About Independence Rising
I
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.
Administration
We have staff across the state committed to providing quality services.
Mary Stockwell is the Program Manager in the Gering Independence Rising office. Mary attended the University of Nebraska and has over 25 years of experience in human services. Mary worked in a critical access hospital in south-central Nebraska for 13 years as Social Services Director and discharge planner. Discharge planning was a good fit for Mary as it was satisfying to see patients make a smooth transition home. Mary relocated to the panhandle and worked for 8 years as a Developmental Disabilities Service Coordinator. Mary worked in child and adult protection for 5 years in Wyoming. Mary has spent her career working with the most vulnerable populations of elderly and disabled individuals; and children. Mary is an avid reader, cook, Husker fan and aspiring vegetable gardener. Mary lives with her husband and two dogs. Mary has two adult children and two grandchildren. Mary is a native Nebraskan and finds great value in living in the Nebraska Panhandle.
Vicki Anson works as the Program Manager for Independence Rising in Grand Island, Nebraska. Vicki has worked with IR for 4 years. Vicki has a Bachelor’s Degree in Natural and Social Sciences from the University of Nebraska at Kearney and is a Certified Social Worker in the state of Nebraska. Vicki supervises the Family Support Program, IAH Program and Grand Island office. Vicki works extensively with parents with disabilities that are involved with Child and Protective Services. Vicki co-chairs the NCIL Parenting Task Force.
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.
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.
Shelisa Brooks is currently our Coordination Specialist and has been with us for almost two years. Shelisa attended the University of Nebraska at Kearney. She graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Family Studies and a minor in Social Work. She has taken many courses that have prepared her in her line of work. These courses would include Mental Health and First Aid Training as well as Trauma 101 and Recovery Training. Shelisa has previously worked as a childcare provider, where she learned to care for children of all ages, create activities for children, and teach proper skills needed for each age group. Shelisa has had experience working as a security guard as well, where she escorted high profile performers, enforced local and state laws, and executed crowd control.
Amanda joined Independence Rising September 2019. She is our Central Billing Coordinator, as well as, the Central Nebraska Lifespan Respite Coordinator. Amanda oversees IR’s operations in the Kearney office location. Her professional experience includes working as a family peer support specialist, accounting, and she currently works part time in the evenings and weekends as a Crisis Counselor for the Nebraska Strong Project. She currently volunteers on the Central Nebraska LOSS team and assists with planning community activities. Amanda’s educational background is in business administration and accounting. She is currently working towards her undergraduate in Psychology. Amanda is trained in motivational interviewing, trauma grief and loss, QPR, stress first aid for firefighters and emergency medical services personnel, stages of change, child abuse and neglect, and many other areas. She is currently certified as an Advanced Level III WRAP Facilitator, a public speaker through NAMI New Hampshire, and holds state and national certifications in peer support.
Are you Dedicated, Hardworking, and Enjoy Helping Others Reach Their Goals? Join Us!
We are currently hiring for Functional Family Facilitator. Please fill out our application through the link below.