Supporting Nonprofits in Lincoln – July 2021
At Strictly Business, we believe it is so important to support our local nonprofits. Not only do local nonprofits help enrich Nebraskan life, but they also create jobs and give workers, volunteers, and donors alike a connection to something greater than themselves. Nebraska’s nonprofit sector provides about 10% of private sector jobs in our state. When we pitch in to help nonprofits, we’re helping our communities and neighbors and keeping a culture of humanity, art, and philanthropy alive.
Nebraska’s nonprofits do whatever they can to make our beautiful state an even better place to live, and so we also want to bring awareness to their efforts. Our Supporting Nonprofits feature is a place to recognize some of these amazing organizations and the work they’re doing locally. Readers should keep these nonprofits in mind when they’re choosing to give back to Lincoln this year. Whether you choose to donate your own time or to give back through your business, supporting any of these nonprofits will have positive ripple effects in the lives of fellow Nebraskans.
We have compiled a list of excellent nonprofits, all of which need and welcome your support, and we encourage you to get involved their events and efforts!
Founded in 1932, Catholic Social Services (CSS) of Southern Nebraska (www.cssisus.org) is the charitable arm of the Diocese of Lincoln, serving all individuals regardless of faith in the southern third of Nebraska. Their services cover 24,000 square miles and touch the lives of nearly 30,000 people annually. Catholic Social Services provides food pantry services, emergency services—which include rent and utility assistance, disaster relief, refugee, and immigration services—St. Gianna Women’s Homes (a program for women and their children escaping violence and domestic abuse), and a Clinical/Family Counseling program which provides psychological services. Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska has offices in Lincoln, Auburn, Hastings, and Imperial. To volunteer, donate, or connect with CSS in bringing Hope in the Good Life, visit www.cssisus.org or call (402) 474-1600.
People’s City Mission (pcmlincoln.org) is Lincoln’s homeless shelter. Started in 1907, the Mission has helped over a million people over the last 100 plus years. It is much more than an emergency shelter. It feeds men, women, and children three homemade meals a day; helps individuals and families find permanent housing; works with guests to reintegrate back into the workforce, and provides a two-year men’s transitional housing program. The Help Center gives away free donated housewares, food, and clothing. The Free Clinic serves the homeless and the working poor with dental and mental health. The Mission is growing in its needs, helping over 30,000 individuals every year. It relies on the public for nearly all of the funds that come in. Like Pastor Tom always says, “If we all give a little, we can change a lot!” God bless you for giving, praying and volunteering. Learn more online at pcmlincoln.org.
With a dedicated and united front of staff and volunteers who help the homeless and near homeless find possibilities when things seem impossible, the vision of Matt Talbot Kitchen & Outreach (www.mtko.org) is to defeat hunger and homelessness and restore hope! Serving lunch and dinner seven days a week, Matt Talbot is an inviting hunger relief and outreach center for those in need. In a typical year, Matt Talbot provides more than 100,000 nutritious meals to the hungry in Lincoln and nearly 40,000 outreach and homeless prevention services to the working poor and homeless such as housing, case management, drug and alcohol evaluations, RentWise classes, diversion, nutrition counseling, and help with obtaining vital identification documents. Most importantly, Matt Talbot provides beyond basic needs to embolden people to have hope. Matt Talbot has maintained a 4-star Charity Navigator ranking for seven consecutive years, received the Better Business Bureau Integrity Award for the nonprofit sector in 2013, and was recently recognized for transparency with a Gold Seal on their GuideStarNonprofit Profile.
Contact Susanne Blue, CMSW, executive director of Matt Talbot Kitchen & Outreach, at (402) 477-4116 / susanne.blue@mtko.org, or learn more online at www.mtko.org.
Down Syndrome Association for Families of Nebraska (DSAF, dsafnebraska.org) recognizes that every person with Down syndrome is an individual who has a unique purpose and set of abilities. For 25 years, DSAF has provided a positive vision for the future for individuals with Down syndrome and those who share in their lives, through networking, advocacy, and support, including:
Parents First Call—Offers support, education and recommendations to new parents upon receiving a diagnosis of Down syndrome.
Medical Outreach—Provides training and accurate information regarding Down syndrome to local medical offices.
Age-Based ‘Stars’ Enrichment Groups—events for members, families & friends to participate in fun, inclusive activities in our community
Step Up for Down Syndrome Walk—A heartwarming all-ages experience for families, friends, and supporters of individuals with Down syndrome. The annual walk is DSAF’s biggest awareness and fundraising event!
DSAF is more than just an association, it is a place of belonging and hope. Get involved. Visit dsafnebraska.org or call (402) 421-1338 to learn more.
