As a part of the mission of Strictly Business Magazine, we are always urging our readers to be conscious of who they do business with and where they purchase their goods and services. We feel that it is incredibly important to support businesses that support the local community—and non-profit organizations!
Non-profit organizations support the spectrum of needs in our community, and effectively use their surplus revenues to achieve the specific goals of the organization rather than distributing them as profit or dividends. This means that non-profits rely solely on donors and contributions to fund the work they do for the community—and also why it is so important for businesses to support the causes that they feel strongly about. As a business who supports non-profit organizations, you are visibly making a statement that you are not only an active member of the community but specifically that you are committed to partnering with local organizations to make a positive impact in the community that you do business with. Word of mouth is a powerful tool for businesses, and goodwill gestures like supporting non-profit organizations convey that you are concerned with more than just your company’s interests.
It is a great feeling to contribute to a cause that truly helps others, and to mobilize and encourage others to do so as well. Getting your employees involved with a non-profit organization is mutually beneficial, and employs the same concept as community perception. In leading by example, you are showing your employees that you care and that they should too.
Giving back to the community should be an enjoyable and exciting opportunity to be a part of something that benefits everyone involved. Choosing a cause that is particularly meaningful on a personal level will likely provide you with a greater sense of worth and pride in your investment. It is not feasible to contribute to every charity, and you will likely be pulled in many directions when it comes to choosing which ones you want to support. Be careful—all non-profits are not created equal! Do your research before you finalize your decision on which organizations you will promote and invest your time and resources in, with a focus on how they spend their money and utilize their resources. A great non-profit will be led by talented professionals who are well worth a reasonable salary for the work they do, but it is important that there is a good balance between administrative payroll and the funds that are contributed directly to the cause. While awareness is incredibly important, actions often do speak louder than words. The work that each non-profit does, and in turn your contribution to their cause, should impact the community in a real and meaningful way. We have compiled a list of excellent non-profits, all of which need and welcome your support, and encourage you to get involved with these organizations!
Aiding Angels is a local, 501(c)3 non-profit organization providing FREE, professional housecleaning to the cancer heroes in our community during one of the most stressful times of their lives. A clean home and environment contributes to the welfare and recovery of patients. This program is not cancer specific or financially need-based. It is offered for women, men and children. For more information, please contact Aiding Angels at (402) 434-2472.
The American Heart Association and the American Stroke Association is a non-profit working to improve the cardiovascular health of Americans by 20%, while reducing deaths from CVD and stroke by 20% by 2020. Heart disease is our No. 1 killer. Each day, Americans suffer more than 2,500 heart attacks, killing 1 person every 39 seconds. Stroke is our No. 4 killer and the leading cause of disability. Through awareness and fundraising at events like Go Red For Women, Heart Walk and Heart Ball, we are determined to change those statistics. Find out how you can help at www.heart.org/lincoln.
Not all children are lucky enough to have lives free of abuse or neglect. Some become involved in the child welfare system through no fault of their own. Court Appointed Special Advocates or CASA for Lancaster County is a local not-for-profit organization that recruits, trains and supports community volunteers who advocate on behalf of abused and neglected children in Juvenile Court. CASA volunteers do their own investigation and report their findings directly to the judge. CASA volunteers provide a voice for children in the court system, expedite permanency, and ensure that children have safe permanent homes. For more information, please contact CASA for Lancaster County at 402-474-5161 or www.casa4lancaster.org .
Empowering women and working to eliminate racism in Lincoln since 1893, the YWCA has a long history and a dynamic future. Located in the heart of the city at 2620 O Street, the YWCA currently provides after school and weekend programs at 10 elementary schools, dance and fitness classes for children and adults, respite care for families, leadership development for adults, advocacy on critical social justice issues, and we partner with other non-profits to provide outreach and services including career development and clothing and education for new Americans. This fall look for new adaptive dance classes, Lego Robotics outreach programs and the annual Tribute to Women Luncheon. Please call (402) 434-3494 or visit ywcalincoln.org for more information.
