At Strictly Business, we believe it is so important to support our local nonprofits. Nonprofit organizations understand the needs of the most vulnerable in our community and work to help support causes many of us connect to. Not only do local nonprofits help enrich Nebraskan life, but they also create jobs and give workers, volunteers, and donors an opportunity to be a part of something greater than themselves. When we pitch in to help nonprofits, we’re helping our communities and neighbors and keeping a culture of humanity, art, and philanthropy alive.
In this Supporting Nonprofits feature, we’re highlighting a host of Omaha’s most impactful nonprofits, and we are grateful for the opportunity to share their stories and promote the work they do throughout the year. We encourage our readers to keep these nonprofits top-of-mind when choosing how to give, whether it’s money, time, or skill.
At Ease USA (AEU, ateaseus.org) is committed to providing access to confidential trauma treatment services to the brave men and
women in uniform and scrubs who have given so selflessly and suffer from the impact of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). At Ease fills the gap left by the VA to also include family members.
AEU removes barriers and offers person-centered behavioral health services through an in-house clinical manager and a diverse Preferred Provider Network (PPN) of licensed mental health professionals who are trained in PTSD treatment. AEU utilizes many approaches, including family and couple’s therapy, one-to-one peer support, yoga, and group and one-on-one therapy, to address PTSD.
In addition to tailoring treatment to each client’s unique needs, honoring confidentiality, and removing red tape to provide timely urgent care, AEU is dedicated to confronting the stigma surrounding mental health.
AEU envisions a world where PTSD no longer exists, but until that day comes, we are committed to ensuring that Nebraska’s past and present military members, frontline healthcare workers, and their families who are impacted by PTSD have access to confidential trauma treatment. For more information, go to ateaseus.org.
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 love 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.
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 serving over 275 Nebraska communities. In the last five years, 46,653 contributions were made to NCF and its affiliated funds. Since 1994, NCF has reinvested $463 million in Nebraska’s people and places. For information, visit NebraskaHometown.org or call (402) 323-7330.
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 men, women, and children experiencing homelessness; 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.
Community Foundation for Western Iowa (www.givewesterniowa.org) is your connection to creating a lasting legacy, ensuring communities in western Iowa are strong, vibrant, and attractive for future generations.
The Community Foundation helps donors create a personalized philanthropy plan that is tailored to their interests and preferences. Donors can maximize their charitable gifts, which can include cash, financial investments, bequests, stocks and securities, grain, livestock, real estate, and vehicles. As an added benefit, the Community Foundation is proud to offer the Endow Iowa Tax Credit, a 25% state credit on qualified gifts.
Since 2007, Community Foundation for Western Iowa and its charitable investors have granted over $10 Million to
organizations creating impact in western Iowa. Last year, generous donors awarded 133 grants to organizations totaling an astounding $4.7 Million through their charitable funds at the Community Foundation.
Help our community meet the challenges of changing times. Create impact and give where we live at: www.givewesterniowa.org.
The CUES School System (cuesschools.org) provides a quality, values-based education with individualized support to students and families. Our three schools are located in east Omaha– Sacred Heart, All Saints and Holy Name. Each school is an anchor in their neighborhood.
Our students learn and grow strong through careful instruction and consistent academic standards. We develop important emotional, cognitive and behavioral skills which foster academic achievement.
Community support ensures our students achieve success in and out of the classroom. From our new science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM) program to student and family support, students’ lives in east Omaha neighborhoods are changed every day.
Many of these students come from disadvantaged neighborhoods. We need support to underwrite the cost of education and enrichment opportunities.
Together, we can help students thrive in a culture of love, kindness and excellence. Visit cuesschools.org to learn more.
Autism Action Partnership (AAP, autismaction.org) serves Nebraska’s autism community through targeted programs that promote support, inclusion, and prosperity.
SUPPORT: AAP is 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: Inclusion efforts aim to create more understanding and increased opportunities for the autism community to live enriched lives. AAP provides comprehensive trainings to businesses and partners on how to support and welcome individuals with autism and their loved ones.
PROSPERITY: AAP helps to answer the question of “what’s next” as autistic individuals enter adulthood. Through their Prosper Workforce Services program, they 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. AAP is launching their postsecondary transition program, Prosper Academy, this August!
To learn more about Autism Action Partnership, visit autismaction.org or call (402) 763-8830.
