Supporting Nonprofits
At Strictly Business, we think it is so important to support local nonprofits! Nonprofit organizations play a vital role in maintaining the “Good Life” here in Nebraska. Charitable groups and their staff, along with volunteers and donors, provide essential services and resources all across our state. These organizations also create jobs in our community, allowing many people to fulfill their greater purpose by doing what they love while touching lives and truly making a difference.
As businesspeople, we are invested in the efforts of our local nonprofits because they allow us to cultivate an environment of support and relationship building. One of the keys to engaging local communities is to understand the issues that affect them the most, and nonprofit leaders often understand better than anyone the needs of the community they’re in and the best ways to meet them. When our nonprofits receive enough support to lift them up to the decision-making infrastructure here in Omaha, they can catalyze positive growth and opportunity. Oftentimes, their reach extends beyond city limits to make an impact at the state, national, and/or global level.
Here in the Greater Omaha area, you’ll find many people working together to care for one another, to give a hand up to those in need for the greater good, to protect our environment, and to make our city the best place to live and work it can possibly be. In a community that understands the importance of giving back and places a lot of value in it, you’ll also find it to be a big part of corporate culture here in small and large businesses alike.
There are many reasons why a business should make charitable giving a part of their corporate structure. Not only does it result in tax deductions and free publicity, it increases networking opportunities! If you sponsor a fundraising event and show your support by attending as well, you open the door to meet many other people from around the community who either also support the organization or have been touched by the organization’s efforts.
It doesn’t require a huge corporation with an expendable budget to make a difference. Monetary donations aren’t the only form of giving. There are a variety of ways to support the valuable work that our nonprofits are doing everyday throughout the year, such as hosting a donation drive, volunteering time and skills, participating in special events, helping to raise awareness, and so on. Ultimately, supporting a nonprofit that aligns with the values of your business will generate positivity around your brand.
Since our local nonprofits do their part to help everyone in our community lead happier, healthier, and more fulfilling lives—making our tiny part of the world a better place for all—we want to do our part to bring awareness to their efforts. We do this through our Supporting Nonprofits feature and sharing their exciting news with all our readers throughout the year. We encourage our readers to flag the names, logos, and mission statements of the nonprofits highlighted in this feature. Keep them in mind when considering ways to give to back, whether it’s through your business, referral/tips group, membership-based association, or it’s something you choose to do on your own time.
As consumers, we need to be conscious of our purchasing decisions, staying informed, and choosing to do business with companies that make an effort to support nonprofits in the community. This is something we can all do. Leveraging resources to further reinforce the mission of an organization that you are passionate about has a ripple effect, as does setting an example, participating in events, and getting others involved.
Thank you to all the following nonprofit organizations for all the amazing work you do here in the Omaha area! Together, we can continue to make Omaha the best place to live, work, and play.
We have compiled a list of excellent nonprofits, 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)
Angels Among Us provides financial assistance 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.
When a child is diagnosed with cancer, a family’s life as they know it comes to an abrupt halt. Unfortunately, their monthly expenses do not. Since 2006, Angels Among Us has assisted nearly 450 families with $1.9 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.
Through a growing grassroots network of volunteers who hail from every corner or the state, Nebraska Community Foundation (NCF) unleashes abundant local assets, inspires charitable giving, and connects ambitious people to build stronger communities and a greater Nebraska.
Headquartered in Lincoln with employees working from hometowns all across the state, Nebraska Community Foundation provides financial management, strategic development, donor education, and training in partnership with 1,500 volunteers serving 258 Nebraska communities. In the last five years, 44,476 contributions were made to NCF and its affiliated funds. Since 1994, NCF has reinvested $355.3 million in Nebraska’s people and places. For information, visit NebraskaHometown.org or call (402) 323-7330.
Friendship Program, Inc. is a community-based nonprofit agency dedicated to providing quality services for adults with aging and/or mental health needs in Omaha and surrounding areas. The agency provides three distinct programs: Adult Day, Day Rehabilitation, and Community Support Services. In addition, the agency offers social services, health services, peer support services, transportation, and agency support services as part of wrap-around care. All services are based on the belief that each individual can maximize his or her ability to live independently within the community. Furthermore, the services promote health and wellness including education and activities in areas such as physical fitness, nutrition, mental health, socialization, recreation, and safety.
The name of the agency, “Friendship,” was chosen by participants in 1979 and perfectly describes the programs which offer care, compassion, and companionship to adults. For more than 40 years, Friendship Program has served the Omaha community providing care from the heart. Learn more online at www.friendshipprogram.com or call (402) 393-6911.
Wear Yellow Nebraska 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 directed more than $150,000 dollars in providing more than 9,300 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, 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 Omaha, Fremont, and Lincoln—help them keep growing! Learn more online at WearYellowNebraska.org.
