Supporting Non-Profits in Omaha, NE – 2017 (July-Dec)
What Strictly Business Magazine is all about, and has been since the publication was founded, is promoting local businesses and organizations. In doing so, we strongly encourage our readers to be conscious consumers, as we feel that it is incredibly important to support local businesses that support the local community. Likewise, we hope to inspire our fellow businesses to make giving back a priority, and shine a light on those that feel the same. It’s heartwarming to report there are many of these, both small and large, that contribute so much to making our city such a wonderful place to live and do business.
Here in the Omaha Metro we are truly fortunate to have an amazing network of non-profit organizations doing such important work that touches the lives of others profoundly. There is great diversity within the non-profit community, which allows for all different types of needs to be met. This also affords citizens and companies the freedom to give back in whatever way they find to be most fulfilling and makes the best use of their time, talents, and/or income.
Non-profits rely solely on donors and contributions to fund the work they do for the community. As such, every little bit counts towards both a better today and a brighter future. It is a great feeling to do your part and contribute to a cause that truly helps others, and to mobilize and encourage others around you in the workplace to do so as well. In leading by example, you are showing your team that you care and that they should too. With the opportunity to serve in any number of different capacities, it’s all about finding the perfect blend of bettering yourself and bettering the lives of others. Let’s say you choose to be on board or committee for a non-profit or fundraiser, benefit, etc. It’s a great opportunity to collaborate with those outside of your own business/industry, or those who are connected in some way, depending on the composition of the group and the objective(s) you’re setting out to accomplish together. Either way, you’ll make the acquaintance of other like-minded professionals, which in turn grows your network while doing good for the benefit of others in your community. Whether you’re an employer and employee, serving in this capacity allows you to showcase your individual talents and the level of dedication you put forth speaks volumes, widely recognized by those you’re working with on the project and also those who witness the success of your collective efforts.
Giving back to the community should be an enjoyable and exciting opportunity to be a part of something that benefits everyone involved. Choosing a cause that is particularly meaningful on a personal level will likely provide you with a greater sense of purpose, as well as greater worth of and pride in your investment. It is not feasible to contribute to every charity, and you will likely be pulled in many directions when it comes to choosing which ones you want to support. Be careful—all non-profits are not created equal! Do your research before you finalize your decision on which organizations you will promote and invest your time and resources in, with a focus on how they spend their money and utilize their resources. While 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 have compiled a list of non-profits right here in our community, some of which may be familiar and others that may be new to you – but all of which need and welcome your support. If you’re reading this, we encourage you to get involved with the ones that speak to you, whether it’s a team or solo mission. Greater Omaha and the surrounding communities are a better place together because of the value we place on giving back here, but it takes consistent effort from each and every one of us to make the difference we want to see here at the community level and in the world.
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)
Did you know…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 100 charitable funds that serve an array of needs. This past fiscal year, more than $1 million 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.
Founded more than 40 years ago, and grounded by the solid belief that every person has the ability to recover, CenterPointe (www.centerpointe.org) makes pivotal treatment available for people suffering from mental and substance use disorders. Meeting people where they are and supporting them to gain control of their lives is what CenterPointe aims to do.
CenterPointe provides a full range of services including crisis response, treatment, rehabilitation, street outreach, and housing. The majority of people in services are homeless or nearly homeless. CenterPointe has programs in both the Lincoln and Omaha communities.
Support from the community is essential for ensuring high-quality care is available for people working to turn their lives around. Last year, the community helped more than 1,700 women, men, teens, and veterans to overcome homelessness, mental illness and addiction.
For more information, to support this work, or begin a career at CenterPointe: www.centerpointe.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. The rarest blood type is the one that’s not available when a patient is in need. That need is constant. Nebraska Community Blood Bank has been connecting people who need life-saving blood with generous volunteer donors for nearly 50 years. We provide life-saving blood to healthcare facilities throughout southeast Nebraska. Be part of our life-saving mission by becoming a blood donor with Nebraska Community Blood Bank today.
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. Connect with us on Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter (@NCBBLincoln).
Youth Emergency Services (YES) (www.yesomaha.org) is the only nonprofit in Omaha with the sole focus of helping homeless and at-risk youth. Last year, YES provided support and services to over 2,000 youth in the Omaha and Council Bluffs area. YES offers a full-continuum of services to help these youth get back on track and on the road to self-sufficiency. Through the Street Outreach Program, Emergency Shelter, Transitional Living Program, and Maternity Home, youth can get a hot meal, find a safe place to sleep at night, and connect with resources to help them get back in school, find a job, and secure permanent housing. While in the program, youth are required to work and/or go to school, do community service, and pay rent. For more information about YES’ programs, please visit www.yesomaha.org.
