At Ease USA (AEU, ateaseus.org) is committed to providing access to confidential trauma treatment services to the brave men and
women in uniform and scrubs who have given so selflessly and suffer from the impact of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). At Ease fills the gap left by the VA to also include family members.
AEU removes barriers and offers person-centered behavioral health services through an in-house clinical manager and a diverse Preferred Provider Network (PPN) of licensed mental health professionals who are trained in PTSD treatment. AEU utilizes many approaches, including family and couple’s therapy, one-to-one peer support, yoga, and group and one-on-one therapy, to address PTSD.
In addition to tailoring treatment to each client’s unique needs, honoring confidentiality, and removing red tape to provide timely urgent care, AEU is dedicated to confronting the stigma surrounding mental health.
AEU envisions a world where PTSD no longer exists, but until that day comes, we are committed to ensuring that Nebraska’s past and present military members, frontline healthcare workers, and their families who are impacted by PTSD have access to confidential trauma treatment. For more information, go to ateaseus.org.
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 over 275 Nebraska communities. In the last five years, 46,653 contributions were made to NCF and its affiliated funds. Since 1994, NCF has reinvested $463 million in Nebraska’s people and places. For information, visit NebraskaHometown.org or call (402) 323-7330.
Angels Among Us (www.myangelsamongus.org) provides financial and emotional support 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 or $750 a month, depending on household income levels, 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.
In addition to financial support, Angels Among Us launched 11 emotional support programs to provide wrap-around services for all members of the pediatric cancer family. Programs for teens, kids, siblings, and caregivers; events for the family to attend together; and bereavement support services are now offered. Research has shown that, along with the financial toxicity many families experience during a cancer journey,
there are PTSD-like symptoms that also appear within the family. These emotional support programs allow Angels Among Us to better fulfill its mission of BOTH financial and emotional support.
Since 2006, Angels Among Us has assisted over 620 families with over $4 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.
Did you know 1 in 26 people are diagnosed with epilepsy? Or that 1 in 10 people will have a seizure in their lifetime?
The Epilepsy Foundation (www.epilepsy.com/local/nebraska), in collaboration with our community and network partners, connects the people, data, and resources needed to address challenging health problems associated with seizures and epilepsy — and promotes education, policy, research, and systemic change that will foster measurable and sustainable improvement for all people living with epilepsy.
We are fiercely committed to improving the lives of people with epilepsy. The Epilepsy Foundation Nebraska provides seizure alert monitors to those in need, responds 24/7 to information and referral requests through the Helpline, educates our community on Seizure First Aid, hosts support groups, promotes grassroots advocacy efforts, and holds local awareness campaigns throughout the year. Together, we are elevating the conversation around epilepsy and fighting the stigmas that persist around living with seizures.
Let’s END EPILEPSY TOGETHER! To learn more, visit www.epilepsy.com/local/nebraska.
Rejuvenating Women (rejuvenatingwomen.org) is a nonprofit organization providing hope and restoration to victims and survivors of human trafficking by empowering survivors to lead healthy and independent lives. They are committed to developing long-lasting relationships with the women who have experienced significant complex trauma. They raise awareness of human trafficking in Omaha and surrounding communities. Their team of dedicated staff and volunteers invest in the lives of each individual living in the residential home as well as those participating in other programs and services that they offer. Providing survivors with knowledge, tools, and support empowers them to heal from the past and thrive in the future. Rejuvenating Women’s short and long-term residential recovery program is free-of-charge to survivors.
Rejuvenating Women has expanded their mission to reach the most vulnerable to trafficking and sexual exploitation—children under the age of 18. The Restored Wings Ranch will soon be a resource for youth in our community, at risk of and experiencing human trafficking and sexual exploitation. The Ranch will be a home for healing in a safe and compassionate private environment. Housing, education, therapy and therapeutic use of animals and land are part of the programming developed for the youth home. Please donate to the Expansion Project at rejuvenatingwomen.org/donate. Visit rejuvenatingwomen.org/restored-wings-ranch to learn more about the vision.