Founded in 1989, Heartland Equine Therapeutic Riding Academy’s (HETRA) mission is to improve the quality of life both physically and emotionally of adults and children of all ability levels through equine assisted activities. Therapeutic Riding, Therapy Services, Carriage Driving, Life Skills, Veterans, and Equine Facilitated Learning programs are at the heart of HETRA’s services. The organization employs occupational, mental health, and physical therapists and 16 PATH Int’l Certified Riding Instructors, and is the only Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International Accredited (PATH) facility in Nebraska.
Today, as a result of over 30 years of dedication and commitment, HETRA serves over 140 participants weekly with the help of over 250 dedicated volunteers who donate over 18,000 hours annually. HETRA offers year-round programming, works with a herd of over 20 horses, and is situated on 25 beautiful acres in Gretna. Learn more at www.HETRA.org or call (402) 359-8830.
For more than 100 years, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) has been helping people find businesses and charities they can trust. People today are overwhelmed with choices—and often unsure about where to find verified, unbiased information. There are more than 32 million businesses in North America alone, and hundreds of thousands of sites around the world where people shop online. Thousands of free and subscription websites offer a range of information, including reviews, reports, directories, listings, and gripe sites. Where can you go to find trusted information?
Last year, people turned to BBB more than 173 million times for BBB Business Profiles on nearly 5.4 million businesses and Charity Reports on 11,000 charities, all available for free on the BBB’s website. Nearly 400,000 BBB Accredited Businesses support BBB’s mission of advancing marketplace trust, and their dues and contributions allow BBB to offer its information and services to consumers at no charge.
The Better Business Bureau offers its services by creating a community of trustworthy businesses through accreditation, setting standards for trust, encouraging and supporting ethical business practices, celebrating community role models, and denouncing substandard marketplace behavior. Learn more by going to www.bbb.org or calling (402) 391-7612.
MENTOR Nebraska is focused on improving the number and quality of mentoring programs available for Nebraska’s youth. For more than 20 years, MENTOR Nebraska has led the mentoring movement to ensure youth and mentors have access to high-quality mentoring experiences. MENTOR Nebraska does this by raising awareness, standards, and numbers around mentoring. In addition, MENTOR Nebraska provides training, support, technical assistance, and background checks to mentoring programs throughout the state.
MENTOR Nebraska’s vision is for every young person to have the supportive relationships they need to grow and develop into thriving, productive, and engaged adults. For that to happen, they need caring adults like you to volunteer your time. Please help them make a difference in someone’s life. Visit MENTORNebraska.org to learn how you can become a mentor.
OHB (Omaha Home for Boys) has served as a pillar of hope for at-risk youth and families for 100 years! What began as an orphanage for young boys in 1920 has evolved into an organization serving more than 500 youth, young adults, and families annually.
OHB’s continuum of care is aimed at empowering individuals and families with the skills and confidence needed to transition from a state of crisis to one of safety and growth. OHB’s programs focus on helping clients achieve self-sufficiency and offer support in the areas of basic life skills, education, employment, housing, transportation, and behavioral and mental health.
As OHB enters its next century, the organization’s commitment to adapt and grow to meet the ever-changing needs of the community continues, thanks to supporters like you. Together, we can transform a life and strengthen a community! Learn more at OHB.org or call (402) 457-7000.
Kids Can Community Center’s 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 and Handwriting Without Tears activities 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.
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 KidsCan.org, call (402) 731-6988, or email jgillman@kidscan.org.
Quest Forward Academy Omaha is now offering private tours for interested families. Part of a global network, Quest Forward Academy is an independent, forward-thinking high school that prioritizes integrated life skills along with mastery of academics, empowering success well beyond high school.
During a private tour, you will meet with the Director of Recruitment to discuss your student’s specific needs, interests, and goals, as well as see the Academy’s state-of-the-art university spaces.
At Quest Forward Academy, students benefit from:
- 7:1 student-to-teacher ratio
- Project-based learning
- Curriculum with real-world relevance
- Mentoring and a personalized pace
- A robust scholarship program
- A 4-year internship program
Discover for yourself what a forward-thinking education looks like.
To schedule your tour today, contact Lauren Dombrowski at (402) 403-1267 or visit www.questforward.academy/omaha.
NAMI Omaha is a nonprofit corporation composed of peers, family members, professionals, and friends who have come together to share and take comfort in the commonality of their experiences and to educate members of their communities about serious mental illness. NAMI Omaha actively advocates at the local, state, and national levels to improve the services and the lives of those affected by mental illness and their families.
NAMI Omaha offers periodic classes of one of NAMI’s signature programs, including their Family to Family 12-week evidence-based educational course for family, significant others, and friends of people with mental health conditions.
NAMI Omaha also offers support groups for both peers, family, significant others, and friends of people with mental health conditions. The Connections support groups is another NAMI signature program and offers support for peers with mental health conditions.
NAMI Omaha also hosts monthly affiliate meetings where speakers are invited to speak about current mental health issues in the community, including active state legislature bills, mental health services, alternative forms of mental health treatment, etc.
For additional information, go to www.namiomaha.org or call (402) 345-8101 / (877) 463-6264. For additional information on NAMI Omaha and other helpful articles on mental illness topics, please follow/like on Facebook (@NAMIOmaha).
