At Strictly Business, we believe it is so important to support our local nonprofits. Our commitment to supporting local nonprofits stems from recognizing their pivotal role in addressing the pressing needs of our community’s most vulnerable segments. Nonprofit organizations understand the needs of those who are vulnerable in our community and work to help support causes many of us connect to.

These organizations not only champion causes that resonate deeply with us, but also play a significant role in job creation, providing invaluable opportunities for individuals – be they workers, volunteers or donors – to contribute meaningfully to causes larger than themselves. When we pitch in to help nonprofits, we’re helping our communities and neighbors, keeping a culture of humanity, art and philanthropy alive.

In this Supporting Nonprofits feature, we’re highlighting a host of Omaha’s most impactful nonprofits, and we are grateful for the opportunity to share their stories and promote the work they do throughout the year. We encourage our readers to keep these nonprofits top-of-mind when choosing how to give, whether it’s money, time or skill. By engaging in these acts of generosity, we collectively uphold a tradition of giving back to our community and fortify the crucial missions of these organizations, contributing to making Nebraska a great place to work and live.

Our Supporting Nonprofits feature is a biannual initiative occurring in January and July, designed to showcase and highlight the work of numerous nonprofits within our community. While many nonprofits actively engage with us throughout the year, some opt for participation during specific periods, aligning with significant milestones or events. For January, we have some excellent nonprofits, all of which need and welcome your support, and we encourage you to get involved in their events and efforts!

 

FAMILY, Inc. (familyia.org) is a human services organization with a mission to engage and educate our community, inspiring a healthy future through literacy, family and public health services. At FAMILY, Inc. they envision a resilient community built on strong partnerships and trust with equitable opportunities to thrive. They are committed to building a better future for our community through our children. FAMILY, Inc. provides the right support and services for each child at the earliest stages of development, prenatally through age five, preparing children to enter school ready to learn. Through early developmental assessment, oral health education and screening, support to pregnant moms, parenting home visits, care coordination, connections to hawki health insurance, fostering informal support networks and more, FAMILY, Inc. partners with each family leading to more successful outcomes decades later. What better investment for the future can a community make?

To learn more, visit www.familyia.org or call (712) 256-9566. FAMILY, Inc. can also be found on Facebook (@familyincia), Twitter (@FAMILYIowa), LinkedIn (@familyinc) and YouTube (FAMILYonYouTube).

 

The American Heart Association (heart.org/nebraska) is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives – devoted to saving people from two of the nation’s top killers: heart disease and stroke.

Powered by millions of volunteers, global and local collaborators, their goal is equitably increase worldwide healthy life expectancy from 64 to at least 67 years by 2030.

Through events right here in Nebraska, like the Heart Walk, Go Red for Women and Heart Ball, the American Heart Association is making an impact. For more information, visit www.heart.org/nebraska.

 

Open Door Mission (opendoormission.org) is a Gospel Rescue Mission founded in 1954 committed to breaking the cycle of homelessness and poverty. Each day, Open Door Mission’s campus offers 917 safe shelter beds to men, women and children experiencing homelessness; serves over 4,747 nutritious meals; and provides homeless preventive measures to more than 1,000 people living in poverty. Offers more than 40 programs for free to people in the Omaha/SWI area making a difference, right here, right now.

Visit www.opendoormission.org or call (402) 422-1111 to see how you can make a difference in the community.

 

Camp Quality Heartland (campqualityusa.org) began in 1994 and is one of 19 camps in the Camp Quality USA family. We are a 501(c)(3) that provides year-round support activities for children with cancer and their families at no cost. Our program includes a week-long summer camp and other activities held throughout the year. We currently provide programming for families across the states of Nebraska and Iowa. Campers range from ages five through 17 and vary in stages of their treatment or remission. They are children who smile, laugh, play and have dreams for a bright future. Understanding that a cancer diagnosis impacts an entire family, our programming includes siblings as well. Surrounded by new friends that can relate, loving volunteers who care and loads of fun experiences, Camp Quality campers find joy, courage and renewed hope for their future.

For more information on how to register, volunteer or donate, contact heartland@campqualityusa.org / (330) 968-8924 or visit www.campqualityusa.org.

