Supporting Non-Profits in Omaha, NE – 2017
In line with our mission and core values here at Strictly Business, we are always urging our readers to be cognizant of those with whom they do business. Atop of the list of items that should guide one’s decision is the emphasis a business places on giving back. We remain staunch advocates for the involvement of our business community with our non-profit community because these partnerships are at the heart of maintaining the quality of life we enjoy here in the Omaha Metro. With the rich diversity of non-profit organizations and the magnitude of our collective efforts, we’re able to successfully meet the spectrum of needs in our community together.
As a business that supports non-profit organizations, your actions speak volumes to the fact that you care about making a positive impact in the lives of your fellow neighbors. Make no mistake, people take notice. Word of mouth is a powerful tool for businesses, and goodwill gestures like supporting non-profit organizations convey that you are concerned with more than just your company’s interests. In leading by example and encouraging others within your business or sphere of influence to join you in your efforts, you are showing your colleagues and employees that you care and that they should too.
By contributing to a cause that truly helps others, and mobilizing efforts within your organization, you’ll find a feeling of satisfaction that’s rewarding beyond measure. Unfortunately it’s just not feasible to contribute to every charity, so you will likely be pulled in many directions when it comes to choosing which ones you want to support. As the goal is to donate money, volunteer, and invest your resources in the areas where they’ll do the most good, there’s more to it than simply selecting a cause you feel strongly about and writing a check. Sadly, we’ve all seen the headlines about non-profits that have misused or misrepresented the funds they’ve been given. This ties up resources that could be put to better use by one of the many wonderful charitable organizations in the area that are making a sizeable impact for the better, both right here in our community and globally. As such, by gaining a basic understanding of where resources are being allocated, you’ll easily be able to justify your contribution because it lines up with your beliefs and ethics. All non-profits are not created equal, so do your research! While raising awareness is incredibly important, actions often do speak louder than words. The work that each non-profit does, and in turn your contribution to their cause, should impact the community in a real and meaningful way.
We all have to make tough decisions as to where we spend our time and money, that’s just a fact of life. It is incredibly important to patronize businesses that make it a priority to give back to the community in which they do business. The many non-profit organizations here in the Omaha area that have made it their mission to meet critical needs locally are deserving of our support, and fortunately, it makes our heart swell with pride to see so many of our fellow local businesses doing just that.
We have compiled a list of excellent non-profits, all of which need and welcome your support, and encourage you to get involved with these organizations!
(Click on a thumbnail below to jump to an organization or continue scrolling to read about each)
Victory Riding Academy, Inc. (VRA) (www.victoryride.org) is a 501(c)(3) not-profit, community based organization located in Omaha. Our mission is to improve the quality of life for students with equine-facilitated activities, help students persevere, overcome and conquer any of life’s challenges and educate the community through horsemanship classes. VRA provides training and instruction to develop competence and security.
We are funded 100% by donations, grants and the time our volunteers give. VRA utilizes the healing power of horses to enrich the lives of active duty Military, Veterans, Police, Fire, First Responders and their families by providing horseback riding and horsemanship activities. VRA offers therapeutic riding, education and horsemanship opportunities to the community.
Donations are always needed and appreciated to continue providing the life changing programs we offer.
For more information on how you can help please visit our website at www.victoryride.org or please email us at info@victoryride.org
Established in 1972, Santa Monica (www.santamonicahouse.org) has been providing long term residential services to thousands of chemically dependent women, partnering with them on their journey to recovery. The program relies on the disciplines of the twelve step program of Alcoholics Anonymous®, while incorporating mental health and trauma treatment along with life skills. Santa Monica provides food, shelter, rehabilitative counseling, job acquisition guidance, and re-socialization training. This year Santa Monica expanded services to include a step down level of care for the women, providing a more holistic continuum of care. These services will give 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 our new website at www.santamonicahouse.org for more information about the agency, what the future holds and how to help.
Better Business Bureau® (BBB®) (bbbinc.org) serving Nebraska, South Dakota, The Kansas Plains and Southwest Iowa is a private, non-profit organization established in 1912. Its mission is to be the leader in advancing marketplace trust.
