Supporting Non-Profits
“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” –Winston Churchill
One of the aspects of Lincoln that makes it such a great place to live is our collective commitment to strengthening and serving our community. The invaluable work of our local non-profit organizations and the many individuals and groups who contribute to the cause continue to make Lincoln a better place for all year after year.
Although many of us find the holidays to be the time when we give generously to the causes that are near to our hearts, the need certainly doesn’t stop after January passes. We’re all currently in goal-setting mode with our New Year’s resolutions, so now is the time to make a commitment to community service.
As you consider how you can make a difference in your community in 2016, think about the causes that you are passionate about first and foremost. There are more than likely non-profit organizations focusing on those exact things that would benefit immensely from your support, whether it’s a monetary donation or offering your time and talents. Moreover, once you’ve found the organizations that you feel drawn to, make sure you do a little research first to validate that your contributions will be doing the most good for the cause. Likewise, you’ll want to pay attention to the partnerships and affiliations that your organization of choice has with other organizations. While a specific cause may be something that you wish to support, there’s a chance that by association you may inadvertently support something that you may in fact be opposed to. We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: Not all non-profits are created equal! It’s important to be aware of how an organization chooses to allocate its precious resources, and as transparency is paramount in the non-profit world, you should easily be able to find out anything that you want to know. A little due diligence goes a long way and you’ll be even more satisfied knowing exactly how you are positively affecting the lives of others in need.
Corporate giving is an important aspect of a company’s image and the beliefs that are central to all other operations. With outcomes of empowerment, inspiration, perspective, fellowship, gratitude, and simply feeling good about ourselves, the way in which we connect to others and the spirit of giving are powerful entities that profoundly impact corporate culture. In terms of your contributions to the community together as an organization, there are plenty of ways to incorporate community service or fundraising initiatives. You could set it up as a team building activity by volunteering as a group and then reflecting on the experience together, you could set up a workplace giving program or event and then match what your employees contribute, or you could simply give every staff member an allotment of hours to volunteer at an organization of their choosing. You could also opt to focus specifically on what you have to offer and how that could potentially benefit the organization(s) that you wish to support. As a prime example, in the marketing world we often see that a majority of non-profit organizations have a limited budget and due to allocating a majority of funds to the work itself, there’s a lack of resources to put towards marketing themselves effectively in order to raise a greater awareness of the need. This awareness is critical; in order to support a cause you must first recognize that there is a need and someone out there who is actively addressing it. Therefore, you could have a major impact by donating creative services or ad space for targeted promotion. The best part about giving back is that we all have something special to offer that is of great value to others who need our support. Never underestimate what you bring to the table and how your contribution can change outcomes and the quality of life for our community as a whole.
As with anything one sets out to do, it’s essential to set goals and then plan the follow-through to ensure the desired outcome. Challenge yourself to make a pledge card that includes what you value most and then align that with your giving goals. Keep in mind that there’s much more that you have to give than just your money – ask any non-profit organization how you can help and they will not only have a list of needs to meet but they can also offer ideas based upon the events and initiatives they have scheduled as well.
We are much more powerful when we work together for the common good, so no matter what you have to give, the important part is that you act on it. There is no shortage of wonderful non-profit organizations in Lincoln, so yet again in this issue we’ve highlighted some of the best in the area and encourage you to keep these organizations in mind over the coming year!
Employees’ safety and health create a strong foundation for an organization’s success. Nebraska Safety Council and WorkWell (nesafetycouncil.org.) have come together to provide comprehensive safety and wellness programs, designed to improve workplace performance and overall worker wellbeing. We’re here to help all Nebraskans live safer and healthier lives!
When they are expertly equipped, organizations can integrate effective workplace health, safety, and wellness promotion for their employees. There are no one-size-fit all options; each company’s safety and wellbeing program is customized for their needs. Choose from worker safety, wellness, or both and we provide the training, guidance, and resources.
Providing leadership and resources for a safe and healthy workplace and community, Nebraska Safety Council – (402) 483-2511, nesafetycouncil.org.
Community Action Partnership of Lancaster and Saunders Counties (www.communityactionatwork.com) is a non-profit organization that has been serving individuals and families living in poverty in southeast Nebraska since 1965. Through 16 distinct poverty-fighting programs and services, Community Action serves over 17,800 low-income individuals in our community each year. Its mission is to empower people living in poverty to reach economic stability. For more information, visit www.communityactionatwork.com or call (402) 471-4515.
The Merrymakers Association (www.merrymakers.org) began providing professional entertainment to area senior homes in 1986.
Currently, 134 care facilities in Nebraska and Iowa are being served. This includes assisted living facilities, senior apartments, hospice locations and senior centers. Programs are scheduled once a month.