 

Angel Guardians, Inc. (angelguardians.org) has a mission to foster abilities as well as increase access to and create opportunities for inclusion. Angel Guardians supports individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities in leading self-fulfilling, independent lives. Through strengthening relationships in the Omaha Community, Angel Guardians believes we can create a more inclusive Omaha where people with and without disabilities can thrive.

Angel Guardians has several different program areas to support individuals in environments where they live, work and play. Throughout programming, participants will spend their time on activities including – but not limited to – volunteering, creating artwork, increasing social skills and learning work skills. All programs focus on habilitation, or skill-building, for individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities. Angel Guardians empowers individuals with disabilities to self-advocate as they navigate the community setting.

To become a community partner with Angel Guardians, or to find out more, go to www.angelguardians.org or email us at info@angelguardians.org.

 

Tri-City Food Pantry is now NeighborGood Community Pantry (neighborgoodpantry.org)! After serving the Sarpy County and Ralston communities for over 15 years, the board of directors is happy to present a new brand. This name reflects our focus on serving our neighbors with good food and the good hearts of our community that supports us. We want to be a community welcoming our neighbors into our homes for a good meal.
As we begin our next 15 years, we know that in order to meet the growing demand for our services, we will need more staff, more infrastructure and more space. Our “Growing to Give” capital campaign will provide a full scale, dynamic hunger and food insecurity facility located in Papillion. This new facility will provide the dignity of client choice for Sarpy County and Ralston families while considering their individual food needs.
For more information, please visit neighborgoodpantry.org or contact the Director at neighborgoodcommunitypantry@gmail.com / (402) 552-7061.

 

Break away from the pack of ordinary after-school programs with Girls on the Run of Nebraska (GOTR) (www.GOTRNebraska.org), which celebrated its 20th anniversary this last school year.

Girls on the Run teams meet twice weekly each season to build skills in goal-setting, communication and decision making while they train to complete a 5K run/walk with other GOTR teams. Since its inception with 11 girls in Lincoln in 2003, GOTR-Nebraska has expanded to serve more than 24,000 girls at 100+ sites across the state.

Teams of third through sixth grade girls are coached by volunteers who help girls put their best foot forward with friendship, physical activity and a 5K fun. The GOTR 5K is a celebration of every girl’s hard work, and the entire GOTR experience is valuable to promote physical, social and emotional growth.

“GOTR is an excellent way for my daughter to develop relationships with other children, as well as promote good health and exercise,” wrote one parent. “She absolutely adored her coaches, who were always supportive and helpful.”

To learn more about Girls on the Run, visit www.GOTRNebraska.org.

 

Omaha nonprofit Outlook (outlooken.org) is the largest employer of blind and visually impaired individuals in Nebraska and in the seven-state region. Outlook is comprised of four entities: Outlook Enrichment, Outlook Nebraska, Outlook Business Solutions and Outlook Properties – together they positively impact Nebraskans who are blind or visually impaired.

Outlook Enrichment provides adaptive technology training, teaches independent living, offers support groups and hosts recreation and arts/cultural activities. Outlook Nebraska, producer and seller of sustainable janitorial products for government, commercial and industrial use, provides employment opportunities for those who are blind and offers entry level and leadership roles. Outlook Properties manages facilities, which provides revenue for programming that empowers people who are blind or have vision loss live independently, successfully reaching their personal and professional goals.

 

The Jennie Edmundson (JE) Foundation (jehfoundation.org), the fundraising arm of Methodist Jennie Edmundson (MJE) Hospital, is unwavering in its commitment to enhancing community well-being. By mobilizing philanthropic leaders, the foundation ensures that MJE Hospital’s programs and services remain at the forefront of meeting community needs.

Philanthropy fuels the foundation’s Caring for Our Community Fund, Cancer Center, Cardiac Center, Women’s Services, Charitable Patient Care Fund, Medi-Van Transportation and Scholarship Funds. These vital resources provide essential care, education and services to those who may otherwise lack access to healthcare.

Community involvement is encouraged through donations, planned gifts and corporate sponsorships, each contributing to the foundation’s impactful initiatives. Becoming a MJE Adult Volunteer offers a unique opportunity for individuals to make a difference, develop new skills and contribute to a supportive hospital environment.

To get involved or learn more about the foundation’s mission, contact (712) 396-6040 or visit www.jehfoundation.org. Every contribution, regardless of size, plays a crucial role in sustaining the foundation’s mission to improve the quality of life for all.