Angels Among Us (www.myangelsamongus.org) is celebrating 15 years of impact in 2021! Angels Among Us provides financial assistance to families whose children are battling pediatric cancer. Any family living in or being treated in Nebraska is eligible to apply. Once approved, families are provided with $500 a month for the length of their entire treatment plan, up to three years, to help them stay financially stable during treatment. Funds are paid directly to the creditor, which ensures that funds are used for their intended purpose. When a child is diagnosed with cancer, a family’s life as they know it comes to an abrupt halt. Unfortunately, their monthly expenses do not. Since 2006, Angels Among Us has assisted over 510 families with nearly $3 million in support.
There are angels among us. Will you be one? Gifts of any amount are welcome and encouraged. There is strength in numbers. There is also hope, help, and monetary relief. For more information, contact Angels Among Us at (402) 934-0999 or visit the website at www.myangelsamongus.org.
Hundreds of children and youth in Lancaster County are victims of abuse and neglect. Court Appointed Special Advocates (www.casa4lancaster.org) or CASA for Lancaster County is local no-profit that recruits, trains, and supports community volunteers who advocate on behalf of abused, neglected, truant, or ungovernable children in Juvenile Court. CASA volunteers get to know the children and all of the circumstances and issues surrounding the family. They gather information and report their findings and recommendations directly to the judge. CASA volunteer advocates provide a voice for children in court, expedite permanency, share with the judge the needs and wishes of the children and ensure that children have safe permanent homes. Help us “Change a Child’s Story” by becoming a CASA volunteer or by donating today!
To volunteer, donate, or for more information, please contact CASA for Lancaster County at (402) 474-5161 or www.casa4lancaster.org. Follow on Facebook (@CASA4LancasterCo) and on Twitter (@CASALancasterCo).
Since 1952, The Arc of Lincoln (www.advocacypartnership.org) has been a resource for parents, schools, agencies, and individuals who experience intellectual and developmental disabilities. The mission is to empower people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families to promote and protect their rights and interests, while enriching the quality of their lives. They believe that all people deserve opportunities and to be contributors and influencers in their communities. One of the programs offered currently is The Arc Expeditions program, which offers individuals the opportunity to travel across the country with friends and volunteers for socializing opportunities and making of some very special life long memories. Arc of Lincoln also provides a trained Inclusive Education Lay Advocate to families who need support at IEP/ISP meetings, in addition to HUD Housing units that are managed through two DD Service providers here in Lincoln. The Arc of Lincoln continues to offer several different educational and social programs for all ages through a United Way grant since 1995. Current needs include advocacy and monetary donations for the most vulnerable in our communities. Questions can be directed to Michelle Johnson, executive director, at (402) 421-8866 / director@arclincoln.org or go online to www.advocacypartnership.org.
Lincoln’s foundation, Lincoln Community Foundation (LCF, www.lcf.org), works with donors who all share a fondness for this community and want it to be successful forever. The mission of LCF is to provide leadership and resources to help build a great city. Their role as an organization is to help donors accomplish their philanthropic goals, support nonprofit organizations that improve our quality of life, and foster community collaboration to address challenges and opportunities.
Since 1955, LCF has been privileged to be part of many wonderful legacies by matching community needs with the passions of their donors. They serve as a faithful steward for many types of philanthropic gifts and help donors create lasting legacies of giving. The foundation has distributed more than $168 million in grants to nonprofit organizations that have improved the lives of thousands of residents. Find out more online at www.lcf.org or by calling (402) 474-2345.
JOINING A LOCAL NONPROFIT BOARD. IT’S EASIER THAN YOU THINK.
Lincoln has many wonderful people who would make great board members, but may not be sure where to start looking. If this describes you, Cause Collective (causecollectivelincoln.socs.net) can help!
Cause Collective is a local nonprofit membership agency with 130 nonprofit members. They work to strengthen nonprofits through collaboration, education, and advocacy. They also help their members connect good community volunteers willing to serve on their boards.
Cause Collective has a new web page with a listing of nonprofits that are looking for new board members. You can find this page at www.causecollectivelincoln.org and click on ‘Community Outreach’ and then ‘Board Match.’
When you and a nonprofit find a good fit for each other, you will enjoy your experience and, in turn, strengthen the nonprofit to better serve the community. Visit the website (causecollectivelincoln.socs.net) or call (402) 441-4399 for more information.
Incorporated in 2002, the Nonprofit Association of the Midlands (NAM, www.nonprofitam.org) started with the goal of helping nonprofits help their communities. CEO Anne Hindery has led the organization since 2008. “We serve and strengthen more than 700 nonprofit members of all sizes and missions in Nebraska and western Iowa. By connecting organizations with information, education, advocacy, and collaboration, we help our members representing health and human services, the arts, education and other areas make an impact in the communities they serve,” Hindery said.