Since 1973, Humanities Nebraska (HN, HumanitiesNebraska.org) has helped people explore what connects us and makes us human. As an independent non-profit organization and state partner of the National Endowment for the Humanities, HN offers programming for everyone in the state, nurturing a more informed, thoughtful and just society. In 2023, HN is celebrating 50 years of connection by sparking curiosity during Humanities Week in October and all year long. HN programming includes a Speakers Bureau with more than 250 topics, the Nebraska Chautauqua summer history festival with scholars interacting with audiences as historic figures, Capitol Forum on America’s Future to engage high school students on global issues, the “Dear Stranger” letter exchange program, Museum on Main Street traveling exhibitions from the Smithsonian, the annual Governor’s Lecture in the Humanities featuring a prominent national speaker, Prime Time Family Reading literacy programs, Nebraska Warrior Writers workshops for veterans and active duty military, Nebraska History Day to inspire students in the process of discovery and interpretation of historical topics, and grants that enable other Nebraska non-profits to produce their own programming that enriches their local communities. For more information about booking a speaker, applying for a grant, or participating in any other HN programs, please visit HumanitiesNebraska.org or call (402) 474-2131.
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, JDRF’s 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 TypeOneNation Summit – March 4, 2023 at Scott Conference Center
• JDRF Gala – April 22, 2023 at CHI Health Center Omaha
• JDRF One Walk – October 1, 2023 at Mahoney State Park
Programs:
• Advocacy – Advocate for government support of research & policies for affordable & accessible therapies.
• Community Outreach – Educational resources and support for individuals & families.
• Community events – jdrf.org/nebraskaiowa
• T1D Connect – Partner with JDRF & organize a meet-up in your community
• Online Support Groups – jdrf.org/virtual-events
• Give Back at School – School education & fundraising opportunities.
• Ride – Destination cycling experience for all fitness levels.
• YLC – Young professionals raising awareness & funds for T1D.
Learn more at jdrf.org/nebraskaiowa or (402) 397-2873.
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) REDCROSS to support Red Cross efforts by volunteering, donating financially or giving blood.
More than 11,000 Nebraskans will be diagnosed with cancer this year. The Heartland Cancer Foundation’s (heartlandcancerfoundation.org) mission is to provide practical and immediate financial assistance to eligible cancer patients in our community so they can focus on what matters most: healing.
Support our mission by joining us on Saturday, March 4th for the 8th Annual Mardi Gras Gala at the Lincoln Marriott Cornhusker Hotel. This is the Heartland Cancer Foundation’s largest annual fundraiser and raises critical funds to support cancer patients in Nebraska.
This incredible evening will feature interactive audience entertainment, a silent auction, live auction, bourbon pull, delicious food, and lively Mardi Gras flair!
Sponsorship opportunities of every size and for every budget are now available. Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind opportunity for your business to get exposure, attend a spectacular event, and make a difference for local cancer patients. Learn more and get involved at heartlandcancerfoundation.org.
It is built, it is stunning, and it sits sturdy on the foundations of inclusivity, accessibility, sustainability, compassion, and engagement. The Benson Theatre (bensontheatre.org) is meant to be shared to serve all the missions of organizations who wish to positively impact the community and all who wish to be a part of the educational and creative experiences that will happen within its walls.
During the day, our facilities focus on providing educational opportunities that foster the success of artists, nonprofits, small business owners and underserved populations throughout the city.
During the evening, our facilities serve as a performance venue for collaborations with our community partners welcoming all artforms – comedy, dance, film, music, spoken word, theatre, visual arts and more.
The Benson Theatre recognizes the need for programming for kids, for older adults, and for those with specific needs.
Contact The Benson Theatre at (402) 991-4333 for rental fees and details about technology features, collaborations, and assembly. For more information, go to bensontheatre.org.
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 well-being 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.
Brain injuries impact multiple areas of a person’s life such as cognition, memory, balance, emotional stability, relationships, and more.
Currently, few resources and supports are available statewide to people living with a brain injury.
The Brain Injury Alliance of Nebraska (biane.org/about), an affiliate of the United States Brain Injury Alliance, is a dedicated provider of brain injury health information and support in the state. Incorporated in 2009, the organization’s mission is to create a better future for all Nebraskans through brain injury prevention, education, advocacy, and support.