BBB accomplishes this by:
• Setting standards for marketplace trust. • Encouraging and supporting best practices by engaging with and educating consumers and businesses. • Celebrating marketplace role models. • Calling out and addressing substandard marketplace behavior. • Creating a community of trustworthy businesses and charities.
BBB Accredited Businesses must meet BBB Standards for Trust. They have pledged to support the objectives and standards of fair advertising and ethical business practices.
Not all businesses qualify for BBB accreditation, so make sure to look for BBB’s seal that identifies the business as one that “Starts With Trust®”.
BBB’s headquarters is located in Omaha at 11811 P St and it has a branch office in Lincoln located at 300 N. 44th St #100.
For more information, please visit bbbinc.org.
The STAR Project is a 501(c)3 organization based in Nebraska. Our Mission is to bring change to the lives of animals who are at risk for unnecessary euthanasia, have suffered abuse and neglect, deemed special needs, rapidly deteriorating in the shelter, or facing breed discrimination. The STAR Project will provide a home through our network of approved foster providers, and offer medical care and treatment until they find their forever home. We rescue animals nationwide, and provide support to the humans who make it possible.
Interested in learning more? Contact us at hello@thestarprojectinc.org or visit our site at www.thestarprojectinc.org.
Project Harmony (www.projectharmony.com) grew out of the vision of several Omaha community professionals and advocates to create a better system of protection for abused and neglected children. Today, Project Harmony is one of the largest Child Advocacy Centers in the nation. This is not due to an overwhelming volume of child abuse, but due to the level of collaboration that comes together to address the issue – collectively. The Child Advocacy Center model has been replicated to impact child abuse as a best practice community response. When Project Harmony was established in 1996, there were about 35 Centers operating across the United States. Today there are more than 850 – serving a collective 350,000 children each year.
With incredible support of the Omaha community, now more than 200 professionals are co-located under the Project Harmony roof, and are working together to provide abused children the best possible community response. This collaborative approach strives to ensure that children are not further victimized by the systems intended to protect them.
Project Harmony is committed to a vision with a focus on one goal: ending the cycle of child abuse and neglect. Together, we can end child abuse.
To find out more about Project Harmony, visit www.projectharmony.com or call (402) 595-1326.
The Hope Center for Kids (www.hopecenterforkids.com) strives to faithfully inspire youth and children through education, employability, collaboration and faith. Opened in North Omaha in 1998, The Hope is home to multiple learning spaces, including The Hope Employment Academy, a commercial kitchen and cafeteria, and The Hope Skate roller rink. The Hope Center for Kids now serves over 2,700 youth, children and families through its programs and community events.
The Hope serves youth ages 5-19 by offering strengths-based educational support and a safe place to play and grow, both educationally and spiritually. Youth, grades 10-12, also have the opportunity to apply and interview for The Hope Employment Academy, a two-year program that prepares youth for successful employment.
In 2014, The Hope opened the doors of its second location in Fremont, Nebraska, which currently serves over 100 youth members each day.
The Hope – Omaha, 2200 North 20th Street, Omaha, NE 68110.
The Hope – Fremont, 555 West 23 Street, Fremont, NE 68025.
To find out more about The Hope Center for Kids including information about volunteering, visit www.hopecenterforkids.com or call (402) 341-4673.
The Alzheimer’s Association® (www.alz.org) is the world’s leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research.
For an estimated 33,000 Nebraskans, Alzheimer’s disease is the ultimate thief — of their identity and precious memories. Their caregivers and loved ones are left feeling alone and heartbroken.
The Alzheimer’s Association provides education and support to those who face dementia every day. On a national level, the Association advances critical research toward methods of treatment, prevention and, ultimately, a cure.
Together, we can end Alzheimer’s disease, the nation’s sixth-leading cause of death.
To learn more, find help or get involved — visit www.alz.org or call (800) 272-3900.
