New year means new opportunities to give back and get involved! At Strictly Business, we believe it is so important to support our local nonprofits. Not only do nonprofits help enrich Nebraskan life, but they also create jobs and give workers, volunteers, and donors alike a connection to something greater than themselves. Nebraska’s nonprofit sector provides about 10% of private sector jobs in our state. When we pitch in to help nonprofits, we’re helping our communities and neighbors and keeping a culture of humanity, art, and philanthropy alive.
Though we are still dealing with setbacks from COVID, the community continues to be generous. This was evident through 2021’s Giving Tuesday. On November 30, individuals across the area came together and donated more than five million dollars to charities and organizations around the metro. According to Share Omaha, $5.49 million was collected for 650 organizations. Last year’s effort during the pandemic collected $3.16 million. In 2019, the total was $1.67 million. Some gave more than money as well—more than 500 volunteer hours served throughout that day.
We need to continue doing our part to help the community by investing in our nonprofits in any way we can. That doesn’t always mean monetary donations. There are many ways to give back and get involved, such as participating in or hosting a donation drive at your business, volunteering your skills and talents, and spreading awareness by sharing needs from nonprofits on your social media channels.
This Supporting Nonprofits feature is a place to recognize some of these amazing organizations and the work they’re doing locally. Readers should keep these nonprofits in mind when they’re choosing to give back to Omaha this year. Whether you choose to donate your own time or to give back through your business, supporting any of these nonprofits will have positive ripple effects in the lives of fellow Nebraskans.
Sunflower Haven (sunflower-haven.com) is a new nonprofit organization aspiring to build a hospice ranch to serve patients and families in the Omaha community. The idea comes from founder, Alicia Torres, after seeking to serve a population that often falls through the cracks. Many times, hospice patients either reside in their own homes with family caregivers or reside in some form of nursing facility. The team at Sunflower Haven strives to serve patients in the middle. Our future home will welcome Omaha hospice patients with 8 bedrooms, 24-hour care, family suites to welcome loved ones to stay on property, and a rustic farm-style concept. Our ranch will also host a barn complete with farm animals. We understand the importance of continuing to be served by the hospice company of choice. This is why our staff are available 24-7, but the area hospices are welcome in our home at anytime to ensure all needs are met. Continuity of care is crucial during such a vulnerable time and we are in the process of developing great relationships with the current hospice organizations in the community. Our home can be a place for short-term stays, as well as a comfortable home to be surrounded by family at end of life. We cannot wait to serve the Omaha community. Please reach out to Alicia Torres at admin@sunflower-haven.com or check out our website at sunflower-haven.com for any questions or interest in becoming part of our incredible team.
The mission of Midlands Latino Community Development Corporation (MLCDC, www.midlandslatinocdc.org) is to provide low- and moderate-income individuals and families with opportunities and tools to achieve financial stability through entrepreneurship.
MLCDC is a nonprofit organization that focuses on teaching Latinos and refugees leadership skills to create diverse and inclusive businesses. MLCDC focuses on enhancing the life of individuals in the Midlands while reducing poverty and increasing economic growth in local communities.
MLCDC’s programs and services are provided in Spanish, English, and Arabic and cover areas of financial stability, industry training, entrepreneurship and leadership, and lending. The lending program provides business loans to entrepreneurs that are unable to secure capital from financial institutions to start or expand their businesses.
During 2020, MLCDC has benefited more than 200 families and impacted more than 500 individuals in Omaha, Lincoln, and Council Bluffs through financial education and business planning, enabling successful entrepreneurship. To learn more, visit www.midlandslatinocdc.org or call (402) 933-4466.
The Team Jack Foundation (teamjackfoundation.org) exists to raise much needed funds for impactful childhood brain cancer research to make a difference in treatment outcomes for children. Since 2013, the Foundation has raised over $9.1 million for local and national research. Our mission remains to find gentler, targeted treatments that attack brain cancer without lifelong debilitating side effects and ultimately to fund a cure. Nebraska has the fifth highest incidence of childhood brain tumors in the country and, even more alarming, ranks number one in mortality for this disease. With the support of all our incredible donors from across the country, since our inception, the Team Jack Foundation has committed $8.675 million to childhood brain cancer research. This includes a $6.5 million commitment to the University of Nebraska Medical Center and Children’s Hospital & Medical Center to develop a child brain tumor program.
Through a growing grassroots network of volunteers who hail from every corner or the state, Nebraska Community Foundation (NCF, NebraskaHometown.org) unleashes abundant local assets, inspires charitable giving, and connects ambitious people to build stronger communities and a Greater Nebraska.
Headquartered in Lincoln with employees working from hometowns all across the state, Nebraska Community Foundation provides financial management, strategic development, donor education, and training in partnership with 1,500 volunteers over serving 270 Nebraska communities. In the last five years, 45,915 contributions were made to NCF and its affiliated funds. Since 1994, NCF has reinvested $423 million in Nebraska’s people and places. For information, visit NebraskaHometown.org or call (402) 323-7330.