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 or $750 a month, depending on household income levels, 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 launched 11 emotional support programs to provide wrap-around services for all members of the pediatric cancer family. Programs for teens, kids, siblings, and caregivers; events for the family to attend together; and bereavement support services are now offered. Research has shown that, along with the financial toxicity many families experience during a cancer journey,
there are PTSD-like symptoms that also appear within the family. These emotional support programs allow Angels Among Us to better fulfill its mission of BOTH financial and emotional support.
Since 2006, Angels Among Us has assisted over 620 families with over $4 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.
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.
Youth Emergency Services (YES, www.yesomaha.org) is the only nonprofit in Omaha with the sole focus of assisting youth who are experiencing homeless or near homelessness. In 2021, YES provided housing and services to nearly 760 youth in the Omaha and Council Bluffs area. YES offers a full-continuum of services to help youth on their path to self-sufficiency. Through the Street Outreach Program, Emergency Shelter, Transitional Living Program, and Maternity Group Home youth can get connected to needed services within YES. Services include a hot meal, a safe place to sleep at night, and connection with resources to help them return to school, find a job, and secure permanent housing. While in the program, youth are connected to education resources, mental health, and can see a nurse for a variety of medical assessments. For more information about YES’ mission, programs, and how you can help, please visit www.yesomaha.org.
For 30 years, AIM Institute (aiminstitute.org) has delivered groundbreaking tech education programs that ignite curiosity, increase access to IT job training and inspire youth and adults to pursue a rewarding tech career. AIM believes it’s essential to equip people—including underrepresented and at-risk individuals—with the necessary skills to grow a stronger, more diverse tech community to close the on-going gap between the demand for IT professionals and available tech jobs.
Through education, career development and outreach, AIM provides networking opportunities, access programs for individuals to get into tech, technical skills training and success academies to advance professional careers.
Getting into tech could be a million-dollar decision—tech workers make an average of $1 million dollars more than employees in nontechnical positions over the course of a 30-year career.
Last year, AIM helped more than 6,500 individuals pursue high-skill, high-demand, high-pay tech careers. Learn how AIM can help you thrive in a rewarding tech career at aiminstitute.org.
Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) for Douglas County (casaomaha.org) is a nonprofit organization that trains, empowers, and inspires volunteer advocates to amplify the voice of children impacted by the child welfare system. CASA volunteers are community members advocating for the best interest of children involved in the foster care system. Representation matters and for this reason, CASA volunteers come from different cultures, backgrounds, and communities. CASAs help maintain a sense of urgency and empathy to all children receiving support from a CASA volunteer while recognizing permanency (both legal & relational) is essential to a child’s well-being.
In Douglas County, there are currently over 1,600 children in foster care. CASA for Douglas County currently serves over 450 of those children with the help of just over 218 volunteers. Help us amplify the voice of children impacted by the Child Welfare System by becoming a CASA! Visit casaomaha.org for more information.
Angel Guardians, Inc. (www.angelguardians.org) has a mission to foster abilities, increase access to, and create opportunities for inclusion. Angel
Guardians supports individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities in leading self-fulfilling, independent lives. Through strengthening relationships in the Omaha Community, Angel Guardians believes we can create a more
inclusive Omaha where people with and without disabilities can thrive.
Angel Guardians has several different program areas to support individuals in environments where they live, work, and play. Throughout programming, participants will spend their time on activities including– but not limited to – volunteering, creating artwork, increasing social skills, or learning work skills. All programs focus on habilitation, or skill-building, for individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities. Angel Guardians empowers individuals with disabilities to self-advocate as they navigate the community setting.
To become a community partner with Angel Guardians, or to find out more, go to www.angelguardians.org or email us at info@angelguardians.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 Omaha (bagsoffunomaha.org) provides essential tools that bring the power of play and distraction from pain into the lives of children fighting 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 September 2019, Bags of Fun Omaha has delivered over 500 Bags of Fun to children fighting for their lives in Omaha hospitals! 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.
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.
Headquartered in Benson, BFF Omaha (bffomaha.org) is dedicated to Building Community Through Arts Engagement. We provide a social infrastructure that is integral to the community’s wellbeing and supportive of artists, businesses, residents, commerce, and the environment through interactive art programs.