Merrymakers’ program is a unique service. The mission of Merrymakers is to provide live, onsite entertainment by all residents, including those with Alzheimer’s. The entertainment provides physical, as well as mental stimulation. According to recreational therapists, residents reap the benefits for days afterwards with increased mental awareness.
Merrymakers currently has about two dozen distinct musical entertainers. Our goal is to provide a variety of quality music to area residents. The entertainers are contracted, top-notch performers and are paid to provide a reliable source of musical enjoyment to area seniors.
Merrymakers is 100% supported through donations. More than 90% of donations go directly to programs and program development.
For more information, visit www.merrymakers.org or call (402) 697-0205.
Not all children are lucky enough to have lives free of abuse or neglect. Some become involved in the juvenile court system through no fault of their own. Court Appointed Special Advocates or CASA (www.casa4lancaster.org) for Lancaster County, a local not-for-profit organization, recruits, trains and supports community volunteers who advocate on behalf of abused, neglected, truant, or ungovernable 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 court, expedite permanency, and ensure that children have safe permanent homes.
To donate, volunteer or for more information, please contact CASA for Lancaster County at (402) 474-5161 or www.casa4lancaster.org.
Nearly 300 babies are born to teenagers each year in Lincoln. If you know a teen parent, tell them about Parent Life (www.yfclincoln.org). We’d love for them to come out and join us. Parent Life is a fun, supportive group of pregnant and parenting teens. We support, encourage, and equip young parents to make good choices and to complete their education.
Parent Life is a ministry of Youth for Christ Lincoln Area, a non-denominational, non-judgmental, non-profit organization serving youth in the Lincoln community and surrounding areas. We engage youth through three ministries: Campus Life to teens in high schools and middle schools, Juvenile Justice to jailed teens, and Parent Life to pregnant teens. Through regular programming and special events, YFC Lincoln Area works with over 2,400 local youth with the goal of engaging them in a healthy relationship with God.
For more information on Parent Life visit www.yfclincoln.org.
The Monarch (http://EastmontTowers.com/end-of-life-care) is a freestanding facility focused on hospice care, enhancing the continuity and quality of care delivered to terminally ill individuals. Our trained professional staff partner with all area hospice agencies to provide comfort/palliative care to residents and their families. Owned and managed by Eastmont Towers, The Monarch is a not-for-profit, non-denominational facility that has been providing end-of-life care since 2003.
The Monarch has served more than 1,000 people ranging in age from 1 month to over 100 years and provided more than $1 million in charity care. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, last year we provided over 600 days of benevolent care to individuals in need. However for every 12 requests for benevolent care, we are only able to accept one. If you would like to support benevolent care or learn more about The Monarch, please visit http://EastmontTowers.com/end-of-life-care or contact Melinda Stone (402) 486-2432.
Nebraska Community Foundation (nebraskahometown.org) is a statewide movement using philanthropy as a tool to build stronger, more prosperous communities. NCF is a partner for meeting your charitable goals no matter where you live. It’s the way to give back to your hometown.
Thanks to generous donors, in just the last five years more than $120 million has been reinvested in our schools, hospitals, community centers, libraries, fire and rescue units, parks and recreation, youth programs and our natural environment. Thousands of citizens have enjoyed the arts, earned scholarships and received specialized training to grow local economies in Nebraska communities.
NCF is a charitable giving resource for all Nebraskans, offering donor-advised funds, designated funds, field of interest funds and life income funds which provide many tax benefits. Gifts to your hometown can be made using cash, securities, real estate, insurance, ag commodities, retirement plans, bequests and other assets.
Visit NebraskaHometown.org, call (402) 323-7330 or email info@nebcommfound.org for more information.
Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a life-threatening autoimmune disease in which a person’s pancreas stops producing insulin, a hormone people need to get energy from food. T1D strikes both children and adults suddenly and is unrelated to diet or exercise. JDRF (Lincoln.jdrf.org) is the only global organization with a strategic plan to end T1D. Our plan ensures that there will be an ongoing stream of life-changing therapies that lessen the disease’s impact. We want to keep people with T1D healthy and safe today until we reach our ultimate goal of a cure and universal prevention of T1D, and turn Type One into Type None.
Find out more about our local efforts to support those in our community living with T1D as well as the research your involvement is helping make possible by contacting the JDRF Lincoln and Greater Nebraska office at Lincoln.jdrf.org.
The American Heart Association and American Stroke Association (www.heart.org/lincoln) 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 percent by 2020, while reducing deaths from heart disease and stroke by 20 percent. Currently, one person dies every 40 seconds from heart disease and stroke. Through events right here in Lincoln like the Heart Walk, Go Red for Women Expo and Heart Ball, that startling statistic can change.