For over 65 years, CEDARS has been caring for children who have been the victims of abuse, neglect or homelessness. CEDARS brings children into a safe and stable environment where we work to bring the child safely back home or find a new home for them. CEDARS is currently seeking partners who are willing to serve as foster parents for children in need of a safe and loving home in our community. To find out how you can Help Kids in Crisis and Build Strong Families with CEDARS, visit our website at www.cedarskids.org or call (402) 434-5437.
Fresh Start: A Home Where Women Can Grow; Fresh Start is a transitional shelter that empowers homeless women to change their lives by recognizing and utilizing their strengths to overcome barriers to self-sufficiency. The Fresh Start program balances encouragement with accountability to help residents reach their goals. Staff is available 24 hours a day 7 days a week to help these women take positive steps towards a better future.
Needs: bus passes, cleaning supplies, and personal care items.
Volunteer Opportunities: The Daisy Thrift Shop, event planning, the Board of Directors and one day projects.
Please visit www.FreshStartHome.org or call (402) 475-7777 for more information and to find out how you can get involved.
Happy Anniversary to Clinic with a Heart! In May, Clinic with a Heart celebrated our 10th year offering free healthcare to folks in need. Many thanks to the volunteers, donors and supporters who give time, expertise, energy and resources so free healthcare in Lincoln is available. Clinic with a Heart provides healthcare free of charge to people without insurance or who are underinsured. Services include medical, dental assessment, chiropractic, physical therapy, mental health, hearing screenings, vision screenings and spiritual care. Funding for Clinic with a Heart comes from mission team sponsors, corporate sponsors, individual donors, church grants and fundraising events. Since 2003, our volunteers have provided patients more than 17,000 visits. For more information, please contact Teresa Harms at (402) 421-2924 or teresa@clinicwithaheart.org. THANK YOU for supporting Clinic with a Heart!
AIM is a not-for-profit community organization that promotes technology to empower people, enhance organizations, and create brilliant communities. Headquartered in Omaha, AIM established a Lincoln office in 2010 and since that time has grown its Lincoln membership to nearly 30 businesses, schools, government agencies and community organizations.
AIM’s Lincoln activities have included expansion of AIM Careerlink, the region’s leading online recruitment resource; implementation of a Lincoln-based AIM IT Leadership Academy; participation in 1st Job-Lincoln, a program matching high school students with internship opportunities in technology fields; and support for the Nebraska Software Builder’s Challenge and Startup Week Tech Crawl. For more information, please contact Rod Armstrong at (402) 323-0703 or by email at rarmstrong@aimforbrilliance.org. You can also visit their website at aimforbrilliance.org.
Houses of Hope is in its 51st year serving adults whose lives are impacted by substance use, addictions and related mental health issues. We provide services in three programs:
Short-term residential – offering adults the foundation and building blocks for recovery
Halfway house – providing adult men with opportunities to continue recovery, gain employment and work toward self-sufficiency
Case management community– based services for adults to successfully thrive in the community.
In the past year well over 600 individuals received services in these programs where clients work at “Building Better Lives in Recovery”. For more information visit our website at www.housesofhope.com or contact us at info@housesofhope.com.
WasteCap Nebraska is a statewide, member-based, non-profit organization headquartered in Lincoln, Neb. Since 1992 it has helped Nebraska businesses and communities reduce solid waste and save money through materials management and recycling. Our online Recycling Guide lists recycling providers in all 93 counties of Nebraska.
Find the guide at http://www.wastecapne.org/recycling/.
Nebraskans throw away 1.2 tons of materials per person each year, but of that, 68% could easily be reused or recycled at an estimated value of $137million annually. WasteCap Nebraska helps Nebraskans “GET UNWASTED” to preserve our cherished “good life” in Nebraska because “There’s no such thing as waste, only WASTERS.”
WasteCap Nebraska needs volunteers to contact business entities in their community that would be interested in implementing a waste reduction and recycling program.