 

More than 11,000 Nebraskans will be diagnosed with cancer this year. The Heartland Cancer Foundation’s (HCF) (heartlandcancerfoundation.org) mission is to provide practical and immediate financial assistance to eligible cancer patients in our community so they can focus on what matters most: healing.

If YOU are passionate about supporting local cancer patients who are struggling with both a cancer diagnosis and financial hardship, YOU can get involved by sponsoring one of HCF’s signature events like the Mardi Gras Gala, Oncology Symposium or Heartland Golf Classic, or by becoming an Impact Partner and having a presence at all events year-round.

Other ways YOU can show your support include volunteering, joining the Impact Guild, setting up a recurring gift or including HCF as a beneficiary in your legacy plans.

Chances are, cancer has had an impact on your life. If you’re ready to provide hope, learn more and reach out at heartlandcancerfoundation.org.

 

Midlands Latino Community Development Corporation (MLCDC) (lafuentebusinesscenter.org) has served the Latino immigrant community for more than 16 years and recently culminated a year-long rebranding process with a new organizational name: La Fuente Business Center.

Their new name and brand reflect their position as a central source of knowledge and support for entrepreneurs. Their brand palette utilizes colors that speak to the trust they have developed with their clients, their responsibility to our community and the optimism they have. Although their name and logo have changed, all day-to-day operations will stay the same.

Their mission is to provide low-and moderate-income individuals and families with opportunities and tools to achieve financial stability through entrepreneurship.

La Fuente Business Center‘s future goals are to increase the number of immigrant-owned small businesses it serves through its financial stability, entrepreneurship and lending programs. For more information, visit lafuentebusinesscenter.org.

 

The YMCA of Omaha (www.metroymca.org) strengthens communities through three pillars:

Youth development: Developing the next generation of leaders by instilling life skills such as perseverance, sportsmanship and teamwork. We do this through youth sports, summer camps, after-school programming, swim lessons and Early Learning Centers.

Healthy living: Engaging community members in healthy habits, including exercise and wellness programs for all and special accommodations for those managing health risks or recovery, including the elderly.

Social responsibility: Making health and learning opportunities broadly accessible for people of all means, backgrounds and neighborhoods.

Learn more at www.metroymca.org.

 

The Malone Community Center (MaloneCenter.org) was founded in 1955 through a reorganization of the Lincoln Urban League. Initially founded during a time in history when civil rights for African Americans were extremely limited, the league founders, both black and white, were determined to improve social and economic conditions and increase understanding between all races. They believed that enhanced understanding between all groups of people would create a better community.

For decades, the Malone Center has served neighboring families, youth, seniors and the Lincoln community through programs and initiatives that extend well beyond the community center to uphold their mission to end multigenerational poverty. Their holistic community programming reflects their commitment to advancing equality through education, health initiatives, community outreach, advocacy and leadership development.

For more information about the Malone Community Center, please visit MaloneCenter.org or call (402) 474-1110.

 

For 15 years, Autism Action Partnership (AAP) (autismaction.org) has provided targeted programs and services to fill critical gaps in the autism community.

AAP’s work on behalf of the autism community focuses on creating more SUPPORT, INCLUSION and PROSPERITY for those diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). When AAP began this work in 2008, one in every 88 children was diagnosed with ASD. Today, that number has more than doubled to one in every 36 children (CDC 2023). The CDC also estimates the autistic adult population in the United States exceeds seven million (2.2% of our population).

AAP provides after-school programming for autistic adolescents, a workforce development program, a two-year independent living program for autistic young adults, events for individuals and families, inclusion training, first responder training and more!

To learn more about Autism Action Partnership, visit autismaction.org or call (402) 763-8830.

 

AIM Institute’s (aiminstitute.org) mission is to build a robust and diverse tech community via education, career development and outreach, aiming to create an inclusive environment for rewarding tech careers. For over 30 years, AIM has cultivated tech talent through education, career growth and strategic partnerships.

AIM fosters tech talent by offering educational initiatives like Youth Academies and Code School. They aid career development through Leadership Development Academies and Customized Training. AIM is dedicated to tech workforce development via strategic partnerships, offering networking opportunities, events and conferences.