For more information American Heart Association and American Stroke Association visit www.heart.org/lincoln.
Ranking among the top 5% of all Catholic high schools in the country, Pius X (www.piusx.net) provides an affordable, Catholic education in a positive environment. As part of the Pius X family, students deepen their faith and knowledge, and have opportunities to pursue their talents and passions. With its largest enrollment ever at 1,225 students, Pius X has served the Lincoln community for 60 years and works to instill seven core values – excellence, service, purpose, faith, integrity and charity – into the next generation of leaders. Contact us at (402) 488-1046 or email michelle.birkel@piusx.net.
To learn more about Pius X High School and the Pius X Foundation, visit www.piusx.net or follow us at facebook.com/RestoreAllThings or @PiusXLincoln.
Since the early 1970’s, Lincoln Medical Education Partnership (www.lmep.com) has been a model of community collaboration, serving many areas of community need. These include the training of Family Medicine residents through the Lincoln Family Medicine Program, cutting-edge cancer research through the Nebraska Cancer Research Center (NCRC), training schools to identify and help children with behavioral health issues through School Community Intervention & Prevention (SCIP), removing barriers for families by connecting them with resources and addressing substance use through Stepping Stones for Families, and educating individuals to become alcohol and drug counselors via Training for Addiction Professionals.
To learn more about Lincoln Medical Education Partnership visit www.lmep.com.
Existing to promote the dignity, independence and well-being of older adults, Tabitha (Tabitha.org) serves clients and their families across 28 southeast Nebraska counties at every stage of the aging journey through compassionate at-home support, innovative living communities, exceptional rehabilitation, and health care and hospice services.
Tabitha believes everyone should receive the same quality, compassionate care—no matter their financial situation. This commitment is illustrated no better than through Tabitha Meals on Wheels, begun in 1967 as the first program of its kind in Nebraska and today the only Meals on Wheels provider in Lincoln/Lancaster County.
Feeding more than 550 clients daily, 365 days per year, Tabitha Meals on Wheels prolongs Elder independence and provides an invaluable safety check for vulnerable individuals in the Lincoln community. More than 70 percent of the program’s recipients cannot afford the $5.75 per-meal cost, yet with the help of generous donors Tabitha continues to say “yes” to all those in need.
For more information please call Tabitha at (402) 486-8520 or visit Tabitha.org.
For 82 years, Goodwill Industries Serving Southeast Nebraska, Inc. (www.lincolngoodwill.org ) has been strengthening the Lincoln community by providing services for individuals who face barriers to employment and by offering residents an outlet for recycling unused house hold items and clothing. The sale of donated items in Goodwill’s retail stores remains the largest source of funding for its programs and services.
Goodwill recognizes that services provided by peer agencies prepare people served by Goodwill to better succeed in Goodwill’s employment programs. It is with this understanding that Goodwill provides funding to colleague agencies to help with their own programs that align with Goodwill’s mission of willing workers employed and community resources maximized.
For more information about Goodwill and its role in the Lincoln community, visit www.lincolngoodwill.org today.
Nebraska State Stroke Association’s (www.nebraskastroke.org) mission is “The prevention of stroke through education for Nebraskans of all ages as well as to maximize quality of life for all Nebraska Stroke Survivors and their families.”
Nebraskans of all ages are experiencing strokes. In this fast paced world, we are often surprised by the age of individual that arrives at the emergency room with signs and symptoms of a stroke.
KNOW THE STROKE WARNING SIGNS:
-Sudden numbness or weakness of face, arm, leg—especially on one side of the body
-Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
-Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
-Sudden severe headache with no known cause
If you experience any of the above, call 911 immediately.
NSSA reaches out to our Nebraska schools, offering a 5th grade education program that includes a stroke survivor, nurse and caregiver.
Nebraska State Stroke Association is totally funded by donations and all money stays in Nebraska.
Check out Nebraska State Stroke Association at www.nebraskastroke.org for events related to stroke awareness. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. If you are interested in hosting a stroke awareness program, please contact Marcia Matthies, Outreach Coordinator, Nebraska State Stroke Association, at (402) 484-8131 or (888) 808-5678.
People’s City Mission (PCM) (www.peoplescitymission.org) 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 over 20,000 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 almost 18,000 patient visits, making it the third largest free clinic in the country. PCM is helping more than 30,000 individuals each year with its various services, or about 1 in 9 Lincoln residents. PCM receives most of its funding from private donations and gets about 90% of their funds directly to the people who need them.
For more information please visit People’s City Mission (PCM) at www.peoplescitymission.org.