NAM’s signature Guidelines and Principles Program (nonprofitam.org/GuidelinesandPrinciples) provides legal compliance and best practices information in 12 major areas of nonprofit management: communication, evaluation, financial management, fundraising, governance, human resources, information technology, planning, public policy and advocacy, strategic alliances, transparency and accountability, and volunteer management. The National Council of Nonprofits, the nation’s largest network of nonprofits, recognizes NAM as the state association for Nebraska. Learn more about NAM at www.nonprofitam.org or call (402) 557-5800.
Vision Maker Media (VMM, visionmakermedia.org) is the premier source of public media by and about Native Americans since 1976. Our mission is empowering and engaging Native people to share stories. We envision a world changed and healed by understanding Native stories and the public conversations they generate. We work with VMM funded producers to develop, produce and distribute programs for all public media. VMM supports training to increase the number of American Indians and Alaska Natives producing public broadcasting programs. A key strategy for this work is in partnerships with Tribal nations, Indian organizations and Native communities. Reaching the national public and a global market is the ultimate goal for the dissemination of Native public media that shares Native perspectives with the world.
Vision Maker Media is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) funded in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), For more information visit visionmakermedia.org.
Since 1978, Friendship Home (friendshiphome.org) has helped victims of domestic violence find physical and emotional safety by offering possibilities to help change their lives when things are at their worst. Friendship Home’s current facilities have expanded shelter options including transitional housing and single-family shelters.
Friendship Home offers emergency shelter in a communal shelter setting, apartments for families, and transitional living for families who need more time to rebuild their lives—free from violence. Friendship Home continues to empower everyone who comes through their doors to achieve safety, independence, and freedom from domestic violence.
Friendship Home is Lancaster County’s only safe, confidential emergency shelter for victims of domestic violence and their children. Services include emergency and transitional shelter, as well as supportive services, through safety planning, crisis intervention, support groups, and mental health counseling. To access safe shelter and services, call (402) 437-9302. Learn more about Friendship Home online at friendshiphome.org.
Another Chance Inc (www.anotherchanceincne.com) in Martell, NE is an animal rescue/sanctuary that is 100% donation funded and no one gets a paycheck. Gie Hartzog-Bunn is the volunteer director of the nonprofit. Forty-nine years ago, Gie’s dad brought a horse home. Starved and severely beaten; she wasn’t expected to live and so the journey began. The deep anger Gie felt knowing people hurt animals has never left her. She told her dad that she was going to save animals when she grew up. He replied, “It’s an important job and you will always be busy.”
Another Chance is the result of a lifelong love of animals and anger at abuse. The organization takes any animal they have room for; mostly the ones no one believes can be saved.
This is life at Another Chance; the life these animals deserve. Humans have let them down repeatedly. They deserve to know that they are safe. They deserve Another Chance. Donations are accepted on Facebook (@anotherchanceinc). More information can be found online at www.anotherchanceincne.com or call (402) 202-3866.
One of Lincoln’s largest nonprofit organizations focusing on youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility is the YMCA of Lincoln (YMCALincoln.org). The Y has served the community for 150 years—promoting positive values through programs that build spirit, mind, and body for all. Today, the Y serves the community with facilities in all quadrants of Lincoln through programs including swim lessons, YMCA Youth Sports, YMCA Camp Kitaki, after school programs, disease management, and more.
While the names and program offerings have changed over the past 150 years, the cause remains the same—strengthening the community. As one of the country’s most storied nonprofits, the Y knows that lasting personal and social change comes about when everyone works together. Every day, the Y works side-by-side with their neighbors to make sure everyone, regardless of age, income, or background, has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive. For more information on the YMCA of Lincoln, visit YMCALincoln.org.
When children are removed from their home and placed into foster care, they don’t bring anything with them. The mission of The Foster Care Closet of Nebraska (fostercarecloset.org) is to help restore dignity to children entering foster care. We provide 24/7 opportunity for children. As they remain in the care of their caseworker, we work in the background to meet their physical needs. Instead of waiting in a cubicle, conference room or hallway at DHHS, hungry, and maybe in need of a shower and clean clothing, children are able to get cleaned up, dress in new clothes they pick out for themselves (all children shop for five NEW outfits of clothing, including undergarments, socks, shoes, a jacket), and eat a meal as they wait in a comfortable space for their placement. This service allows them to enter their new foster home with dignity, fed, clean, and clothed. To learn more about The Foster Care Closet of Nebraska, visit fostercarecloset.org.
“Kids need hope, now more than ever,” says TeamMates Mentoring of Lincoln (LincolnTeamMates.org) Coordinator Jim Bennett. “TeamMates’ work centers around youth, and as our mission says, we aim to positively impact the world by inspiring youth to reach their full potential through mentoring.”