The mission of the Jennie Edmundson (JE) 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 MJE continue to meet community needs.
The JE Foundation relies on donations and grants from our community. These funds go to help their Cancer Center, Cardiac Center, Charitable Patient Care Fund, 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. 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.
For more than 140 years, Heartland Family Service has been the area leader in helping individuals, children, and families create their paths to a better tomorrow. In 2018, Heartland Family Service connected with more than 54,000 individuals and families through direct services, education, and outreach. With over 50 programs, they 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.
To support the mission of Heartland Family Service of strengthening individuals and families in our community through education, counseling, and support services, visit HeartlandFamilyService.org or contact Chief Development Officer Marzia Shields at (402) 552-7443 / MShields@HeartlandFamilyService.org.
CHAD (Combined Health Agencies Drive) is a local, donor-designation driven organization that has been raising funds for Nebraska’s premier health charities since 1972. Through workplace partnerships, they promote charitable giving, employee engagement and wellness and connect people with health causes they care about.
Formerly Community Health Charities of Nebraska, they work with United Way of the Midlands through a contractual agreement. Donors who give so generously every year ensure our 21 member charities are funded on a consistent basis, and 100% of donor-designated dollars go directly to full-member charities. Valuable donations help Nebraskans in need by providing care and support for those affected by a health diagnosis; funding education and prevention programs in our communities; and supporting advocacy and medical research.
Omaha Office: 212 S. 74th St., STE 205 | (402) 614-8500 | www.chadnebraska.org | Social media: @CHADNebraska
Established in 1972, Santa Monica House 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. Santa Monica provides a Halfway House program, followed by a ¾ 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.
Nebraska Community Blood Bank (NCBB) has been saving lives in Nebraska since 1968 as an independent nonprofit. NCBB relies on the Omaha community to donate blood and help ensure a stable supply for Nebraska’s major healthcare systems. Nearly all blood donated with NCBB is transfused to patients in Nebraska hospitals — and every two seconds, someone needs blood. By giving blood, having a blood drive, or gathering a group to donate blood together for a Donor Day, you and your business can join NCBB’s life-saving mission. Their newly-opened Omaha donor center at 12100 Pacific St. makes it easier than ever to help save lives.
Operating four donor centers and conducting dozens of community blood drives each month, NCBB also provides comprehensive testing and expert technical services as a national leader in transfusion medicine. Learn more about getting your organization involved at 1-(877) 486-9414 or NCBB.org. Please, give where the heart is.
Did you know…Midlands Community Foundation (MCF) 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 area of health care, arts, culture, community, economic development, education, and human services. For example, MCF:
- Helps provide shelter for the homeless and stocks shelves at the local food banks
- Underwrites scholarships for college-bound students
- Maintains and supports local libraries
- Provides funding for health fairs
- Updates parks and recreational areas
- Treats school children to educational field trips
- Supports and assists in disaster relief for victims affected by Mother Nature
In addition, MCF manages 135 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.
To learn more, visit www.midlandscommunity.org or call (402) 991-8027.
At Ronald McDonald House Charities in Omaha (RMHC), they focus on keeping things as ordinary, unperturbed, and boring as possible. Why? The families they serve are regular folks facing unfamiliar situations as their kids have been diagnosed with medical issues that are sometimes rare, sometimes chronic, and sometimes both; and they’re often hundreds of miles from home. The last thing they need is more stress, which is why the team at RMHC works extra hard to make sure each family’s new normal is as normal as can be. In other words, RMHC takes extraordinary measures to create ordinary times.
With 40 rooms and more than 14,600 lodging nights annually, RMHC establishes normalcy by providing all of the basic essentials of a home such as warm beds, family rooms, and meals. They also provide educational and artistic programs for all members of the family. Additionally, the environment includes a built-in support system where families are able to connect with each other forming an interdependent network of resources and collaboration. RMHC is so much more than a house. Consider them the made-to-order, one-of-a-kind, double home with everything. Ronald McDonald House Charities is located at 620 S. 38th Ave. For more information, please call (402) 346-9377 or visit www.RMHCOmaha.org.
Located in South Omaha, Stephen Center is a sober campus of resources for those battling mental health and addiction issues. The clients they serve are the homeless, addicted, and those in poverty. Their mission is to partner with the community, families, and individuals to overcome homelessness, addiction, and poverty. Founded in 1984, Stephen Center is celebrating 35 years of services, and they cannot do it without their amazing group of volunteers. Volunteers make an impact on the lives of clients served by the campus every day. Activities ranging from direct client contact to helping behind the scenes ensure that Stephen Center provides the best possible experience. For more information, please visit stephencenter.org or follow on Facebook (@StephenCenterOmaha).
Founded in 1989, BLUEBARN Theatre 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 31, featuring bold new creations and theatrical events as diverse and surprising as the world we live in. They remain committed, now more than ever, to cheerily subversive experiences that connect us all to our shared humanity. Learn more at bluebarn.org or call (402) 345-1576.