People living with vision loss get the skills and resources they need to lead independent, fully engaged lives from the Outlook Enrichment (outlooken.org) programs you fund. Using computers and smartphones without vision becomes easy with technology training from Outlook. Recreational, cultural, and social activities become possible again with a few adaptations. Those new to vision loss—whether their own or a loved one’s—find practical and emotional support from Outlook during their transition.
Outlook Enrichment’s mission is to create opportunities for people living with vision loss to achieve personal and professional growth in an inclusive community. We help people living with vision loss and blindness live life independently, confidently engage in their communities, and continue to do the things they love through our programs.
Your gifts help us change the outcomes for people with limited vision. Help us celebrate that there is vision beyond sight for each of them. Easily make a donation at outlooken.org/donate.
The Rose Theater (www.rosetheater.org) is committed to enriching the lives of children and families through live theater and arts education. With live performances of plays and musicals specifically for children and a wide range of classes designed to inspire budding performing artists, a lifelong love of theater starts at The Rose.
The Rose is one of the largest and most accomplished children’s theaters in the nation. American Theatre magazine named The Rose one of the top 20 children’s theaters in the country. The theater presents a variety of family-friendly productions on its main stage each year. The Rose’s First Stage series features plays specifically for very young children in a smaller, shush-free, sensory-friendly
environment. In addition, students from age two to 18 can participate in performing arts classes such as creative drama, dance, musical theater, acting, voice, and more. For more information, visit
www.rosetheater.org or call (402) 345-4849.
The mission of the Jennie Edmundson (JE, www.jehfoundation.org) Foundation is to improve the quality of life by caring for the body and mind. Jennie Edmundson Foundation is the fundraising arm of Methodist Jennie Edmundson (MJE) Hospital. By engaging philanthropic leaders, they are able to help make certain that the equipment, facilities, programs, services, and educational initiatives at JE continue to meet community needs.
The JE Foundation relies on donations and grants from the community. These funds help their COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund, Behavioral Health, Cancer Center, Cardiac Center, Women’s
Services, Charitable Patient Care Fund, Medi-Bus Transportation, and Scholarship Funds, to name a few. Generous contributions provide care, education and services to many who may not otherwise have access to healthcare services. Individual or planned gifts, memorials, or becoming an event, corporate sponsor or yearend donor are also a few ways to help.
Becoming a JE Adult Volunteer gives you the opportunity to be involved in many facets of volunteerism. It is a wonderful way to meet new people, develop new skills and interests, and be
rewarded through the experiences of helping patients, family members, and hospital staff.
To find out more about the Jennie Edmundson Foundation and how you can get involved, call (712) 396-6040 or visit www.jehfoundation.org.
The Malone Community Center (MaloneCenter.org) was founded in 1955 through a reorganization of the Lincoln Urban league. Initially founded during a time in history when civil rights for African Americans were extremely limited, the league founders, both black and white, were determined to improve social and economic conditions and increase understanding between all races. They believed that enhanced understanding between all groups of people would create a better community.
For decades, the Malone Center has served neighboring families, youth, seniors, and the Lincoln community through programs and initiatives that extend well beyond the community center to uphold their mission to end multigenerational poverty. Their holistic community programming reflects their commitment to advancing equality through education, health initiatives, community outreach, advocacy, and leadership development.
The Malone Community Center offers a Early Achievers Academy, which is leveling the playing field by providing a high-quality early education for low-income families. They are committed to ensuring
students are prepared to succeed. Now enrolling: full-day early childhood education program, open 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. This program is in collaboration with the University of Nebraska – Lincoln and Ruth Staples Child Development Laboratory. For more information, please visit MaloneCenter.org or call (402) 474-1110.
Nonprofit Association of the Midlands (NAM, www.nonprofitam.org) is a state association that represents more than 700 nonprofit organizations in Nebraska and southwest Iowa. NAM strengthens the collective voice, leadership, and capacity of nonprofits to enrich the quality of community life throughout Nebraska and Western Iowa. With NAM’s growing base of nonprofits, the organization is committed to enhancing public recognition of the importance and role of the nonprofit sector; providing access to high-quality assistance and information on effective nonprofit management and practices; advocating on issues that affect the capacity of all nonprofits to address their communities’ needs; and fostering communication and cooperation among nonprofits. NAM also is recognized as the State Association for Nebraska by the National Council of Nonprofits, the nation’s largest network of nonprofits. To learn more, visit www.nonprofitam.org.
