Supporting Non-Profits in Omaha, NE
One of the aspects of the Omaha Metro that makes it such a great place to live is our collective commitment to strengthening and serving our community. The invaluable work of our local non-profit organizations and the many individuals and groups who contribute to the cause continue to make Omaha a better place for all year after year.
Although many of us find the holidays to be the time when we give generously to the causes that are near to our hearts, the need certainly doesn’t stop after the January rolls around. We’re all currently in goal-setting mode with our New Year’s resolutions, so now is the time to make a commitment to community service and supporting non-profits.
As you consider how you can make a difference in your community in 2016, think about the causes that you are passionate about first and foremost. There are more than likely non-profit organizations focusing on those exact things that would benefit immensely from your support, whether it’s a monetary donation or offering your time and talents. Moreover, once you’ve found the organizations that you feel drawn to, make sure you do a little research first to validate that your contributions will be doing the most good for the cause. Likewise, you’ll want to pay attention to the partnerships and affiliations that your organization of choice has with other organizations. While a specific cause may be something that you wish to support, there’s a chance that by association you may inadvertently support something that you may in fact be opposed to. We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: Not all non-profits are created equal! It’s important to be aware of how an organization chooses to allocate its precious resources, and as transparency is paramount in the non-profit world, you should easily be able to find out anything that you want to know. A little due diligence goes a long way and you’ll be even more satisfied knowing exactly how you are positively affecting the lives of others in need.
Corporate giving is an important aspect of a company’s image and the beliefs that are central to all other operations. With outcomes of empowerment, inspiration, perspective, fellowship, gratitude, and simply feeling good about ourselves, the way in which we connect to others and the spirit of giving are powerful entities that profoundly impact corporate culture. In terms of your contributions to the community together as an organization, there are plenty of ways to incorporate community service or fundraising initiatives. You could set it up as a team building activity by volunteering as a group and then reflecting on the experience together, you could set up a workplace giving program or event and then match what your employees contribute, or you could simply give every staff member an allotment of hours to volunteer at an organization of their choosing. You could also opt to focus specifically on what you have to offer and how that could potentially benefit the organization(s) that you wish to support. As a prime example, in the marketing world we often see that a majority of non-profit organizations have a limited budget and due to allocating a majority of funds to the work itself, there’s a lack of resources to put towards marketing themselves effectively in order to raise a greater awareness of the need. This awareness is critical; in order to support a cause you must first recognize that there is a need and someone out there who is actively addressing it. Therefore, you could have a major impact by donating creative services or ad space for targeted promotion. The best part about giving back is that we all have something special to offer that is of great value to others who need our support. Never underestimate what you bring to the table and how your contribution can change outcomes and the quality of life for our community as a whole.
As with anything one sets out to do, it’s essential to set goals and then plan the follow-through to ensure the desired outcome. Challenge yourself to make a pledge card that includes what you value most and then align that with your giving goals. Keep in mind that there’s much more that you have to give than just your money – ask any non-profit organization how you can help and they will not only have a list of needs to meet but they can also offer ideas based upon the events and initiatives they have scheduled as well.
We are much more powerful when we work together for the common good, so no matter what you have to give, the important part is that you act on it. There is no shortage of wonderful non-profit organizations in the Omaha Metro, so yet again in this issue we’ve highlighted some of the best in the area and encourage you to keep these organizations in mind over the coming year!
Young Life is a world-class organization for adolescents. Our staff and volunteers enter the world of kids, focusing on what matters to them — fun, adventure, friendship and a sense of significance. In doing so, we earn the privilege of talking to them about something that we think matters most — the truth about God and His love for them.
Young Life has had a presence in Omaha since the 50’s and today is even more passionate about reaching every kid in the Omaha Metro area! If you were impacted by this ministry we would love to reconnect! We are eager to expand both Young Life (high school outreach) and Young Life Capernaum (outreach to teens and young adults with disabilities) ministries.
We are currently looking for caring adults to be a part of a leadership team or serve on our local committee. For interest or more information, visit www.omaha.younglife.org or call (402) 391-4994.