MVP4Life is a nonprofit group that teaches life skills through the game of baseball. One program of MVP4Life is the Corn Belt Collegiate Summer Baseball League. From the College World Series to TD Ameritrade’s Home Run Derby, college baseball is at its finest in Omaha and this league is no exception. College players from all over the country come to develop their game. MVP4Life utilizes these players to mentor the youth of our community. What better role model than a college athlete and his quest to play in the MLB.
The league relies on families in Omaha to open their home and become host families to these players.
The league has grown to be the premier college developmental league in the Midwest, and plans to expand the league are set for the 2020 season. This will bring a greater need for sponsors and host families. Please help! For more information and schedules, visit www.CornBeltLeague.com / www.MVP4Life.org.
The American Heart Association 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 Omaha-Council Bluffs Heart Walk, Go Red for Women Expo, and Heart & Stroke Ball, that startling statistic can change.
For more information about the American Heart Association and their events, visit www.heart.org/omaha.
For 20 years, the La Vista Community Foundation (LVCF) has been making our growing community a great place to live, work, and play. The word “community” is the key, and it is what makes things happen in La Vista, Nebraska. LVCF has been a leader in funding activities through collaboration and cooperation of its citizens, businesses, civil representatives, and community sponsors.
LVCF facilitates Community Impact Grants each fall. They have supported and shared in the success of many area charities, educational programs, human service organizations, and civic/recreational activities. Yearly contributions, sponsorships, and several donor-advised funds are used to support community engagement and the annual grant program. Since its early years, the LVCF has been able to give back over $300,000 to the La Vista community!
The Foundation promotes a fun and engaging LVCF Golf Classic fundraiser each summer, and they work to raise additional funds from the proceeds at a local fireworks tent each year. You’ll see their efforts at City Hall for the Salute to Summer and at the Library for summer Concert & Movie nights! Additionally, LVCF›s highlight event is honoring U.S. Veterans at a Salute to Veterans Dinner held every November at the Embassy Suites – La Vista Conference Center. This event is no charge for veterans who attend.
For more information about the La Vista Community Foundation or to support their mission with a donation or a donor-advised contribution, please contact Executive Director Jill Lukes at (402) 960-9625. You can also email info@LaVistaCommunityFoundation.com or visit www.LaVistaCommunityFoundation.com.
Outlook Nebraska helps anyone with vision loss find the resources they need, learn how to use technology to stay independent, find out about employment opportunities, and stay active through recreation and cultural activities. From teaching the blind to use technology to helping them enjoy a theater performance with audio description to being their eyes when biking, Outlook Nebraska strives to enhance the lives of our blind neighbors.
Through enrichment programs, the visually impaired participate in cultural and recreational activities they otherwise could not enjoy. Outlook’s employment opportunities improve their self-sufficiency. Outlook Nebraska is the largest employer of the blind in Nebraska, through production of janitorial paper products and their business support center, Outlook Business Solutions.
The Need:
- 15,000 people in the metro area have vision loss that interferes with daily activities. This will more than double because of the prevalence of diabetes and our aging population.
- More people in our region experience vision loss than homelessness, and most vision loss cannot be corrected.
- 1 in 4 people are at risk of severe vision loss today.
Giving Opportunities:
- Be a Vision Monthly Partner with a $20/month automatic donation. Choose this option at outlookne.org/support.
- Make a cash donation at outlookne.org/support or mail a check to Outlook Nebraska.
- Sponsor an event such as the June Tee It Up Fore Sight golf tournament.
- Plan a future donation through Outlook’s Legacy Fund.
Help those with vision loss in the community live life to the fullest with a donation to Outlook Nebraska. Visit outlookne.org to learn more.
For over 20 years, Domesti-PUPS has been supporting people in our local, regional, and national communities through the assistance of animals. From therapy dogs in the classroom motivating children to excel in their learning environment to pet therapy visitations in nursing homes, hospitals, and assisted living centers, Domesti-PUPS pet therapy teams bring a bit of brightness through their furry encounters. Their service dog teams provide increased independence when paired with a disabled partner. These highly-skilled canines can turn on lights, provide balance and mobility, retrieve dropped items, bring a bottle of water from a refrigerator, respond to medical emergencies such as responding to a seizure or alerting to a diabetic high or low, and open doors both literally and figuratively. Some even provide life-saving measures for their disabled partners. Connect by calling (402) 465-4201or go online to www.domesti-pups.org.
Open Door Mission 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 3,500 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 our community.
The Daily House Respite B&B is a respite bed and breakfast for individuals with intellectual disabilities. As a compliment sister company to Daily Yaymaker, LLC, an event and travel consulting business for individuals with unique needs, The Daily House Respite B&B looks forward to opening a lodging facility for differently-abled individuals and their families in and around the Omaha area.