At the Heartland Hope Mission (heartlandhopemission.org) South Omaha and Millard food pantries, working poor families choose a week’s supply of nutritious groceries including milk, frozen meat, and fresh produce to prepare well-balanced meals at home. However, Heartland Hope Mission is more than a pantry. Clients also receive clothing, hygiene items, diapers, and access to a Client Service Specialist who assists with SNAP (food stamp) applications and navigational services. The Mission’s Jobs Paths Program provides access to current job postings and on-site interviews with employers. The goal is to provide programming and wraparound services to prevent families from becoming homeless and to help people achieve or rebuild self-sufficiency. Due to COVID-19, Heartland Hope Mission is now serving almost double the amount of families compared to last year. Learn more at heartlandhopemission.org or call (402) 733-1904.
Youth Emergency Services (YES, www.yesomaha.org) is the only nonprofit in Omaha with the sole mission to help youth experiencing homelessness and near-homelessness in
the community. Last year, YES provided support and services to more than 1,000 youth in the
Omaha metro. YES also provided 4,338 meals to youth through their Street Outreach Center and Mobile Pantry during the pandemic. Many of these youth have been physically, emotionally, or sexually abused, making it unsafe for them to return home. Without YES, these vulnerable young people cannot succeed independently.
YES offers a full continuum of care to ensure all youth receive the support they need, no matter their situation. This includes the Street Outreach Center, Emergency Shelter, Transitional Living Program, Maternity Group Home and Rapid Rehousing. Through these programs, YES offers case management, job readiness classes, group activities, support for the LGBTQ+ community and specialized services for trafficked survivors. To ensure youth are successful once they leave their care, YES requires the youth to set short- and long-term goals; be enrolled in school; have a job, or both; and do community service. For more information about YES’ programs, please visit www.yesomaha.org or call (402) 345-5187. You can also find them on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram.
CenterPointe (www.centerpointe.org) serves the community by offering 40 programs including mental health and substance use treatment, primary care services, rehabilitation, medication management, 24-hour crisis response, and housing. There is no wrong door to walk through to start the journey of recovery. Most of those served experience severe and persistent mental illness, addiction, and health issues. Nearly all are low or no income. CenterPointe was the first organization in Nebraska to employ a “housing first” model in which people with mental illness and addiction issues are housed first, then engaged for treatment services. Today, CenterPointe operates more than 200 units of supported housing. We welcome all sexual orientations and gender identities. Guided by our holistic approach of open arms and open minds and by our steadfast belief that every person has the ability to recover, we are helping people get better, sooner, for longer. Learn more online at www.centerpointe.org or by calling (402) 475-8717.
Wear Yellow Nebraska (WearYellowNebraska.org) provides service, support, and community for Nebraska’s cancer survivors. Their purpose, from the very beginning, is to bring together people passionate about cycling, celebrating life, and being an advocate in the fight against cancer. Since the organization’s beginning days, Wear Yellow Nebraska has continued to grow and cultivate their mission and vision. In 2012, they launched a free transportation program, which has raised more than $350,000 dollars to provide more than 15,600 cab rides to cancer patients in need.
The Wear Yellow Cab Ride program, Powered by Lyft, is the primary initiative of the organization and is funded by their signature event, the Wear Yellow Ride, Fun Run & Walk. Transportation to and from treatment is essential because patients are often unable to drive themselves, which also leaves them vulnerable to additional medical challenges. Even when patients have family and friends who can help, they are not always available and sometimes they just don’t want to ask for one more thing.
Wear Yellow Nebraska touches lives in Lincoln, Omaha, and Fremont—help them keep growing! Learn more online at WearYellowNebraska.org.
Mosaic in Omaha’s (www.mosaicinfo.org/locations/nebraska/omaha) purpose is to “love and serve,” and its mission is to “embrace God’s call to relentlessly pursue opportunities to empower people.” The values woven through our work to serve those with intellectual and developmental disabilities and others with diverse needs are Belonging, Connection, Faithfulness, and especially Grit during these challenging times.
“To empower” at Mosaic means helping those we serve achieve their best or most meaningful life by providing truly specialized services to help them achieve their goals and dreams; working with those we serve to have closer ties to the community to open up volunteer and employment opportunities for them; and Mosaic standing alongside those we serve to advocate with and for them to bring awareness to issues that affect their lives and promote public policy that positively impacts them.
This empowerment of people we support ranges from helping someone communicate for the first time to helping another gain enough independence to secure a job and live in their own home. If you would like to learn more or to donate, please visit www.mosaicinfo.org/locations/nebraska/omaha.
The American Heart Association (www.heart.org/Omaha) is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives—devoted to saving people from two of the nation’s top killers: heart disease (No. 1) and stroke (No. 5).
Powered by millions of volunteers, global and local collaborators, their goal is equitably increase
worldwide healthy life expectancy from 64 to at least 67 years by 2030.
Through events right here in Omaha like the Heart Walk, Go Red for Women, and Heart Ball, the American Heart Association is making an impact. For more information, visit www.heart.org/Omaha.