Founded in 2012 as “Benson First Friday,” BFF Omaha has expanded programming and grown steadily to become the volunteer-driven, artist-run, DIY-trained powerhouse nonprofit that it is today. In 2022, we celebrated 10 years of operation, as well as leading the Benson neighborhood to become Omaha’s first state-recognized Creative District.
In 2023, we are excited to transition long-time volunteers into paid staff roles as we continue enriching our existing programming – especially First Fridays, BFF’s galleries and community spaces, and our Youth Engagement and TeenLine programming. We invite everyone to get involved as an artist (bffomaha.org/artists), as a volunteer (bffomaha.org/volunteer), or as a supporter (bffomaha.org/support).
Did you know 1 in 26 people are diagnosed with epilepsy? Or that 1 in 10 people will have a seizure in their lifetime?
The Epilepsy Foundation (www.epilepsy.com/local/nebraska), in collaboration with our community and network partners, connects the people, data, and resources needed to address challenging health problems associated with seizures and epilepsy — and promotes education, policy, research, and systemic change that will foster measurable and sustainable improvement for all people living with epilepsy.
We are fiercely committed to improving the lives of people with epilepsy. The Epilepsy Foundation Nebraska provides seizure alert monitors to those in need, responds 24/7 to information and referral requests through the Helpline, educates our community on Seizure First Aid, hosts support groups, promotes grassroots advocacy efforts, and holds local awareness campaigns throughout the year. Together, we are elevating the conversation around epilepsy and fighting the stigmas that persist around living with seizures.
Let’s END EPILEPSY TOGETHER! To learn more, visit www.epilepsy.com/local/nebraska.
CRCC (www.crccomaha.org) is dedicated to boosting your child’s growth through innovative care that prioritizes physical, mental, emotional and intellectual wellbeing. For families with children who have medical, cognitive or behavioral challenges, it can seem like all hope is gone and there’s nothing but grief and struggle ahead. But there’s a one-of-a-kind place right here in Omaha that offers joy, hope and health to these families every day: CRCC. Our uniquely skilled team delivers comprehensive and compassionate services that help children with complex needs be all they can be and give their parents real hope for the future.
We are staffed by highly trained nurses, therapists and teachers who work together to deliver a brighter future to kids and families who may have previously felt helpless or lost. CRCC is a place that specializes in possibilities, helping children achieve their potential in all areas of life. To learn more, visit www.crccomaha.org!
Rejuvenating Women (rejuvenatingwomen.org) is a nonprofit organization providing hope and restoration to victims and survivors of human trafficking by empowering survivors to lead healthy and independent lives. They are committed to developing long-lasting relationships with the women who have experienced significant complex 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. Providing survivors with knowledge, tools, and support empowers them 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.
Rejuvenating Women has expanded their mission to reach the most vulnerable to trafficking and sexual exploitation—children under the age of 18. The Restored Wings Ranch will soon be a resource for youth in our community, at risk of and experiencing human trafficking and sexual exploitation. The Ranch will be a home for healing in a safe and compassionate private environment. Housing, education, therapy and therapeutic use of animals and land are part of the programming developed for the youth home. Please donate to the Expansion Project at rejuvenatingwomen.org/donate. Visit rejuvenatingwomen.org/restored-wings-ranch to learn more about the vision.
Duet’s (www.duetne.org) roots date back to 1968 as the first community-based service provider for people with developmental and intellectual disabilities.
Today, they support over 500 people with a person-centered focus through engaging day, residential, employment, and behavioral
health services immersed in the communities of Cass, Douglas, Dodge, Sarpy, and Washington counties.
By offering a comprehensive selection of supports, people can choose exactly what they want. Duet honors and encourages personal choice as to supports desired, frequency of receiving supports, and location of supports.
Duet is privileged to work alongside so many people in their mission to Develop, Unite, Empower, Together.