The vision of The Daily House Respite B&B is to also provide jobs to people with disabilities, such as a cook, barista, security guard, or a landscape manager at the bed and breakfast! All of these things are possible once The Daily House Respite B&B is up and running. Right now, the nonprofit is looking for volunteer board members and fundraising champions to help them turn their vision into a reality. Please contact Dawna at (402) 206-3092 / dailyyaymakerne@gmail.com if you would be interested in helping to organize and solicit on behalf of The Daily House B&B. Visit the Facebook page (@thedailyhouse) or go online to www.dailyyaymaker.com to learn more.
Child Saving Institute (CSI) has had notable roots in the Omaha community since 1892. Since its founding, more than 127 years ago, the mission “Responding to the cry of a child” has been the beacon from which the agency works toward the disruption of poverty and the prevention, intervention, and treatment of child abuse and neglect. CSI recognizes and realizes its vision statement, “All children in our community have homes where hope is kindled and dreams can be achieved. This is our work and they are all our children.”
Children brought up in environments of abuse, neglect, trauma, poverty, and substandard education face dire obstacles to becoming positive contributors to the community. CSI strengthens the Omaha metropolitan area through programs designed to deliver stellar outcomes for children and families in the primary focus areas: education and self-sufficiency, child development, abuse, neglect and trauma, home and family, parenting and teacher skills, and safety and stability.
Connect with Child Saving Institute by following on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. You can also visit childsaving.org or call (402) 553-6000 to learn about how you can respond to the cry of the children who live in our community.
With Best Care EAP 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.
Flexible training formats—Best Care EAP’s training programs are available online and in person. Your employees have access to pre-recorded webinars 24 hours a day. They can also tailor training to your company and deliver it on site or online.
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.
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 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 or call (402) 354-8000 / (800) 801-4182.
The mission of Cross Training Center is to empower and equip unemployed and undereducated men and women through character development, vocational training, and work experience. The organization exemplifies the message, “If you give a man a fish, you feed him for a day, but if you teach him how to fish, you feed him for a lifetime.”
The students at the Center are youth and adults who are unemployed because of challenging backgrounds and circumstances. They have experienced setbacks in life due to incarceration, homelessness, generational poverty, and other challenging conditions.
Cross Training Center provides vocational training and hands-on work experience so they gain skills and knowledge to overcome the barriers of employment. They are able to acquire a job on a career path and break the cycle of poverty for generations to come.
Students receive real work experience while providing valuable services to the community in the following areas:
- Electronics recycling
- Computer refurbishing and repair
- Computer and electronics retail store
- Appliance sales
- Automotive maintenance and repair services
- Banquet facility
Cross Training Center’s mission is to provide “Solutions to Poverty through Work.” Their work experience program not only helps our students succeed but also keeps our environment safe and clean. Contact Brenda Banks at (402) 590-2100, via email at brenda@crosstc.com, or visit www.crosstc.com for more information.
CEDARS has been a vital part of the community for over 70 years. What started as a grassroots effort to help kids in crisis has grown into a dynamic and dedicated team of over 200 professionals and a network of loving foster parents serving over 2,000 kids and families each year.
Thanks to community support, CEDARS is there for children and youth who are unable to live at home; for families in need of resources, support and education; and for youth involved in the juvenile justice system.
CEDARS is accredited through the Council on Accreditation and the National Association for the Education of Young Children, is a United Way partner, a four-star charity with Charity Navigator, a top-rated charity with the American Institute of Philanthropy, and a Better Business Bureau Accredited Charity.
Today, CEDARS will serve nearly 800 children and youth. To learn more, call (402) 434-KIDS (5437) or visit www.cedarskids.org.
The mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Midlands is to provide children facing adversity with strong and enduring, professionally-supported one-to-one relationships that change their lives for the better, forever.
Big Brothers Big Sisters strives for all youth in the program to reach their full potential. A Big Brother, Big Sister or Big Couple provides youth with a sense of safety and security, emotional support and social skill promotion. Bigs and Littles are matched based on common interests so they can have the benefit of doing activities together that they both enjoy. With a Big by their side, more Littles are discovering who they are and what they can achieve in life. Big Brothers Big Sisters is working to clear the path for our youth’s biggest possible futures.
To learn about how to become a Big, make a donation, or learn about getting involved, go to bbbsomaha.org or follow them on social media.
Entering its 21st year, Omaha Street School, Inc. is a private, faith-based high school for struggling teens. It is the only area high school that:
- Enrolls students no one else wants. Most are on probation due to truancy.
- Provides therapeutic-educational groups (HUDL) led by a Licensed Mental Health Professional. All students participate in a HUDL group.
- Offers one-on-one attention for each student. The small size (8:1 student/instructor ratio) allows Omaha Street School to address academic, emotional, and behavioral issues.
- Offers programs for students to obtain a diploma (high school), prepare for life after graduation (Leadership Academy), and prepare for adulthood after graduation (GAP U).
- Brings faith into the everyday life of the student, letting them know that God loves them and has a purpose for their life.
At Omaha Street School, they celebrate the smallest victory, and through their comprehensive programs, they offer teens the opportunity to become successful members of the community. To learn more, visit omahastreetschool.com or call (402) 451-5234.