Kids Can Community Center’s (KidsCanOmaha.org) mission is to educate, engage, and inspire children through early childhood care and out-of-school experiences. Kids Can serves children 18-months to 13 years old. We offer a variety of programs including: early childhood education, before- and after-school programs, summer and non-school day programs, tutoring, and mentoring. Kids Can utilizes the Creative Curriculum and Handwriting Without Tears activities for our youngest students with the goal of ensuring all students are prepared to enter Kindergarten. School-age children participate in the STEMsmart Academy which focuses on science, technology, engineering, math, strength, music, art, reading and tutoring supporting well rounded children.
Founded in 1908 as Social Settlement Association of Omaha, Kids Can has a long history of making a meaningful impact in the community. Kids Can is located on 49th and Q Streets in Omaha.
For more information about Kids Can! Community Center visit KidsCanOmaha.org, call (402) 731-6988 or email jgillman@kidscanomaha.org.
Kicks for a Cure (www.kicksforacure.org) is gearing up for the twelfth annual soccer exhibition weekend being held April 21-22, 2017 with the continued theme: Two teams…One goal…Kicking cancer. The event features a youth soccer clinic, a kickoff banquet at Embassy Suites La Vista, and an exciting day of soccer at Creighton’s Morrison Stadium and UNO’s Caniglia Field. In addition to collegiate women’s and men’s matchups between Creighton and UNO, high school teams from Westside, Marian, Elkhorn South, Creighton Prep, Skutt, Columbus Scotus, Millard West and Central will participate this year. Thanks to generous donors and sponsors, admission to all of the games is free. More than 2,200 people attended the weekend’s events last year.
Gary and Kathy Gates will serve as this year’s Honorary Chairs. Event proceeds fund research at UNMC Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center and Creighton Hereditary Cancer Center, while promoting active, healthy lifestyles. Over the past eleven years, more than $2.4 million has been raised to fund local cancer research.
For more information visit www.kicksforacure.org or contact Stacie Sarasio at stacie@kicksforacure.org or (402) 210-9446.
Angels Among Us – Helping Families Battling Pediatric Cancer
Angels Among Us (www.myangelsamongus.org) is a 501 (c) (3) organization established in 2006 to financially assist families living-in or being treated-in Nebraska who are battling a pediatric cancer diagnosis. In our ten-year history, we have helped over 305 families with over $1.3 million in support. Families are identified by the social work offices of Nebraska Medicine and Children’s Hospital & Medical Center. Angels Among Us supports families with up to $500 per month with a cap of $6,000.
Through our many events, you can help families living the cancer nightmare right here in our community. Mark your calendar for the 2017 Evening Among Angels Gala to be held on August 26, 2017 at the Hilton Hotel, downtown Omaha.
To learn more about Angels Among Us and our many events, please call our office at (402) 934-0999 or visit www.myangelsamongus.org.
Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) (www.abcnebraska.org) is a national construction industry trade association representing nearly 21,000 chapter members. Founded on the merit shop philosophy, ABC and its 70 chapters help members develop people, win work and deliver that work safely, ethically, profitably and for the betterment of the communities in which ABC and its members work. The Cornhusker Chapter has offices in both Lincoln and Omaha, where we do apprenticeship training for the trades. Partnerships with VR, Avenue Scholars and ReConnect have trained individuals in the trades. Contact Theresa at (402) 344-4258 to inquire about training opportunities for your company, organization or students. Each person that enters the industry is on the path to earning a competitive salary, learning a new skill and building America with their own hands.
To become a member of ABC, contact Anne at annek@abcnebraska.org or (402) 477-4451. Visit our website at www.abcnebraska.org.
The Cross Training Center (www.crosstc.com) exemplifies the message, “If you give a man a fish, you feed him for a day but if you teach him how to fish, you feed him for a lifetime.” We empower and equip undereducated and economically disadvantaged men and women through character development, vocational training and real hands-on work experience. Our students have experienced setbacks in life due to incarceration, homelessness, mental health disorders, human trafficking, challenging circumstances and generational poverty. They gain skills, knowledge and hands-on work experience at our center, where we serve the public through various operations including:
- Electronics Recycling
- Computer and Electronics Retail Store
- Computer Refurbishing and Repair
- Automotive Maintenance and Repair Services
- Banquet Facility and Food Services
Cross Training Center’s mission is to provide Solutions to Poverty through Work.
