource developer, and as a Program Manager/Supervisor for the DHHS contract for services coordination of the Aged and Disabled Medicaid Waiver. During this time, she oversaw the Waiver program and staff in Independence Rising offices located in Grand Island, Lexington, Ogallala, and Broken Bow. In 2011, Irene assumed the position of Program Manager for Independence Rising’s independent living program which included, at a minimum, working with consumers and involvement in community groups throughout the 39 county territory. Irene is also a certified driving instructor and has conducted driving evaluations and lessons for consumers of the agency. Throughout her career, Irene has also worked as an Associate Public Guardian for the Nebraska Office of Public Guardian, provided family support services for families working with Child Protective Services, as well as worked as a teacher in various public and private school classrooms including as an elementary
and early-childhood educator and substitute teacher.
Irene has been a volunteer for different groups. She has been a CASA volunteer for Lincoln County CASA, a Board Member for L2ForKids for the North Platte Chapter, a Vacation Bible School Director, and a Girl Scout Service Unit Manager and a Girl Scout Leader. Irene is the fifth generation of her family to live on her family’s ranch in southwest Nebraska. She enjoys reading, taking college courses as she works towards getting her counseling endorsement, spending time with her children and pets, creating artwork, meditation, music, and running.
Vicki was born and raised in Nebraska. Vicki enjoys spending time with her 2 dogs, Rocco and Ginger, her family, attending great nephews and great nieces sporting events and is an avid Husker fan.
Functional Family Facilitators
“Providing facilitation and support for families in transition, with an emphasis on the needs and value of each family member, in order for families to meet their unique community living goals.”
In 2012, Brittany received her Associates Degree in Criminal Justice from ITT Technical Institute. Over the years, Brittany has dealt with many conflicting problems while learning and teaching positive ways to overcome them. Brittany does work calmly under pressure and uncomfortable situations.
Brittany has taken classes such as Circle of Security and Women’s Trauma to learn and implement things into her working career and personal life. These have helped her to interact and understand children and adults better and to understand the needs children present.
Jami is currently employed as a Functional Family Facilitator with Independence Rising where she works with cases including supervised visitations, family support, drug testing and assistance with independent living.
Billie and her Husband have been married for going on 28 years. Billie is a step Mom, a Foster Mom and has 2 kids of her own. Billie also has 3 Granddaughters. Billie coached swim team and also her kid’s basketball teams, for a number of years, as her kids were growing up. Billie was also on the Ambulance squad, for 5 years. Billie loves to help feed cows, on the weekend, when able. Also helps her Husband on the farm. In the summer, Billie and her family like to go to the lake and go camping. Billie and her family also have been involved in racing, dirt track, Billie also runs the Club House at the Golf Course, in the summer.
Life is not always fair, and Billie has had up and downs just like anyone, or any family. Billie can relate to families going through hard times, and will work to help these families as much as Billie can or that the families let Billie. Billie is straight forward and will not sugar coat anything. Billie will tell you where you stand, and what you need to do, to get the help that you need. Billie will go the extra mile as long as you are willing to do the work needed.
Laurann has worked mostly with children and elderly adults in her career. Laurann has encountered/worked with victims struggling with alcohol abuse, mental health struggles, and separated families. Much of Laurann’s time is spent helping others live their best quality of life. She is constantly putting others before herself because she loves how helping others makes her feel. Laurann is constantly advocating for people who struggle to advocate for themselves. Everyone deserves the ability to fully Live, Laugh, and Love.
