HASTINGS, Neb. (KOLN) - Parents of teens with special needs face difficult decisions about where to take their children for care while they work.

Nebraska became the fourth state in the nation to create a resource for teens after school, during the day and in the summer through a program called “Our Place” in Hastings.

“I think my favorite part about Our Place is having friends to hang out with,” said Marissa, a student at the program. “It feels like a second home to me. It makes me feel safe and secure.”

When Marissa’s parents are at work, she goes to the after-school care program for teens ages 13 to 20 with special needs.

“It gives me something to do during the day, so that way, I’m not home by myself,” Marissa said.

Executive Director Adeline Johnson created the program in 2018 fo

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