At Strictly Business, we not only support the growth and prosperity of local businesses but also the non-profit organizations that keep our community strong—and whose work and outreach are crucial for so many individuals and families living in the Lincoln area. Non-profits enhance the quality of life for all by serving multiple roles, but their primary role is connecting people with resources. By principal and design, non-profits are dedicated to the common good of the community and measure their success according to quality of life and not quantity of profit.
Among our local non-profit organizations are social, health and human service agencies; environmental groups; educational and research institutions; arts and cultural organizations; religious organizations; and foundations. Non-profits also have an impact in the community that is similar to that of local businesses. They employ people, purchase goods and services, invest in buildings and equipment, and supply goods and services to those who are in need of them most.
We ask that everyone reflect upon how they are giving back to the Lincoln community, and consider supporting the wonderful non-profit organizations that do so much work for the betterment of all. It is important to do your research when deciding which organization(s) you will support, as all non-profits are definitely not created equal, as well as finding organizations that not only do the most good but whose work is meaningful to you personally.
Additionally, take into account that monetary donations are only one of the ways that businesses can support local non-profit organizations. A majority of organizations are also equally in need of your time or donations of essential items. Businesses also have the opportunity to encourage their employees to get involved, which unites everyone together for a worthy cause. Many companies participate in fundraising and awareness events or volunteer together as a group; there are plenty of ways to get involved that can be tailored to fit the needs and goals of your organization.
Finally, as we always encourage consumers to be conscious of their purchasing decisions, staying informed and supporting the businesses that make an effort to support non-profits in the community is paramount.
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 local non-profit organizations!
For nearly seven decades, thousands of vulnerable children and youth have found safe refuge and a new beginning at CEDARS. One of Nebraska’s most trusted child-service organizations, CEDARS makes sure that children feel safe and secure. At the same time, we’re giving parents and foster families the support they need to care effectively for children. CEDARS responds to both immediate and longer-term needs in serving abused, neglected and homeless children and families in need of support. 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.
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 the American Heart Association and the American Stroke Association at www.heart.org/lincoln.
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 seven 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!
For more information about Junior Achievement, contact Chelsea Brandl at (402) 467-1741 or visit jalincoln.org
Merrymakers is a non-profit organization whose mission is to improve the quality of life for seniors by encouraging active participation, increasing social interaction, and sparking memories through professional entertainment. By offering the benefits of socialization, movement, interaction and stimulating memories through regular performances, Merrymakers programs such as the annual Roast and Songs & Suds make a huge difference in the lives of thousands of seniors in Nebraska and Central Iowa. Merrymakers’ twenty performers are all professional, and tailor their music to their audience, so seniors are offered a strong dose of the music of their youth–a healthy tonic for the boredom and loneliness endemic in senior homes. Your support of Merrymakers is a huge help in getting music to seniors in our community. For more information about Merrymakers, visit www.merrymakers.org or call (402) 697-0205.
Formed in 1978, Friendship Home is Lincoln’s only specialized emergency and transitional shelter program for victims of domestic violence and their children. Friendship Home offers the vital services and safe shelter victims must have in order to leave a violent home. In 2013, Friendship Home served over 1,500 individuals through its various programs and services, which include crisis counseling, advocacy and case management, information and referral services, support groups, a children’s program and basic needs provision. If you or someone you know needs help, call our 24-hour hotline at (402) 437-9302. A trained advocate is available to talk every hour of every day. For more information about Friendship Home, please visit www.friendshiphome.org.
As part of the nation’s largest mentoring network, Heartland Big Brothers Big Sisters has been making meaningful, monitored mentoring matches between adult volunteers (“Bigs”) and children (“Littles”) for nearly 45 years.
Matches meet weekly on evenings and weekends out in the community, doing activities they enjoy, for a minimum of 12 months. They build impactful friendships that 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.
Twenty-four compelling citizens call Fresh Start home on any given day. They may have found themselves there to escape domestic violence, to conquer struggles with drug addiction, for support with mental health, because of job loss, or often times for a combination of these factors. For whatever reasons they ended up at Fresh Start, their motivations for being there now are all the same – to heal, grow, set goals, and to achieve those goals and overcome the cycle of homelessness. 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.
Needs for residents: Bus passes and gas cards, towels, soap and deodorant.
Seeking sponsors for our upcoming events: Christmas in July Chocolate Party on July 25 and Project Funway on November 15.
For more information about Fresh Start, please call (402) 475-7777 or visit www.FreshStartHome.org.
The Center for People in Need (centerforpeopleinneed.org) opened in 2001, and moved to their current 27th Street location in 2008. The Center for People in Need is a one-stop-shop for low-income services. Between distributions for food and household goods, job training programs, classes for recent immigrants, and health and general assistance outreach services, the Center provides a wide range of needed services that help Lancaster County’s low-income population achieve self-sufficiency. In 2013, through the Center’s largest program Truckloads of Help, they distributed free household goods with a retail value of $2.7 million to over 250 statewide non-profits throughout the state. During the same time period, their Neighborhood F.O.O.D. Program distributed nearly 3.2 million pounds of food to 20,000 low-income families.