Capital Humane Society was founded in 1902 and originally known as the Lancaster County Humane Society. The original offices were in the old City Hall located at 9th and O Street and the original shelter was located in the West O Street area.
The organization moved to the 2320 Park Boulevard location in the mid-1920s. The existing shelter at this location is the third to stand at the site.
On July 2nd, Capital Humane Society opened the Pieloch Pet Adoption Center on the southeast corner of 70th and Hwy 2. Capital Humane Society will run both facilities. Both facilities can be reached by calling (402) 441-4488.
St. Monica’s Behavioral Health Services for Women www.stmonicas.com; St. Monica’s is committed to the recovery of women of all ages through empowerment, stability, and self-fulfillment. We offer substance abuse treatment for women in a gender-specific, loving atmosphere. Our trauma-informed approach helps us address substance abuse at the root cause with a variety of residential and outpatient programs for women of all ages, including a home for mothers and their children. St. Monica’s has been serving women for nearly 50 years. Fees for our services are based on a sliding scale; no woman is turned away based on inability to pay.
Needs: St. Monica’s generous supporters help us help women develop healthier lives for themselves and their families.
Contact: (402) 441.3768
Pocket Change for Charity (PCC), a local charity event created by three Grand Island women, is making an impressive mark on several local causes—one quarter at a time! PCC has been moved to Lincoln by six local women business owners: Ashley Pavlish (Body Nouveaux Spa), Dr. Corey Dousharm (Mosier Temperely Chiropractic), Jenna Smith (Eve Salon), Angie Lewis (The Corky Canvas), Cali Hlavac (A Sound Impression), and Sarah Mullins (Hallow Candle Co.).
Mission of PCC Lincoln: The original goal was to market a home business. The result raised more than $10,000 for local charities — with pocket change. NOW it isn’t about business anymore, it’s about making a difference in our community!
PCC Lincoln’s event in March raised over $3,500 for Team Jack and September 24th they will host an event to support Make a Wish – Nebraska
Find more information at pocketchangeforcharity.com.
All involved with Mourning Hope operate with a crystal clear purpose – to bring comfort and support to families in times of grief. Mourning Hope’s programs are designed to serve all children, teens, young adults and their caregivers who have experienced the serious illness or death of a loved one. Bereaved youth are taught healthy coping skills for dealing with the death of a loved one. They are given the freedom to grieve in their own way and at their own pace. Ultimately, they learn that hope and healing are possible, and no one ever has to grieve alone.
Mourning Hope is in need of volunteers and donations. Our services are provided free-of-charge thanks to the community’s generosity.
For more information, contact: Mourning Hope Grief Center, 4919 Baldwin Avenue, 402.488.8989
www.mourninghope.org, hope@mourninghope.org
Lincoln TeamMates is a school-based mentoring program. Mentors meet with their student one hour, once a week during the academic year at the child’s school. Mentors serve as a positive role model and build a relationship that offers hope and a positive vision for the student’s future. The goal of the program is to see students graduate from high school and pursue a post-secondary education. More than 95% of Lincoln TeamMates graduates in the past four academic years have indicated that they had plans to attend a post-secondary institution.
During 2012-2013, more than 1,055 students were served. There are still more than 500 students who would better thrive in school if they had a mentor. Many community businesses encourage and make it possible for their employees to volunteer. For more information, please visit lincolnteammates.org.
Voices of Hope provides 24-hour-a-day services for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, incest, stalking, and related forms of abuse. Our services include the 24-hour crisis line (402-475-7273), 24-hour victim advocacy at hospitals, and daily walk-in services. We also offer support groups, crisis counseling, safety planning, assistance with protection orders, basic needs, and on-campus services at UNL and SCC-Lincoln. Last year, we answered over 8,000 crisis line calls and provided face-to-face services to nearly 2,000 victims. Our free and confidential services are available to women and men. We are in need of financial donations, as well as donations of basic needs items such as personal hygiene items, household items, diapers and wipes, and office supplies. For more information, visit our website at www.voicesofhopelincoln.org.
