Janis Berry embodies the meaning of commitment—to community and to family. Her lifelong dedication to service began with a simple question: “How can I help?”

Janis is a champion of causes that promote health, dignity, and opportunity. Her work with the North Omaha Area Health (NOAH) Clinic reflects her belief that families thrive when they have access to compassionate, affordable care and Janis stands firm in her belief that: the needs of the patient, and their family, must come first.

For more than 30 years she’s answered the call through hands-on work with the North Omaha Community Coalition (NOCC); a grassroots, HFS supported organization that has provided resources to families since 1983. She gives her time and talent freely, mentoring others and building support networks.

Janis is not just known in the community—she is trusted, admired, and deeply respected.

Perhaps the greatest testament to Janis’s commitment is the legacy she has built within her own family of eight children!  She knows that strong families are the foundation of a strong community and has worked tirelessly to ensure both are nurtured and lifted up.

By her example, Janis instills the values of compassion, civic duty, and service. Her story reminds us that family is not just to whom we are born—it’s who we show up, care, and fight for. For her unwavering dedication to family and community, we are proud to honor Janis Berry with the Commitment to Family award.

Liam was just a typical 12-year-old, living his best life, until April 2024 when he had a seizure at home. That turned into an urgent trip to the ER, a 33-day hospital stay and a diagnosis no family or 7^th grader ever wants to hear, “You have pediatric high-grade glioma, a rare and aggressive brain cancer.”

It meant that Liam would have to endure months of treatment, multiple surgeries, radiation, chemotherapy and every side-effect imaginable, but through it all he kept a smile on his face and his spirits high. 

From the very beginning, the Settles family—Kati and Sam (mom and dad) and sister Halle—has faced this unimaginable challenge with unity, determination, and love that goes to the ends of the earth. Kati and Sam became Liam’s medical advocates, collaborating with top hospitals across the country to ensure he had every possible treatment option. They've researched tirelessly, coordinated care across multiple time zones, and remained by Liam’s side through every surgery, scan, and sleepless night.

Liam is so much more than his medical challenges. He finds and spreads joy by singing, acting, building Legos, baking for 4-H, cheering for the Huskers, learning Japanese and Spanish, and competing in Battle of the Books. He’s a science lover and a natural helper—always thinking of others, even in the most difficult moments.

He and his sister recently traveled to Washington, D.C., to advocate for pediatric research on Capital Hill at CureFest. When asked if he wanted to go, Liam threw his arms in the air and said, “YES! We have to do it for the kids!”

The Settles family has turned heartbreak into hope—their strength shining through in their fight against Liam’s unthinkable battle with cancer. They affectionately share their journey through Lovin’ on Liam and by organizing fundraisers and being active in the community.

To know Liam is to adore him. He has the heart of a warrior, illuminated by the unyielding force of his family. The Settles family exemplifies what it means to be challenged… and successful.

Beth Robbins’ dedication to community service is deeply personal, profoundly compassionate, and rooted in optimism—which is all an expression of who Beth is at her core.   

Many years ago, Beth’s life was impacted by addiction which led to a period of separation from her children. With all the courage one can summon, Beth sought support through the Stephen Center, where she completed a treatment program and began the hard work of rebuilding her life. Reunited with her children and grounded in those family bonds and her recovery, Beth turned those experiences into a mission to help others.

Starting as a truck driver at the Stephen Center, Beth steadily rose through the organization and now serves as their Chief Experience Officer. She leads with purpose; ensuring people are met with dignity and have the tools they need to restore their lives.

Beth is a trusted advocate and community partner—especially in her ongoing collaboration with Heartland Family Service—and is known for her unwavering belief in people’s ability to change. She also models service at home, often involving her children and grandson in her volunteer endeavors. 

She is a powerful force for change—helping individuals and families move from crisis to stability. Her commitment to serving others is not just part of her job; it’s a reflection of the journey she herself has taken.

For her undeniable leadership, humility, and selfless dedication to helping others, we are proud to honor Beth Robbins with our Salute to Families Award for Community Service.

Deb Shaw’s commitment to advocate for children and families in the Heartland is a testament to her passion for equity, service, and community empowerment. It would not be understatement to say that she has devoted decades of her life to mentoring youth, supporting underserved neighborhoods, and mobilizing others to create positive change.

Her journey began as secretary of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), where she advanced the essential cause of racial and social justice. She later served as president of the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW), leading initiatives that empowered African American women and families through education, leadership development, and economic advancement.

A champion for youth, Deb has mentored teenage girls at North High School, believing deeply in the power of representation and the importance of young people seeing role models who reflect their own potential. She also brought the CARES Mentoring Movement to Omaha, inspired by Essence Magazine's Susan Taylor, urging the community to rally around children marginalized because of race or economic status.  

As a dedicated volunteer with Partnership 4 Kids, Deb worked as an operations and community specialist and volunteer recruitment supervisor, helping vulnerable students connect with the resources necessary for success. She also collaborated with the Omaha Star as a social media journalist, highlighting local youth achievements and amplifying positive stories.

A proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and the Heartland Family Service North Omaha Community Council (NOCC), Deb’s impact is oceans deep and profoundly felt. Her legacy as Family Advocate will inspire future generations to lead with purpose, compassion, and right action.

Humility and joy immediately come to mind when asked to describe Judy and her son, Tom. These are values they hold dear and have embedded in their relationships and their intention to make the world around them more peaceful and prosperous for everyone.     

When Judy married Howard Vann in 1955, the seeds of altruism were sown. Howard was an active member of the Omaha Jaycees, a lifelong Rotarian, and the visionary founder of Suburban Rotary! His passion to improve people’s lives ran deeply and when asked to join forces in the fight against polio, he was all in! With Judy, Howard had a kindred spirit and steadfast companion. She enthusiastically took up the cause and by Howard’s side, traveled the world in what became a global effort to eradicate the dreaded disease.

In 1986, with Howard’s encouragement, Tom joined Suburban Rotary, and they faithfully attended meetings together until Howard’s passing in 2002. Tom has carried the torch and is now a 40-year member and someone who exemplifies the organization’s ideal of “Service Above Self.” Through Rotary, he and his wife Gina Gottsch have thoughtfully given back. In 2024, they established a scholarship fund to support their belief in the “transformative power of education.” And, in a full-circle moment, in the 80s, Tom served on the Heartland Family Service board!

Judy’s commitment to the community has never wavered. She was a longtime supporter of Jewish Family Service—improving the quality of life for refugees arriving in Omaha; there is a scholarship through Emmanual Hospital that bears the Vann name; and Judy’s passion for the arts inspires her to support the Playhouse and Omaha Symphony. She will also tell you that one of her proudest achievements was being part of a founding group of women to introduce yoga to the Omaha scene in the 1970s.

There is an expression in Hebrew, Tikkun Olam, which means “repairing the world.” Judy and Tom, and his wife Gina, embody these words. Through their quiet generosity, they remind us that healing the world starts with each of us.