Issuu

2019 ~ 2020 Annual Report

[ A Letter From Our President ] Dear Junior League of Omaha Members, It was a pleasure to serve as the 101st President of the Junior League of Omaha. As we entered the 2019-2020 League year, we were unsure of what the second century of giving back to our community might look like. I doubt if any of us foresaw what was in store for us. We kicked off the year with a successful Bargain Bash where members of the League and the community shopped and socialized. At our first September General Membership Meeting, Ferial Pearson inspired us by talking about kindness – which tied in with the year’s theme: “Throw Kindness Like Confetti”. We spent the next few months meeting together, making new friends and educating ourselves about many topics, including diversity and inclusion and potential new community impact focus areas: opportunity youth, abuse of women and children, and hunger and access to healthy foods. Members worked tirelessly to plan for the Midwest Diversity & Inclusion, bRUNch 5K, the Annual Meeting, and additional training and community opportunities. Unfortunately, all of these events had to be canceled because of something that no one could have foreseen at the start of the year. On March 3, 2020, we gathered at Field Club of Omaha for our General Membership Meeting and placement fair as members began to gear up for the 2020-2021 League year. That was, sadly, the last time I was able to meet face-to-face with our general membership. The COVID-19 pandemic forced a lot of change in our communities and in our membership over the next few months. One of the favorite sayings of UCLA Coach John Wooden was, “Do not let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do.” I think that reflects what our JLO membership did when faced with the COVID-19 crisis. Members continued to find ways to serve the community—a community that was in need more than ever. Women continued to throw kindness like confetti to support members during that difficult time. Innovative leaders found new ways to provide training and education in the area of diversity and inclusion. I learned a lot during my year as JLO president. But I learned a lot during each of my 10 years as a League member. And I am thankful for the many women of the Junior League of Omaha who constantly inspired and encouraged me to be the best I can be. I look forward to seeing what the League’s next century of giving back brings. Sincerely, Kerri Palmesano | President, 2019-2020

Our Mission

The Junior League of Omaha is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable.

Our Reach Out Statement

The Junior League of Omaha reaches out to women of all races, religions, and national origins who demonstrate an interest in and a commitment to voluntarism.

[ Strategic Plan ] Developed by the 2019-2020 Strategic Planning Task Force, the 2020-2023 Junior League of Omaha Strategic Plan was approved by the Board of Directors on March 2, 2020. Strategic Goals All dates within this plan are reflective of the end of each League year (June through May). Community Engagement 1. The League will have a diversified fund development plan that raises at least 35% of revenues from sources other than member dues by fostering a culture of philanthropy. Member Experience 2. The League will support members’ ability to determine their own membership experience and accommodate different levels of commitment through which they can achieve personal development goals. Financial Stability 3. The League will grow by 5% and increase its visibility as an organization of women empowered as leaders. League Growth and Visibility 4. The Junior League of Omaha will establish, maintain and leverage relationships with partners to address documented community needs by providing meaningful and educational volunteer opportunities for its members.

Strategic Goal 1, Community Engagement

Strategic Goal 2, Member Experience

Program Objectives 1.1 The League will implement a sustainable research process by 2021 to identify community needs, evaluate volunteer engagement and recommend organizational opportunities. 1.2 By 2023, at least 2/3 of community impact volunteer shifts will address underserved populations and/or areas. 1.3 The League will have a measurable impact on the hunger and access to healthy foods focus area by 2023. 1.4 Annually, League members will volunteer at least 750 hours through community impact shifts.

Program Objectives 2.1 The League will implement an equitable and inclusive placement system based on member development goals by 2022. 2.2 By 2022, 50% of Active and New Members will actively engage in the League’s development and impact efforts. 2.3 By 2023, 25% of Sustaining Members will actively engage in the League’s development and impact efforts. 2.4 Retention at all levels of membership will be at or above 70% by 2023.

Strategic Goal 3, Financial Stability

Strategic Goal 4, League Growth and Visibility

The Junior League of Omaha will establish, maintain and leverage relationships with partners to address documented community needs by providing meaningful and educational volunteer opportunities for its members.

The League will have a diversified fund development plan that raises at least 35% of revenues from sources other than member dues by fostering a culture of philanthropy. Program Objectives 3.1 The League will restructure Fundraising Council and fund development operations by 2021 to enhance organizational mission and optimize revenue. 3.2 By 2022, the League will increase revenues from the Annual Fund by 25%. 3.3 By 2023, the organization will increase revenue from League-wide sponsorships by 25%.