For more information, visit www.duetne.org or call (402) 444-6500. You can also find Duet on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
Since 1973, Humanities Nebraska (HN, HumanitiesNebraska.org) has helped people explore what connects us and makes us human. As an independent non-profit organization and state partner of the National Endowment for the Humanities, HN offers programming for everyone in the state, nurturing a more informed, thoughtful and just society. In 2023, HN is celebrating 50 years of connection by sparking curiosity during Humanities Week in October and all year long. HN programming includes a Speakers Bureau with more than 250 topics, the Nebraska Chautauqua summer history festival with scholars interacting with audiences as historic figures, Capitol Forum on America’s Future to engage high school students on global issues, the “Dear Stranger” letter exchange program, Museum on Main Street traveling exhibitions from the Smithsonian, the annual Governor’s Lecture in the Humanities featuring a prominent national speaker, Prime Time Family Reading literacy programs, Nebraska Warrior Writers workshops for veterans and active duty military, Nebraska History Day to inspire students in the process of discovery and interpretation of historical topics, and grants that enable other Nebraska non-profits to produce their own programming that enriches their local communities. For more information about booking a speaker, applying for a grant, or participating in any other HN programs, please visit HumanitiesNebraska.org or call (402) 474-2131.
Tri-City Food Pantry is now NeighborGood! After serving the Sarpy County and Ralston communities for over 15 years, the board of directors is happy to present a new brand. This name reflects our focus on serving our neighbors with good food and the good hearts of our community that supports us. We want to be a community welcoming our neighbors into our homes for a good meal.
As we begin our next 15 years, we know that in order to meet the growing demand for our services, we will need more staff, more infrastructure, and more space. Our “Growing to Give” capital campaign will provide a full scale, dynamic hunger and food insecurity facility located in Papillion. This new facility will provide the dignity of client choice for Sarpy County and Ralston families while considering their individual food needs.
For more information, please contact the Director at neighborgoodcommunitypantry@gmail.com or (402) 552-7061.
Located in South Omaha, Stephen Center (stephencenter.org) partners with the community, individuals, and families to overcome homelessness, addiction, and mental health challenges. 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 state-licensed substance use treatment and mental health services program providing substance use evaluations, inpatient 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 three programs are nationally accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). 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 them on Facebook (@stephencenteromaha).
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, 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.
Events:
• JDRF TypeOneNation Summit – March 4, 2023 at Scott Conference Center
• JDRF Gala – April 22, 2023 at CHI Health Center Omaha
• JDRF One Walk – October 1, 2023 at Mahoney State Park
Programs:
• Advocacy – Advocate for government support of research & policies for affordable & accessible therapies.
• Community Outreach – Educational resources and support for individuals & families.
• Community events – jdrf.org/nebraskaiowa
• T1D Connect – Partner with JDRF & organize a meet-up in your community
• Online Support Groups – jdrf.org/virtual-events
• Give Back at School – School education & fundraising opportunities.
• Ride – Destination cycling experience for all fitness levels.
• YLC – Young professionals raising awareness & funds for T1D.
Learn more at jdrf.org/nebraskaiowa or (402) 397-2873.
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.
Life-changing care…right in your own backyard. Join Boys Town (www.boystown.org) in the business of saving kids and healing families!
For more than 100 years, Boys Town has been serving local communities, both as a good neighbor and a provider of high-quality care and treatment programs. They’ve always taken great pride in being right here when kids and families need them, whether that’s for a child in need of a stable home or a parent looking for a trusted pediatrician for their child.
That’s why the partnership and support of local businesses is so valuable to their mission. Learn more about how you can help Boys Town expand its services so more people in need can experience hope and healing. Call (531) 355-1300, email info@boystown.org, or go online to www.boystown.org.
Mosaic (www.mosaicinfo.org/locations/nebraska/omaha) in Omaha’s 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.
More than 11,000 Nebraskans will be diagnosed with cancer this year. The Heartland Cancer Foundation’s (heartlandcancerfoundation.org) mission is to provide practical and immediate financial assistance to eligible cancer patients in our community so they can focus on what matters most: healing.
Support our mission by joining us on Saturday, March 4th for the 8th Annual Mardi Gras Gala at the Lincoln Marriott Cornhusker Hotel. This is the Heartland Cancer Foundation’s largest annual fundraiser and raises critical funds to support cancer patients in Nebraska.
This incredible evening will feature interactive audience entertainment, a silent auction, live auction, bourbon pull, delicious food, and lively Mardi Gras flair!
Sponsorship opportunities of every size and for every budget are now available. Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind opportunity for your business to get exposure, attend a spectacular event, and make a difference for local cancer patients. Learn more and get involved at heartlandcancerfoundation.org.