Christian Record Services, Inc. (www.christianrecord.org). located in Lincoln, is a ministry of compassion of the Seventh-day Adventist Church to children and adults who are blind, with nearly 18,000 members throughout the United States and in countries around the world. Our mission is to empower people who are blind to engage their communities and embrace the Blessed Hope.
Christian Record Services offers an array of services and programs, including Bible study lessons, books, magazines, and Bibles in audio, braille, and large print from a library of more than 2,000 titles. Members also have the opportunity to deepen social, educational, and spiritual connections through PhoneFaith, scholarships for higher education, and National Camps for Blind Children. These services and programs are free of charge to people who are legally blind, regardless of spiritual beliefs or faith background. For more information, visit www.christianrecord.org, call (402) 488-0981, or email info@christianrecord.org.
Do Space (dospace.org) is a free, one-of-a-kind technology space, digital workshop, and experimental playground designed to tackle the digital divide in Omaha. We help boost digital skills and drive innovation, creativity, and invention in the region. It’s more than just a building—it’s a community technology movement. At Do Space, Omahans have access to powerful fiber internet, Wi-Fi, high-end computers and devices, 3D printers, and technology-focused learning opportunities.
Do Space offers a variety of programs and events to serve the community at no cost. From beginner to advanced, toddlers to senior citizens, we offer something for all ages and levels of experience. Find our upcoming classes at dospace.org/calendar. Learn more at dospace.org.
Vision Maker Media (VMM, visionmakermedia.org) is the premier source of public media by and about Native Americans since 1976. Our mission is empowering and engaging Native people to share stories. We envision a world changed and healed by understanding Native stories and the public conversations they generate. We work with VMM funded producers to develop, produce and distribute programs for all public media. VMM supports training to increase the number of American Indians and Alaska Natives producing public broadcasting programs. A key strategy for this work is in partnerships with Tribal nations, Indian organizations and Native communities. Reaching the national public and a global market is the ultimate goal for the dissemination of Native public media that shares Native perspectives with the world.
Vision Maker Media is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) funded in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), For more information visit visionmakermedia.org.
Rejuvenating Women (rejuvenatingwomen.com) is a nonprofit organization providing hope and restoration to victims and survivors of human trafficking by empowering survivors to lead healthy, independent lives. They are committed to developing long-lasting relationships with the women who have experienced significant trauma. They raise awareness of human trafficking in Omaha and surrounding communities. Their team of dedicated staff and volunteers invest in the lives of each individual living in the residential home as well as those participating in other programs and services that they offer.
Rejuvenating Women believes in a multidisciplinary team approach and tailoring the best possible care for each survivor and prevention of future human trafficking. Trauma Informed Care (TIC), supports safety, choice, collaboration, trustworthiness and empowerment. This is achieved through
curriculum integration and honoring diverse perspectives. Providing clients with knowledge, tools, support, and empowerment allows clients to heal from the past and thrive in the future. Rejuvenating Women’s short and long-term residential recovery program is free-of-charge to survivors. Types of programs and services offered:
• Tier 1, Short-Term Housing — A multitude of services including case management for new short-term transitional housing assistance for up to 90-days.
• Tier 2, Long-Term Housing — Residential therapeutic program includes, but is not limited to individual and group therapy, case management, mentorship, legal services, tattoo branding removal, equine therapy, occupational therapy services, life-skills classes, and receive comprehensive medical care. This tier requires a commitment to the program for 18–24 months.
• Mentoring Program — One-to-one mentorship program that includes an individualized healthy relationship-building approach.
• Virtual Case Consultation — Created during the COVID-19 crisis. Case Consultation is done virtually for those unable to physically attend the Rejuvenating Women program.
Learn more about Rejuvenating Women online at rejuvenatingwomen.com or call 1-(800) 402-0601.
At Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC, rmhcomaha.org) in Omaha, we know that oftentimes, it’s the little things that provide the most comfort. A hot cup of coffee in the morning. The smell of clean laundry. The feeling of a fresh haircut. A sweet taste of hand-crafted ice cream. Just like you, our families appreciate those little things in our House, as well as crawling into a warm bed after a long day in a hospital room. The taste of a home-cooked meal, even while far from home. A calming voice saying, “It’ll be okay.” When families travel to Omaha for their child’s medical care, they need those little things to get through it. They find them at Ronald McDonald House Charities in Omaha: Where the little things make the biggest difference.
As a support arm of Omaha-area hospitals, RMHC provides 40 family guest rooms and more than 14,600 lodging nights annually inclusive of warm beds, hot showers, meals, laundry facilities, family-friendly kitchens, playrooms, and a playground—all the basic essentials of home. Additionally, RMHC provides wrap-around services delivered by community partners such as a hair salon, financial support, educational programming, mindfulness and yoga, birthday celebrations, a House therapy dog, as well as healing through the arts. These activities are designed to promote hope and healing through ongoing engagement and participation. The cost to provide our services is approximately $120 per night, per family. Families are asked to donate $20 per night, but no family is ever turned away due to an inability to contribute. To learn more, visit rmhcomaha.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 917 safe shelter beds to homeless men, women, and children; serves over 4,747 nutritious meals; and provides homeless preventive measures to more than 1,000 people living in poverty.
