On this episode of the Pillars of Progress Podcast, host Travis Justice sits down with Jaymes Sime, President and CEO of the Child Saving Institute, for an honest and wide-ranging conversation about leadership, growth, and the evolving needs of children and families in our community.
 
If you’ve driven along Dodge Street in Omaha, you’ve likely noticed the major expansion and renovation at Child Saving Institute. Jaymes explains why this project was about much more than updating aging facilities—it was about preparing CSI to meet today’s standards of care while expanding services in behavioral health, early childhood education, and youth shelter programs. The goal: creating spaces that feel warm, welcoming, and trauma-informed for the children, teens, and families who walk through the doors.
 
Jaymes also breaks down a question many people still ask: What exactly does Child Saving Institute do? With more than 133 years of service, CSI has grown into a multi-service organization supporting children as young as six weeks old through young adults and families navigating complex challenges. From outpatient therapy and early childhood education to youth shelter services and support for teen and young parents, CSI’s mission remains centered on children and families—delivered in many different ways.
 
The conversation also dives into CSI’s recent merger with Children’s Square in Council Bluffs, a move that significantly expanded the organization’s size and impact. Jaymes shares what went into the due diligence, the leadership challenges of rapid growth, and what it means to nearly double an operating budget while staying grounded in mission and culture.
 
One of the most powerful moments comes when Jaymes shares his own story—growing up with a single mother, experiencing housing insecurity, and benefiting from nonprofit services firsthand. Those experiences shaped his passion for service, leadership, and empathy, and they continue to influence how he leads today.
 
This episode of Pillars of Progress is a thoughtful look at nonprofit leadership, community impact, and what it truly takes to build systems that support children and families—not just for today, but for generations to come.