The Midlands Latino Community Development Corporation (MLCDC) (www.midlandslatinocdc.org) provides Latinos with opportunities to generate economic growth. Our educational and coaching services include childcare development, micro-business and micro-lending.
MLCDC’s vision is to be a catalyst for a thriving, diverse, and inclusive community enriched by Latino influence, economic results, culture and leadership.
Most recently, eager to create new opportunities for South Omaha, MLCDC and a group of business owners came together to develop Las Americas Global Market. MLCDC will build a commercial kitchen and light manufacturing facilities to create 45 jobs. On July 1, 2017, MLCDC is launching financial education and one-on-one coaching services. This program is offered to low-to-moderate-income Latinos seeking to build assets through affordable homeownership and build a plan to improve their financial capability through personalized financial coaching, financial literacy and the responsible access to financial products.
Visit our website at www.midlandslatinocdc.org or call (402) 933-4466 to learn more.
Since its inception in 2009, the mission of the SAVE Program (saveprogram.org) has been to connect under-served youth with opportunities and resources to be successful students and active individuals. It is carried out by providing educational opportunities through our partnerships with Intercultural Center of Creighton University and the Multicultural Affairs Departments of University of Nebraska-Omaha and Bellevue University, along with financial support towards extra-curricular activity involvement. By promoting opportunities for extra-curricular activity involvement that would otherwise be unavailable, the SAVE Program is able to introduce and implement effective academic mentoring programs into the lives of its participants. Adding its fifth school in January 2017, the SAVE Program now services over 150 students in the Omaha-metro area.
Nebraska Recycling Council is a statewide, member-based, charitable nonprofit supporting collaboration between communities, businesses, solid waste and recycling industries to improve recycling collection and infrastructure. Our mission is to maximize the economic and environmental benefits of resource recovery in Nebraska. Visit www.nrcne.org or call (402) 436-2384.
Recycling Information: Nebraska Online Recycling Guide, Phone assistance
Education & Training: Webinars, Green team training, Networking events
Services: Waste assessments, Zero waste events, Zero waste community consultation, Hub & spoke consultation
Grants: Recycling equipment grants
Publications: Best management practices, E-Newsletters, Case studies
Annual Awards Luncheon: National speaker, Workshops, Business & Community Environmental Awards
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. Last 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.
NAMI Omaha (www.naminebraska.org) is a local affiliate of The National Alliance on Mental Illness.
We provide free support to family and friends who have a loved one living with mental illness. We do this through education, literature, workshops, conferences, support groups and more. We also offer support groups to the individuals who have a mental illness.
One of our most successful educational programs is called FAMILY to FAMILY. It is a free series of 12 classes (one 2 1/2 hour session weekly). These classes are structured to help families and friends understand and support their mentally ill loved ones, while maintaining their own well-being. The classes include information about mental illnesses, medications, resources, problem solving, and family communications.
For information go to www.naminebraska.org or call (402) 345-8101. For helpful articles on mental illness follow us on Facebook www.facebook.com/NAMIOmaha.
Nebraska Methodist College (methodistcollege.edu) has been teaching the meaning of care since 1891. An affiliate of Methodist Health System, NMC is a premier private health professions institution that offers certificate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees both on campus and online.
With an enrollment of more than 1,000 students, NMC is small enough to really care about each student as an individual and large enough to provide outstanding academic programs in nursing and allied health.
Students at NMC experience a holistic culture of caring while mastering the art and science of healthcare. They gain the skills and experience needed to become outstanding contributors to society through service-learning experiences, community-based education and leadership development integrated throughout the curriculum. They are taught and supported by expert and nurturing faculty, as well as dedicated staff members.
NMC (methodistcollege.edu) is fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Survivors Rising (www.survivorsrising.org) is a working group dedicated to advocacy, education, and support for survivors of intimate partner violence. Our mission is to ensure that the survivor voice is represented in legislation and in the community and that offenders are held accountable. Survivors Rising was created by a small group of survivors of intimate partner violence who are passionate about the cause. We recognized the need for advocacy, education in the community, and support for all survivors.