Its groundbreaking tech education programs ignite curiosity, increase access to IT job training and inspire youth and adults to pursue a rewarding tech career. AIM believes it’s essential to equip people – including underrepresented individuals – with the necessary skills to grow a stronger, more diverse tech community to close the on-going gap between the demand for IT professionals and available tech jobs.

Last year, AIM helped more than 6,500 individuals pursue high-skill, high-demand, high-pay tech careers. Learn how AIM can help you thrive in a rewarding tech career at aiminstitute.org.

 

EPIC for Girls (epicforgirls.org) is a cornerstone in Omaha’s sports community, dedicated to ensuring equal access, resources and safe playing space for girls of color in sports. With a mission to level the playing field, EPIC provides funding to various partners, enabling them to create impactful programming. To see how you can contribute to this mission and help young athletes gain access to the same sporting opportunities and experiences as their peers, visit www.epicforgirls.org.

Programs and their partnerships include: Cycling (Nebraska Interscholastic Cycling), Basketball (Lady Express United, Nebraska Hoops Elite, The Keys Foundation, Retro Hoops, Omaha South High School, Omaha North High School and Benson High School), Dance (Pear Tree Performing Arts, The Rose Theater and I Heartbeat Dance), Boxing ( B&B Academy), Soccer (Football for the World and The Simple Foundation), Softball (Black Police Officers Association), Volleyball (Girls Inc., James Scurlock Sports Academy, Omaha Starlings, Ivy League Youth Sports Academy, Omaha Northwest and Bryan High School), Golf (EgoFree Academy) and Internships (Lozafina, J’s Braintrust and Ego Free Academy).

 

United Way of the Midlands (UWM) (UnitedWayMidlands.org) brings together the business and not-for-profit sectors to raise and invest funds in our community’s most-effective health and human services programs. By using its community-wide perspective to address ever-evolving needs, UWM forms a Circle of Support and funds more than 100 programs and direct services – including the 211 Helpline and JAG Nebraska – that address social and economic disparities and meet families’ essential needs such as healthy food, safe and stable housing, physical and mental health services, career preparation, job training and programs to help children succeed in the classroom.

All programs selected to receive funding are reviewed and vetted by UWM’s Community Investment Review Teams (CIRT). This dedicated group of 100+ volunteers use their critical thinking and expertise to make funding recommendations for programs that address current needs and make an impact across the Omaha-Council Bluffs metro – helping ensure assistance is available to those who need it. For more information, visit UnitedWayMidlands.org.

 

Located in South Omaha, Stephen Center (stephencenter.org) partners with the community, individuals and families to overcome homelessness, substance abuse and mental health concerns. Approximately 250 people call Stephen Center home each day through three programs on a sober campus. The Pettigrew Emergency Shelter serves men, women and children experiencing homelessness. The HERO Program (Health, Empowerment, Responsibility and Opportunity) is a state-licensed substance use treatment and mental health services program providing substance use evaluations, inpatient services and intensive outpatient treatment. The third program is permanent affordable housing for those that meet income and disability qualifications. All three programs are nationally accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). All Stephen Center clients have the support of case managers who assist them with the identification of barriers impeding self-sufficiency. Volunteers play a huge role in Stephen Center’s mission, impacting client lives every day! For more information, visit stephencenter.org or follow them on Facebook (@stephencenteromaha).

 

Youth Emergency Services (YES) (50yearsofyes.org) is the only nonprofit in Omaha with the sole focus of assisting youth who are experiencing homelessness or near homelessness. YES provided housing and services to 354 youth in the Omaha and Council Bluffs areas last year. Through our Street Outreach Program, Emergency Shelter, Transitional Living Program and Maternity Group Home, youth can get connected to needed services within YES. Services include a hot meal, a safe place to sleep at night and connection with resources to help them return to school, find a job and secure permanent housing.

YES focuses on building self-sufficiency in order to break the cycle of homelessness by focusing on mental health and workforce readiness.

2024 is our 50th Anniversary and the launch of our capital campaign to consolidate our nine locations into our Residential Campus with 40 Affordable Housing units and expanded Emergency Shelter and Street Outreach center. Learn more at 50yearsofyes.org.

