CEDARS
Chelsea Wittgren is an experienced professional in youth services, currently serving as the Assistant Program Director at CEDARS since July 2016, overseeing multiple programs for runaway and homeless youth. Prior experience includes roles as Program Director and Assistant Program Manager at Cedars Youth Services from March 2008 to August 2016, where Chelsea led the Lancaster County Teen Court Program, assisting first-time juvenile law offenders. Chelsea's career in youth support began in January 2007 as a Juvenile Diversion Specialist at CEDARS, focusing on facilitating rehabilitation for young offenders. Chelsea holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, obtained in 2007, and a diploma from York High School earned in 2002.
CEDARS
It is the mission of CEDARS to help children achieve safety, stability, and enduring family relationships. CEDARS is here to ensure that all kids have a safe environment where they can grow and thrive. We walk alongside them, using a holistic approach that provides support from infancy through young adulthood, with a variety of services to meet individual needs. We’re also here to walk with families, offering them resources, opportunities and education to keep their family connections strong. Our approach is trauma-informed and honors the experiences of those we serve, so families can become stronger and kids can preserve those connections as a central part of their support system. These needs can’t be met by one person, entity or organization alone. That’s why we join together with organizations and individuals across the community to support kids and families. From policymakers to child welfare advocates, trauma specialists to local and state agencies, and community donors to partner nonprofits, we embrace the kind of togetherness that changes lives. Helping all kids receive the best possible care builds a strong foundation and empowers them to develop skills and work toward independence. Providing this security and the opportunities that come with it is at the heart of our mission, and at the heart of the people who carry it out.