The Brain Injury Alliance of Nebraska (BIA-NE) works to bring about meaningful system change by building community support networks that help individuals and families across the state navigate life changes caused by brain injury.
Learn more about the Brain Injury Alliance of Nebraska and its services by visiting biane.org/about.
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 spiritual beliefs or faith background.
For more information, visit www.christianrecord.org, call (402) 488-0981, or email info@christianrecord.org.
The American Heart Association (www.heart.org/nebraska) 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 equitably increase worldwide healthy life expectancy from 64 to at least 67 years by 2030.
Through events right here in Omaha 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/nebraska.
Child Saving Institute (CSI, childsaving.org) was founded in 1892 and has been dedicated to the needs of children and families in the greater Omaha area for over 130 years. The mission is “responding to the cry of a child”, but it is the vision that guides us as we work to give the children we serve safe, happy childhoods. CSI’s vision is that “all children have homes where hope is kindled and dreams can be achieved.”
CSI’s programming is diverse, but so are the needs of today’s children and youth. Services address the need for early childhood development and high-quality childcare which we offer through our early childhood education program at our two Omaha childcare centers. Other services offered focus on the prevention, intervention and healing from child abuse, neglect and trauma. Programs include in-home support for families struggling to stay together, foster care, mental health services including therapy and medication management, parent support and education programs for young and expectant parents, an emergency shelter for youth temporarily displaced and who have nowhere to live, and adoption services for older children and youth in foster care.
With your support, CSI continues to serve more than 2,500 kids and families each year and touches thousands more, improving children’s lives and helping them discover the joy of childhood. For more information, visit childsaving.org or call (402) 553-6000. Stay connected with CSI by following the organization on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
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, DomestiPUPS 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 lifesaving measures for their disabled partners. Learn more online at www.domesti-pups.org.
The Leadership Harbor Foundation was created to help Leadership Harbor add value to, serve, and recognize in five distinct areas:
CALM; Suicide & Bullying Awareness and Prevention – both are topics of importance to the team at Leadership Harbor. The Foundation allows us an avenue to provide these trainings and workshops at no direct cost to the hosting organization.
Veterans – grants and donations to the Foundation allow us to provide programs and Coaching to Veterans at reduced or no-cost. Coach Patrick has a passion for serving this important population as they seek to transition from service to civilian life and all that is encompassed by this.
Youth Leadership – contributions through the Foundation allow us to invest in the youngest of leaders. From Scholarships so youth can participate in Leadership Development to providing our Maxwell Leadership Global Youth Initiative (GYI) events every April and October.
Education – through the Educator of the Month program, iLead, and Values based Leadership curriculum, we will focus on helping students, educators, and administrators in transforming communities.
Scholarship – contributions through the Foundation allow us to invest in those who want to develop their potential, and need a little financial boost to get them started.
The Pregnancy Center (pregnancycenterlincoln.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 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. Learn more at pregnancycenterlincoln.org.
Memories For Kids (MFK, memoriesforkids.org) is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization with a mission to create lifelong memories for children who have a parent with stage IV cancer. Families who receive a memory are able to take a break from the daily rigors of cancer and spend time having fun and enjoying each other. The unfortunate reality is that for a child with a terminally ill parent, the final months of hospitalizations and decline are filled with disappointments and sad memories. MFK helps kids be kids and briefly relieves the sadness of living with a terminally ill parent. For more information, call (402) 889-5797, or go to memoriesforkids.org.
It has been proven both scientifically and by observation that horses and humans have a unique emotional bond. That bond is a big factor in healing from emotional trauma and finding our confidence, and DreamCatchers: Strength Through Horses is here to support individuals by sharing our love of these magnificent creatures. Our Director, Jodi Freeman, is a Certified Peer Support Specialist with lived experience in grief, depression, anxiety and emotional abuse. She offers one-on-one sessions with individuals, helping to guide them on a path of emotional well-being. Group sessions are available for agencies offering psychoeducational support. Additionally, we offer “Trail Ride Academy”, an all around horse experience for teens and adults, ages 13+. We accept sponsorships for clients who are unable tom afford the cost. To learn more about the experiences DreamCatchers offers, email info@dreamcatchersride.org, or join our VIP email list by emailing info@dreamcatchersride.org with the subject “VIP Opt In.”