TeamMates of Lincoln, the flagship chapter of the regional mentoring program co-founded by Tom and Nancy Osborne in 1991, annually supports approximately 1,500 mentors matched with students in grades 3–12.
Mentors meet one-to-one with mentees once a week at their student’s school. Matches often play games, shoot hoops, read together, or complete community service or craft projects. The most important aspect of the meeting is building a meaningful relationship.
“Mentors are not parents or peers, but caring adult friends who don’t have to be perfect or know all the answers,“ says Mentor Support Specialist, Stacey Blizek. “TeamMates are cheerleaders, sounding boards, and developers.”
If you would like to experience the power of mentoring, please call the TeamMates office at (402) 436-1990 or go online to LincolnTeamMates.org.
Aiding Angels (www.aidingangels.com) is a local, 501(c)(3) nonprofit 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.
Brenda Schwery, local business owner of Maid To Please, has provided free home cleaning services for years through another foundation where women with cancer are the only recipients. In response to an overwhelming number of requests from not only women, but also men and children, Brenda founded Aiding Angels. Now, the void is filled and the much-needed help is extended to everyone— men, women, and children regardless of financial status—going through cancer treatment or hospice due to cancer.
For more information on Aiding Angels, please visit www.aidingangels.com or contact Brenda at (402) 434-2472.
For almost 90 years, Goodwill Industries Serving Southeast Nebraska, Inc (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 household 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 keeping willing workers employed and community resources maximized. To learn more, visit lincolngoodwill.org.
“My family’s well-being is better off after finding HopeSpoke (www.hopespoke.org) and shaking the negative stigma around mental health.” – parent of a HopeSpoke client
HopeSpoke inspires healthy futures for children and families through comprehensive behavioral and mental health care. Emotional issues and trauma are hard for anyone to overcome, especially for kids. When things feel hopeless, HopeSpoke can help.
HopeSpoke provides mental health services for individuals and families across the lifespan, including:
- Crisis and residential services
- Extended day treatment
- Outpatient counseling
- School-based therapy
Outpatient counseling is available in person or via telehealth to best fit each individual’s needs.
Caring for children’s mental health since 1949, HopeSpoke continues to provide expert, innovative services to grow a community of happy, hopeful, healthy families.
For more information about HopeSpoke’s services, or to make a gift to support mental health for children and families, please visit www.hopespoke.org or call (402) 475-7666.
The American Heart Association (www.heart.org/Lincoln) is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives—devoted to saving people from two of the nation’s top killers, heart disease (No. 1) and stroke (No. 5).
Powered by millions of volunteers, global and local collaborators, their goal is to equitably increase worldwide healthy life expectancy from 64 to at least 67 years by 2030.
Through events right here in Lincoln like the Heart Walk, Go Red for Women, and Heart Ball, the American Heart Association is making an impact. For more information, visit www.heart.org/Lincoln.
The Bridge Behavioral Health (thebridgenebraska.org) is a nationally accredited substance use treatment center. Their mission to help men and women with limited financial resources heal the wound of substance use and become productive, contributing citizens. Since 1984, The Bridge Behavioral Health has served as an essential part of the community’s safety net, connecting people with addiction and related mental health issues with support and treatment.
The Bridge Behavioral Health offers a continuum of services including Civil Protective Custody, medically-monitored withdrawal, substance use and mental health respite, residential treatment, and recovery support services.
For more information or to help The Bridge Behavioral Health provide a safe passage from addiction to sober living, contact Brianna Georgeson at bgeorgeson@thebridgenebraska.org.
Wear Yellow Nebraska (WearYellowNebraska.org) provides service, support, and community for Nebraska’s cancer survivors. Their purpose, from the very beginning, is to bring together people passionate about cycling, celebrating life, and being an advocate in the fight against cancer. Since the organization’s beginning days, Wear Yellow Nebraska has continued to grow and cultivate their mission and vision. In 2012, they launched a free transportation program, which has directed more than $220,000 dollars in providing more than 13,800 cab rides to cancer patients in need.
The Wear Yellow Cab Ride program, Powered by Lyft, is the primary initiative of the organization and is funded by their signature event, the Wear Yellow Ride, Fun Run & Walk. Transportation to and from treatment is essential because patients are often unable to drive themselves, which also leaves them vulnerable to additional medical challenges. Even when patients have family and friends who can help, they are not always available and sometimes they just don’t want to ask for one more thing.
Wear Yellow Nebraska touches lives in Lincoln, Omaha, and Fremont—help them keep growing! Learn more online at WearYellowNebraska.org.