 

Founded in 1986, MICAH House (themicahhouse.org) serves families and women that are experiencing the crisis of homelessness by providing shelter and support services. Located on the Charles E. Lakin Human Services Campus in Council Bluffs, MICAH House provides two shelter programs – a family shelter and a women’s shelter. Through both programs, all individuals are provided with case management services that are tailored specifically to them, helping each person reach their unique goals and safe, stable housing.

MICAH House provides a variety of additional support services including education on finances and employment, BUDDY Program (a play program designed with trauma-informed care for young children), an on-site health clinic, a complimentary professional clothing closet, various types of therapeutic programs targeted specifically for each population (families, women, children) and invaluable parenting support. Each year, over 700 individuals are served – with almost half being children.

For more information, please visit www.themicahhouse.org.

 

Established in 1972, Santa Monica House (santamonicahouse.org) provides long-term residential programs to adult women battling substance use, mental health and trauma. The program relies on the disciplines of the 12-step program of Alcoholics Anonymous® while incorporating evidenced based models that are centered around a strength-based approach. Santa Monica provides food, shelter, rehabilitative counseling, job acquisition guidance and resocialization training through our continuum of care. Being under Santa Monica’s umbrella, women will be empowered as they progress through the Intermediate Residential, Halfway House, Three-Quarter way or sober living and Supported Transitional Apartments to independent living. Women in the three-quarter way and apartments will work with our Certified Peer Support Specialist to partner with on their journey to independence. Starting July 1, we will offer Chemical Dependency evaluations to the community. This design to step-down levels of care provides a holistic experience giving the women more support as they transition back into the community. Donations are always valued at Santa Monica and the women benefit from toiletries, clothing and paper products.

Visit Santa Monica’s new website at www.santamonicahouse.org for more information about the agency, what the future holds and how to help.

 

Nebraska Sports Council-LogoThe Nebraska Sports Council (NSC) (NebraskaSportsCouncil.com) stands as a premier organization fostering community engagement through sports and physical activity. At the heart of its initiatives are the Lincoln and Omaha Corporate Games, events that unite businesses in friendly competition, promoting teamwork and healthy lifestyle. These games serve as a platform for corporations to build camaraderie among employees while emphasizing the importance of fitness and well-being.

The NSC, committed to enriching sports culture in Nebraska, actively seeks partnerships and sponsorships. Corporations aligning with the NSC gain exposure and contribute to the development of a healthier and more connected community. Sponsorship opportunities encompass a range of engagement levels, from event-specific branding to sustained partnerships, allowing businesses to tailor their involvement according to their marketing and charitable objectives. By supporting the NSC and the Corporate Games, sponsors play a vital role in fostering a dynamic, active and interconnected Nebraska community. Learn more at NebraskaSportsCouncil.com.

 

Christian Record Services, Inc. (www.christianrecord.org), located in Lincoln, is a ministry of compassion of the Seventh-day Adventist Church to children and adults who are blind, with nearly 18,000 members throughout the United States and in countries around the world. Our mission is to empower people who are blind to engage their communities and embrace the Blessed Hope.

Christian Record Services offers an array of services and programs, including Bible study lessons, books, magazines and Bibles in audio, braille and large print from a library of more than 2,000 titles. Members also have the opportunity to deepen social, educational and spiritual connections through PhoneFaith, scholarships for higher education and National Camps for Blind Children.

These services and programs are free of charge to people who are legally blind, regardless of spiritual beliefs or faith background.

For more information, visit www.christianrecord.org, call (402) 488-0981 or email info@christianrecord.org.

 

Serving nearly 600 students, the schools in the CUES School System – Sacred Heart, All Saints and Holy Name (cuesschools.org) – anchor their East Omaha neighborhoods. CUES provides a safe place for students to learn academic, social and interpersonal skills. Many CUES families face difficult financial circumstances and simply cannot afford to pay full tuition. They choose our Schools to give their children a faith-based education. CUES students thrive in a culture of love, kindness and excellence.

THE GAP

  • CUES never turns away a child due to inability to pay!
  • Underwriting the cost of education is our greatest need.
  • The total cost to educate a child is $12,200 per year.
  • Every CUES family qualifies for financial education assistance.

CUES IMPACT

  • 65% of our families live in neighborhoods that fall 42 percent below Omaha’s median income.
  • 93% of our students are students of color.
  • 96% of CUES alumni graduated from high school in 2022, compared to 74% for Omaha Public Schools.
  • Learn more about CUES at cuesschools.org.