Contact Brenda Banks at (402) 590-2100, via email at brenda@crosstc.com, or visit www.crosstc.com for more information.
For over 16 years, Domesti-PUPS (www.domesti-pups.org) has been supporting people in our local, regional and national communities through the assistance of animals. From therapy dogs in the classroom motivating children to excel in their learning environment, to pet therapy visitations in nursing homes, hospitals, and assisted living centers, our pet therapy teams bring a bit of brightness through their furry encounters. The Adoptables program provides rescue dogs with obedience training and placement in their forever homes. Our service dog teams provide increased independence when paired with a disabled partner. These highly skilled canines can turn on lights, provide balance and mobility, retrieve dropped items, bring a bottle of water from a refrigerator, respond to medical emergencies and open doors both literally and figuratively. Some even provide life-saving measures for their disabled partner.
For more information about Domesti-PUPS, visit www.domesti-pups.org.
The Metro Area Youth Foundation (MAYF) (SummerBashforCCC.org) 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. MAYF has been able to provide over 400 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.
Children’s Scholarship Fund of Omaha (CSF) (www.csfomaha.org) believes that all families, regardless of income, should be able to choose the best educational setting for their children. CSF provides tuition assistance scholarships so children from low-income families can access the private or parochial K-8 education of their choice. CSF is destination neutral and has no religious affiliation—children attend approximately 80 different schools across Omaha and northeast Nebraska. A crucial piece of the CSF program is the commitment it requires from families. Each CSF family must contribute $500 toward their children’s education and their children must achieve a 90% attendance rate. Since 1999, more than 31,000 scholarships have been awarded and valued $31 million dollars.
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
Community Health Charities of Nebraska (www.chcne.org) is a fundraising family of 19 Nebraska-based affiliates of nationally recognized health charities dedicated to improving the lives of those affected by a chronic health condition. CHC-NE raises vital funds through workplace giving campaigns, corporate matching funds, individual gifts and foundation contributions to benefit these health charities. In Omaha, we are proud to partner with United Way of the Midlands, as we know working together makes our community stronger.
Dollars raised each year help our charities provide support for those with chronic health conditions as well as family members, friends and co-workers affected by chronic illness. They provide programs and services, education and advocacy and funding for vital medical research to help discover breakthrough treatments and the hope of a cure. Thank you for giving the gift of hope through your support.
Omaha Office: 212 S. 74th St., Suite 205 | (402) 614-8500 | www.chcne.org | www.facebook.com/CHCNebraska
It started with one home. The Reverend Charles and Alberta Danner lovingly opened their doors and hearts to a homeless child in need. As the number of vulnerable kids in their home grew, so did their needs. But the Lincoln community was there to wrap the couple with support, helping to purchase property and construct the CEDARS (www.cedarskids.org) Home for Children.
Seventy years later, providing refuge for children and youth who have no other safe place to spend the night is the heart of CEDARS mission, pursued through comprehensive efforts to help kids in crisis and build strong families.
On CEDARS seventieth anniversary, President James Blue points out, this couldn’t be done without continued community support. “Our donors make our organization strong for the children. Together, we are helping our most vulnerable children find safety, stability and permanent families.”
For more information or to donate, call (402) 434-KIDS (5437) or visit www.cedarskids.org.
FES (http://public.fes.org/) is foundation that supports other nonprofit organizations so they can fulfill their missions. We provide services such as: branding, promotion, IT security, website design and hosting, and network operations. Many nonprofit organizations do not have the staff or budget or expertise to effectively manage these services for themselves. FES exists to fill that void and provide these services at a reasonable cost so nonprofits can stay focused on their noble missions.
FES employs over 60 people in Lincoln, Nebraska who work with large and small nonprofit organizations and communities. FES also works regularly with EducationQuest Foundation, SOCS websites, and the National Student Loan Program (NSLP) to provide services for marketing, IT security, and network operations.