Based in Lincoln, nonprofit Mosaic in Southeast Nebraska (mosaicinfo.org/southeastnebraska) is part of a whole-person healthcare organization across 13 states in more than 700 communities serving people with intellectual and developmental needs. Mosaic’s purpose is to “love and serve,” and its mission is to “embrace God’s call to relentlessly pursue opportunities to empower people.” The values woven through Mosaic’s work are Belonging, Connection, Faithfulness, and Grit.
At Mosaic in Southeast Nebraska, “to empower” means providing truly personalized services to those it supports to achieve their best or most meaningful life; working with them and their families to create closer ties to the community in order to open up volunteer and employment opportunities; and Mosaic standing alongside them to advocate with and for them to bring awareness to issues that affect their lives and promote public policy that positively impacts them.
This empowerment of people ranges from helping someone communicate for the first time to helping another gain enough independence to secure a job and live in their own home. If you would like to learn more about Mosaic in Southeast Nebraska’s services, to donate, volunteer, or inquire about employment, please go to mosaicinfo.org/southeastnebraska.
The Foundation for Lincoln City Libraries (foundationforlcl.org) was formed in 1954 to provide annual support for the programs and services provided to our residents through Lincoln City Libraries. This private funding upholds and enriches the values of this community resource that longtime residents have come to know and appreciate, and newcomers can’t wait to experience. Libraries are so much more than books in today’s world. Free computers and Wi-Fi allow patrons to apply for jobs. Students receive help with their homework through online programs. Seniors utilize library resources to research genealogy. There is something for everyone! Lincoln is a community that values education and our libraries are part of that! This support is only successful because of volunteer involvement and public support through the foundation. For more information to donate or volunteer, please visit foundationforlcl.org, email foundationforlcl@gmail.com, or call (402) 441-0164.
Founded in 1932, Catholic Social Services (CSS, www.csshope.org) of Southern Nebraska 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 market and meal 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 and Gift & Thrift stores in Lincoln, Auburn, Hastings, and Imperial. To connect, donate, or volunteer with CSS in bringing Hope in the Good Life, visit www.csshope.org or call (402) 474-1600.
Christian Businessmen’s Connection (CBMC Lincoln, Lincoln.cbmc.com) is part of a global network of men in the marketplace who want to develop personally, professionally and spiritually. These are men who aspire to honor God in their businesses and work. CBMC encourages men to connect 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 also 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 Professionals (YP) groups offer opportunities for men from all areas of the workplace to engage with other YP’s as well as learn from senior leaders and business owners. When men connect with CBMC, they become part of a trusted band of brothers who are there to provide support and encouragement.
To learn how CBMC Lincoln can serve you, please contact CBMC Lincoln at (402) 204-1997, connect with them on Facebook (@cbmclincolnne) or visit Lincoln.cbmc.com.
“I was sold for $60 and some meth. I was 15 at the time.” – A Lincoln survivor
This is the jarring reality of sex trafficking in Lincoln. I’ve Got A Name (www.ivegotaname.org) has dedicated the last 10 years to protecting Lincoln’s youth and empowering survivors of this injustice to rebuild their lives.
As a recipient of Union Bank & Trust’s ‘The Big Give’, I’ve Got A Name will implement their Connect to Protect Initiative in the new year. The initiative will increase public awareness in Lincoln, provide a safe online environment for youth to seek help, strengthen their Street Outreach Team and develop a Men’s Movement.
On August 5, 2023, the organization will host its Connect to Protect Conference –– the first conference to specifically address sex trafficking in Lincoln among parents, youth and the general public.
To register, visit www.ivegotaname.org. To be a business conference sponsor, email Paul Yates at paul@ivegotaname.org.
People’s City Mission was started in 1907 by local churches, offering food and shelter for transient and impoverished men, women, and children. In 1987, PCM moved to their current location and now houses on average 350 men, women, and children nightly in their emergency shelters and the Curtis Center transitional housing program. The Help Center offers free clothing, housewares, and food to Lincoln’s needy, to aid in preventing homelessness. The Free Clinic offers quality dental and other services to the uninsured. As Lincoln’s homeless shelter, People’s City Mission’s work is more than 97% funded by community donations. When you give a little, you can change a lot. Contact info@pcmlincoln.org or call (402) 475-1303. You can also visit www.pcmlincoln.org or @pcmlincoln on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for more information.