Established in 2008, The Beat Breast Cancer Mud Volleyball Tournament was organized to help families affected by breast cancer through fun, community-focused events. We strive to increase awareness about the importance of screenings and remind young women to be vigilant about looking for the signs of breast cancer as it can affect them at any age. Each year a new recipient is chosen to receive the funds – in 2013 we plan to give two recipients $10,000 each as well as begin a scholarship fund for families affected by breast cancer.
In 2011 tournament was moved from Abie, Nebraska to Prague, Nebraska. With a larger and more accessible area, the tournament has grown to 256 teams–with camping and street dances it’s truly an all weekend event! Visit bbcmvb.com for more information.
Junior Achievement A want versus a need. How to balance a checkbook. Don’t you wish that someone had taught you those things as you were growing up? Now there is someone. YOU. All we need is your enthusiasm, life experience, and a willingness to teach children about how you took chances and shot for the stars. It’s Easy! Junior Achievement provides the training, materials, curriculum, and a classroom ready to meet you.
The Commitment: Your commitment could vary from five to eight classrooms sessions ranging from 30 to 45 minutes in length. It all depends on the grade level of the program you choose. You can choose your classroom based on a number of factors. We’re flexible!
Contact: Chelsea Brandl — (402) 467-1741.
The Lincoln Arts Council (www.artscene.org) The Lincoln Arts Council is about leveraging the create-ability of our city. We advocate for art experiences in the streets and in the workplace in addition to galleries, museums and stages. We facilitate the incorporation of art in our classrooms and support a variety of local arts organizations by awarding project grants to qualifying non-profits. We are proud to be the official arts agency for the City of Lincoln and are eager to collaborate with our neighbors in all sectors of the community to inspire and innovate new ways to integrate creative expression into the vibrancy of our shared lives.
Our Needs: Participation by professionals from the business sector to provide leadership, networking and sponsorship for increased community connectedness and impact.
Contact: Lori McAlister at lori@artscene.org or (402) 434-2787.
Friendship Home Formed in 1978, Friendship Home is Lincoln’s only specialized emergency and transitional shelter program for battered women and their children. Friendship Home offers the vital services and safe shelter women and children must have in order to leave a violent home. In 2011, Friendship Home served over 1,600 women and children through its various programs and services. If you need help, call (402) 437-9302. A trained advocate is available to talk every hour of every day. For more information, please visit www.friendshiphome.org.
PEOPLE’S CITY MISSION (PCM) People’s City Mission was founded in 1907 and serves as Lincoln’s primary homeless shelter. PCM provides emergency housing for nearly 350 homeless men, women, and children every night of the year. Its Homeless Prevention Center offers free food, clothing and household items to nearly 22,000 people with incomes below 150% of the U.S. poverty line. The PCM Free Medical Clinic offers a wide range of free health services to uninsured Lancaster County residents. Last year this clinic experienced over 16,000 patient visits, making it one of largest free clinics in the country. PCM helped 32,578 different individuals with its various services in 2012, or about 1 in 8 Lincoln residents. PCM receives most of its funding from private donations and gets about 91% of their funds directly to the people who need them.
For more information, please visit www.peoplescitymission.org.
The Nebraska Safety Council is now offering worksite wellness programs in addition to its comprehensive menu of safety programs and services. WorkWell, a worksite wellness organization providing services in Lincoln and Southeast Nebraska since 1986, merged with the Council this past January. Organizations can now receive assistance on their safety and wellness programs from one trusted source. We want you and your family to work..drive..live safe!
Visit our websites – nesafetycouncil.org and workwellwellness.org for more information.
Contact: Nebraska Safety Council – (402) 483-2511
Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska www.LFSneb.org Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska (LFS) is one of the largest and oldest human care organizations in the state.
LFS provides service to thousands of people within three core competencies: Children Services, Community Services, and Behavioral Health. Each program within these areas helps build and strengthen families – and accomplish the LFS mission of “safety, hope, and well-being for all people.” On any given day, LFS has open case files on over 2,000 children alone – including foster care, sexual abuse therapy and trauma treatment. Community Service provides outreach and support to international populations. Only one in ten clients is Lutheran.