Loaves and Fishes aims to provide food to the hungry in downtown Lincoln. Through partner Lulu’s on N (https://www.lulusonn.com/), Loaves and Fishes provides three free meals per week, snacks and coffee Monday through Friday, and a weekly grocery pantry. They also offer gloves and hats in the winter and hygiene items year-round. You can support their mission in several ways: donate funds through the website at lulusonn.com; donate items such as ZipLoc sandwich bags, coffee creamer, fresh fruit, or snack items; or purchase food from LuLu’s or book them to cater your next event. Every meal that is purchased helps to provide meals for the hungry in our community. Good food doing good!
The Pregnancy Center (www.pregnancycenterpartners.org) is a nonprofit, 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 love and support, and many 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 clients or taxpayers.
Call the Pregnancy Center at (402) 483-4247 or visit www.pregnancycenterpartners.org for more information.
Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease where a person’s pancreas stops producing insulin, a hormone needed to get energy from food. T1D strikes children and adults suddenly and is unrelated to diet or exercise; at present, there is no cure. JDRF (jdrf.org/nebraskaiowa) works every day to change this reality. As the largest global funder of T1D research, our mission is to improve lives today and tomorrow by accelerating life-changing breakthroughs to cure, prevent and treat T1D and its complications. You can help make a difference by participating, volunteering, or fundraising.
Events:
- JDRF One Walk – October 10, 2021
JDRF Gala – April 2, 2022
Programs:
- Advocacy – Advocate for government support of research and policies for affordable and accessible therapies.
- Support/Networking Groups (virtual until further notice)
• JDRF T1D Talk – Connecting the T1D community – individuals and families, 2nd Tuesday of every month
• Empower1 – Connecting the adolescent T1D community, 2nd Thursday of every month - Give Back at School – School education and fundraising opportunities.
- Outreach – Resources and events for individuals and families.
- Ride – Fundraise through cycling for all fitness levels.
- YLC – Young professionals raising awareness and funds for T1D.
Learn more at jdrf.org/nebraskaiowa or (402) 397-2873.
Lincoln Medical Education Partnership (LMEP, www.lmep.com) is a leader in healthcare education, patient care, and behavioral health services through a variety of programs designed to meet community needs. These include the training of Family Medicine resident physicians and the delivery of exemplary patient care through the Lincoln Family Residency Program and the Lincoln Family Medicine Center, exposure to integrative medicine through Lincoln Medical Acupuncture, outpatient mental health and substance use counseling services for adults and children through Stepping Stones, the provision of training and technical assistance to help schools identify and assist students with behavioral health issues through School Community Intervention & Prevention (SCIP) and the delivery of expert medical care to pediatric patients in Lincoln’s hospitals through Lincoln Pediatric Hospitalists. To learn more about Lincoln Medical Education Partnership, go online to www.lmep.com or call (402) 483-4581.
The Mourning Hope Grief Center (mourninghope.org) companions children, adults and families before and after a death loss. Mourning Hope provides grief support groups, counseling, community education, resources, and referrals.
At Mourning Hope, participants have the opportunity to take part in peer-based grief support groups with others who have experienced similar loss. They learn healthy coping skills for dealing with the death of someone significant, and are given the freedom to grieve in their own way and at their own pace. Ultimately, they learn that while grief is terribly hard work, hope and healing are possible, and no one ever has to grieve alone.
Mourning Hope’s services are available at absolutely no cost to participants. Receiving no government funding or insurance reimbursement, Mourning Hope relies solely on private donations from individuals, businesses, service clubs, and foundations. Learn more online at mourninghope.org or call (402) 488-8989.
The Nebraska Chapter of Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF of Nebraska, cefnebraska.org) is part of the world’s largest and oldest children’s youth ministry. Established in 1937, the global ministry has reached over 250 million children with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. They are unique in that they focus specifically on elementary children ages 5–12. CEF of Nebraska’s Good News Clubs (GNC) are after school clubs during the school year that primarily meet in local public schools. During the summer, their 5-Day Clubs go where the children are—neighborhoods, homes, and parks.
Anyone who is interested in supporting the CEF of Nebraska can join the Harvest Club. In light of the gospel of Luke (chapter 10, verse 2), the Harvest Club is an opportunity to give $10.02 each month to financially support this ministry. In addition, Harvest Club members are encouraged to set their alarm for 10:02 (a.m. or p.m.) to earnestly pray for laborers serving through CEF of Nebraska each day.
CEF of Nebraska (cefnebraska.org) brings the gospel of Jesus Christ to children for an opportunity in which to make a life changing decision for Christ in a safe and loving environment. If you would like to know more, please contact Matt Anderson at matta@cefnebraska.org or call (402) 480-5515.