 

The mission of the American Red Cross (redcross.org) is to prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors. The Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters from home fires to major events such as hurricanes, floods or tornadoes. About 40% of the nation’s blood needed by patients is supplied by the Red Cross. The organization teaches skills such as CPR and First Aid that save lives. Additionally, the Red Cross provides international humanitarian aid and supports military members, Veterans and their families.

Every day, the American Red Cross is active in the community, serving those in need. Visit redcross.org or call 1-(800) REDCROSS to support Red Cross efforts by volunteering, donating financially or giving blood.

 

Community Foundation for Western Iowa (www.givewesterniowa.org) is your connection to creating a lasting legacy of giving, ensuring communities in western Iowa are vibrant and strong for future generations.

The Community Foundation helps donors create a personalized philanthropy plan tailored to their interests and preferences. Donors can maximize their charitable gifts, which can include cash, financial investments, bequests, stocks and securities, grain, livestock, real estate and vehicles. As an added benefit, the Community Foundation is proud to offer the Endow Iowa Tax Credit, a 25% state credit on qualified gifts.

Since 2007, the Community Foundation for Western Iowa and its charitable investors have granted more than $18 Million to organizations creating impact in western Iowa. Last year, generous donors awarded 134 grants to organizations totaling more than $4.5 million through their charitable funds at the Community Foundation.

Help our community meet the challenges of changing times. Create impact and give where we live at www.givewesterniowa.org

 

Angels Among Us (myangelsamongus.org) provides financial and emotional support to families whose children are battling pediatric cancer. Any family living in or being treated in Nebraska is eligible to apply. Once approved, families are provided with $500 or $750 a month, depending on household income levels, for the length of their entire treatment plan, up to three years, to help them stay financially stable during treatment. Funds are paid directly to the creditor, which ensures that funds are used for their intended purpose.

In addition to financial support, Angels Among Us launched 11 emotional support programs to provide wrap-around services for all members of the pediatric cancer family. Programs for teens, kids, siblings and caregivers; events for the family to attend together; and bereavement support services are now offered. These emotional support programs allow Angels Among Us to better fulfill its mission of BOTH financial and emotional support.

Angels Among Us recently moved into its new space, The Harper Hope Center. This space allows Angels Among Us to conduct programmatic events and support groups for the pediatric cancer families they serve, on site, for the first time. We are now located on 89th and Indian Hills Drive at 220 N 89th St. STE 101 in Omaha.

Since 2006, Angels Among Us has assisted over 700 families with over $5 million in support. Gifts of any amount are welcome and encouraged. For more information, contact Angels Among Us at (402) 934-0999 or visit the website at www.myangelsamongus.org.

 

Midlands Community Foundation (MCF) (midlandscommunity.org) serves as a catalyst for lasting impact in Sarpy and Cass counties and helps donors achieve their philanthropic goals and “Invest in the Power of Community.”

MCF plays an integral part in the community by serving Sarpy and Cass counties in the areas of arts, community and economic development, education, health and human services. MCF:

  • Helps provide shelter for the homeless and stock shelves at local food banks
  • Underwrites scholarships for college-bound students
  • Maintains and supports local libraries
  • Updates parks and recreational areas
  • Provides new technology for schools and nonprofit organizations
  • Treats school children to educational field trips
  • Supports STEM initiatives
  • Assists in emergency disaster relief for affected victims

In addition, MCF manages 165 charitable funds that serve an array of needs. This past year, MCF infused nearly $2.8 million back into the community through its grants, discretionary gifts and charitable fund contributions. Learn more at www.midlandscommunity.org.

 

Mosaic in Omaha’s (mosaicinfo.org/locations/nebraska/omaha) purpose is to “love and serve,” and its mission is to “embrace God’s call to relentlessly pursue opportunities to empower people.” The values woven through our work to serve those with intellectual and developmental disabilities and others with diverse needs are Belonging, Connection, Faithfulness and especially Grit during these challenging times.

“To empower” at Mosaic means helping those we serve achieve their best or most meaningful life by providing truly specialized services to help them achieve their goals and dreams; working with those we serve to have closer ties to the community to open up volunteer and employment opportunities for them; and Mosaic standing alongside those we serve to advocate with and for them to bring awareness to issues that affect their lives and promote public policy that positively impacts them.