The mission of The HUB-Central Access Point For Young Adults (www.hublincoln.org) is to provide support and access to services for young adults transitioning into adulthood who are disconnected from their family and the community. The HUB offers programming designed to Educate, Employ and Empower young people ages 16-24.
Since 2007, The HUB has provided support for over 3,500 of Lincoln’s neediest young people through employment readiness and job skills training, services and supports to pregnant and parenting teens, service connection for youth aging out of the foster care system, youth who are involved in the juvenile justice system and youth returning to the community from out of home placements. We provide in-school support to high school students to help them stay on track to graduate on time. To date, we have assisted 92 young people earn their GED.
For more information on The HUB, contact us at (402) 471-8526, via email at nola@hublincoln.org, or visit our website at www.hublincoln.org.
What is your Good Life? While each person’s version of the Good Life is different, each shares common ground in the opportunity and the freedom to try to achieve that life. Since 2009 the Nebraska chapter of Americans for Prosperity (AFPNebraska.com) has fought for each Nebraskan to have the opportunity to attain their version of the Good Life. AFP-NE is a 501c4, non-partisan, grassroots organization that advocates for free-market policies at the state and local level. Join the more than 40,000 Nebraskans and fight for the Good Life by talking with your neighbors on the phone or door-to-door, lobbying your elected officials, and more. Check out Nebraska chapter of Americans for Prosperity at AFPNebraska.com, Like us at Facebook.com/AFPNebraska, and follow us at Twitter.com/afpne.
Want to get involved or have a question? Email us at InfoNE@afphq.org.
Established in 1968, The Lincoln Arts Council (www.artscene.org) is all about championing the arts, connecting people, changing lives. We seek to increase arts access by all as we know that well-placed art impacts health, well-being, academic, economic and aesthetic life aspects, which contribute to the livability of our city.
The LAC produces the Lincoln Arts Festival, the Mayor’s Arts Awards and when funding permits, we award Project Grants to member nonprofit arts organizations. We host an interactive Public Art Inventory online. Art Makes Me SmART is our arts education outreach for students. We serve as Lincoln’s official arts agency by mayoral proclamation (2006). We coordinate the city-wide collection of data for the national Arts Economic Impact Surveys.
Our Needs: Participation by professionals from the business sector to provide leadership, marketing expertise, networking and sponsorship for increased community connectedness and impact.
Contact: Lori McAlister, Office and Program Manager at lori@arscene.org or (402) 434-2787.
For information on The Lincoln Arts Council visit www.artscene.org.
Junior Achievement of Lincoln (www.jalincoln.org) is building a successful future for our community, one classroom at a time! Each year, tens of thousands of students in hundreds of schools all across southeastern Nebraska are impacted by our messages of financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and business ethics. Our cutting-edge, grade-specific curriculum is delivered in the most dynamic way possible–by hundreds of caring, generous volunteers from the local business community who add their own real-world experience to create a truly meaningful interaction. We also offer programs that connect motivated students with local entrepreneurs to learn about the process of starting a business, and provide our alumni with a range of scholarship opportunities. Our goal in everything we do is giving our students the opportunity to own their economic success!
For more information on Junior Achievement of Lincoln or to learn more about becoming a classroom volunteer (it only takes 5 hours a year!), contact Alison Gottsch-Walton at awalton@jalincoln.org or (402) 467-1741.
Lincoln SCORE (lincoln.score.org) has been helping entrepreneurs achieve their dream of small business success for 50 years!
SCORE is a resource partner to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) that promotes small business start-ups.
SCORE is America’s premier source of free and confidential small business mentoring service.
More than half a million entrepreneurs count on SCORE each year for help with fulfilling their dream of starting a business, as well as helping existing enterprises grow and become more successful.
SCORE mentors provide free, confidential mentoring to help people start and operate a successful small business.
In addition to individual one to one mentoring, Lincoln SCORE provides educational workshops at the SCC Jack J. Huck Continuing Education Center at 301 S. 68th Street Place partnering with a team of business experts in helping participants learn about simple steps in starting a new business.
With an upsurge in business mentoring requests Lincoln SCORE welcomes additional working or retired business experienced folks to consider joining our mentoring team in promoting small business success in Lincoln.
Would you be willing to donate just 8hrs per month in sharing your business experience with others to help small business dreams come true in Lincoln?
Please call (402) 437-2409 to learn more about how to get involved in Lincoln SCORE (lincoln.score.org).