Visit www.opendoormission.org or call (402) 422-1111 to see how you can make a difference in the community.
Cross Training Center (www.crosstc.com) exemplifies the message “If you feed a man a fish, you feed him for a day. If you teach a man to fish, you feed him for a lifetime.” Their program equips unemployed and undereducated adults through vocational training and work experience. Students learn to overcome barriers to employment caused by challenging backgrounds and circumstances, such as homelessness, incarceration, emotional trauma, and generational poverty.
Cross Training Center believes each person, no matter their past or current circumstances, can be set up for success. Through its four owned businesses––Cross Electronic Recycling, Redeemed Computers, Cross Automotive, and Cross Social Hall––students gain industry-specific skills and soft skills to prepare them for a career path. To learn more, visit www.crosstc.com or call (402) 590-2100.
Established in 1972, Santa Monica House (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 12-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. Santa Monica provides Intermediate Residential, a halfway house program, followed by a three-quarters way house program and transitional apartment living. This approach to step-down levels of care for the women provides 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 Santa Monica’s new website at www.santamonicahouse.org for more information about the agency, what the future holds, and how to help.
FAMILY, Inc. (www.familyia.org) is an early childhood and public health organization with a mission to engage and educate our community, inspiring a healthy future through literacy, family and public health services. At FAMILY, Inc. we envision a resilient community built on strong partnerships and trust with equitable opportunities to thrive.
FAMILY, Inc. provides the right supports and services for each child at the earliest stages of development, prenatally through age five, preparing children to enter school ready to learn. Through early developmental assessment, oral health education and screening, support to pregnant moms, parenting home visits, care coordination, connections to hawki health insurance, fostering informal support networks, and more, FAMILY, Inc. partners with each family leading to more successful outcomes decades later. What better investment for the future can a community make?
To learn more, visit www.familyia.org or call (712) 256-9566. FAMILY, Inc. can also be found on Facebook (@familyincia), Twitter (@FAMILYIowa), LinkedIn (@familyinc), and YouTube (FAMILYonYouTube).
Child Saving Institute (CSI, childsaving.org) is dedicated to the prevention, intervention and healing of childhood abuse, neglect and trauma. Since its beginning more than 129 years ago, CSI’s primary focus has always been children’s safety and well-being. As an innovative leader in children’s services, CSI’s programs include an Emergency Shelter for youth in crisis, quality Early Childhood Education, consultation services for low-income childcare centers, Foster Care services, foster parent training, Mental Health Services including Pediatric & Adolescent Therapy and Medication Management Services, In-Home Services for struggling families, Pediatric Social Work services in local low-income medical clinics, Independent Living Skills (ILS)education for youth aging out of the foster care system, free parenting workshops, and adoption services. The agency also operates the Triage Center at Project Harmony, providing a comfortable environment, food, and new clothing to children who have been abruptly removed from their homes in crisis.
CSI’s programs are diverse and continue to adjust to the current needs of children and families in the Omaha community. With your support, CSI serves more than 2,800 kids and families each year and touches thousands more, improving children’s lives—helping them discover the joy of childhood that every child should experience. For more information, visit childsaving.org or call (402) 553-6000. Stay connected with CSI by following the organization on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Angels Among Us (www.myangelsamongus.org) provides financial and emotional support to families whose children are battling pediatric cancer. Any family living in or being treated in Nebraska is eligible to apply. Once approved, families are provided with $500 a month for the length of their entire treatment plan, up to three years, to help them stay financially stable during treatment. Funds are paid directly to the creditor, which ensures that funds are used for their intended purpose.
In addition to financial support, Angels Among Us is launching many emotional support programs for the entire family in 2022. Programs for teens, kids, siblings, caregivers, events for the family to attend together and bereavement support services will all be offered. Research has shown that along with the financial toxicity many families experience during a cancer journey, that there are PTSD-like symptoms that also appear within the family. These emotional support programs will allow for Angels Among Us to better fulfil its mission of BOTH financial and emotional support.
Since 2006, Angels Among Us has assisted over 550 families with over $3.1 million in support. There are angels among us. Will you be one? Gifts of any amount are welcome and encouraged. There is strength in numbers. There is also hope, help, and monetary relief. For more information, contact Angels Among Us at (402) 934-0999 or visit the website at www.myangelsamongus.org.