Families Inspiring Families (familiesinspiringfamilies.org) is made up of parents of children and teens diagnosed with behavioral or mental health challenges. Their mission is to walk alongside other parents who find themselves caught in a whirlpool of treatment options, or lack of options, to provide support and advocacy so their child is able to live his or her best life. Their nationally certified peer support specialists have helped parents present their needs and concerns to IEP teams and medication management and treatment professionals, caseworkers, and judges in an effort to acquire all necessary services in order to safely maintain their child in the home. Their services are free and may be accessed by calling them directly at (402) 441-4369 or through the Nebraska Family Helpline at 1-(888) 866-8660. Their service area includes Lincoln and 16 southeastern counties in Nebraska.
Christian Record Services, Inc. (www.christianrecord.org), located in Lincoln, is a ministry of compassion of the Seventh-day Adventist Church to children and adults who are blind, with nearly 18,000 members throughout the United States and in countries around the world. Our mission is to empower people who are blind to engage their communities and embrace the Blessed Hope.
Christian Record Services offers an array of services and programs, including Bible study lessons, books, magazines, and Bibles in audio, braille, and large print from a library of more than 2,000 titles. Members also have the opportunity to deepen social, educational, and spiritual connections through PhoneFaith, scholarships for higher education, and National Camps for Blind Children.
These services and programs are free of charge to people who are legally blind, regardless of denomination or church affiliation.
For more information, visit www.christianrecord.org, call (402) 488-0981, or email info@christianrecord.org. You can also request a card to share with someone who is legally blind at bitly/CRSBshare.
The mission of the Nebraska Safety Council (nesafetycouncil.org) is simple: For more than 60 years, they have provided education and leadership to empower people to live safe and healthy. The Nebraska Safety Council’s comprehensive programs, training courses, events, and services are designed to improve employee care at a desk, on the production floor, behind the wheel, and off the job. Their unique Worker 360° approach provides integrated risk management to improve overall worker quality of life and positively impact an organization’s bottom line.
Members of the Nebraska Safety Council include organizations throughout Nebraska and surrounding areas, across a variety of industries. There is no one-size-fits-all option. Each company’s safety and wellbeing program is customized for their needs and size.
Demonstrate your commitment to employee safety and health by becoming a member of the Nebraska Safety Council. You will receive access to training, guidance, and resources to establish or enhance your safety and wellness programs and policies.
The Nebraska Safety Council provides leadership and resources for a safe and healthy workplace and community. To reach their team, call (402) 483-2511 or visit nesafetycouncil.org to learn more.
Family Service Lincoln (familyservicelincoln.org) was founded in 1891 as the first charitable organization in Lincoln, NE. The ways in which we have served the community have evolved, but our mission to help families thrive has never changed. Today, our Youth Development program offers before and after school care to over 2,000 students across the city of Lincoln. The Behavioral Health Therapists help school age students learn skills to better resolve conflict and achieve goals in Lincoln and surrounding counties. The staff of our WIC program provide well-child check-ups, breastfeeding counseling, and additional assistance to supplement healthy diets. The Child Care Food Program offers meal reimbursement to child care providers for over 13,000 children across 84 counties in Nebraska. Our Housing and Support Services program partners with families to keep children safe and in the family home, provides rental and utility assistance, and transitions families to permanent housing.
Building stronger families is our commitment and passion! To learn more, visit familyservicelincoln.org or call (402) 441-7949.
Through a growing grassroots network of volunteers who hail from every corner or the state, Nebraska Community Foundation (NCF, NebraskaHometown.org) unleashes abundant local assets, inspires charitable giving, and connects ambitious people to build stronger communities and a Greater Nebraska.
Headquartered in Lincoln with employees working from hometowns all across the state, Nebraska Community Foundation provides financial management, strategic development, donor education, and training in partnership with 1,500 volunteers serving 270 Nebraska communities. In the last five years, 45,313 contributions were made to NCF and its affiliated funds. Since 1994, NCF has reinvested $393.1 million in Nebraska’s people and places. For information, visit NebraskaHometown.org or call (402) 323-7330.
Habitat for Humanity of Lincoln (lincolnhabitat.org) has helped families build strength, stability, and self-reliance through affordable homeownership since 1988. Its priority is to work with future homebuyers who would otherwise not be able to achieve homeownership through a traditional mortgage loan. By increasing the number of homeowners throughout Lincoln, Habitat Lincoln is building neighborhoods and strengthening the community. Habitat Lincoln has partnered with more than 180 local families, serving more than 812 men, women, and children through the construction of new single-family homes, as well as simple and critical repair projects.
Habitat Lincoln serves families whose income is up to 50% of median for the Lincoln area, with the average AMI being less than 40% over the past 10 years. It partners with first-time homebuyers. Many Habitat families are immigrants or refugees, and all are living in substandard housing—whether it be dilapidated, overcrowded, or cost-burdened. Get involved at lincolnhabitat.org.