LINCOLN NORTHEAST SERTOMA CLUB (www.northeastsertoma.org) celebrates its 46th year of improving the quality of life for those impacted by hearing loss and supporting those in need. Members work event concessions to annually raise and donate $47,000 to numerous worthy human service organizations. The club recently donated $15,000 to Norwood Park elementary school to purchase the Redcat hearing application system enabling teachers’ voices to be more clearly heard by students in all classrooms. The Club meets weekly from 7:00 to 8:00 a.m. Thursdays at the HyVee community room, 5010 “O” Street. Program speakers are public/private sector leaders making a difference in our community. Guests are welcome.
For more information call/email club president Sharon Cunning, (402) 540-1515, sharoncunning@gmail.com or visit our website at www.northeastsertoma.org.
Established in 1986, Neighborhoods Inc. doing business as NeighborWorks Lincoln (NWL) (www.nwlincoln.org) is a 501 (c) (3) organization dedicated to keeping Lincoln a safe and prosperous community by revitalizing neighborhoods and promoting home ownership. NeighborWorks Lincoln aspires to make Lincoln a vibrant city with an exceptional quality of life for all. The organization fulfills their mission through an active partnership of resident leaders, private businesses, the philanthropic community, and the public sector.
NeighborWorks Lincoln is deeply committed to keeping Lincoln a thriving and vibrant community, and our work includes three core areas of focus:
Developing desirable housing through our Real Estate Development Program, which includes the development of properties through both rehabilitation and new construction; Strengthening communities by empowering residents through our Community Building Program which works to educate and empower neighborhood residents to take action and influence change in their communities; and, Facilitating sustainable homeownership through our Homeownership Program, which includes a Down Payment Assistance Program as well as homebuyer education classes.
For more information on NeighborWorks Lincoln (NWL) visit www.nwlincoln.org or call (402) 477-7181.
For nearly 70 years, CEDARS (www.cedarskids.org) has passionately served the children and youth of Southeast Nebraska. When a child is in need of a safe place to stay because home is no longer safe; when a young mom finds herself without the needed resources or supports to care for her young child; when crisis hits and families struggle and relationships are strained; or when a family simply needs a trusted place to bring their child each day for early childcare – CEDARS is there. With the help of this community CEDARS grew from a small grassroots organization in the 1940s into a robust agency that cares for as many as 1,200 children and youth in its various programs in a single day. If you share our passion for making a difference in the lives of children, please visit CEDARS at www.cedarskids.org to find out how you can make a difference.
Serving lunch and dinner seven days a week, Matt Talbot Kitchen & Outreach (MTKO) (www.mtkserves.org) is a hunger relief and outreach center for those in need. Annually Matt Talbot provides over 100,000 nutritious meals and approximately 26,000 homeless prevention services such as transitional housing, case management, drug & alcohol evaluations, life skills classes, nutrition counseling, and help with obtaining vital identification documents. Approximately 60% of the individuals and families served are the “working poor,” where eating meals at MTKO may prevent homelessness by allowing them to save money to pay for rent, utilities, or gas. Approximately 40% of those served at Matt Talbot are homeless.
Contact Information: Susanne Blue, CMSW, Executive Director – (402) 477-4116 | Matt Talbot Kitchen & Outreach | susanne.blue@mtkserves.org | www.mtkserves.org.
Help save lives. Donate blood.
Every 2 seconds someone needs blood. From cancer patients to premature infants, the demand for blood is constant. The supply is not. Help ensure blood is available for patients in area hospitals by becoming a blood donor with Nebraska Community Blood Bank (NCBB.org). We have been connecting people who need life-saving blood with generous volunteer donors since 1968; providing life-saving blood to healthcare facilities in six counties throughout southeast Nebraska, including Bryan Health, Lincoln Surgical Hospital, and Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital.
Step up to donate blood at a Nebraska Community Blood Bank blood drive in your community or at one of our three donor centers at 100 N. 84th St., 1631 Pine Lake Rd., or 4900 N. 26th St. Visit Nebraska Community Blood Bank at NCBB.org or call (877) 488-9414 to make a date to help save lives.
You can change a life!
Twenty-four women striving to overcome homelessness call Fresh Start (Freshstarthome.org) home. They need our help because of domestic violence, enormous medical bills, struggle with addictions, mental health, job loss or a combination of these. For whatever reasons, they need us to move from homeless to self-sufficient.
Fresh Start is more than a shelter; it’s a goals program designed to support women who are working diligently to improve their lives. Fresh Start provides basic needs like food, clothing and housing. The women create an Individualized Goal Plan that identifies the steps to reach self-sufficiency. The plan acts as a road map and is designed to utilize the woman’s strengths to overcome the barriers that contributed to her homelessness. In addition to working with a case manager on their goals, residents are required to attend educational workshops and perform household responsibilities.
Together we have given a fresh start to nearly 1,500 women that worked hard for a better life. They needed Fresh Start and you to change their lives! We have a waiting list and your generosity will help build a better life for every woman looking for a Fresh Start and make our community even stronger!
