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What We Do

The mission of the Nebraska Juvenile Justice Association is to improve services to youth in the juvenile justice system by serving as a resource for collaboration, leadership development, and education for juvenile justice system professionals.

  • 2025 Conference Attendee
    2025 Conference Attendee

    The sessions were amazing. Keep having breakouts regarding self-care. Love those. Networking with providers and learning of different services offered is also key. Keynotes were amazing as well!

  • 2025 Conference Attendee
    2025 Conference Attendee

    I look forward to this conference every year because I know I will get something valuable from it!

  • 2025 Conference Attendee
    2025 Conference Attendee

    The conference really leveled up this year. The content of breakout sessions was really top notch and went above the more "basic" level. It felt more attuned to the audience and level of professionals likely in the room. The youth panels are a must have. I don't think it could ever get too repetitive hearing what they have to say. It is always so impactful and humbling to remember that they, their wants, and thoughts are so valuable in their success.

  • 2025 Conference Attendee
    2025 Conference Attendee

    The speakers by far - I cried during numerous sessions because I felt so seen. I am a newer attorney and being a Guardian ad Litem is one of the hardest things I have ever done. The speakers affirmed my feelings, gave me practical tips for my kiddos, and ignited my passion. They were phenomenal.

Conference Results

  • 2025 Conference Participation

    302

  • Would Attend Again

    98%

  • Rated the Conference Very Good or Excellent

    87%

  • Fulfilled My Reason To Attend

    92%

  • Attended the conference for personal growth and development

    53%

August is Admit You’re Happy Month

Happy, fluffy, and white small dog.

Well, we made it. Summer is coming to a close and we’re looking down the road towards school shopping, fall pumpkin season and family holidays. But, summer isn’t over quite yet.

The month of August happens to be National Admit You’re Happy Month. There are lots of things to be happy about in life, and August is a chance to appreciate all of them.

If you’re not quite sure what you have to be happy about, don’t worry. Today we’ve compiled a list of 31 awesome ideas you can take advantage of each day this month to boost your happiness. So take a gander, and go ahead, admit it… you’re happy.

  1. Write yourself an encouraging note. Stick it somewhere you’ll see it for an extra boost of encouragement throughout the day!
  2. Write someone else a friendly note… just because.
  3. Practice positivity. See how long you can go without complaining once.
  4. Spend time outdoors. Nature has ways of instilling joy in us.
  5. Go on an adventure. Skip the planner for a day and see where the road takes you! You may be surprised at what you find.
  6. Treat yourself to a delicious carefree snack just for fun!
  7. Compliment a stranger. Pay it forward and see how many people’s days you can make.
  8. Have a dance party. In your house alone or with other people, break it down and get groovy.
  9. Sleep all day. Take a break from work and spend an entire day lounging around in bed and relaxing. Sounds nice, right?
  10. Donate to a cause. Pick a charity you believe in and give away!
  11. Explore your spirituality. See what joy and peace you can find and grow inner self.
  12. Play a board game. Because family game nights just never get old, do they?
  13. Try a new hobby. Interested in playing guitar? Painting a picture? See what joys await you and start exploring potential hobbies.
  14. Give a hug. Even people who aren’t touchy need a hug every now and then.
  15. Try a new recipe. Get creative and see what you can cook up in a hot kitchen!
  16. Play with puppies. Check out your local pet shelter and see if there are any animals to play with, then go forth and have the greatest day ever.
  17. Watch a funny movie. Laughing until your sides hurt always brings joy.
  18. Reconnect with your relatives. Haven’t called grandma in a couple months? Give her a ring, catch up and see how you can develop the relationship.
  19. Go on a date. Because romance is fun, too.
  20. Get a makeover. Go shopping, get your hair done or try some new cologne. When you look good, you feel good and happiness is right around the corner.
  21. Read a good book. There’s really nothing better.
  22. Go to a concert. Music speaks to the soul and tells it to be happy.
  23. Try meditating. It’s good for your physical, mental and emotional health. All around solid choice for a day well spent.
  24. Go out to dinner at your favorite restaurant. A classic that never fails to produce results.
  25. Buy yourself flowers then put them somewhere you’ll see their beauty everyday. 
  26. Write a poem/short story/blog article about something that makes you happy.
  27. Try nature photography. You may need a camera for this one, but who knows? Smart phones can work wonders.
  28. Watch the sunset/sunrise. Whether you’re a night owl or an early bird, you’re covered.
  29. Make a list of everything you’re grateful for and take time to appreciate it all.
  30. Exercise. Because exercise gives you endorphins and endorphins make you happy.
  31. Throw a party and celebrate 31 days of happiness!

What other ideas can you think of that make you happy? Try them out and spend time this August appreciating all the little things in life. And just admit it… you’re happy.

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