FES is located at 1300 O Street in Lincoln, Nebraska. Inquiries can be made directly to Dan Kunzman at (402) 479-6663 dank@fes.org
The American Heart Association and American Stroke Association (www.heart.org/omaha) is devoted to saving people from two of our nation’s top killers heart disease (No. 1) and stroke (No. 5). Powered by millions of volunteers nationwide, the Association’s goal is to improve the cardiovascular health of Americans by 20 percent by 2020, while reducing deaths from heart disease and stroke by 20 percent. Currently, one person dies every 40 seconds from heart disease and stroke. Through events right here in Omaha like the Heart Walk, Go Red for Women Expo and Heart Ball, that startling statistic can change.
For more information, visit www.heart.org/omaha.
Mission: “To improve the quality of life by caring for the body and mind.”
Jennie Edmundson Foundation (www.jehfoundation.org) is the fund raising arm of Methodist Jennie Edmundson Hospital. By engaging philanthropic leaders, we are able to help make certain that the equipment, facilities, programs, services and educational initiatives at MJE continue to meet community needs.
The JE Foundation relies on donations and grants from our community. These funds go to help our Charitable Patient Care Fund, Breast Health Center, Medi-Bus Transportation and Scholarship Funds, to name a few. Generous contributions provide education, care and services to many who may not otherwise have access to healthcare services. Individual or Planned gifts, Memorials or becoming an event or corporate sponsor are also a few ways to help.
Becoming a MJE Teen or Adult Volunteer gives you the opportunity to be involved in many facets of volunteerism. What a wonderful way to meet new people; develop new skills, interests and be rewarded through the experiences of helping patients, family members and hospital staff.
To find out more about the JE Foundation and how you can get involved call (712) 396-6040 or visit our website: www.jehfoundation.org
OneWorld (www.oneworldomaha.org) believes that everyone deserves access to quality healthcare in a safe, welcoming environment. That’s why we provide a vast range of comprehensive services including:
Adult Medicine • Pediatric Care • Prenatal Care • Women’s Healthcare • Behavioral Health • Dental • Pharmacy • Support Services
OneWorld maintains an open-door policy, providing treatment regardless of an individual’s income, insurance status, race, sex, disability, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identify, immigration status or ability to pay. In 2015, OneWorld care for 35,557 patients during more than 145,000 visits and is ranked in the top 2% of the nation for patient outcomes.
Our Mission: OneWorld Community Health Centers, Inc., in partnership with the community, provides culturally respectful, quality health care with special attention to the underserved.
Our Vision: To become an innovative leader in health care, empowering individuals and creating healthier communities.
Follow what’s new at: facebook.com/oneworldchc or twitter.com/OneWorldCHC.
For more information visit www.oneworldomaha.org
For more than 140 years, Heartland Family Service (HeartlandFamilyService.org) has been the area leader in creating the path to a better tomorrow for children and families. Each year, we serve over 30,000 individuals from more than 15 locations in east central Nebraska and southwest Iowa through three program areas: Child & Family, Counseling & Prevention, and Housing & Financial Stability. 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.
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.
Family Housing Advisory Services (FHAS) (www.fhasinc.org) helps families living at or near poverty improve their housing, finances and quality of life. FHAS offers a comprehensive menu of cohesive services to address poverty and provide tools for success. FHAS prevents homelessness, educates homeowners, provides foreclosure prevention options, develops financially-wise consumers (including youth transitioning out of foster care), offers affordable mortgage lending options, eliminates housing discrimination, and reduces poverty through access to tax credits.
FHAS serves about 10,000 individuals and families annually. Families learn how to budget, save, avoid eviction or foreclosure; pursue homeownership, post-secondary education or microbusiness enterprise; exercise their fair housing rights, and access income tax credits.
For more information about Family Housing Advisory Services, Inc. (FHAS) please visit: www.fhasinc.org or call (402) 934-7921.
Every year, Greater Omaha SCORE (www.omaha.score.org) 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, are 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.
Help save lives. Donate Blood.
“I’ve never been asked.” That’s the number one reason why people don’t donate blood. Today, the Nebraska Community Blood Bank (NCBB.ORG) is asking you to donate blood to help save lives. Every 2 seconds someone needs blood. Only volunteer blood donors can help ensure blood is available for patients in area hospitals. Nebraska Community Blood Bank has been connecting people who need life-saving blood with generous volunteer donors since 1968. We provide life-saving blood to healthcare facilities in six counties throughout southeast Nebraska, including Bryan Health, Lincoln Surgical Hospital, and Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital.