Maria is a single mother with six children. Working with MLCDC’s Child Care Development Program, she started a home daycare that enabled her to earn an income caring for other children while still caring for her own children. Her daycare grew, and she decided to expand to become a childcare center. MLCDC worked closely with Maria to help her understand the city and state regulations for businesses and to develop a business plan for her larger day care. Maria created 10 jobs in her new childcare in South Omaha.
MLCDC provides Latinos with opportunities to generate economic growth and develop a sustainable future in the metro Omaha area. Services include micro-lending, educational and coaching services, business development and technical assistance, child care development program and computer skills training. For more information visit www.midlandslatinocdc.org and call (402) 933-4466.
For 140 years, Heartland Family Service has been the area leader in creating the path to a better tomorrow for children and families. With over 50 programs, we are able to craft an integrated, multi-service approach to guide clients toward safety, well-being, and, ultimately, self-sufficiency. We believe that when life improves for one of us, life improves for all of us. We all matter.
To support our mission of strengthening individuals and families in our community through education, counseling, and support services, text “HFS” to 72727, visit HeartlandFamilyService.org, or contact Chief Development Officer Donna Dostal at (402) 552-7443 or DDostal@HeartlandFamilyService.org.
The North Central States Regional Council of Carpenters (NCSRCC) has nearly 20,000 skilled craft workers in Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin for short-and long-term employment. These carpenters, floor coverers, millwrights and pile drivers will meet and exceed your expectations regarding safety, skills, attitude, reliability and productivity.
Through membership in the Carpenters Union, you can:
Build your community.
Build your family.
Build your future.
Build your life.
We are proud of our partnerships with union contractors and provide them with the best trained, most productive and safest workforce available.
We are also proud of the service we do with organizations in our communities, from giving blood to building wheelchair ramps to working with Boy Scout troops and much more. Please check out our recently launched monthly free Kids Build weekend carpentry workshop for children ages 5-12 (www.facebook.com/KidsBuildworkshop).
For more information, go to www.northcountrycarpenter.org or call (402) 345-3558.


For more information about Domesti-PUPS, visit www.domesti-pups.org.
Support Domesti-PUPS by attending the I LOVE MY DOG EXPO, February 27-28, at the Lancaster Event Center [www.ilovemydogexpo.com].
What is your Good Life? While each person’s version of the Good Life is different, each shares common ground in the opportunity and the freedom to try to achieve that life. Since 2009 the Nebraska chapter of Americans for Prosperity has fought for each Nebraskan to have the opportunity to attain their version of the Good Life. AFP-NE is a 501c4, non-partisan, grassroots organization that advocates for free-market policies at the state and local level. Join the more than 40,000 Nebraskans and fight for the Good Life by talking with your neighbors on the phone or door-to-door, lobbying your elected officials, and more. Check us out at AFPNebraska.com, Like us at facebook.com/AFPNebraska, and follow us at twitter.com/afpne.
Want to get involved or have a question? Email us at InfoNE@afphq.org.
The Merrymakers Association began providing professional entertainment to area senior homes in 1986.
Currently, 134 care facilities in Nebraska and Iowa are being served. This includes assisted living facilities, senior apartments, hospice locations and senior centers. Programs are scheduled once a month.
Merrymakers’ program is a unique service. The mission of Merrymakers is to provide live, onsite entertainment to all residents, including those with Alzheimer’s. The entertainment provides physical, as well as mental stimulation. According to recreational therapists, residents reap the benefits for days afterwards with increased mental awareness.
Merrymakers currently has about two dozen distinct musical entertainers. Our goal is to provide a variety of quality music to area residents. The entertainers are contracted, top-notch performers and are paid to provide a reliable source of musical enjoyment to area seniors.
Merrymakers is 100% supported through donations. More than 90% of donations go directly to programs and program development.
For more information, visit www.merrymakers.org or call (402) 697-0205.
Beautiful architecture blends with memories of a time gone by at The Durham Museum. Making its home in one of Omaha’s most unique treasures, Union Station, The Durham Museum offers a fascinating look at the history of the region and offers a broad-range of traveling exhibits covering subjects ranging from history and culture, to science, industry and more through our affiliation with the Smithsonian Institution and strong ties with the Library of Congress, National Archives and the Field Museum. Explore masterfully restored train cars, 1940’s store fronts and the authentic 1931 soda fountain. Join us in 2016 for exciting travelling exhibitions like From Nebraska to the World: Buffalo Bill’s Wild West, Creating Camelot: The Kennedy Photography of Jacques Lowe, Shipwreck! Pirates and Treasure and American Spirits: The Rise and Fall of Prohibition. Experience popular annual events throughout the year like Railroad Days and Wild, Wild West Day in July, Root Beer Float Day in August, the Great Hall-oween Haunt in October and Christmas at Union Station!
To find out more about The Durham Museum, visit www.durhammuseum.org or call (402) 444-5071.