The Branched Oak Observatory (@BranchedOakObservatory) is a unique astronomical park located conveniently just 20 minutes from downtown Lincoln near Branched Oak Lake Recreation Area. Established in 2015, they offer a unique viewing experience and learning opportunity for young and old alike. The Observatory has a 30-student classroom, visitors center, and two buildings dedicated for viewing the night sky. Whether viewing the sun, the moon, or deep space star clusters and nebula, the Observatory’s staff of volunteers—amateur and professional astronomers alike—help to “Bring the Night Sky Down to Earth.” They hold monthly events called “Star Parties” that are FREE and fun for the whole family.
Please follow the Branched Oak Observatory on Facebook (@BranchedOakObservatory). If you would like more information, please email Matt Anderson at matthew@branchedoakobservatory.com or call (402) 480-5515. Branched Oak Observatory is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
The Malone Community Center (MaloneCenter.org) was founded in 1955 through a reorganization of the Lincoln Urban league. Initially founded during a time in history when civil rights for African Americans were extremely limited, the league founders, both black and white, were determined to improve social and economic conditions and increase understanding between all races. They believed that enhanced understanding between all groups of people would create a better community.
For decades, the Malone Center has served neighboring families, youth, seniors, and the Lincoln community through programs and initiatives that extend well beyond the community center to uphold their mission to end multigenerational poverty. Their holistic community programming reflects their commitment to advancing equality through education, health initiatives, community outreach, advocacy, and leadership development.
For more information about the Malone Community Center, please visit MaloneCenter.org or call (402) 474-1110.
As a nonprofit transitional housing program for homeless women, Fresh Start (FreshStartHome.org) offers more than just a safe place to live. It’s a goals-based program that empowers women to change their lives by recognizing and overcoming barriers to self-sufficiency. In 2020, Fresh Start served 64 women, 18,990 meals, and 6,330 nights of lodging. Its 24-bed home shelters women for up to one year. Fresh Start connects women with health services, employment resources, and information and referrals geared toward their self-sufficiency.
Fresh Start has been in operation since 1991. It houses women without children in their direct care—a population its founders recognized as underserved in Lincoln. It’s a valuable landing place for women facing an array of challenges including escaping abuse, freeing themselves from addiction, or starting over again after incarceration.
Donation Needs: Laundry soap, all-purpose spray, and grocery cards
Volunteer Needs: Daisy Thrift Shop Clerks
Get involved with Fresh Start by visiting their website at FreshStartHome.org or connecting on social media (Facebook.com/FreshStartHomeLincoln; Twitter.com/FreshStartLNK). To donate or volunteer, Contact Audrey at (402) 475-7777 / audreyb@FreshStartHome.org.
Junior Achievement of Lincoln (https://lincoln.ja.org/) is building a successful future for our community, one classroom at a time! This school year, more than 31,000 students in over 100 schools all across Lincoln and Greater Nebraska will be impacted by their messages of financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and business ethics delivered by a community role model. Together with Junior Achievement let’s inspire this generation to be better prepared for success than any generation in history. Let’s prepare them to take on their destiny with passion and confidence. Let’s equip them to run businesses, lead nations, make discoveries, and change our world. But most of all, let’s give them hope to see what’s possible.
For more information on how to invest in Junior Achievement of Lincoln or to learn more about becoming a classroom volunteer, contact Rachel Murray at rmurray@jalincoln.org or (402) 467-1741.
The mission of the American Red Cross (redcross.org) is to prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors. The Red Cross shelters, feeds, and provides emotional support to victims of disasters from home fires to major events such as hurricanes, floods, or tornadoes. About 40% of the nation’s blood needed by patients is supplied by the Red Cross. The organization teaches skills such as CPR and First Aid that save lives. Additionally, the Red Cross provides international humanitarian aid and supports military members, veterans, and their families.
Every day, the American Red Cross is active in the community, serving those in need. Visit redcross.org or call 1-(800) RED-CROSS to support Red Cross efforts by volunteering, donating financially or giving blood.
When someone is diagnosed with cancer, it impacts everyone—mothers, daughters, fathers, sons, grandparents, spouses, neighbors, and friends. It is a terrible, heartbreaking disease that interrupts our lives and those we love and care about. The American Cancer Society (cancer.org/volunteer) is a global grassroots force of nearly 2 million volunteers dedicated to saving lives, celebrating lives, and leading the fight for a world without cancer.
This past year, the COVID-19 pandemic changed so much about how we fight for a future free from cancer. It prompted us to innovate and find new ways to not only serve patients, but also safely connect with our communities. Thanks to the continued support from our community here in Lincoln and the dedication of communities around the world, the American Cancer Society is able to help so many – those who are battling cancer today, those who may face a diagnosis in the future, and those who may avoid a diagnosis altogether thanks to education, prevention, early detection, and patient programs.
