Executive Director

Hello and thank you for your interest in the 18^thJudicial District Juvenile Assessment Center. I would like to take a moment to share with you a few thoughts and my background.

I have always had a sense of great pride when people ask me about my job, our employees and the program. I feel fortunate to have the opportunity to contribute to my community through my work and to work with a team of highly skilled Intake Specialists who are as committed as ever to providing high quality, assessment services to at-risk youth and families in our community. People often ask me what motivates me to work with at-risk youth? The answer is simple; I believe that all youth in our community deserve a chance to overcome risks present in their lives which may lead to disruptive behavior or juvenile delinquency.

A little bit about me, I was born and raised in Omaha Nebraska, go Huskers!! I graduated from the University of Nebraska with a degree in Criminal Justice and Sociology. In 2000 I was fortunate upon graduating to obtain a position as an Intake Specialist with the 18^th Judicial District Senate Bill 94 Program. As the 18^thJudicial District Juvenile Assessment Center expanded services and operational hours, I was invited to move onto their team as an Intake Specialist. Since that time I have held a variety of supervisory positions, which ultimately led me to the opportunity to become the Executive Director in 2008.

As we gaze towards the future, I look forward to our continued work with our community partners and supporters to further our efforts and make a positive difference in the lives of the youth, families and communities we are honored and privileged to serve. Please consider making a donation to help ensure the services we provide remain in our community. We are not looking for a handout, just the support of our neighbors and friends who believe as we do that a community helping others is a community helping itself. Will you please contribute today? A small investment in the 18th Judicial District Juvenile Assessment Centers work will make a big difference in someone’s life.

Kind regards,

Kira Suurvarik