Survivors Rising is a catalyst for change. We’re committed to working with survivors to provide hope and tools for healing and to providing survivor engagement in all aspects of our communities. Our programs include: speakers bureau, education & training, legislative and policy advocacy, and survivor engagement to promote system change and safety in our community. There should be nothing about us without us.
Find out more at www.survivorsrising.org or follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Survivors-Rising.
Matt’s Music Memorial (www.MattsMusicMemorial.org) was started to honor and remember a Nebraska hero, Cpl. Matthew Lee Alexander, after his death in Baqubah, Iraq on May 6, 2007. Matthew enjoyed life. Music was a passion for him growing up. He played percussion throughout middle and high school. After graduating from Gretna in 2004, Matthew joined the Army as an infantryman. He never made it home from his first tour.
Matthew would want others to have the opportunity to experience the personal growth and enjoyment he found through his band experiences. This foundation aims to honor him and keep his memory alive by “Making Music Possible” for kids from all walks of life. If you’d like to know more, visit www.MattsMusicMemorial.org or call (402) 670-1806.
The Cornhusker Chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors (www.abcnebraska.org) continually strives to be the leading voice promoting free enterprise within the construction industry in Nebraska. The organization’s main goal is to provide member companies and their employees with an opportunity to succeed winning work and delivering that work safely, ethically and profitably for the betterment of the communities in which they work.
Whether a large or small company, joining ABC provides value. ABC offers training, continuing education courses and opportunities for networking and showcasing project successes. Our mission affords us the opportunity to share the industry through student event to help build workforce for Nebraska.
For more information or to discuss joining ABC Cornhusker Chapter, contact Anne Klute at (402) 477-4451 or annek@abcnebraska.org. You can also visit www.abcnebraska.org to find out more.
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.
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 2,300 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.
The mission of FITGirl, Inc. (www.fitgirlinc.com) is to empower young girls as they develop and mature by demonstrating positive lifestyle choices; physical, mental, relational and nutritional. We do this through camp style programs with coaches and mentors who instill confidence and courage through educational and physical fitness activities.
As early as 10 years of age, girls activity levels dropping by as much as 83% as they transition through adolescence. FITGirl, Inc. was developed in direct response to the decline in physical activity among young girls, lack of opportunity for participation in physical activity outside of select sports and the increase in low self-esteem.
FITGirl’s after school programs and summer camps provide empowerment workshops focusing on relationships, body image, self-esteem, goal setting and self worth in tandem with various physical fitness and nutritional activities such as yoga, self defense, meal planning, fitness, dance, hiking, boxing and more. Find out more at www.fitgirlinc.com.
Child Saving Institute (childsaving.org) is celebrating 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 in crisis or whose families are in crisis,
- Quality, accredited early childhood education,
- Free consultation services for low-income child care centers,
- Foster care parent education and foster child placement,
- 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.
In 2011, Carole’s House of Hope, Inc. (CHH) (www.caroleshouseofhope.org) was established as an organization purposed to transform the lives of young women aging out of the foster care system, pregnant or parenting mothers and their children. CHH address’ (remove the apostrophe) the gaps in the current model of service that can inevitably lead to high rates of unemployment, poverty, homelessness, mental health instability, criminal activity, early pregnancy, human trafficking and prostitution. CHH is intentional on creating a safe place in which women can stabilize, heal and lay the ground work for future endeavors while becoming self-sufficient.
CHH provides housing, food/pantry items, clothing, baby supplies/cribs, wrap around services with community partners, individualized case management, individual/group therapy, financial literacy coursework, parenting education and many more life skill classes.
Mission Statement: Carole’s House of Hope is designed to provide hope and healing for mothers and their children through innovative programming and services that promote self-sufficiency and independence.
For more information, call (402) 991-HOPE (4673) or visit www.caroleshouseofhope.org.
Outlook Nebraska (outlooknebraska.org) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to positively impacting everyone who is blind and visually impaired. We empower anyone in the community facing vision loss to gain confidence in their capabilities and achieve their life goals 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 training on computers, smartphones, and other devices 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 70% 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 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 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. MAYF has been able to provide over 500 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.
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.
The mission of Omaha Home for Boys (OmahaHomeForBoys.org) is to support and strengthen youth, young adults and families through services that inspire and equip them to lead independent and productive lives. More than 300 at-risk young men and women are served annually through the Home’s three core programs: Inspiration Hill Residential Care, Jacobs’ Place Transitional Living and Branching Out Independent Living.