Join us: Freshstarthome.org | Facebook.com/FreshStartHomeLincoln/ | Twitter.com/FreshStartLNK
Christian Record Services for the Blind (CRSB) (www.CRSB.org) is an international outreach to people who are blind or legally blind. Since 1899, CRSB has worked to improve the quality of life for children, teens, and adults with visual impairments by providing them with free programs and services focused on their needs.
All who are blind, legally blind (20/200 with corrective lenses), or have physical impairments that prevent them from holding reading material are eligible for the following free services:
• Subscription Magazines in braille, large print, and audio formats.
• Full-Vision Books combine braille, print, and audio, enabling blind parents to read to their sighted children and sighted parents help their blind children learn to read braille.
• Lending Library offers more than 1,600 volumes in braille and NLS (National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped) digital cartridge.
• Gift Bibles and Study Guides are available in braille, large print, and audio formats.
• National Camps for Blind Children are operated throughout the United States.
• College Scholarship Assistance is offered to blind persons enrolled in a four-year college.
• inSight4Vets Player for United States military veterans who are blind or legally blind.
These free services are funded through the generosity of civic-minded business owners and individuals. Learn more by visiting Christian Record Services for the Blind (CRSB) at www.CRSB.org, calling (402) 488-0981, or connecting with CRSB on Facebook or Twitter.
January is National Mentoring Month and Heartland Big Brothers Big Sisters (www.HBBBS.org) thanks the many dedicated volunteers who spend time enriching a child’s life as a mentor. As part of the nation’s largest mentoring network, the agency creates meaningful, monitored mentoring matches between adult volunteers (“Bigs”) and children (“Littles”).
Matches meet on evenings and weekends in the community, doing activities they enjoy, helping youth to succeed in school and at home. These friendships lead youth to higher aspirations, greater confidence, better relationships, avoidance of risky behaviors, and educational success.
To learn more about Heartland Big Brothers Big Sisters, visit www.HBBBS.org or call (402) 464-BBBS.
The Bible has much to say about money, business, and the marketplace. Jesus spent most of his time in the marketplace. CBMC (Lincoln.CBMC.com) believes that when the marketplace is operated according to biblical principles, everyone wins, and it is our calling and privilege to work toward that end.
In carrying out our mission, we operate through two main avenues: the Marketplace Ambassador Initiative and the Leadership Institute.
The Marketplace Ambassador Initiative equips laborers, managers, and other professionals to be effective Ambassadors for Christ as they carry out their daily duties. We offer several programs to help individuals grow: First Steps, Operation Timothy, Living Proof, and Every Man a Warrior. These weekly or bi-monthly, one-on-one or small group studies help participants develop skills and abilities as followers of Jesus.
The Leadership Institute, specifically focused on business leaders and owners, consists of Peer Advisory Groups. There are a variety of Peer Advisory Groups (PAGs) including Forums, Executive Roundtables, Acceleration Teams, and Boards of Advisors. Using biblical and academic content and led by trained moderators, these groups meet monthly and act as a ‘Christian Board of Directors’ for the participants.
To learn more about CBMC or join us, please contact enix@cbmc.com or visit our website at Lincoln.CBMC.com.
WasteCap Nebraska (www.wastecapne.org) is a statewide, member-based non-profit organization building zero waste communities in Nebraska. We help leaders identify zero waste policies, programs and infrastructure appropriate for their community. Business assistance is a key strategy for achieving community zero waste goals. We provide business solutions for controlling waste management costs through vendor selection, service optimization, prevention and diversion.
Our goal is Zero Waste. What’s yours? For more information about WasteCap Nebraska, visit www.wastecapne.org or call (402) 436-2384.
City Impact (www.cityimpact.org) inspires urban youth & their families to transform through God’s love. By living and working alongside the people we serve, we embody the challenges and embrace the goals and dreams of tomorrow—together. City Impact encourages youth within the inner city to use their God-given talents to overcome some of life’s toughest struggles-poverty, homelessness, hunger, substance abuse, illiteracy, crime and hopelessness. Our faith-based and strength-based services foster healthy choices, personal responsibility and servant leadership.
By instilling hope and creating opportunities, City Impact meets the spiritual, emotional and physical needs of families living in our under-resourced neighborhoods. We empower people with practical resources, personal confidence and the Gospel from the inside out.
Needs: Monthly mentors, weekly reading tutors during the school year and weekly faith program volunteers.
Contact: Donna Williams, (402) 477-8080 or dwilliams@cityimpact.org. Follow what’s happening at: facebook.com/cityimpactlincoln.