For more information about the Center for People in Need, or to get involved, donate or volunteer, please contact Deb Daily, Director of Operations or Beatty Brasch, Executive Director at: Deb Daily: (402) 476-4357 ext. 104 or email ddaily@centerforpeopleinneed.org; Beatty Brasch: (402) 476-4357 ext. 103 or email bbrasch@centerforpeopleinneed.org.
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.
AIM is a locally based, not-for-profit, membership organization focused on IT talent development. For AIM, IT talent development means a pathway for careers that drive the economy through the creation and profitable application of technology.
AIM Youth sponsors local events like Coder Dojo, a fun mentor led introduction to programming and Graduate Twice, a schools-based effort that leads at-risk kids with an interest in IT to complete high school and pursue a college degree.
AIM Careerlink is a valuable job placement site that helps jobseekers zero in on opportunities with job alerts and searchable profiles. Employers maximize talent acquisition with robust employment branding, simplified applicant tracking and effortless social media posting. www.careerlink.com
AIM, headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska, has offices in Lincoln and Scottsbluff, Chattanooga, Tennessee and Denver, Colorado. For more information on AIM membership, events and programs, visit aimforbrilliance.org, or call (402) 345-5025.
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 2013-2014, more than 1,100 students were served. There are still more than 600 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.
The Wellness Council of the Midlands (WELCOM) is a local non-profit organization serving the state of Nebraska. WELCOM was founded more than 30 years ago in Omaha, and has a mission to lead employers to create a workplace culture of health and wellness. As a membership organization, companies across Nebraska are invited to join WELCOM in order to obtain tools and resources that can assist with workplace wellness efforts. WELCOM members receive access to a members-only website, and free admission to educational trainings that provide a foundational understanding of the ways in which to strategically develop and enhance results-driven worksite wellness programs. Member companies also have the opportunity to apply for the Well Workplace Award, which is a nationally recognized designation as one of America’s Healthiest Companies. Overall, WELCOM serves to keep member companies on the cutting edge of best practices within the field of employee wellness.
Visit www.wellnesscouncil.org or contact WELCOM for more information (402-934-5795; info@welcomomaha.org).
Tabitha proudly offers Nebraska’s first full elder care continuum, providing compassionate services including rehabilitation, home care, hospice, Meals on Wheels, adult day services, independent living, assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing and long-term care, and our innovative, residential-style living communities for skilled nursing and long-term care. Tabitha is a serving arm of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and is headquartered in Lincoln, Neb. Serving 28 counties in southeast Nebraska, Tabitha has regional offices in York and Nebraska City. In addition to Lincoln, Tabitha operates two elder care communities in Crete—Tabitha of Crete (skilled nursing/long-term care) and Garden Square Assisted Living. Tabitha also manages Blue Valley Lutheran Homes in Hebron. Tabitha (www.Tabitha.org) is a non-profit organization that serves more than 5,000 Elders each year with the help of more than 1,100 employees and 2,500 active volunteers.
LUX Center for the Arts is the place where creativity and community meet. The LUX is Lincoln’s non-profit visual arts center. Our mission is to enhance the lives of the Lincoln community by providing exceptional learning opportunities in contemporary art, craft and design. The LUX provides art classes for children, youth, and adults and hosts exhibitions of artists’ works from Nebraska and around the country. Through Art Van deLUX, we provide art-making workshops and classes to at-risk-youth, cancer survivors, low-income schools and senior citizens.
Contributions from people like you provide scholarships for low-income seniors and children, takes Art Van deLUX to area schools, and buys supplies for our art classes. Making art helps the mind, body and spirit. The LUX is committed to being the arts organization where everyone feels comfortable and welcome. Contact Jo Ann or Christine at (402) 466-8692 or visit us on the web at www.luxcenter.org for more information about LUX Center for the Arts.
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
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 28th | Sign up at: walk.jdrf.org
JDRF Dream Gala (Spring) | Saturday, March 28th
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
Help drive our mission to save lives.
Host a blood drive and empower your team members to help save lives at area hospitals. Nebraska Community Blood Bank (NCBB) – a vital community resource since 1968 – provides a safe and reliable supply of blood products to hospitals throughout southeast Nebraska, including Bryan Health, Lincoln Surgical Hospital, and Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital. Accidents happen 24/7 and we need your help to ensure that blood from NCBB is always available.
Call us today to learn more about hosting a blood drive. For more information about Nebraska Community Blood Bank (NCBB) or on hosting a drive, call (877) 488-9414 or go to NCBB.org.