Incorporated in 2002, the Nonprofit Association of the Midlands (NAM) started with the goal of helping nonprofits help their communities. CEO Anne Hindery has led the organization since 2008. “We serve and strengthen more than 600 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 make an impact in the communities they serve,” Hindery said.
NAM’s signature Guidelines and Principles Program provides legal compliance and best practices information in 12 major areas of nonprofit management: communication, evaluation, financial management, fundraising, governance, human resources, information technology, planning, public policy and advocacy, strategic alliances, transparency and accountability, and volunteer management.
The National Council of Nonprofits, the nation’s largest network of nonprofits, recognizes NAM as the state association for Nebraska. Learn more about NAM at www.nonprofitam.org.
Youth Emergency Services (YES) is the only nonprofit in Omaha with the sole mission to help youth experiencing homelessness and near-homelessness in our community. Last year, YES provided support and services to more than 3,000 youth in the Omaha metro. YES also provided 7,106 meals to youth through our Street Outreach Center. 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 a Street Outreach Center, Emergency Shelter, Transitional Living Program, Maternity Group Home, and a new program for 2020, 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 in their program 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.
At the Heartland Hope Mission 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. Clients can also participate in financial classes and a community garden. The goal is to provide programming and wraparound services to prevent families from becoming homeless and to help people achieve or rebuild self-sufficiency.
Pantry Hours:
- South Omaha (2021 U St.) — Tuesdays 6:30–7:30 p.m. | Thursdays 1:30–4 p.m. | Saturdays 9:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
- Millard Pantry (5321 S. 139th Plaza) — 2nd Saturdays 10:30–11:30 a.m. | Last Wednesday 1:30–3:30 p.m.
Find out more about Heartland Hope Mission online at HeartlandHopeMission.org or call (402) 733-1904.
Young Life is a world-class organization for adolescents. Their staff and volunteers enter the world of kids, focusing on what matters to them—fun, adventure, friendship, and a sense of significance. In doing so, they earn the privilege of talking to them about something that they believe matters most—the truth about God and His love for them!
Young Life has had a presence in Omaha since the 50’s and today they continue to meet kids where they are at and build relationships with students from middle school through college. If you were impacted by this ministry, their staff would love to reconnect with you! They are eager to expand their impact to kids of all abilities and all backgrounds.
Young Life is currently looking for volunteers to get involved with one of their local teams, or be a buddy to one of the kids with special needs, or be a part of their local committee! For more information, visit the website at www.omaha.younglife.org or call the Omaha office at (402) 391-4994.
Founded in 1986, the Papillion La Vista Schools Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that works closely with Papillion La Vista Community Schools (PLCS) to enhance educational opportunities for students and staff by offering opportunities and programs that otherwise would not be possible if only tax dollars were available. Close ties with PLCS District and surrounding community ensure that the best ideas to support students, teachers, technology, and programs become a reality.
The Foundation upholds this mission by reaching out to staff, parents, alumni, and the community to create financial and supportive resources needed to augment the overall educational experience for Papillion La Vista Community Schools. Immediate and endowed support is provided by donors, alumni, and parents through the Foundation to ensure these opportunities and programs will be available to the District for generations.
To learn more about the Papillion La Vista Schools Foundation, visit plvschoolsfoundation.org or call (402) 829-1340.
Nebraska Safety Council’s mission is simple: For more than 60 years they have provided education and leadership to empower people to live safe and healthy lives. The Nebraska Safety Council’s comprehensive programs, training courses, events, and services are designed to improve employee care at a desk, on the production floor, behind the wheel, and off the job. Their unique Worker 360° approach provides integrated risk management to improve overall worker quality of life and positively impact an organization’s bottom line.
Their members include organizations throughout Nebraska and surrounding areas, across a variety of industries. There is no one-size-fits-all option; each company’s safety and wellbeing program is customized for their needs and size.
Demonstrate your commitment to employee safety and health by becoming a member of the Nebraska Safety Council. You will receive access to training, guidance, and resources to establish or enhance your safety and wellness programs and policies.
Providing leadership and resources for a safe and healthy workplace and community, Nebraska Safety Council – (402) 483-2511 / nesafetycouncil.org.
You probably know that when a worker is injured on the job, workers’ compensation pays the medical expenses and lost wages. What you may not know is that workers’ compensation does not take into account the costs of post-secondary education for children of the injured worker. Often, families who have suffered such a tragedy are forced to care for the injured individual and do not have the funding to send their children to college.
Kids’ Chance of Nebraska’s mission is to provide scholarships to children whose parents have suffered a workplace injury or death. They want to do what their name suggests: Give the kids a chance. One way they accomplish this is through their annual Kids’ Chance Bowling Fundraiser. This year’s event will be held this month on Monday, January 20 at The MARK in Elkhorn.
Kids’ Chance of Nebraska is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. Eligible students and families are encouraged to go to kidschanceofne.org for information, no matter the age of the children. If you are interested in making a donation, go to www.kidschanceofne.org/make-a-donation.
