Heartland Family Service’s (heartlandfamilyservice.org) vision is to build strong communities. Quite simply, it lends a helping hand to those who need it most. It offers services in a number of different areas. Those services include, but are not limited to, homeless outreach, mental health crisis care, therapeutic education, domestic violence and sexual assault survivor services, substance use treatment and problem gambling treatment. It has 20 locations across eastern Nebraska and southwest Iowa, so it’s constantly making touch points across various communities. In fact, last year alone, it made more than 120,000 touch points.
It’s not very often a business, organization or agency can say they’ve been around for 150 years, but Heartland Family Service can say just that. In fact, it’s been around since 1875 and started in Omaha. The agency was founded by representatives from eight different Omaha churches to deliver essential services to people in need. Its original purpose was to provide missions work in addition to charity and relief and has expanded from there.
Heartland Family Service strives to stay as strong as it can as an agency. Its expertise isn’t just limited to one or two areas or fields; therefore, it’s in a position to help any person where they are in life. Mental health is a big deal right now. Sexual assault and domestic violence happen way too often, and people need a place they can turn to for safety. Homelessness is another big issue.
New services that have opened up this past year include the Heartland Family Service Nebraska Peer Center and the Crisis Stabilization and Resource Center. The Peer Center is a safe place for people looking to build bonds and friendships with others who may be living in a similar situation and facing similar barriers. The Crisis Stabilization and Resource Center serves five counties, including Sarpy and Douglas, and cares for people experiencing mental health crises. This care is designed to keep people out of the criminal justice system and inpatient hospital care.
Heartland Family Service has been honored with many awards through the years including:
- 2023, 2022, 2021, 2019, 2018: Best Counseling Clinic, Best of the Big O!
- 2020: HRAM IDEAL award for Diversity and Inclusion, Human Resource Association of the Midlands (HRAM)
- 2020, 2018: Best Counseling Service, Sarpy County People’s Choice Awards
- 2020: John Jeanetta, Extraordinary Leader Award, BIG Event Awards, metroMAGAZINE
- 2020: “Carnival of Love” Gala, Best Event Over 500 Attendees, BIG Event Awards, metroMAGAZINE
- 2019: Integrity Award, Large Charity Category, Better Business Bureau
Since the 19th century, Heartland Family Service has been a trusted resource in this community, so it is essential to stay strong. Heartland Family Service is committed to doing just that and to go above and beyond for the next 150 years.