This empowerment of people we support ranges from helping someone communicate for the first time to helping another gain enough independence to secure a job and live in their own home. If you would like to learn more or to donate, please visit www.mosaicinfo.org/locations/nebraska/omaha.

 

Through a growing grassroots network of volunteers who hail from every corner or the state, Nebraska Community Foundation (NCF) (NebraskaHometown.org) unleashes abundant local assets, inspires charitable giving and connects ambitious people to build stronger communities and a Greater Nebraska.

Headquartered in Lincoln with employees working from hometowns all across the state, Nebraska Community Foundation provides financial management, strategic development, donor education and training in partnership with 1,500 volunteers serving over 270 Nebraska communities. In the last five years, 45,993 contributions were made to NCF and its affiliated funds. Since 1994, NCF has reinvested $517 million in Nebraska’s people and places. For information, visit NebraskaHometown.org or call (402) 323-7330.

 

Vision Maker Media (VMM) (visionmakermedia.org) envisions a world changed and healed by understanding Native stories and the public conversations they generate. What began as a film archive to conserve and document Native American stories transformed into the nation’s leader in content by and about Indigenous people for public broadcasting. For over 47 years, VMM has helped develop, produce and distribute programs to educate and engage audiences. Through programs like the Creative Shorts Fellowship, Public Media Fund and the Native Youth Media Project, VMM provides mentorship, training and funding to nurture the next generation of filmmakers, and has a catalog of films available for purchase to use in the classroom and other educational spaces. Vision Maker Media shines a long-overdue light on the foundation of American history with Native American perspectives, while empowering and engaging the next generation of Native filmmakers to share their stories. For more information, visit visionmakermedia.org.

 

The mission of the Nebraska Safety Council (nesafetycouncil.org) is simple: For more than 60 years, they have provided education and leadership to empower people to live safe and healthy lives. The Nebraska Safety Council’s comprehensive programs, training courses, events and services are designed to improve employee care at a desk, on the production floor, behind the wheel and off the job. Their unique Worker 360° approach provides integrated risk management to improve overall worker quality of life and positively impact an organization’s bottom line. Members of the Nebraska Safety Council include organizations throughout Nebraska and surrounding areas, across a variety of industries. There is no one-size-fits-all option. Each company’s safety and wellbeing program is customized for their needs and size. Demonstrate your commitment to employee safety and health by becoming a member of the Nebraska Safety Council. You will receive access to training, guidance and resources to establish or enhance your safety and wellness programs and policies. The Nebraska Safety Council provides leadership and resources for a safe and healthy workplace and community. To reach their team, call (402) 483-2511 or visit nesafetycouncil.org to learn more.

 

Visiting Nurse Association (VNA) (vnatoday.org) is a nonprofit that has served the Omaha community for 127 years, providing healthcare and supportive services to individuals and families that are uninsured, under-resourced or otherwise unable to afford healthcare on their own. Last year, VNA provided care for over 40,000 people, utilizing a unique model that cares for those in need wherever they call home. VNA’s services include:

  • Public health nursing in every homeless shelter, domestic violence shelter and group maternity home in Omaha and Council Bluffs.
  • Parenting support services to assist healthy childbirths and guidance to equip and empower young parents and their children for healthy living and long-term well-being.
  • Home health aide services that promote independence at home, decrease fall risks and health and well-being for vulnerable elderly.
  • Flu and immunization services.
  • School nurses who promote wellness and provide physical and mental health services at 55 local public, private, and parochial schools.

In December 2023, VNA moved into a newly renovated office space at 12565 West Center Rd. For more information, visit vnatoday.org.

 

Educare of Omaha, Inc. (www.educareomaha.org) prepares children and families for elementary school by providing high quality, full-time, year-round early education. Over 600 children ages zero to five years participate annually at five schools located in North and South Omaha, and through a home visitation program. At Educare schools, certified teachers interact with children to develop and reach individual social-emotional and cognitive goals. On-site health aides provide health screenings and referrals. All meals, snacks, diapers and other basic needs are provided for during school hours.
Each family also meets with a Family and Community Engagement (FACE) Specialist or Early Childhood Coordinator who provides education and support about child development and parenting, helps families design and meet goals and links families to agencies that may be able to help with health needs, housing concerns, finding employment and more.