Thanks to generous donors, in just the last five years more than $120 million has been reinvested in our schools, hospitals, community centers, libraries, fire and rescue units, parks and recreation, youth programs and our natural environment. Thousands of citizens have enjoyed the arts, earned scholarships and received specialized training to grow local economies in Nebraska communities.
NCF is a charitable giving resource for all Nebraskans, offering donor-advised funds, designated funds, field of interest funds and life income funds which provide many tax benefits. Gifts to your hometown can be made using cash, securities, real estate, insurance, ag commodities, retirement plans, bequests and other assets.
Visit NebraskaHometown.org, call (402) 323-7330 or email info@nebcommfound.org for more information.
The Cross Training Center’s mission is to empower and equip poverty stricken youth and adults so they can overcome challenges and become financially successful. We serve those who have been incarcerated, homeless, involved in gangs or substance abuse, human trafficking victims or who live in poverty for other reasons. We do not give them “a fish” but as the old saying goes, “we teach them how to fish” through the businesses we operate. They receive real job experience by recycling electronics, refurbishing computers, repairing vehicles and operating a retail store and a banquet hall. Through character development, vocational training and job experience our students are empowered to enter the workforce and follow a successful career path. See how you can support us or join our mission to provide solutions to poverty through work experience. Contact Brenda Banks at (402) 590-2100, via email at brenda@crosstc.com, or visit www.crosstc.com for more information about Cross Training Center.

Originally founded in 1908 as Social Settlement Association of Omaha, Kids Can has a long history of making meaningful impacts in the community. Located at 49th & Q Streets in Omaha, Kids Can Community Center is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. For more information visit KidsCanOmaha.org, call (402) 731-6988 or email jgillman@kidscanomaha.org.


Due to the terrific response of program and partnership growth, Project Harmony has been able to serve more than 25,000 children during the past 20 years. In addition, the agency provides training to more than 10,000 professionals each year. As the need continues to grow, Project Harmony is forecasting continued partnerships and growth – including:
• Expanding efforts at early intervention.
• Expanding efforts with schools and coordinating access to children’s mental health services.
• Creating innovative interventions with trauma, family violence and child abuse.
• Establishing partnerships to create training and education with specialization in child abuse and trauma.
• Continuing to strengthen the prosecution of child abuse.
Stay Connected! Like us on Facebook and receive up-to-date information on events, announcements and employment opportunities.
WasteCap Nebraska is a statewide, member-based non-profit organization building zero waste communities in Nebraska. We help leaders identify zero waste policies, programs and infrastructure appropriate for their community. Business assistance is a key strategy for achieving community zero waste goals. We provide business solutions for controlling waste management costs through vendor selection, service optimization, prevention and diversion.
Our goal is Zero Waste. What’s yours? For more information, visit www.wastecapne.org or call (402) 436-2384.
The mission of Ronald McDonald House Charities in Omaha (RMHC) is to create and operate programs that directly improve the health and well-being of children. We strive to do so by providing opportunities that strengthen children and families during their most difficult and challenging times. The specific purpose of the Ronald McDonald House Charities is to support access to care, reduce financial burden, provide psychosocial support keeping families together, enhance clinical experiences and outcomes and help families resume normalcy.
With over 5,500 lodging nights annually, normalcy is established by providing warm beds, hot showers, meals, laundry facilities, family friendly kitchens, playrooms, and a playground — all of the basic essentials of home. Additionally, the Ronald McDonald House environment includes a built in support system where families are able to connect with each other forming an interdependent network of resources and collaboration. The cost to provide our services is approximately $120 per night, per family, and no family is ever turned away due to inability to pay the $10 suggested donation. For more information, visit www.rmhcomaha.org.
Serving greater Omaha with two locations, Assure Women’s Center (assureomaha.com) is a non-profit organization providing pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, STD screenings and options counseling, FREE of charge, for women experiencing unplanned pregnancies.
Assure also offers FREE parenting classes to the public and provides Healthy Relationships speakers to students attending area middle and high schools.
NEEDS: Volunteers, Baby Supplies, Cash Donations.
Contact: For service or donations, please call (402) 390-9700.
Midlands Community Foundation (MCF) helps donors achieve their philanthropic goals and “Invest in the Power of Community.”
MCF has played an integral part in managing three Affiliated Funds: Gretna Community Foundation, Bellevue Community Foundation and Springfield Community Foundation. These Affiliated Funds have worked hard in their own communities raising awareness and building partnerships to secure a strong Foundation in their respective city.
MCF manages more than 85 charitable funds that serve an array of needs. This past fiscal year, more than $580,000 has been distributed into the community through these charitable funds, MCF grants and discretionary gifts in the areas of health care, arts, culture, community, economic development, education and human services.
MCF can provide you with a simple, powerful and highly personal approach to giving through a variety of charitable gifting vehicles. We hold ourselves to high standards, have strong integrity and most importantly work to make a difference in your local community. The time is NOW to create a charitable fund to benefit your personal interests.
• Designated Funds
• Donor Advised Funds
• Field of Interest Funds
• Scholarship Funds
To learn more, visit www.midlandscommunity.org or call (402) 991-8027.
SAVE THE DATE! The Alzheimer’s Association is hosting an inaugural statewide Growing Hope Gala on March 19th, 2016. Join us for a food station cocktail party at the beautiful Lauritzen Botanical Gardens. Come taste signature dishes and drinks from local restaurants and bars, bid on unique silent auction items, and enjoy an interactive evening with other guests. All proceeds benefit the Alzheimer’s Association.
Tickets can be purchased online at alz.org/nebraska or by calling (402) 420-2540. If you are interested in sponsoring the Growing Hope Gala, please contact Keri Menage at kmenage@alz.org.
About the Alzheimer’s Association: The Alzheimer’s Association is the world’s leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer care, support and research. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health.