Visit NCBB.ORG to learn more about hosting a blood drive or to sign up to donate blood at a donor center or blood drive near you. Make a date to help save lives.
At Omaha Home for Boys (OmahaHomeForBoys.org) we provide care and support for at-risk youth ages 14-24 as part of our mission of supporting and strengthening youth, young adults and families. A pillar in the Omaha community for 96 years, Omaha Home for Boys is committed to providing services to young men and women through family-style, community-based programs.
Omaha Home for Boys helps youth become successful, productive and independent adults who contribute positively to and responsibly in their community through three main programs: Inspiration Hill Residential Care, Jacobs’ Place Transitional Living and Branching Out Independent Living. As we approach our 100th anniversary, the Home will continue to adapt and evolve to meet the needs of children and families throughout the region.
For more information about Omaha Home for Boys or to invest in the youth we serve with your gift, please visit our website at OmahaHomeForBoys.org.
Midlands Community Foundation (MCF) (www.midlandscommunity.org) 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 90 charitable funds that serve an array of needs. This past fiscal year, more than $832,000 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.
The mission of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (www.cff.org) is to cure cystic fibrosis and to provide all people with the disease the opportunity to lead full, productive lives by funding research and drug development, promoting individualized treatment, and ensuring access to high-quality specialized care.
In Nebraska, patient families, board members and volunteers join together to raise more than $1 million annually to accomplish this goal. The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation has made unbelievable progress since its inception in the 50’s and aided in the development of the first FDA approved drug to treat the defect in a genetic disease in ’12.
Need: You—join our team to make CF stand for ‘Cure Found.’
For more information about the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation contact us at: Nebraska@cff.org or (402) 330-6164 or visit our website at www.cff.org.
The Nebraska Sports Council (NebraskaSportsCouncil.com) is a non-profit organization that provides quality competition for athletes of all ages and abilities and promotes healthy and active lifestyle choices. Major programs include the NE 150 Wellness Challenge which encourages all Nebraskans to get out and be active by participating in any physical activity, and the Cornhusker State Games, a 60+-sport Olympic-style athletic festival which attracts an average of 12,000 athletes to Lincoln/Omaha each July. Other events like the annual Pumpkin Run and Mud Run round out a full-year of fun and healthy activity offerings. 2017 program dates include the NE 150 Wellness Challenge, Jan. 1 – Dec. 31; Cornhusker State Games, July 21-30; Mud Run, Aug. 26 and Pumpkin Run, Oct. 7.
Nebraska Sports Council programs and events require more than 3,500 volunteers and financial backing from more than 300 businesses annually.
Those interested in supporting or participating in the Nebraska Sports Council can learn more at NebraskaSportsCouncil.com or visit us in person at 4903 N. 57th St. in Lincoln or by phone at (402) 471-2544.
Midlands Latino Community Development Corporation (MLCDC) (midlandslatinocdc.org) provides Latinos opportunities to generate economic growth and develop a sustainable future. Programs focus on the empowerment and education of the Latino community.
MCLDC provides opportunities to entrepreneurs through Micro-Business and Micro-lending programs. MLCDC direct lending program will offer loans up to $50,000 below market interest rates once it receives the Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) certification in July.
MLCDC recently earned an $800,000 grant from the Community of Economic Development – Healthy Food Financing Initiative (CED-HFFI) by the Office of Community Services of the Health and Human Services. MLCDC plans to revitalize South Omaha and create as many as 46 jobs.
Grant funds will be used to develop Las Americas Kitchen Express into a fully equipped, commercially licensed kitchen for use by start-ups or expanding food production businesses, and will invest in two manufacturing companies.
Please visit midlandslatinocdc.org for more information.
Open Door Mission (www.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 816 safe, shelter beds to homeless men, women and children, serves over 2,000 nutritious meals and provides homeless preventive measures to more than 275 people living in poverty.