Parkinson’s Nebraska is the primary source of education, support, and services for those whose lives are affected by Parkinson’s Disease in Nebraska. Their goal is to create a community of patients, caregivers, and resources so that the journey of Parkinson’s is “A Journey Shared.”
Since 2016, Parkinson’s Nebraska has sponsored nearly 2,000 specialized exercise classes; supported the community through support groups and programming grants; provided educational opportunities to patients, caregivers, and professionals; and connected families with important resources. This organization is state-based, passionate, and proud that all funds stay in Nebraska to benefit the Parkinson’s community.
Parkinson’s Nebraska recognizes the lack of Parkinson’s resources in Nebraska’s rural and underserved communities and are working hard to meet that need. In 2019, the organization hosted a Delay the Disease training in Grand Island to train health and medical professionals how to design and implement a community-based Parkinson’s exercise class. As a result of the training, more than 20 new classes began across Nebraska, including rural and underserved communities. They plan to carry this momentum in 2020 as they strengthen relationships in the community and continue to grow a network of resources through the state. Learn more online at www.parkinsonsnebraska.org or call (402) 715-4707.
The First Responders Foundation is a social impact organization that directly supports first responders and their families. First responders put their lives on the line for us every day. They are first on the scene when an emergency occurs. While everyone else is running away, these brave men and women are running towards dangerous situations to save and protect the people of our community. The mission of the First Responders Foundation is to serve and honor all our first responders and their families, build appreciation and respect for their work, and enhance public safety.
Programming includes: The First Responders Support Team—mental and emotional well-being; Awards of Excellence Scholarships for first responders children; Appreciation Lunches; JAVELAN—service dogs; Home Safety Program; Tri County Fire Corps; Officers on 4 Legs—K-9 & Mounted Patrol.
Major events include the 9/11 Luncheon of Honor and Guns & Hoses Boxing Challenge.
Your financial gifts help the First Responders Foundation provide programs for first responders and the community. For more information or to volunteer, contact Jodi Teal at jodi@firstrespondersomaha.org / (402) 218-1234.
Eastern Nebraska Community Action Partnership (ENCAP) is a nonprofit community based organization that has been providing social and human services to people facing poverty since 1965. Last year, ENCAP provided 21,590 to 6,557 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, community response, emergency food assistance, transportation, and mental health and substance abuse treatment. For more information, please visit www.encapnebraska.org.
Camp Summergold is a resident summer camping experience where girls explore science and arts learning mixed with the campfires and swimming of a traditional camp. The mission of Camp Summergold is to bring together a diverse community of girls in a fun and safe environment, to encourage both independence and teamwork, foster meaningful relationships, and build confidence, while exploring a variety of interests and new ideas as they create memories that will last a lifetime. Camp Summerfold’s 2020 session runs May 31 through June 6, and their theme is TEAMWORK.
Camp Summergold’s new camp home is the Eastern Nebraska 4-H Center located in Gretna. Registration information and program details can be found on the website at www.campsummergold.com.
Grief’s Journey (formerly Ted E. Bear Hollow) exists so that no one has to walk their grief journey alone.
Since 2001, the agency has provided a free and 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 and work 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 participants to health and resilience. As the region’s cornerstone for grief support, Grief’s Journey provides free peer support groups, family days, 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.
The Rose Theater 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. In 2016, 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.
Goodwill Industries, Inc., Serving Eastern Nebraska and Southwest Iowa, has been a leader in helping people fulfill their dreams through work since 1933. Their mission is to train and employ people with disabilities and others who may be at a competitive disadvantage in the job market. They do this by selling value-priced merchandise at 17 convenient locations in Omaha, Bellevue, Papillion, Fremont, Blair, Gretna, and Council Bluffs.
Although many people know Goodwill as a place to donate used clothing and household items, they may not realize that their donations sold in Goodwill retail stores fund programs that give thousands of formerly unemployed individuals the opportunity to earn a living and the chance to succeed in life. Goodwill provides opportunities for individuals with barriers to self-sufficiency through a variety of job opportunities and employment programs, including AbilityOne, YouthBuild AmeriCorps, Employment Solutions, and Work Experience.
Goodwill is a private, not-for-profit 501(c)(3) agency governed by a local board of trustees. They are a member agency of Goodwill Industries International of Gaithersburg, MD. Goodwill is also affiliated with the federal Ability One program, which provides jobs for people with severe disabilities at federal facilities. Goodwill is accredited by CARF, the Rehabilitation Accreditation Commission.
For more information about Goodwill’s programs, visit GoodwillOmaha.org, email info@goodwillomaha.org, or call (402) 341-4609.
Rejuvenating Women is a nonprofit organization providing hope and restoration to victims and survivors of human trafficking. Rejuvenating Women’s vision is to empower survivors to lead healthy and independent lives. Rejuvenating Women raises awareness of human trafficking in the community as well as invests in the lives of girls and women who are living in their residential home as well as those participating in their day program.