CSF Omaha relies solely upon donations to provide scholarships. If you or your company would like to make a donation or receive more information, please contact the CSF office.
Contact information: Mary Boyle, Annual Giving Manager: mary.boyle@csfomaha.org – (402) 819-4990 – www.csfomaha.org.
Help save lives. Host a blood drive.
Every 2 seconds someone needs blood. From cancer patients to premature infants, the need for blood is constant. The supply is not. Help ensure blood is available for patients in area hospitals by hosting a blood drive with Nebraska Community Blood Bank. A vital community resource since 1968, we provide life-saving blood to hospitals throughout Nebraska, including Nebraska Medical Center.
Join the more than 150 regional businesses, schools, civic groups, and faith-based organizations in southeastern Nebraska that host blood drives with Nebraska Community Blood Bank. When you partner with us, you empower your family, friends, and colleagues to help save lives in our communities.
Visit NCBB.ORG or call (877) 488-9414 to learn more about hosting a blood drive or to find an upcoming drive in your community.

Events:
JDRF One Walk – 8/20/2016
Promise Gala – 2/27/2016
Research Updates/Networking – Throughout the year
Type One Nation Summit – 1/23/2016
Vala’s Pumpkin Patch Event – Annually in the fall
Programs:
Advocacy – Advocate for government support of research & new therapies.
Kids Walk – Students learn about diabetes & make a difference by fundraising for T1D research.
Outreach – Resources for all individuals & families affected by T1D.
Ride – 100 mile destination cycling experience for all fitness levels.
YLC – Young professionals raising awareness & funds for T1D.
Learn more at Jdrf.org/Omaha or by calling (402) 397-2873.

As part of its mission of Supporting and Strengthening Youth, Young Adults and Families, the Omaha Home for Boys is committed to providing services to young men and women ages 12-24 through family-style, community-based programs supported by education. As we approach our 100th anniversary in 2020, we will continue to adapt and change to meet the needs of youth and families throughout the community. Our promise began more than 95 years ago – to help youth become productive, independent adults who contribute positively to and responsibly in their community. The Omaha Home for Boys is a private, nonprofit, nonsectarian organization providing services to youth regardless of race, religion or ability to pay and is nationally accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Services for Families and Children (COA).
For more information, please call (402) 457-7000 or visit www.omahahomeforboys.org.