The mission of the American Red Cross (redcross.org) is to prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors. The Red Cross shelters, feeds, and provides emotional support to victims of disasters from home fires to major events such as hurricanes, floods, or tornadoes. About 40% of the nation’s blood needed by patients is supplied by the Red Cross. The organization teaches skills such as CPR and First Aid that save lives. Additionally, the Red Cross provides international humanitarian aid and supports military members, veterans, and their families.
Every day, the American Red Cross is active in the community, serving those in need. Visit redcross.org or call 1-(800) REDCROSS to support Red Cross efforts by volunteering, donating financially or giving blood.
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.
Did you know…Midlands Community Foundation (MCF, www.midlandscommunity.org) helps donors achieve their philanthropic goals and “Invest in the Power of Community.”
MCF plays an integral part in the community by serving Sarpy and Cass counties in the areas of health, arts, community, economic development, education, and human services. For example, MCF:
• Helps provide shelter for the homeless and stocks shelves at local
food banks;
• Underwrites scholarships for college-bound students;
• Maintains and supports local libraries;
• Updates parks and recreational areas;
• Provides new technology for schools and nonprofit organizations;
• Treats school children to educational field trips
• Support STEM initiatives; and
• Assists in emergency disaster relief for affected victims.
In addition, MCF manages 150 charitable funds that serve an array of needs. This past year, more than $1.3 million has been distributed into the community through these charitable funds, MCF grants, and discretionary gifts. Learn more at www.midlandscommunity.org.
Located in South Omaha, Stephen Center (stephencenter.org) partners with the community, families, and individuals to overcome homelessness, addiction, and poverty. Approximately 250 people call Stephen Center home each day through three programs on a sober campus. The Pettigrew Emergency Shelter serves men, women, and children experiencing homelessness. The HERO Program (Health, Empowerment, Responsibility, and Opportunity) is a nationally accredited, state-licensed substance abuse treatment, and mental health services program providing substance abuse evaluations, in patient services, and intensive outpatient treatment. The third program is Permanent Supportive Housing apartments. These apartments provide affordable housing for those that meet income and disability qualifications. All Stephen Center clients have the support of case managers who assist them with the identification of barriers impeding self-sufficiency. Volunteers play a huge role in Stephen Center’s mission, impacting client lives every day! For more information, visit stephencenter.org or follow on Facebook (@stephencenteromaha).
Many Omaha children and families are struggling with the devastating effects of multiple crises and trauma. Thus, the mission of Release (www.releaseinc.org) is to affect these youth and their families with the life-changing message of Jesus Christ, helping them to become…Safe, Together, Healthy, and Free. They do so by providing an array of services in four areas of focus.
• Mentoring: Connecting caring adults
with youth seeking positive influences.
• Foster Care: Providing loving homes for the most vulnerable in
our community.
• Social Work: Helping families navigate the system to find
restoration.
• Mental Health: Bringing healing and wholeness to individuals
and families.
Release is a member of the National Family Preservation Network, and all their workers are trained specifically in cultural competency and crisis intervention management.
Opportunities for helping Release transform lives in our community include volunteering as a mentor, becoming a foster parent, joining Friends of Release for monthly projects helping families, and becoming a monthly financial supporter. For more information, call (402) 455-0808, email info@releaseinc.org, or visit www.releaseinc.org.
Autism Action Partnership (autismaction.org) serves Nebraska’s autism community through targeted programs that promote support, inclusion, and prosperity.
SUPPORT: We are committed to connecting individuals and families to needed resources over their lifespan, offering services (like Project Lifesaver) to enhance the safety of those with autism, and helping to cultivate a strong social network through Making Memories events and the AAP Guild.
INCLUSION: Our inclusion efforts aim to create more understanding and increased opportunities for the autism community to live enriched lived. AAP provides comprehensive trainings to businesses and partners on how to support and welcome individuals with autism and their loved ones.
PROSPERITY: We help to answer the question of “what’s next” as autistic individuals enter adulthood. Through our Prosper Workforce Services program, we meet the needs of employers and participants by matching individuals to positions that meet their interests and address employers’ needs, while providing necessary support and training.
To learn more about Autism Action Partnership, visit autismaction.org or call (402) 763-8830.
Kids Can Community Center’s (KidsCan.org) mission is to educate, engage, and inspire children through early childhood care and out-of-school experiences. Kids Can serves children ages 18 months to 13 years old. They 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 for their 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.
For more information about Kids Can Community Center, visit KidsCan.org, call (402) 731-6988, or email jgillman@kidscan.org.
Eastern Nebraska Community Action Partnership (ENCAP, www.encapnebraska.org) is a nonprofit community based organization that has been providing social and human services to people facing poverty since 1965. Last year, ENCAP provided more than 34,291 services to nearly 10,000 people living in Douglas and Sarpy Counties. ENCAP is a member of a national network of over 1,000 Community Action Agencies dedicated to providing programming that meets community needs, that responds to the voices of the low-income community, and that demonstrates continuous quality improvement. ENCAP’s service areas include: Emergency rent and utility assistance, family well-being via community response, senior well-being, hunger relief (via Omaha and Bellevue Food Pantries) transportation For more information, please visit www.encapnebraska.org.