Voices of Hope (www.voicesofhopelincoln.org) provides 24-hour-aday services for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, incest, stalking, and related forms of abuse. They have provided free and confidential services to victims of these crimes in Lincoln/ Lancaster County for 47 years. Their services include a 24-hour crisis line, (402) 475-7273, and victim advocacy at hospitals. Voices of Hope also offers support groups, crisis counseling, safety planning, assistance with protection orders, basic needs, and providing advocacy for students at all college campuses. They answer more than 8,000 crisis line calls a year and provide face-to-face services to approximately 2,200 unduplicated survivors. Their free and confidential services are available to women and men. Voices of Hope is in need of financial donations, gift cards, gas cards, and donations of basic needs items such as personal hygiene items, household items, diapers and wipes, and office supplies. To learn more, visit www.voicesofhopelincoln.org.
ServeNebraska (serve.nebraska.gov/funding) is the Nebraska Volunteer Service Commission working toward growing our state’s culture of community service and volunteering. The Commission facilitates AmeriCorps programming across the state, linking local nonprofits, governmental agencies, and other organizations with Nebraskans motivated to make a difference in their communities.
AmeriCorps grants are awarded to organizations in order to operate programs addressing a specific community need categorized under one of six AmeriCorps focus areas. Current Nebraska programs include Conservation Nebraska aiming to education Nebraskans on preserving our state’s natural beauty and College Possible focusing on coaching low-income students in the Omaha area.
The six AmeriCorps focus areas are education, environmental stewardship, healthy futures, veterans & military families, and disaster services.
The 2023-2024 funding opportunity opens on January 9! If your organization is interested in learning more about AmeriCorps impacts in Nebraska or discussing whether an AmeriCorps grant can help you reach your goals, visit serve.nebraska.gov/funding.
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 older adults across the state, offering: results-driven rehabilitation; accessible at-home health care; innovative living communities; resourceful serious illness support; 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.
Habitat for Humanity of Lincoln (lincolnhabitat.org) has helped families build strength, stability, and self-reliance through affordable homeownership families like Manny, Van, and their four active boys who had been living in a crowded apartment that was not adequate for their growing family.
Habitat strives to help families like Manny and Van’s achieve homeownership through an affordable mortgage. Homeownership strengthens neighborhoods and improves the entire community. Children of homeowners have better success rates in school, and families are able to build generational wealth putting them on a path out of poverty.
Habitat Lincoln has partnered with more than 184 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. Get involved at lincolnhabitat.org.
The Junior League of Lincoln (JLL, jll.org) is an inclusive organization of women committed to promoting volunteerism, developing the potential of women and improving our community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. The Junior League of Lincoln currently runs community impact projects – Clothesline, HomeStart, and the JLL Diaper Bank – which foster the well-being of women and children in Lincoln through education, direct service, fundraising, and advocacy. The league’s goal is to create an environment which welcomes a diverse group of women; where all members feel connected to each other, to the JLL mission, and to the community. JLL provides significant training to all provisional, active and sustaining members which encourages them to make a unique, valuable, and lasting contribution to JLL and the community; and to ensure continuity of leadership and establish the JLL as a leadership development resource in the community. For more information visit jll.org.
Hundreds of children and youth in Lancaster County are victims of abuse and neglect. Court Appointed Special Advocates or CASA for Lancaster County (www.casa4lancaster.org) is local nonprofit 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 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 or Facebook @CASA4LancasterCo, and on Twitter @CASALancasterCo.
Since 1978, Friendship Home has helped survivors 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 and a variety of different crisis services.
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 survivors 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.
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 over 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, health and wellness offerings, 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.
Since 1952, The Arc of Lincoln 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 is The Arc Expeditions program, which gives 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 Jennifer Stuhmer, executive director, at (402) 421-8866 / director@arclincoln.org or go online to www.advocacypartnership.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, 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 nine 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 GuideStar Nonprofit Profile.