For more information on City Impact visit www.cityimpact.org.
The Heartland Cancer Foundation (www.heartlandcancerfoundation.org) was established to assist low income cancer patients with prescription cancer medications and gas money needed to go to and from cancer-related appointments and treatments. Our goal is to reduce the financial stress that often accompanies cancer treatment so patients can focus on their recovery, bringing energy and optimism to their journey. The Heartland Cancer Foundation is based in Lincoln, Nebraska and supports cancer patients who live in Southeast Nebraska and Northeastern Kansas. We are not affiliated with any clinics, hospitals, cancer treatment centers or organizations.
All are welcome to call (402) 261-9974 or visit The Heartland Cancer Foundation at www.heartlandcancerfoundation.org to find out more, and those who need assistance may also apply online or to download an application. There are a variety of ways you can get involved – check out the website for links to upcoming events, to donate, or to find out more about fundraising opportunities available.
For 15 years, Domesti-PUPS (www.domesti-pups.org) has been supporting our local, regional and national communities in a variety of ways. 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, our pet therapy teams bring a bit of brightness through their furry encounters. The Adoptables program provides rescue dogs with obedience training and placement in their forever homes. Our 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, and open doors both literally and figuratively. Some even provide life-saving measures for their partner.
For more information about Domesti-PUPS, visit www.domesti-pups.org.
Support Domesti-PUPS by attending the I LOVE MY DOG EXPO, February 27-28, at the Lancaster Event Center [www.ilovemydogexpo.com].
Friendship Home (www.friendshiphome.org) is Lincoln’s only safe, confidential emergency shelter for victims of domestic violence and their children. We save and change lives for approximately 1,500 victims each year by providing safe shelter and crisis services, through safety planning, crisis intervention, support groups and mental health counseling. Friendship Home provides a safe environment and emotional support to children, the youngest victims of domestic violence.
Our shelters are full every day of the year. We have on average 44 individuals waiting each day to come into shelter. Most entering Friendship Home’s doors have few belongings and no access to resources. We help families rebuild their lives free from violence and empower them to become survivors.
Gift cards for groceries and gas, volunteers to help with special events and financial donations are ways you can help. For more information about Friendship Home visit www.friendshiphome.org.
If you or someone you know needs help, call our confidential, 24-hour hotline at (402) 437-9302.
Lincoln TeamMates (lincolnteammates.org) 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 2014-2015, more than 1,200 students were served. There are still more than 700 students who would better thrive in school, if they had a mentor. TeamMates appreciates that many community businesses encourage and make it possible for their employees to volunteer. For more information about Lincoln TeamMates, please visit lincolnteammates.org.
SAVE THE DATE! The Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org/nebraska) is hosting an inaugural statewide Growing Hope Gala on March 19th, 2016. Join us for a food station cocktail party at the beautiful Lauritzen Botanical Gardens. Come taste signature dishes and drinks from local restaurants and bars, bid on unique silent auction items, and enjoy an interactive evening with other guests. All proceeds benefit the Alzheimer’s Association.
Tickets can be purchased online at alz.org/nebraska or by calling (402) 420-2540. If you are interested in sponsoring the Growing Hope Gala, please contact Megan Myers at mmyers@alz.org.
About the Alzheimer’s Association(alz.org/nebraska): The Alzheimer’s Association is the world’s leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer care, support and research. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health.
At the Center for People in Need (centerforpeopleinneed.org), our mission is to provide comprehensive services and opportunities to support low-income, high needs families and individuals as they strive to lift themselves out of poverty and achieve economic self-sufficiency.
Poverty takes different forms; a fact that informs our diversity of services. For newly arrived immigrants and refugees, we teach English and cultural adjustment classes, and assist them in becoming US citizens. Our Tackling Recidivism and Developing Employability (TRADE) program provides job-training and certification for those being released from prison. Those seeking to break the cycle of poverty through higher education utilize our Access to Computer Technology (ACT). Hundreds are fed each week by our food distribution program. And these are just a few of the services we provide.
Our clients are our neighbors, friends, and family. We seek to strengthen our community and create a welcoming, sustainable, and thriving home for all in Lincoln Lancaster County.
For more information about the Center for People in Need visit centerforpeopleinneed.org.
In 2012, 140,000 adults were diagnosed with diabetes. The Foreman Foundation was started in 2013 by former Nebraska Husker and NFL linebacker, Jay Foreman. Our mission is to enhance the lives of those living with type 2 diabetes. The Foundation specifically focuses on providing opportunities to access top notch education and resources to those in need, while inspiring prevention through education. Help us keep Nebraska healthy and join us in the fight against diabetes. Sponsorship opportunities are available.