NALA (nalarescue.org) is a 100% volunteer-based organization steadfast in its commitment to changing the way society thinks about animals, animal rescues, and the impact animals have on humans. They strive to match homeless animals with people who can provide loving homes where both will enjoy the benefits of this companionship.
NALA provides all vaccinations, heartworm testing, spays/neuters, and microchipping. From rehoming healthy felines and canines to caring for the sickest of the sick, NALA is there! Besides routine care, they do so much more such as bottle-feeding newborns, treating illnesses like parvo, distemper, heartworm, ringworm, surgeries, and behavior training/support.
In addition to monetary donations, NALA needs foster homes, event volunteers, transporters, etc. They need it all! They hope that someday there will not be a need for their animal services for the sick, neglected, abused, and unwanted, but until that day, NALA will be there with open homes, hearts, and arms. To learn more, visit nalarescue.org.
What began as a mother’s wish to offer a playful respite for her daughter fighting brain cancer has now become a movement to reclaim the innocence and playfulness of childhood for those threatened by the realities of their medical conditions. Bags of Fun (bagsoffunomaha.org) are an essential tool that brings the power of play and distraction from pain into the lives of children fighting a life-threatening illness. Each bag of happiness is individually crafted to provide joy, laughter, and relief to children in the fight of their lives—inspiring pediatric patients to be kids and play while they struggle through tough treatments.
It was Gabby Krause’s wish that every child at the hospital could have their own Bag of Fun, and it is an honor to carry out her wish! Bringing a sense of normalcy, especially during these times, is something everyone could benefit from.
Since beginning in Omaha in September 2019, Bags of Fun has delivered over 300 Bags of Fun to kids! The nonprofit is excited for what the future has to hold, especially with the immense support they have already experienced in the community. “The body cannot heal without PLAY, the mind cannot heal without LAUGHTER, the heart cannot heal without COMMUNITY.” Visit bagsoffunomaha.org to learn more about the Bags of Fun mission.
The mission of the Nebraska Safety Council (nesafetycouncil.org) is simple: For more than 60 years, they have provided education and leadership to empower people to live safe and healthy. The Nebraska Safety Council’s comprehensive programs, training courses, events, and services are designed to improve employee care at a desk, on the production floor, behind the wheel, and off the job. Their unique Worker 360° approach provides integrated risk management to improve overall worker quality of life and positively impact an organization’s bottom line.
Members of the Nebraska Safety Council include organizations throughout Nebraska and surrounding areas, across a variety of industries. There is no one-size-fits-all option. Each company’s safety and well-being program is customized for their needs and size.
Demonstrate your commitment to employee safety and health by becoming a member of the Nebraska Safety Council. You will receive access to training, guidance, and resources to establish or enhance your safety and wellness programs and policies.
The Nebraska Safety Council provides leadership and resources for a safe and healthy workplace and community. To reach their team, call (402) 483-2511 or visit nesafetycouncil.org to learn more.
Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease where a person’s pancreas stops producing insulin, a hormone needed to get energy from food. T1D strikes children and adults suddenly and is unrelated to diet or exercise; at present, there is no cure. JDRF (jdrf.org/nebraskaiowa) works every day to change this reality. As the largest global funder of T1D research, our mission is to improve lives today and tomorrow by accelerating life-changing breakthroughs to cure, prevent and treat T1D and its complications. You can help make a difference by participating, volunteering or fundraising.
Events: JDRF Gala – April 2, 2022 at CHI Health Center Omaha; JDRF TypeOneNation Summit – June 2022; JDRF One Walk – October 2, 2022 at Mahoney State Park.
Programs: Advocacy – Advocate for government support of research and policies for affordable and accessible therapies; Support/Networking Groups (virtual until further notice); Empower1 –
Connecting the adolescent T1D community, on the second Thursday of every month; Give Back at School – School education and fundraising opportunities; Outreach – Resources and support for individuals and families; Ride – Destination cycling experience for all fitness levels; YLC – Young professionals raising awareness and funds for T1D
Learn more at jdrf.org/nebraskaiowa or call (402) 397-2873.
Founded in 1989, BLUEBARN Theatre (bluebarn.org) is dedicated to theatre’s most important tradition: to provoke thought, emotion, action, and change. BLUEBARN has established itself as Omaha’s only professional regional contemporary theatre company. Each year BLUEBARN produces five plays in a season that runs from September through June. Come join BLUEBARN Theatre for Season 33, featuring bold new creations and theatrical events as diverse and surprising as the world we live in. BLUEBARN remains committed, now more than ever, to cheerily subversive experiences that connect us all to our shared humanity. Learn more at bluebarn.org.