Contact Susanne Blue, MSW, executive director of Matt Talbot Kitchen & Outreach, at (402) 477-4116 / susanne.blue@mtko.org, or learn more online at www.mtko.org.
The Bridge Behavioral Health (thebridgenebraska.org) is a nationally accredited substance use treatment center. Their mission is to provide hope and a strong foundation for recovery through substance use treatment and behavioral health intervention. Since 1984, The Bridge has served as an essential part of the community’s safety net, providing compassionate support and treatment to people struggling with substance use and related mental health disorders. The Bridge offers a continuum of services including medically-monitored withdrawal, substance use and mental health respite, residential treatment, and outpatient counseling.
For more information, contact Taylor Brethouwer at tbrethouwer@thebridgenebraska.org or visit thebridgenebraska.org.
For 91 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.
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 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.
“My family’s wellbeing is better off after finding HopeSpoke and shaking the negative stigma around mental health.” – Parent of a HopeSpoke client
HopeSpoke (www.hopespoke.org) 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.
Lincoln Medical Education Partnership (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.
Fresh Start (freshstarthome.org) has given a “fresh start” to over 1,800 women who were striving to live a better life. As a nonprofit transitional housing program for women, Fresh Start 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. With Fresh Start, women 19 years and older who are experiencing homelessness for any reason have the opportunity to live in a safe, supportive environment for up to a year, affording them more time to focus on their long-term goals, address barriers, and enact change.
Donation Need: Laundry Detergent
Get involved with Fresh Start by visiting their website at FreshStartHome.org or connecting on social media (Facebook: @FreshStartHomeLincoln; Twitter: @FreshStartLNK). To donate or volunteer, Contact Monica at (402) 475-7777 / monicaz@FreshStartHome.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 inspire our community to give, act, and lead. 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 currently manages more than $185 million in assets and has distributed more than $208 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.
The Lincoln Children’s Museum (www.lincolnchildrensmuseum.org) invites children to create, discover, and learn through the power of play.
In 1987, a group of committed parents and educators came together to concept a hands-on learning Museum for children in Nebraska. A permanent Museum opened in December 1989 containing a dozen simple, handcrafted exhibits.
Now, the Lincoln Children’s Museum offers three floors and 23,300 square feet of interactive learning through numerous exhibits along with day and summer camps, and learning programs offered at the Museum and throughout the Lincoln community.
The Lincoln Children’s Museum is a member of the Association of Children’s Museums (ACM). ACM has nearly 200 children’s museums nationwide.
The Museum is a private nonprofit, 501(c)(3), and receives no city, state, or federal tax dollars. When you support the Lincoln Children’s Museum, you’re supporting a future of limitless possibilities to the children of Lincoln. To learn more, visit www.lincolnchildrensmuseum.org.
TeamMates Mentoring (LincolnTeamMates.org) matches an adult volunteer to meet with a student in grades 3-12 weekly to help them realize their strengths, develop hope for their future, and simply listen. Matches have fun together playing games, crafting, shooting hoops, or just chatting. Matches are made thoughtfully, based on common interests and the mentor’s choice of school and/or grade level. Visits last one class period and only take place at the school. TeamMates was started in 1991 by Dr. Tom and Nancy Osborne. Over the last 30 years, program outcomes have confirmed their belief that caring adults could help students—especially those with multiple life challenges—stay engaged in school, graduate high school, and pursue a post-secondary education. By providing unconditional support and encouragement, mentors help students expand their aspirations, develop visions for their futures, and realize their full potential. To volunteer or learn more about the organization, reach out by calling (402) 436-1990 or visiting LincolnTeamMates.org.
City Impact (www.cityimpact.org) in Lincoln is a faith-centered nonprofit that empowers under-resourced communities through holistic youth, family, and neighborhood development. They aspire to be the best in the world at recognizing and encouraging the unique strengths of those they serve so that their leadership makes a lasting positive impact within the Lincoln community. Through core values of grit, empowerment, initiative, excellence, community, and radical candor, City Impact encourages transformation from the inside out.
Needs: Monthly mentors, weekly reading tutors during the school year, weekly faith program volunteers, sponsors or donations for kids’ store, and monthly program supporters.