For more information about Educare of Omaha, Inc., visit www.educareomaha.org.

 

Do Space (DoSpace.org) is a cutting-edge technology and innovation hub that has become a center for learning, collaboration and creativity. With a mission to empower the community through access to technology and education, Do Space offers a variety of resources and programs for all ages. Membership at Do Space is free, making it accessible to all members of the community.

Do Space features an array of technology, including 3D printers, laser cutters, virtual reality equipment, a podcast studio, tech activity kits, a wide format printer and more. This space is open to the public and completely free to use, allowing members to explore, learn and experiment with emerging technologies.

Do Space also hosts a wide range of workshops, classes and events designed to enhance digital literacy and foster innovation. From coding boot camps to hands-on technology help, there is something for everyone of all ages, regardless of their skill level.

For more information, visit DoSpace.org or contact (402) 819-4022 / hello@dospace.org.

 

COPE’s (Christian Outreach Program – Elkhorn) (copeinfo.org) community outreach program is dedicated to providing essential resources to our neighbors in western Douglas County, Nebraska. Through our food pantry, clothing closet, rental assistance and utility assistance programs, we strive to alleviate financial burdens and help families in need. Our goal is to create a supportive and inclusive community where everyone has access to basic necessities.

If you’d like to get involved, organizing a food drive is a great way to give back to your community. By coming together to collect non-perishable food items, we can help ensure that families in need have access to nutritious food. Whether it’s through a school, church or workplace, organizing a food drive is a simple and effective way to make a difference.

Together, we can make a positive impact on the lives of our neighbors. Thank you for your support and dedication to our community. Contact COPE at (402) 616-2330 if you’d like more information! You can also visit their website, copeinfo.org.

 

Together, we can end child abuse. Project Harmony (ProjectBeSomeone.org) is boldly focused on ending the cycle of child abuse and neglect in our community. We have reimagined how communities can come together by leveraging resources to respond to, treat and ultimately prevent child abuse. Project Harmony restores courage, facilitates healing and empowers each of us to be someone in the life of a child. Take the pledge to be someone in the life of a child today at ProjectBeSomeone.org.

To find out more about Project Harmony, visit www.projectharmony.com or call (402) 595-1326.

 

At Canopy South (www.canopysouth.org), we believe that by changing the environment, we can change outcomes for people who live there. We are breaking the intergenerational cycle of poverty with a coordinated and holistic revitalization of neighborhoods in South Omaha. Our nonprofit organization is one of 28 members across the country following a national model established by Purpose Built Communities. Our work is grounded in four fundamental focus areas; developing high quality mixed-income housing, establishing an equitable cradle-to-career education pipeline, enhancing community vibrancy and elevating economic vitality.

We serve as an incubator, convenor and catalyst for change at the neighborhood level to ensure our vision of “a diverse, thriving community full of choice and equitable opportunity for residents – new and existing – of every generation and culture” becomes a reality.

For more information, visit www.canopysouth.org or give us a call at (402) 916-9293.

 

Child Saving Institute (CSI) (childsaving.org) was founded in 1892 and has been dedicated to the needs of children and families in the greater Omaha area for over 131 years. CSI is guided by a deep understanding of the needs of the people we serve and a desire to lead with empathy, create safe spaces and meet each person where they are. The purpose is “Champion what’s best for each child and family,” but it is the promise that guides us as we work to lead With Heart and Humanity, while valuing Humanity and Perseverance for Growth.

CSI’s programming is diverse, but so are the needs of today’s children, youth and families. Services address the need for early childhood development and high-quality childcare, which we offer through our early childhood education program at our two Omaha childcare centers. Other services offered focus on the prevention, intervention and healing from child abuse, neglect and trauma. Programs include foster care, mental health services including therapy and medication management, parent support and education programs for young and expectant parents, an emergency shelter for youth temporarily displaced and who have nowhere to live, adoption services for older children and youth in foster care and an emergency shelter to house children during family crises.

With your support, CSI continues to serve more than 2,500 kids and families each year and touches thousands more, improving children’s lives and helping them discover the joy of childhood. For more information, visit childsaving.org or call (402) 553-6000. Stay connected with CSI by following the organization on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.