Visit www.opendoormission.org or call (402) 422-1111 to see how you can make a difference in our community.
Outlook Nebraska, Inc. (ONI) provides services to enhance the lives of the blind and visually impaired through employment, workplace training and recreational and cultural opportunities. We positively impact the lives of those with vision loss to gain self-confidence in their capabilities and be empowered.
Outlook Nebraska is proud to be both an innovator and integrator of low vision technology use in the workplace. Located in Omaha, we are the largest employer of the visually impaired in Nebraska. Many work on a production floor running machines and packing a full line of 100 percent recycled fiber tissue and towel products. Others work in administrative departments including sales, accounting and education and training.
We provide free assistive technology training to any community member who faces vision loss. Our training team helps the visually impaired of all ages to learn how to utilize computers, smart devices, screen readers, screen magnifiers, and other adaptive aids to meet their personal and professional goals.
Outlook Nebraska also collaborates with other organizations to provide recreational opportunities for the blind. For more information about ONI, visit outlooknebraska.org.
Leadership for Life (LFL) is a unique non-profit leadership development opportunity where professionals learn, practice, and integrate faith-based leadership skills rooted in the Christian tradition into their personal and professional life. The program is designed to maximize personal growth and effectiveness so that participants can positively impact their workplace, home and community.
Current Needs: 2016/17 cohort meeting venues (up to 30 people), executive speakers, administrative and technology volunteers, scholarship sponsors
The 2016/17 cohort begins in September. Check out the schedule of monthly topics and explore the Leadership for Life program at www.lflomaha.org.
Contact Todd Conkright, Director, for more information: tconkright@lflomaha.org or (402) 650-4921.
Every year, Greater Omaha SCORE volunteers help entrepreneurs start small businesses and achieve new levels of success in their existing businesses. Volunteering at SCORE is a way for entrepreneurs and business owners to give back to the community, connect with fellow business owners, and pass on their knowledge and expertise to the next generation of entrepreneurs. The Greater Omaha SCORE Chapter is a resource partner with the Small Business Administration and with the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce through its “Thrive” initiative for Greater Omaha small businesses.
SCORE volunteers provide confidential business mentoring services. We lead seminars and workshops to help small business owners meet their goals and achieve success. Whether you own your own small business, working or retired and have a sincere commitment for helping small businesses, there is a place for you as a SCORE volunteer.
We are making a difference by helping new businesses be successful and we want to “help make dreams come true”. If you need help in starting a business, moving your existing business forward, or you wish to volunteer with us, please contact the Greater Omaha SCORE at (402) 221-3606 or e-mail: score@scoreomaha.org. You can also visit our website at www.omaha.score.org.
The Metro Area Youth Foundation (MAYF) was formed in 2006 by a group of Omaha area Optimist Club members who wanted to do more for families and children experiencing cancer. This all volunteer group recognized that many organizations have been formed to help fight cancer, but there were not many resources available to the families who were in the middle of the fight. The goal is to allow the families to focus on the children not the money they owe by providing a short term financial bridge. Many of these families were already struggling financially; a cancer diagnosis can often mean that only one parent can continue to work, adding to the burden. In the past four years alone, MAYF has been able to provide over 200 families a chance to keep the water and power on, rent to stay in their apartment, a mortgage payment to keep their home and a chance to keep life as stable and normal as possible.
For more information about how you can get involved or donate to MAYF’s Childhood Cancer Campaign, visit SummerBashforCCC.org or please call (402) 740-5158 or email SummerBash@cox.net.
The Hope Center for Kids strives to faithfully inspire hope in approximately 1,600 youth and children of North Omaha and Fremont, Nebraska through education, employability, collaboration and faith. Founded in 1998 by the late Ty and Terri Schenzel, The Hope desires that every youth graduate from high school with a plan for their future. The Hope offers programming and nutrition, as well as a safe place for fun and relationship building for youth and children ages 5 to 25. Youth receive tutoring, participate in job skills training and attend weekly Bible studies. It costs only $1,500 to sponsor a child for an entire year and give them the opportunity to attend The Hope’s life-transforming programming. To find out about volunteer opportunities and become a part of the impact in your community, visit www.hopecenterforkids.com or call (402) 341-4673.
The Hope – Omaha, 2200 North 20th Street, Omaha, NE 68110.
The Hope – Fremont, 555 West 23 Street, Fremont, NE 68025.