Through education, behavior training, employability classes and basic life skills coaching, the Omaha Home for Boys empowers young adults to transition from a state of crisis to one of safety and growth. As Omaha Home for Boys approaches its 100th anniversary in 2020, it will continue to evolve to meet the needs of children and families throughout the state.
For more information about Omaha Home for Boys or to invest in the future of the youth served, please visit our website at OmahaHomeForBoys.org.
Sammy’s Superheroes Foundation (www.SammysSuperheroes.org) is a 501c3 nonprofit that raises money to fund research projects who are doing ground-breaking innovative work that will lead to modern treatment for childhood cancer. With only 4% of the National Cancer Institute’s budget earmarked for childhood cancer, and Nebraska ranking 3rd in childhood cancer incidences, Sammy’s wants to ensure that research is being conducted for ALL TYPES of childhood cancer and that the little fighters battling this disease are not forced to use treatments designed for adult cancers or from as far back as the 1950s. Along with research funding, Sammy’s also has programs that reach out to families to offer support in one of the most terrifying and difficult times of their lives. For more information visit www.SammysSuperheroes.org or follow our social pages on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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.
Phoenix Academy (phoenixacademyomaha.org) is a private school for students grades K-8th who are behind grade level in reading and/or math. For 24 years we have been teaching struggling students to read using an intensive phonics program. Students attend Phoenix Academy two years on average as we help them get caught up to grade level. We also offer summer school. The small class sizes, 12:1 student teacher ratio, and nurturing learning environment help with our students’ success. Independently evaluated test scores consistently show improvement. To register, schedule a tour, or for more information about Phoenix Academy call Nancy Liebermann at (402) 390-0556.
1110 N. 66th Street Omaha, NE 68132 | phoenixacademyomaha.org
Family Housing Advisory Services (FHAS) (www.fhasinc.org) helps families 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. please visit: www.fhasinc.org or call (402) 934-7921
“Touching Lives…Making a Difference”
Assistance League® of Omaha (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 & 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. Donations and grants are needed. Serving Omaha since 1974, ALO returns 100% of proceeds after expenses to the community. Call (402) 342-4288 or visit www.alomaha.org for more information.
Grief’s Journey (formerly Ted E. Bear Hollow) (www.griefsjourney.org) 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.
What is a BBB Accredited Business?
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. Today, it is supported by over 9,000 BBB Accredited Businesses.
BBB accreditation does not mean that the business’s products or services have been evaluated or endorsed by BBB, or that BBB has made a determination as to the business’s product quality or competency in performing services. It means BBB has concluded that the business meets BBB Standards for Trust and has 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 at 300 N 44th St. #100 in Lincoln.
For more information, please visit bbbinc.org.
We are connectors and coordinators
We connect providers to resources and funding that they may not be able to access on their own. We connect donors to good work that best supports their giving goals. We offer streamlined coordination and communication with school districts, which saves everyone time, money, and stress.
We are cheerleaders
We know that out of school time providers are doing what they do best – providing great programs and activities for our community’s youth. We are here to cheer them on, to advocate on their behalf to donors, the school district, and lawmakers, and to provide professional development, feedback, and assessment tools.
We are building a community-wide system
We are the entity that brings the right people to the table and guides the growth and development of the out of school time community.
For more information go to www.collectiveforyouth.org or call (402) 932-2025
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 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% by 2020, while reducing deaths from heart disease and stroke by 20%. 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.
Launch Leadership (launchleadership.org) provides leadership training for middle school and high school students. For more than 50 years, we’ve empowered young leaders that build better schools and communities.
Everything we do is focused on helping students find out who they are and how they lead. Then, we challenge them to think about how they can apply what they’ve learned to the real world. The result is a community infused with motivated, focused, ambitious young leaders.
Our Summer Leadership Workshop brings together over 500 students for an action-packed week of fun activities and lifelong lessons. We also facilitate services throughout the school year, including One-Day Workshops and Leadership Retreats.
Our all-volunteer staff is composed of college students, professional educators and professionals from other walks of life. Most staff members are alumni of our services, and they joined Launch in part to help build the next generation of leaders. Call (402) 437-0011 to find our more.