Needs: Refugee sponsors and financial support. At least 85% of every donor dollar goes to support programs and services.
Contact: Bev Carlson 402.978.5646
Pius X High School As the central Catholic high school in Lincoln, Pius X provides a high quality academic preparation in a disciplined and Christ –centered environment. Pius X serves more than 1,100 students in grades 9-12 and integrates Catholic values in all areas of life. In September, 2012 Pius X received special recognition for Excellence in Catholic Identity by the Cardinal Newman Society’s National Catholic High School Honor Roll. This is the fourth time in seven years that Pius X has been named as part of the Honor Roll, including two Top 50 honors and one honorable mention. Pius X is guided by Pope St. Pius X’s motto, “Restore all things in Christ”.
You can support Pius X High School by visiting our website at www.piusx.net/foundation or by calling Michelle at 402-488-1046.
LUX Center for the Arts is the place where creativity and the community intersect. It is Lincoln’s non-profit visual arts center and our mission is to enhance the lives of the Lincoln Community. We fulfill our mission by providing art classes for children, youth, and adults; host exhibitions of artists’ works from Nebraska and around the country; and by reaching out to provide art classes to incarcerated youth, cancer survivors, low income children and senior citizens though Art Van deLUX. Contributions from people like you provide scholarships for low income seniors and children. Making art helps the mind, body, and spirit. Contact Jo Ann or Whitney Lee at 402-466-8692 or visit on the web at www.luxcenter.org.
JDRF is the leading global organization funding type 1 diabetes (T1D) research. JDRF’s goal is to progressively remove the impact of T1D from people’s lives until we achieve a world without T1D. JDRF collaborates with a wide spectrum of partners and is the only organization with the scientific resources, regulatory influence, and a working plan to better treat, prevent and eventually cure T1D. This is all part of JDRF’s promise of “less until none”: to progressively remove the impact of T1D from the lives of those living with the disease until it is no longer a threat to them or their families.
We hold two Annual Fundraisers: Walk to Cure Diabetes (Fall), Sunday, September 22nd Sign up at: walk.jdrf.org; JDRF Dream Gala (Spring)
JDRF Heartland Chapter, Lincoln, 2120 So. 56th St. Suite 206, Lincoln, NE 68506
Hours: Monday – Friday 8am-4pm Phone: 402-484-8300
Email: Lincoln@jdrf.org Website: lincoln.jdrf.org
Over 5000 youth in the State of Nebraska are classified as Wards of the State. Over 7 years the Foster CARE Closet has been serving these youth with clothes. Over 6000 youth all across the State of Nebraska have been served FREE OF CHARGE with clothing.
The need has continued to increase by over 20% each year we have served youth.
The teen population is our most overlooked need for clothing. On average, 20 children a month will enter into the foster care system.
The Foster CARE Closet has expanded and created an Intake CARE Center to help meet the unique needs of children entering into the foster care system.
Through a conviction to provide service and support with outstanding knowledge and focus, our efforts was recognized with the 2012 Better Business Bureau Integrity Award.
Visit fostercarecloset.org for more information.
Strokes are a life changing event that can happen to anyone of any age. The mission of the Nebraska State Stroke Association (NSSA) is prevention of stroke through education and to maximize the quality of life for stroke survivors and their families. NSSA offers free stroke awareness presentations, assists with the start-up of stroke support groups, offers a 5th grade education program, and provides support of resources to new stroke survivors and caregivers.
NSSA also works with the Nebraska Stroke Advisory Council, the Lincoln Stroke Partnership and many other boards and committees to bring awareness of the signs and symptoms of stroke. They are constantly seeking Nebraskans who wish to serve on the Statewide Board, become a part of the Speakers Bureau on stroke awareness or support in fundraising efforts.
Please visit www.nebraskastroke.org or call (402) 484-8131 or (888) 808-5678.