Preserving adoption and orphanage records while providing compassionate, respectful support to individuals seeking connection to their history.
Preserving Records, Supporting Families, and Honoring Every Story.
Catholic Charities of Omaha has a long and compassionate history of serving children and families through adoption, beginning with our origins as St. James Orphanage. As part of that legacy, we steward both adoption records and historical orphanage archives, preserving important documentation that helps individuals better understand their personal histories and family connections.
Whether you are seeking current adoption services, requesting records, or exploring family history, our team is committed to walking alongside you with care, respect, and confidentiality.
Orphanage and Adoption Archives
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Services Provided
Services Provided
Although Catholic Charities of Omaha officially began in 1926 as St. James Orphanage, our historical records extend further. We also steward archival materials from the Sisters of Mercy and the Good Shepherd Convent, with records dating back to 1870.
Our services span both active support and archival research, including:
- Assistance provided to families during a child’s early years
- Researching files and providing available social and medical histories
- Search and reunion services
- Support for individuals and families seeking information in cases where adoption did not occur
All services are provided with care, confidentiality, and respect for the deeply personal nature of this work.
For questions or inquiries please contact Wendy Spetman at (402) 829-9255 or wendys@ccomaha.org
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Requesting Records
Individuals seeking adoption or orphanage records may submit a records request to Catholic Charities of Omaha by contacting Wendy Spetman at (402) 829-9255 or wendys@ccomaha.org. Access to records is governed by privacy laws and agency policy, and availability varies depending on the time period and type of record requested.
To help cover the time and resources required for archival research, nominal fees may apply. Any applicable fees will be communicated in advance, and no work will begin without your confirmation.
Wendy will guide you through:
- What records may be available
- Required documentation and identification
- Estimated timelines and any applicable fees
- Next steps in the request process
All requests are handled with care, confidentiality, and respect for the deeply personal nature of this information.
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History of Catholic Charities
History of Catholic CharitiesIn 1926, Catholic Charities of Omaha was established, laying the foundation for a century of service rooted in compassion, dignity, and care for those most in need. In its earliest years, the organization provided critical relief to Catholic families facing hardship during the Great Depression and periods of drought.
During this time, Catholic Charities also established St. James Orphanage, offering a safe and supportive home for children whose parents were unable to care for them. This early commitment to children and families became the cornerstone of Catholic Charities’ enduring work in adoption, family support, and the preservation of records that honor the stories and lives entrusted to our care.
Services Provided
Although Catholic Charities of Omaha officially began in 1926 as St. James Orphanage, our historical records extend further. We also steward archival materials from the Sisters of Mercy and the Good Shepherd Convent, with records dating back to 1870.
Our services span both active support and archival research, including:
- Assistance provided to families during a child’s early years
- Researching files and providing available social and medical histories
- Search and reunion services
- Support for individuals and families seeking information in cases where adoption did not occur
All services are provided with care, confidentiality, and respect for the deeply personal nature of this work.
For questions or inquiries please contact Wendy Spetman at (402) 829-9255 or wendys@ccomaha.org
Individuals seeking adoption or orphanage records may submit a records request to Catholic Charities of Omaha by contacting Wendy Spetman at (402) 829-9255 or wendys@ccomaha.org. Access to records is governed by privacy laws and agency policy, and availability varies depending on the time period and type of record requested.
To help cover the time and resources required for archival research, nominal fees may apply. Any applicable fees will be communicated in advance, and no work will begin without your confirmation.
Wendy will guide you through:
- What records may be available
- Required documentation and identification
- Estimated timelines and any applicable fees
- Next steps in the request process
All requests are handled with care, confidentiality, and respect for the deeply personal nature of this information.
History of Catholic Charities
In 1926, Catholic Charities of Omaha was established, laying the foundation for a century of service rooted in compassion, dignity, and care for those most in need. In its earliest years, the organization provided critical relief to Catholic families facing hardship during the Great Depression and periods of drought.
During this time, Catholic Charities also established St. James Orphanage, offering a safe and supportive home for children whose parents were unable to care for them. This early commitment to children and families became the cornerstone of Catholic Charities’ enduring work in adoption, family support, and the preservation of records that honor the stories and lives entrusted to our care.
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Share Your StoryHave a connection to St. James Orphanage? Were you or someone you know adopted from St. James? We want to hear and share your experience! As we celebrate our 100th year, we want to collect as many stories as we can about our history and pay our respects to how Catholic Charities started! Share Your Story |