As the central Catholic high school in Lincoln, Pius X’s mission is to enrich the mind, heart and soul of each student through a Christ-centered, Catholic environment that provides academic excellence and preparation to achieve a meaningful, faith-filled life. Now in its 59th year and serving more than 1,110 students in grades 9-12, Pius X is guided by Pope St. Pius X’s motto, “Restore all things in Christ”. 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. You can support Pius X High School by visiting our website at http://foundation.piusx.net or by calling Michelle Birkel at (402) 488-1046.
WasteCap Nebraska is a statewide, member-based, non-profit organization headquartered in Lincoln, NE dedicated to eliminating waste in Nebraska. Do you know what your organization spends on waste every year? Businesses buy an estimated 40% more trash service than needed. Waste reduction is a key strategy in the battle to reduce operating expenses. WasteCap Nebraska can provide solutions to control your costs through vendor selection, service optimization, prevention and diversion. Let our expert consultants document the financial and environmental benefits of waste reduction for you by conducting a Waste Assessment.
WasteCap staff sorts and measures all materials destined for the landfill and the recycling center, recording weight and estimating volume. A detailed written report contains photographic documentation, customized recommendations and an economic analysis of current versus future program options. The client uses this information to establish a solid waste baseline and to measure improvements against stated waste reduction goals.
For more information about WasteCap Nebraska, visit www.wastecapne.org.
St. Monica’s Behavioral Health Services for Women
St. Monica’s is committed to the recovery of women of all ages through empowerment, stability, and self-fulfillment. We offer substance abuse and mental health treatment for women in a gender-specific, nurturing 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 50 years. Fees for 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; call or visit our website for a list of current needs such as personal hygiene products, art supplies, diapers and more.
For more information about St. Monica’s Behavioral Health Services for Women, contact: (402) 441-3768 | www.stmonicas.com
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 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 helped more than 30,000 different individuals with its various services in 2013, 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 about People’s City Mission, please visit www.peoplescitymission.org.
The Alzheimer’s Association® is the world’s leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research. For an estimated 33,000 Nebraskans, Alzheimer’s disease is the ultimate thief — of their identity and precious memories. Their caregivers and loved ones are left feeling alone and heartbroken. The Alzheimer’s Association provides education and support to those who face dementia every day. On a national level, the Association advances critical research toward methods of treatment, prevention and, ultimately, a cure. Together, we can end Alzheimer’s disease, the nation’s sixth-leading cause of death. Find out how you can get involved with the Alzheimer’s Association® — visit www.alz.org or call (800) 272-3900.
Voices of Hope provides 24-hour-a-day services for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, incest, stalking, and related forms of abuse. This is our 40th year of providing services. 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. Last year, we answered over 10,000 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.
Voices of Hope is the beneficiary of the SouthPointe Friday Night Concerts in August. Stop by our booth and say hi.
For more information about Voices of Hope, visit our website at www.voicesofhopelincoln.org.
The Nebraska Trucking Association focuses on information, services and advocacy for its members, and partners to lead the charge for growing the industry, education resources, training, and workforce for the transportation, distribution, warehousing and logistics (TDWL) industry.
As the statewide trade association for the TDWL industry, the Nebraska Trucking Association delivers essential knowledge, educational programs, industry research, contacts, services, positive trucking industry image, political representation, and partnerships that helps its members continue to deliver the goods, while promoting highway safety and security.
The trucking industry is the lifeblood of local, regional, state, national and global economies, to families, businesses, and for moving everything we need. Nebraska has 13,500 interstate carriers. Nearly 70% of all freight tonnage moved in the U.S. goes on trucks. Without the industry and our truck drivers, the economy would come to a standstill.
Trucking Moves Nebraska Forward!
For more information about Nebraska Trucking Association, contact: www.NebTrucking.com, 402-476-8504 x105, pwood@nebtrucking.com
In May, Clinic with a Heart celebrated our 11th 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, physical therapy, chiropractic, 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 21,000 visits. Today nearly 700 people volunteer at the clinic. For more information about Clinic with a Heart, please contact Teresa Harms at (402) 421-2924 or teresa@clinicwithaheart.org or visit www.clinicwithaheart.org. THANK YOU for supporting Clinic with a Heart!
The Nebraska Safety Council offers a comprehensive menu of safety and wellness programs and services. Our mission is to educate and influence safe and healthy behaviors in the workplace, on the road and in our homes and communities. We teach driving safety for all ages through classroom and hands-on learning, assist organizations with workplace safety through training on regulatory issues and best practices and provide education/resources for developing worksite wellness programs. Visit our website–nesafetycouncil.org for more information on our programs and services.
Safety and Wellness – It’s what we do! Contact the Nebraska Safety Council at (402) 483-2511.
City Impact 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
For more information about City Impact contact: Carma Bryan, 402-477-8080 or cbryan@cityimpact.org
Follow what’s happening at: facebook.com/cityimpactlincoln
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. On November 8th, 2014, The Foreman Foundation will hold our inaugural gala and auction, “Tackling Diabetes” at The Mid-America Center in Council Bluffs, IA. Help us keep Nebraska healthy and join us in the fight against diabetes. Sponsorship opportunities are also 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.