It is built, it is stunning, and it sits sturdy on the foundations of inclusivity, accessibility, sustainability, compassion, and engagement. The Benson Theatre (bensontheatre.org) is meant to be shared to serve all the missions of organizations who wish to positively impact the community and all who wish to be a part of the educational and creative experiences that will happen within its walls.
During the day, our facilities focus on providing educational opportunities that foster the success of artists, nonprofits, small business owners and underserved populations throughout the city.
During the evening, our facilities serve as a performance venue for collaborations with our community partners welcoming all artforms – comedy, dance, film, music, spoken word, theatre, visual arts and more.
The Benson Theatre recognizes the need for programming for kids, for older adults, and for those with specific needs.
Contact The Benson Theatre at (402) 991-4333 for rental fees and details about technology features, collaborations, and assembly. For more information, go to bensontheatre.org.
The American Lung Association (lung.org) saves lives right here in Nebraska through research, education and advocacy. We provide support and education for those living with asthma, lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and fighting threats to lung health such as tobacco, air pollution and more.
Our mission is to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease. We were founded over 115 years ago by a group of volunteers dedicated to ending the lung health threat at the time: tuberculosis. With TB largely controlled in the US, we extended that mission to other respiratory diseases. Thanks to our donors, volunteers, program and event participants, and staff, we are America’s trusted source for lung health education, lung disease research, support, programs, services and advocacy. Defeat Lung Cancer.
Our goals are to defeat lung cancer; champion clean air for all; improve the quality of life for those with lung disease and their families; and create a tobacco-free future.
To learn how to get involved in a meaningful way, visit lung.org/get-involved.
Abide’s mission is to revitalize the inner city, one neighborhood at a time. For over 30 years, we’ve practiced the idea that presence matters. Our Lighthouse Program equips leaders to move into refurbished homes throughout North Omaha. This model has resulted in crime reduction and an increased sense of interconnectedness among neighbors. On our 24-acre Better Together Campus, Abide has welcomed and empowered multiple businesses and ministries including Omaha Street School, Leona’s Dance Company, Own the Pond Network, Develop Basketball, and TC Lifestyle Fit to help provide needed services for our community and opportunities for local entrepreneurs. Also on our campus, Abide gives out hot meals, food pantry boxes, and diaper packs through the Better Together Food Pantry held every second Saturday and hosts Impact Trips where church, civic, and corporate groups can learn about the importance of diversity and be part of making an impact in our community.
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. To learn more, visit www.midlandslatinocdc.org or call (402) 933-4466.
The Salvation Army of Omaha (salarmyomaha.org) is a faith-based nonprofit organization with a mission to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination. Its three community centers – Citadel Corps, North Corps, and The Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center – as well as the Burrows Center and Renaissance Village, are uniquely situated to meet the diverse needs of our metro-area neighborhoods. From after-school programs and summer camps to food pantries and behavioral health programs that support those struggling with mental illness, The Salvation Army of Omaha sustains the bodies, minds and spirits of thousands of our most vulnerable neighbors each year. Monetary donations help to fund The Salvation Army’s social services programs – including food, housing, material assistance, youth development, older adult services, behavioral health, antihuman trafficking and disaster services. For more information, or to make a donation, please visit salarmyomaha.org.
Midlands Community Foundation (MCF,www.midlandscommunity.org) serves as a catalyst for lasting impact in Sarpy and Cass counties and 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 arts, community, economic development, education, health, and human services. MCF:
• Helps provide shelter for the homeless and stock 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
• Supports STEM initiatives
• Assists in emergency disaster relief for affected victims.
In addition, MCF manages 160 charitable funds that serve an array of needs. This past year, MCF infused nearly $2.5 million back into the community through its grants, discretionary gifts, and charitable fund contributions. Learn more at www.midlandscommunity.org.
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.
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.
Brain injuries impact multiple areas of a person’s life such as cognition, memory, balance, emotional stability, relationships, and more.
Currently, few resources and supports are available statewide to people living with a brain injury.
The Brain Injury Alliance of Nebraska (biane.org/about), an affiliate of the United States Brain Injury Alliance, is a dedicated provider of brain injury health information and support in the state. Incorporated in 2009, the organization’s mission is to create a better future for all Nebraskans through brain injury prevention, education, advocacy, and support.
The Brain Injury Alliance of Nebraska (BIA-NE) works to bring about meaningful system change by building community support networks that help individuals and families across the state navigate life changes caused by brain injury.