Visit www.opendoormission.org or call (402) 422-1111 to see how you can make a difference in our community.
Nebraska Community Foundation (NebraskaHometown.org) is a statewide movement using philanthropy as a tool to build stronger, more prosperous communities. NCF is a partner for meeting your charitable goals no matter where you live. It’s the way to give back to your hometown.
Thanks to generous donors, in just the last five years more than $125 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.
Outlook Nebraska (outlooknebraska.org) is a nonprofit organization empowering anyone in the community facing vision loss to gain confidence in their capabilities and achieve their life goals. Our mission is to positively impact everyone who is blind and visually impaired through employment, workplace training, and recreational and cultural opportunities. Our organization empowers the blind and visually impaired to be independent, confident and active, contributing members of society.
We provide free adaptive technology training to any members of the community facing vision loss and collaborate with other organizations to provide recreational and cultural activities for the blind. Through community education, Outlook Nebraska increases awareness of the capabilities of the blind and visually impaired and aims to help answer the call for social responsibility among citizens and business leaders.
Nearly 60 percent of ONI’s workforce is legally blind and utilizes an array of innovative low vision technologies. Many work on the production floor of ONI’s growing tissue-converting facility, operating machines and packing a commercial line of recycled fiber tissue products. Others work in administrative departments such as sales, accounting and education and training.
Outlook Nebraska, Inc. is the only agency of its kind in a seven-state area. Our purpose is to positively change people’s attitudes about blindness.
For more information about ONI, visit outlooknebraska.org.
The mission of Ronald McDonald House Charities in Omaha (RMHC) (www.rmhcomaha.org) is to create and operate programs that directly improve the health and well-being of children.
For families whose children come to Omaha for medical treatments, we provide a home away from home, including warm beds, hot showers, home-cooked meals, laundry facilities, family-friendly kitchens, playrooms, and a playground. Additionally, we have a built-in support system where families are able to connect with each other, forming an interdependent network of resources and collaboration. When families stay with us, they become a part of the RMHC in Omaha family, with a community of supporters willing to rally around them, so they can fight and heal together.
The cost to provide our services is approximately $120 per night, per family, and no family is ever turned away if they are unable to pay the $15 suggested donation.
For more information, visit www.rmhcomaha.org.
In April, Child Saving Institute (childsaving.org )will celebrate its 125th year of serving children and families in the greater Omaha area. Child Saving Institute’s primary focus has always been children’s safety and well-being. Always an innovative leader in children’s services, our programs include an emergency shelter for youth whose families are in crisis, quality early childhood education, consultation services for low-income child care centers, foster care, therapy, pregnancy counseling, in-home services for struggling families, independent living skills education for youth aging out of the foster care system, and older child adoption.
CSI’s programming is diverse, but so are the needs of today’s children and youth. With your support and the support of others like you, CSI serves more than 2,800 kids and families each year. With your assistance, we improve the lives of children in our community — and help them discover the joy of childhood that every child should experience.
For more information, visit childsaving.org or call (402) 553-6000.
The Merrymakers Association (www.merrymakers.org) began providing professional entertainment to area senior homes in 1986. We are celebrating 30 years serving our greatest generation throughout Nebraska and Iowa.
Merrymakers’ program is a unique service serving 136 care facilities. This includes assisted and long-term living facilities, senior apartments, hospice and senior centers. These programs are scheduled once a month among 20 of our contracted professional musicians to provide live, onsite entertainment to all of these residents, including those with Alzheimer’s and who are in memory care.
Merrymakers performances inspire fond memories, smiles, clapping, singing along and even dancing. The music is geared to the seniors’ favorites.
Merrymakers is 100% supported through donations, grant funding, our summer “Friend-raiser” – Songs & Suds and our signature Toast event in November of each year.
For additional information, visit www.merrymakers.org or call (402) 697-0205. Any size donations are greatly appreciated and acknowledged.