For more information about City Impact, call (402) 477-8080 / info@cityimpact.org or visit www.cityimpact.org. Follow on Facebook and Twitter to stay connected.
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.
“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.
Community Action has provided over 100,000 poverty-fighting services to over 17,000 individuals in Lancaster and Saunders Counties. To connect, call (402) 471-4515 or visit www.communityactionatwork.org.
The Branched Oak Observatory (branchedoakobservatory.com) 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.
The Observatory also has a radio telescope to view the electronic spectrum of the universe, a SATCOM array for communications with the International Space Station and other satellites, a Cosmic Ray Detector, and *coming soon* an Earth Moon Earth EME array that will allow them to bounce radio signals off the surface of the moon and back to earth!
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.
Youth for Christ Lincoln Area (YFC 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 more than 50 years, Big Brothers Big Sisters Lincoln (BBBSL, bbbsl.org) has been making matches between adult volunteers (“Bigs”) and young people (“Littles”) ages 7-16 throughout Lincoln. Your support helps develop positive friendships that have a direct and lasting effect on the lives of young people. Bigs can provide new and inspiring opportunities for Littles to explore the community and learn skills that they may not have otherwise had an opportunity to experience.
Our unique community-based one-to-one mentoring is a national, evidence-based program, providing enduring, professionally supported match relationships with measurable impact. Our program offers support to matches year-round outside the classroom.
Currently, BBBSL is in search of our next generation of Bigs! Mentors play an important role in helping young people achieve their full potential. Volunteer as a mentor or donate to support a match. Whichever path suits you, take the first step by visiting us at bbbsl.org or call (402) 464-2227.
Summer should be fun and filled with new experiences, and Bright Lights (BrightLights.org) provides all of that!
Serving K-8th grade students, Bright Lights provides energized, engaging, and fun summer learning opportunities. Their week-long, half-day, and full-day camps allow students to learn and create, master new skills, and build new relationships.
For summer 2023, camps take place June 5-9; June 12-16; June 19-23; June 26-30; and July 10-14. Camp topics include science, technology, math, art, literature, and music with most having a STEAM connection.
The full summer 2023 camp schedule will be available online in February, and registration will open on Saturday, March 4 at 8 a.m. at BrightLights.org.
Bright Lights provides Before Care and Lunch Care at some camp locations. Need-based scholarships are available. There is also an international experience for middle school students and a Camp Assistant program for high schoolers. Find out more about these opportunities at BrightLights.org.
The Nebraska Statewide Arboretum (NSA, plantnebraska.org) is a member-based nonprofit that believes in grassroots efforts to achieve our mission, which is to plant Nebraska for healthy people, vibrant communities, and a resilient environment.
Our arboretum network is composed of more than 100 accredited arboretums and landscape stewardship sites spanning the state from Sidney to Omaha. Our goal is to “take the arboretum to the people” through these local gardens, and to help nurture them as places of beauty, demonstration and restoration.
Over the last 40 years of our work, we’ve seen that landscapes can have a dramatic impact on quality of life—they renew our environment, improve our health, increase social interactions, deepen our sense of place and provide opportunities for learning.
Above all, we see that ultimately it’s people’s lives that are changed—neighborly connections are formed, thriving business districts develop, and people commit to long-term stewardship, all through planting Nebraska.
Learn more about The Nebraska Statewide Arboretum at plantnebraska.org.
Houses of Hope of Nebraska, Inc. (housesofhope.com) was founded in 1962. Houses of Hope’s transitional residential halfway house program provides an alcohol/drug free transitional living environment for adult males who have completed primary alcohol/drug treatment who need additional support to return to independent living.
Touchstone is a highly structured short-term residential substance use treatment facility for adults (men and women), and is operated in a collaboration between Houses of Hope and CenterPointe. Touchstone offers services to address an individual’s substance use and mental health.
The Targeted Adult Service Coordination (TASC) program is a collaboration between Houses of Hope, Lutheran Family Services, Blue Valley Behavioral Health, The Bridge Behavioral Health, and Region V Services. TASC provides blended Intensive Community Services, Crisis Response Teams, Emergency Community Support for adult men and women and System of Care services for youth. Services are staffed 24/7 and serve both rural and urban areas. Find out more at housesofhope.com.