Learn more about the Brain Injury Alliance of Nebraska and its services by visiting biane.org/about.
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.
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.
City Sprouts (www.omahasprouts.org) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and member of The Nonprofit Association of the Midlands and the Omaha Chamber of Commerce. Our passion is food equity for all, and our mission is to use urban agriculture as a platform to develop equitable food systems, provide educational opportunities, and build community. To do so, we work with Omaha-area residents, volunteers, and urban farming interns to grow vegetables, flowers, and herbs using environmentally responsible and sustainable techniques in our community gardens (North and South Omaha) and seven-acre urban farm (Northeast Omaha). In addition to being urban growers, we offer a variety of free and low-cost programs to folks of all ages in the local Omaha area promoting food education (growing, preparation / cooking, preservation), sustainable practices, and a close-knit, uplifted community. Learn more about City Sprouts, our programming, and ways you can help on our website: www.omahasprouts.org.
Cinco de Mayo Omaha (CDMO, CDMOmaha.com) is a community-based nonprofit organization with a mission to present a culturally and historically significant celebration of ethnic diversity for residents of Omaha and surrounding areas. Cinco de Mayo Omaha celebrates equity, diversity, and inclusiveness. The organization embraces these pillars of excellence as crucial to healthy people and healthy communities. These values are realized by fostering a culture of open-mindedness, compassion, and inclusiveness among individuals and groups, actively building a community whose members have diverse cultures, backgrounds, and life experiences.
The Cinco de Mayo Omaha Festival, put on by Cinco de Mayo Omaha, is Omaha’s #1 diverse and largest festival and will take place May 12-14 along the historic South 24th St. The event will feature live music and entertainment, carnival rides, a parade, food, exhibitors, MISS/Mister Program and coronation, luncheon, Qué Chulo dog contest, games, and concerts. The festival attracts 250,000 visitors from six surrounding states! Find more information about CDMO and the Cinco de Mayo Omaha Festival at CDMOmaha.com.
Established in 1972, Santa Monica House (www.santamonicahouse.org) provides long-term residential programs to adult women battling substance use, mental health and trauma. The program relies on the disciplines of the 12-step program of Alcoholics Anonymous ® while incorporating evidenced based models that are centered around a strength based approach. Santa Monica provides food, shelter, rehabilitative counseling, job acquisition guidance, and resocialization training through our continuum of care. Being under Santa Monica’s umbrella women will be empowered as they progresses through the Intermediate Residential, Halfway House, Three-Quarter way or sober living and Supported Transitional Apartments, to independent living. Women will also have a Certified Peer Support Specialist to partner with on their journey. This design to step-down levels of care provides a holistic experience giving 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.
The mission of the Jennie Edmundson (JE) Foundation (www.jehfoundation.org) 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 Caring for Our Community Fund, Cancer Center, Cardiac Center, Women’s Services, Charitable Patient Care Fund, MediBus 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 year-end 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.
FAMILY, Inc. (www.familyia.org) is a human services organization with a mission to engage and educate our community, inspiring a healthy future through literacy, family, and public health services. At FAMILY, Inc. they envision a resilient community built on strong partnerships and trust with equitable opportunities to thrive. They are committed to building a better future for our community through our children. FAMILY, Inc. provides the right support 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) was founded in 1892 and has been dedicated to the needs of children and families in the greater Omaha area for over 130 years. The mission is “responding to the cry of a child”, but it is the vision that guides us as we work to give the children we serve safe, happy childhoods. CSI’s vision is that “all children have homes where hope is kindled and dreams can be achieved.”
CSI’s programming is diverse, but so are the needs of today’s children and youth. Services address the need for early childhood development and high-quality childcare which we offer through our early childhood education program at our two Omaha childcare centers. Other services offered focus on the prevention, intervention and healing from child abuse, neglect and trauma. Programs include in-home support for families struggling to stay together, foster care, mental health services including therapy and medication management, parent support and education programs for young and expectant parents, an emergency shelter for youth temporarily displaced and who have nowhere to live, and adoption services for older children and youth in foster care.
With your support, CSI continues to serve more than 2,500 kids and families each year and touches thousands more, improving children’s lives and helping them discover the joy of childhood. For more information, visit childsaving.org or call (402) 553-6000. Stay connected with CSI by following the organization on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.