Radio Talking Book Service (RTBS) (rtbs.org) serves the state of Nebraska with a mission to provide human-voiced print information to individuals who have visual or physical disabilities which prevent them from reading printed material. Our key programs are the Radio Talking Book Network and Listening Link. The Radio Talking Book Network, founded in 1974, is Nebraska’s only radio reading service. RTBN provides access to 11 newspapers and over 70 magazines. We are blessed with 100 volunteer readers, whose voices are broadcast throughout Nebraska via RTBN’s radio signal or our internet stream on special radios provided at no cost to our listeners. The Listening Link program assists blind, visually impaired, and learning disabled students in eliminating educational barriers they face by providing recordings of textbooks and course material required for degree completion.
Please contact RTBS at (402) 572-3003 for more information or visit rtbs.org to apply for a radio, volunteer, donate, or listen live.
“Touching Lives…Making a Difference”
Assistance League® of Omaha (ALO) (www.alomaha.org) is an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) nonprofit service organization whose members identify, develop, implement, and fund ongoing philanthropic programs to serve specific needs of local children and adults in the Greater Omaha area. Signature programs include: Operation School Bell®, offering school children in need the opportunity to shop for new school clothes; Operation Recovery, providing support to women recovering from chemical addiction; ACT/PSAT Review Sessions, preparing students for college entrance examinations; Assault Survivor Kits®, supplying clothing and hygiene items to assault survivors; Operation Teen Parent, encouraging teen parents to complete their educations and read to their children; and Operation Bear Hug, furnishing stuffed bears to children in crisis situations.
Assistance League of Omaha receives no federal, state or city funding. Fundraising projects include a thrift shop at 36th & Leavenworth and the annual Christmas Caravan tour of homes. Donations and grants are needed. Serving Omaha since 1974, the organization returns 100% of proceeds raised to the community.
Call (402) 342-4288 or visit www.alomaha.org for more information.
Nebraska ranks 3rd in diagnosed childhood cancer cases in the United States, but only 4% of all the federally-funded National Cancer Institute’s research budget is dedicated to childhood cancer. This is the reason that Sammy’s Superheroes Foundation (www.sammyssuperheroes.org) exists. Since 2013, Sammy’s has giving away over $300,000 in grants to researcher and doctors who are performing life-saving research. Our goal is to search out and identify doctors who are looking for modern, cutting-edge treatments that take into account the side-effects treatments can have on the delicate development of children. We want to be a catalyst in changing the fact that 1 in 4 children will lose their battle to cancer within the first 5 years of diagnosis. Along with funding research, Sammy’s also is the sole sponsor of all the oncology blankets for Binkeez for Comfort. These blankets are specially made, packaged and approved to be giving to extremely sick kids in oncology units across the country. Awareness is another area where Sammy’s has continued to grow. Being a resource for families going through the same thing that our own Sammy’s did is important. We want to be the shoulder to lean on for those families. Through our website and social platforms like our Legion of Hope group on Facebook, we want to be there to help families through tough times.
For more information you can contact Jeremy Stanislav, Executive Director at jstanislav@sammyssuperheroes.org or (402) 560-1578.
Grief’s Journey (www.griefsjourney.org) (formerly Ted E. Bear Hollow) exists so that no one has to walk their grief journey alone.
Since 2001, the agency has provided a welcoming, safe place for grieving children, teens, and adults to offer each other hope and support. Research indicates that unresolved grief correlates to issues such as poor school performance and emotional and behavioral concerns, whereas healthy coping leads to long-term successes for children, families, and communities. Carefully measured outcomes indicate that the programs of Grief’s Journey effectively move young people and their caregivers to health and resilience. As the region’s cornerstone for grief support, Grief’s Journey provides free peer support groups and camps as well as professional training, education, and consultation throughout Nebraska and Iowa.
The agency relies on charitable contributions, special event income, and volunteerism to support its free programs. Together, hope grows.
For more information about Grief’s Journey please visit www.griefsjourney.org or call (402) 502-2773.
Don’t Miss Out!
This is an excellent apportunity for your non-profit to gain exposure among our readers, as well as for our readers to familiarize themselves with the needs of various organizations and the valuable work that is going on in our community.
If you are a local non-profit organization that is interested in participating in the next SUPPORTING NON-PROFITS feature in Strictly Business, please call (402) 466-3330 or email Office@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com today!