Volunteers are the heart and soul of our organization and critical to our success at every level. We offer a variety of ways to invest your time and talents. Through local events like Relay for Life, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer and Real Men Wear Pink, we would like to encourage you to stand with us in our fight for a future free from cancer. If you’re interested in volunteering with us or learning more about our volunteer opportunities, visit cancer.org/volunteer, call (800) 227-2345.
Nebraska Children’s Home Society (NCHS, NCHS.org) is a nonprofit organization, established in 1893, that serves children and families throughout Nebraska. The organization puts “children first,” meaning that services are child-centered, focusing on the child’s best interests. Through three core services—adoption, foster care, and family support—NCHS lives strives towards its vision of “a safe and loving family for every child.”
NCHS serves families throughout Nebraska through office locations in Grand Island, Lincoln, Norfolk, North Platte, Omaha, and Scottsbluff.
NCHS is accredited by the Council on Accreditation, a Better Business Bureau (BBB) Accredited Charity. NCHS is a Nonprofit Association of the Midlands – Guidelines and Principles Best Practices Partner and is a GuideStar Gold Level Participant. Learn more at NCHS.org or call (402) 451-0787.
“Poverty limits opportunity. We don’t.” Since 1965, Community Action Partnership of Lancaster and Saunders Counties (www.communityactionatwork.org) has been empowering people living in poverty to reach economic stability.
Community Action provides unique programs and services in four impact areas: Early Childhood Education, Homelessness Prevention, Financial and Family Well-Being, and Hunger Relief and Healthy Food Access. Just some programs include Head Start, which supports children from at-risk backgrounds and their families in building skills for success; Emergency Services, which provides rent, utility, and deposit assistance to those at-risk of experiencing homelessness; and the Gathering Place, which provides free hot, nutritious meals to anyone experiencing hunger in Lincoln.
In 2020, Community Action provided 107,854 poverty-fighting services to 17,940 children and adults in Lancaster and Saunders Counties. To connect, call (402) 471-4515 or visit www.communityactionatwork.org.
Businesses and individuals are continuing to navigate a “new normal”. Connection and authentic relationships are more critical than ever. Plus, the need and opportunity to serve and support others is just as important. CBMC Lincoln (lincoln.cbmc.com) offers you the opportunity to connect with others and grow personally, professionally and spiritually. CBMC is a ministry to men in the marketplace, encouraging them toward spiritual development, personal integrity, principled leadership, and a desire to impact others.
CBMC encourages you in connecting closely with Christ and with others who are growing and discovering how to represent Christ in life and work. CBMC offers one-on-one mentoring, challenging growth groups, leadership development, networking, and events throughout the year. They serve business owners and leaders through Peer Advisory Groups, geared to equip members to lead lives and businesses which honor Christ, and serve the community. Young Professional (YP) groups offer opportunities for men from all areas of the workplace engage with other YP’s as well learn from senior leaders and business owners.
To learn how CBMC Lincoln can serve you, please contact CBMC Lincoln at (402) 540-1093 or visit lincoln.cbmc.com.
Youth for Christ Lincoln Area (www.yfclincoln.org) is a nondenominational, nonprofit organization reaching 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. Learn more online at www.yfclincoln.org.
For over 20 years, Domesti-PUPS (www.domesti-pups.org) has been supporting people in our local, regional, and national communities through the assistance of animals. From therapy dogs in the classroom motivating children to pet therapy visitations in nursing homes, hospitals, and assisted living centers, Domesti-PUPS pet therapy teams bring a bit of brightness through their furry encounters. The organization’s 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, respond to medical emergencies such as a seizure or a diabetic high or low, and open doors both literally and figuratively. Some even provide life-saving measures for their disabled partners. Learn more online at www.domesti-pups.org.
As Nebraska’s industry-leading and award-winning senior care expert, Tabitha (Tabitha.org) empowers people to live joyfully, age gratefully. Nonprofit Tabitha cares for and about seniors across 25 counties offering: results-driven rehabilitation, accessible at-home health care, innovative living communities, compassionate hospice care, and Tabitha Meals on Wheels (Lincoln). For all senior care needs, Tabitha is the Answer.
Tabitha welcomes civic-minded individuals to donate their time, talent, and treasure to help provide support to Seniors. Find out how you can make a difference in the lives of local veterans, teachers, public servants, and community leaders who need a helping hand. Connect with Tabitha at Tabitha.org or call (402) 486-8520.
DON’T MISS OUT!
This is an excellent opportunity for your nonprofit to gain exposure among our readers, as well as for our readers to familiarize themselves with the needs of the various organizations and the valuable work that is going on in our community. If you are a local nonprofit organization that is interested in participating in the next SUPPORTING NONPROFITS feature in Strictly Business’s January 2022 issue, please call (402) 466-3330 or email Editor@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com today!