MICAH House (www.themicahhouse.org), a homeless shelter in Council Bluffs, has provided safety and security to children, families, and women for more than 30 years. Located on the Charles E. Lakin Human Services Campus, MICAH House serves hundreds of homeless individuals each year – and more than half are children. One focus is to keep families together, while reducing the amount of trauma children experience during a difficult time in their lives. The BUDDY program provides an opportunity for MICAH House children to play, learn, and grow. In January 2019, MICAH House expanded services to include a 26-bed women’s shelter and health care clinic. The shelter offers a therapeutic healing environment and includes a full-time therapist onsite. The three-exam room clinic will allow MICAH House clients and community members access to medical and dental services five days a week. For more information, please visit www.themicahhouse.org.
“Since 1989, Heartland Equine Therapeutic Riding Academy’s (HETRA, www.HETRA.org) mission has been to improve the quality of life both physically and emotionally of adults and children of all ability levels through Equine-Assisted Activities. HETRA proudly offers our participants a variety of services, including Adaptive Riding, Therapy Services, Adaptive Carriage Driving, Life Skills programs, Veteran programs, Equine-Assisted Learning programs, and more. As the only Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH, Intl.) Premier Accredited facility in Nebraska, HETRA employs occupational, mental health, speech, and physical therapists, as well as 16 PATH Intl. Certified Riding Instructors.
HETRA continues its 31+ years of dedication and commitment to its participants with the help of over 200 dedicated volunteers who donate over 26,000 hours annually. HETRA offers year-round programming, works with a herd of over 29 horses, and is situated on 25 beautiful acres in Gretna. Learn more at www.HETRA.org or call (402) 359-8830.”
You know Goodwill Omaha (GoodwillOmaha.org) as a place to donate used clothing and household items or find great bargains. But the mission at the heart of our organization is providing job training and placement services to the community — especially people with disabilities and other barriers.
Here’s how Goodwill works: Donors bring their gently used items to Goodwill. We sell those items in our retail stores and use the proceeds towards our employment programs, which are free to anyone in the community.
Goodwill Omaha offers several employment programs: YouthBuild, Employment Solutions, Work Experience, and AbilityOne,.
Goodwill Omaha is a private, 501(c)(3) not-for-profit agency governed by a local board of trustees. We’re a member agency of Goodwill Industries International of Rockville, Maryland, and accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). For more information about Goodwill Omaha’s programs and our 17 locations, please visit GoodwillOmaha.org.
First Responders put their lives on the line for us each and every day. While everyone else is running away, these brave people are running toward danger/emergencies to save, serve, and protect the people of our community.
The mission of the First Responders Foundation (www.firstrespondersfoundation.org) is to serve and honor all first responders, Veterans, and their families, build appreciation and respect for their work, and enhance public safety.
Programming Includes: Behavioral Health – Support Groups, Spouse Workshops, Resiliency & Peer Support Training, Suicide Prevention and more | Physical Health – Functional Fitness Classes, Gracie Jiu-Jitsu® Omaha, Yoga, Nutrition Classes, etc. | Financial Health – Classes | JAVELAN service dogs for veterans and retired first responders.
Community Programs include: Awards of Excellence Scholarships | Annual Appreciation Lunches | Home Safety Program | National Society of St. Florian & St. Michael.
Major Events: 9/11 Luncheon of Honor | Guns & Hoses Hockey | Guns & Hoses Car Racing
Your financial gifts help provide programming for local first responders, Veterans, and their families. For information or to volunteer, contact Jodi Teal at jodi@firstrespondersfoundation.org / (402) 218-1234. Learn more online at www.firstrespondersfoundation.org.
With Best Care EAP (www.bestcareeap.org) as a business partner, you can provide support to help employees focus on their jobs when problems in their personal lives get overwhelming. Best Care EAP provides a wide variety of wellness and online services that will boost your employees’ productivity and morale. All of their services can be tailored to meet the individual needs of your company.
Professional development opportunities—Best Care EAP offers over 100 training programs in areas of management/leadership, physical/mental well-being, team development and professional/personal growth – all offering the flexibility to be offered at your worksite, virtually or pre-recorded. Customized training options available to you based on your organization’s needs.
Counseling for a wide variety of issues, concerns, and stressors—Their licensed counselors provide one-on-one, couple, and family counseling close to your work or home, plus telehealth options.
Professional help coping with a critical situation—For over 40 years, Best Care EAP has provided immediate support for members during times of crisis. Whether caused by an unexpected injury or death, crime, or environmental/societal impact, Best Care EAP is available to you and your employees with immediate support following a critical incident.
If you are interested in learning more about Best Care EAP or have questions about their services, visit www.bestcareeap.org, call (402) 354-8000 / (800) 801-4182, or email at EAP@BestCareEAP.org.