For more information about the Foreman Foundation, please contact us at foreman.foundation@yahoo.com or visit us online at www.facebook.com/jayforemanfoundation.
The North Central States Regional Council of Carpenters (NCSRCC) (www.northcountrycarpenter.org) has nearly 20,000 skilled craft workers in Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin for short-and long-term employment. These carpenters, floor coverers, millwrights and pile drivers will meet and exceed your expectations regarding safety, skills, attitude, reliability and productivity.
Through membership in the Carpenters Union, you can:
Build your community.
Build your family.
Build your future.
Build your life.
We are proud of our partnerships with union contractors and provide them with the best trained, most productive and safest workforce available.
We are also proud of the service we do with organizations in our communities, from giving blood to building wheelchair ramps to working with Boy Scout troops and much more. Please check out our recently launched monthly free Kids Build weekend carpentry workshop for children ages 5-12 (www.facebook.com/KidsBuildworkshop).
For more information on The North Central States Regional Council of Carpenters go to www.northcountrycarpenter.org or call (402) 345-3558.
The Pregnancy Center (pregnancycenterlincoln.org) is a non-profit, faith based organization located in the heart of Lincoln just off O Street. Every month over 400 young women in our community come to the Pregnancy Center for answers. These women desperately need our love and support. Many of them are afraid and feel like they have no options. The Pregnancy Center offers complete information about every option available to a woman facing an unintended pregnancy. The Pregnancy Center also provides confidential counsel, pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, materials support, parenting classes and character-based relationship education in schools all at no cost to our clients or taxpayers.
Call The Pregnancy Center at (402) 483-4247 or visit www.support.pregnancycenterlincoln.org for more information.
Wellbeing Initiative (wellbeinginitiatives.org) is a non-profit organization dedicated to impacting the lives of those living with mental health challenges by providing a community that empowers members to reach their fullest potential.
The first program, “The Orchard,” is located at 300 S. 13th Street in Lincoln. It provides a space in which that community can be nurtured. Individuals can come have a cup of coffee, talk to a trained peer who can assist them with difficult situations, or engage with them in social activities.
The second program, being implemented in January, will provide comprehensive training to individuals with mental health challenges. These trainings will cover topics such as self-care, advocacy, job readiness and leadership skills.
Future programs include transitional housing, a short term crisis diversion center and a state-wide warm line that can be utilized 24 hours a day.
Please contact Ken Timmerman at (402) 499-1322 or ktimmerman@winitiative.org for further information or visit Wellbeing Initiative at wellbeinginitiatives.org.
Cause for Paws (www.CauseForPawsLincoln.org) is a non-profit boutique whose proceeds help support animal charities and rescue organizations, both locally and all across Nebraska. A unique establishment that opened its doors in December of 2008, Cause for Paws is currently located at 2445 S. 48th Street and accepts donations of new and gently used women’s clothes, shoes, purses, housewares, jewelry, furniture, seasonal and pet items and turn these into funds that help animals. Through the support of donations and the store’s loyal customers, Cause for Paws has donated over $300,000 to charities like Hearts United for Animals, Lincoln Animal Ambassadors, The Capital Humane Society of Lincoln, The Cat House, and the Nebraska No Kill Canine Rescue in addition to helping countless people and pets in need in our community. Cause for Paws adds a personal touch to the shopping experience, with a friendly staff who love to help customers find great items that fit their personal sense of style.
For more information about Cause for Paws, please call (402) 420-5758, email info@causeforpawslincoln.org, visit www.CauseForPawsLincoln.org, or stop by the store and see for yourself!
May 2016 marks the 13th year Clinic with a Heart (www.clinicwithaheart.org) has offered free healthcare to people in need in our community. We thank our volunteers, donors and supporters who give their time, expertise, energy and resources which makes free healthcare in Lincoln available. Services provided include medical, dental, physical therapy, chiropractic, mental health, hearing screenings, vision exams and spiritual care. Funding for Clinic with a Heart comes from mission team sponsors, corporate sponsors, individual donors, grants and fundraising events. Today more than 600 people volunteer to serve at the clinic.
For more information about Clinic with a Heart (www.clinicwithaheart.org), our services, to volunteer or donate, please contact Teresa Harms at (402) 421-2924 or teresa@clinicwithaheart.org. THANK YOU for supporting Clinic with a Heart!
Don’t Miss Out!
This is an excellent opportunity for your non-profit to gain exposure among our readers, as well as for our readers to familiarize themselves with the needs of your organization and the valuable work that is going on in our community.
If you are a local non-profit organization that is interested in participating in the next SUPPORTING NON-PROFITS feature in Strictly Business, please call (402) 466-3330 or email Office@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com.