Rejuvenating Women’s two-year, residential therapeutic program (the Restored Wings Recovery Program) is free-of-charge to survivors and includes:
- Individual complex trauma therapy, relapse prevention, and addiction therapy
- Group therapy (specific to survivors)
- Individual empowerment plan with case management
- Community equine therapy, life-skills classes (nutrition, budgeting, etc.), GED classes, career training and preparation, tattoo branding removal, legal services, and fitness
- Staff coordination and attendance at all medical, dental, psychiatric, and vision appointments
- Mentorship with a loving and trauma-informed mentor
- Staff coordination to acquire resident’s birth certificates, ID’s, and other state-required documentation as needed
- Weekly social outings where residents experience “normal” life doing activities such as going to the zoo, museum, library, baseball games, art classes, etc.
Learn more about Rejuvenating Women online at rejuvenatingwomen.com or call 1-(800) 402-0601.
The mission of the Veterans in Business Forum (VIBF) is to provide business support, education, and advocacy to help veterans succeed in business and increase community awareness of veteran-owned business activities. Veterans, active duty, reservists, and civilians are welcome to join and support each other and veteran-related goals.
The VIBF meets the first Friday of every month (0800-0900) and serves the Omaha area.
Speakers may be from VIBF members, business groups, veteran groups, NBDC, PTAC, SBA, SCORE, or private sector and government agencies on a wide range of topics. VIBF encourages collaboration through networking. Each month, members can bring up issues and concerns to discuss with the group to get recommendations to help come up with effective solutions.
Contact us to learn more: Michel Thornhill, (402) 932-7243, info@littlemountainwebdesign.com. Mailing Address: VIBF c/o Little Mountain Web Design, P.O. Box 461235, Papillion, NE.
MICAH House, 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. Our 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 on-site. 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.
The YMCA of Greater Omaha is dedicated to building healthy, confident, and connected communities through recreation and personal growth while fostering environments that encourage youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. With 10 branch locations, the YMCA provides easy access to youth and adult sports, aquatics, wellness centers, early learning and healthy living centers, group fitness classes, and so much more.
The Strong Communities campaign raises $800,000 every year in donations, helping the YMCA provide $2.3 million in charitable programming, providing memberships and access to those who might not otherwise be able to participate. Over 24,000 Omaha children participate in YMCA youth sports programs, 2,000 kids enjoy summer day camps, 10,000 people have learned lifesaving swim safety education and instruction, and nearly 64,000 families and individuals call the YMCA of Greater Omaha their choice for a healthier lifestyle.
For more information on the YMCA of Greater Omaha and the Strong Communities campaign, visit www.metroymca.org/give.
Midlands Latino Community Development Corporation (MLCDC) provides low-income new immigrant individuals with opportunities to generate economic growth by providing financing products, development services, and community development that advances their ability to develop a sustainable future in the Midlands.
The top programs the organization provides are business development, childcare creation, micro-lending, and financial capability programs. They have been serving the community for about 11 years with these programs.
Since 2009, MLCDC has provided ongoing education to more than 5,217 clients, launched 325 small businesses, awarded 128 micro-loans, and created and maintained 1,260 new jobs in the Omaha metro area.
MLCDC educates and offers one-on-one coaching to low-to-moderate-income new immigrants 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.
For more information, visit www.midlandslatinocdc.org.
Volunteers serve for a variety of reasons, but those interested in skills-based service are looking to (a) gain career-related experience, (b) develop personally or professionally, and (c) enhance skills and competencies. ThriVinci maximizes the volunteering experience by offering committed skills-based volunteers an exciting, meaningful service opportunity. Their volunteers, who are trained in lean six sigma philosophy, use management expertise to provide support to transitioning agencies as they implement strategies to maximize efforts. Additionally, their skills-based volunteers can be matched with opportunities to serve on nonprofit governing boards. ThriVinci is a volunteer-led initiative that is made possible by utilizing lean project management best practices. Because skills-based volunteers are 27% more likely to land a job than those who don’t volunteer, ThriVinci supports workforce development through their projects and professional development training.
Are you an individual interested in getting involved? Is your company looking to become more socially responsible? ThriVinci offers individuals and businesses a chance to sponsor a ThriVinci project and/or provide their employees professional development by facilitating a skills-based volunteer project that will further develop employee talents while enhancing a nonprofit’s capacity and extending the reach of their valuable missions. Contact ThriVinci today at info@thrivinici.org or visit their website at thrivinci.org.
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 works every day to change this reality. As the largest global funder of T1D research, JDRF’s 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.
2020 Events:
- JDRF Promise Gala – February 22
- JDRF TypeOneNation Summit – April 24
- JDRF One Walk, Omaha-Council Bluffs – August 15
Programs:
- Advocacy – Advocate for government support of research and policies for affordable and accessible therapies
- Empower1 – Connecting the adolescent T1D community
- Give Back at School – School education and fundraising opportunities
- Outreach – Resources and events 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/nebraska or call (402) 397-2873.