The Nonprofit Association of the Midlands (NAM) (www.nonprofitam.org) was formed with one goal in mind: to help nonprofit organizations help their communities. NAM was incorporated in 2002, and CEO Anne Hindery has led the organization since 2008. “We serve and strengthen nonprofits of all sizes and missions in Nebraska and western Iowa. By connecting organizations with information, education, advocacy and collaboration, we help our members representing health and human services, the arts, education and other areas focus their energy to better help the communities and people they serve,” said Hindery.
NAM has 437 members in Nebraska and western Iowa. It’s offering a new, six-week training series called Board Masters. The training program gives new and experienced nonprofit board members the skills and tools they need to successfully implement their organizations’ missions.
Other NAM programs include the Nonprofit Summit of the Midlands, DriveTime Networking, the Nonprofit Executive Institute as well as many diverse training opportunities.
NAM is also recognized as the State Association for Nebraska by the National Council of Nonprofits, the nation’s largest network of nonprofits.
You can learn more about NAM at www.nonprofitam.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.
Together, we can end child abuse. Project Harmony (www.projectharmony.com) 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.
Founded in 1993, we are a nationally-recognized 501c3 nonprofit working with the National Cancer Institute and pharmaceutical companies to provide breakthrough treatments to cancer patients using clinical trials which we bring to the local community settings here in Nebraska. Every day we get closer to the cure.
Why Cancer Clinical Trials are Important
- They lead to the discovery of new cancer treatments and cures
- They can improve the health of participating cancer patients
- They benefit future generations, impacting thousands of lives
- When our research is shared – across the state and around the globe – we get closer to the cure even faster
We succeed in our work due to the collaborative support of our experienced physicians, hospitals, clinics, donors, and patients in communities across the state of Nebraska. And we share in the collective belief that there is always something more we can do.
Visit our site at www.cancerallianceofnebraska.org
Nebraska State Stroke Association’s (www.nebraskastroke.org) mission is “The prevention of stroke through education for Nebraskans of all ages as well as to maximize quality of life for all Nebraska stroke survivors and their families.”
Nebraskans of all ages are experiencing strokes. In this fast-paced world, we are often surprised by the age of individual that arrives at the emergency room with signs and symptoms of a stroke.
KNOW THE STROKE WARNING SIGNS:
• Sudden numbness or weakness of face, arm, leg—especially on one side of the body • Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding • Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination • Sudden severe headache with no known cause
If you experience any of the above, call 911 immediately.
Nebraska State Stroke Association is totally funded by donations and all money stays in Nebraska. Check out Nebraska State Stroke Association at www.nebraskastroke.org for events related to stroke awareness. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. If you are interested in hosting a stroke awareness program, please contact us at hello@nebraskastroke.org.
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 Home for Children (www.cedarskids.org).
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 70th anniversary, candid photos and heartwarming stories of children finding safety, stability and enduring family have been collected into a new historical book. Visit www.cedars-kids.org/historicalbook to learn more.
For more information call (402) 434-KIDS (5437) or visit www.cedarskids.org.
Through a growing network of ambitious people, Nebraska Community Foundation (NebraskaHometown.org) is helping local leaders unleash the abundant assets and talents within their own place to build stronger, more prosperous communities across the state. Using philanthropy as a tool for community development, NCF works with organizations and individuals every day to plan the charitable gifts and legacies that make dreams come true.
In just the past five years, donors have invested more than $125 million in Nebraska schools, hospitals, community centers, libraries, fire and rescue units, parks and recreation, youth programs and our natural environment through Nebraska Community Foundation. NCF isn’t your typical community foundation. All grantmaking decisions are made by local affiliated fund leaders in communities across the state. NCF serves over 250 Nebraska hometowns and supports 1,500 volunteer leaders through training, financial management, donor education, and planning for a brighter future.
Visit NebraskaHometown.org, call (402) 323-7330 or email info@nebcommfound.org for more information.
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.
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 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 32,500 scholarships have been awarded and valued at nearly $33 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 22 Nebraska-based affiliates of nationally recognized health charities dedicated to improving the lives of those affected by a chronic health condition. This year, we have added Team Jack Foundation, Autism Action Partnership and Nebraska Community Blood Bank to our team. In Omaha, we are proud to partner with United Way of the Midlands, as we know working together makes our community stronger.
CHC-NE raises vital funds through workplace giving campaigns, corporate matching funds, individual gifts and foundation contributions to benefit these health charities. 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. 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
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.