The League will support members’ ability to determine their own membership experience and accommodate different levels of commitment through which they can achieve personal development goals.

The League will grow by 5% and increase its visibility as an organization of womxn empowered as leaders. Program Objectives 4.1 By 2021, the League will implement an intentional membership recruitment strategy, working to ensure the New Member classes increasingly reflect the lived experiences of those we serve. 4.2 By 2022, the League will establish an inclusive environment through integration of equity, diversity and inclusion principles into organizational operations and culture. 4.3 By 2023, the organization will implement an integrated regional communications plan emphasizing the civic and community leadership assets of its members.

[ Executive Board and Management ]

[ Expenses and Financials ] The Junior League of Omaha felt the impact of the COVID-19 global pandemic with our spring fundraiser, bRUNch 5K, cancelled. But the League’s newest and largest fundraiser, Bargain Bash held in August and the League’s Annual Appeal in the fall both generated over

$17,000 in funds to support the League’s

initiatives, which included Community Assistance Grants, scholarships and training. The Junior League of Omaha Foundation also provided the League with

$14,000 to help fund League operations and aid in

determining our next community focus area/initiative (hunger and access to healthy foods). The League finished with a total revenue of

2019~2020 Board of Directors

2019~2020 Management Team

Executive Vice President | Cindy Guenzel Executive Vice President-Elect | Jessica Sock Communications Council Director | Jillian Humphries Communications Council Assistant Director | Jamie Schneider Community Impact Council Director | Amber Gard Community Impact Council Assistant Director | Catherine Harrington Finance Manager | Lauren Hellman Fundraising Council Director | Kate Pitschka Fundraising Council Assistant Director | Hunter Taylor Membership Council Director | Alexis Pappas Membership Council Assistant Director | Michelle Pernicek Recording Secretary | Jessica Holdenried Diversity & Inclusion Committee | Andrea Padilla-Rosas Sustainer Advisor | Jen Alloway

“

“The role of a Management member is to guide committees and chairs through the League year, assist in any resources or support needed to meet the committee objectives and work across different parts of the League to utilize and help all committees be successful. This also comes with challenges along the way. As a team, Management worked hard to develop a reformatted Annual Plan that was specific, reasonable, measurable and implementable for all parts of the League. This took time and thoughtful analysis of the League’s past and the goals for the future. Another challenge was the focus area development process and vote in December. The team spent many meetings discussing, asking questions and thinking through the logistics of each focus area and the work from CRaD and the Community Impact Council.”

“

Cindy Guenzel, Executive Vice President

$145,500.

$145,500 $9,500 Total Revenue

$3,000 Scholarships

Training

$4,000 Community Assisted Grants

[ Membership Council ] The Junior League of Omaha’s Membership Council helps implement the Board of Directors strategic goals and Annual Plan, with a focus on membership satisfaction, education and recruitment. The 2019-2020 Membership Council was led by Council Director Alexis Pappas and Assistant Council Director Michelle Pernicek. The Mentorship, New Member, Placement, Social & Hospitality, and Training Committees along with the Council leaders volunteered a total of 2,233 hours throughout the year. With goals centered around membership engagement and the placement process, the council had many successes to highlight. • The Social & Hospitality Committee kicked-off two focus groups, one themed on “Food” and another on “Fitness,” and hosted several events throughout the year. • Neighborhood meetings we held, were greeted with much enthusiasm and provided members an opportunity to meet new people who live near them. • The New Member curriculum was refreshed. The delivery was much more hands-on and incorporated volunteer opportunities built into its meetings and included professionally-led tours of Omaha. • Strategies have been developed and are evolving to make placement more skills-based, with numerous opportunities for members to seek out roles that will place them on the right “career track” within the League. • A transfer member guide was developed which serves as an introduction to Omaha and the League. It will be given to every new transfer member going forward.

Thank you to the Social & Hospitality Committee for organizing our General Membership Meetings. September: Ferial Pearson, The Secret Kindness Agents project

Sarah Hanify, New Member Core Group Leader

“

“As part of the Membership Council, the Placement Committee works with New Members and Actives to ensure they understand (and fulfill) their engagements and ultimately, how these engagements impact our credo of improving the community through effective action and leadership of them, our volunteers. Given these unprecedented times I’m truly amazed and honored to be a part of an organization that has pivoted to online training, forums and activities, if members feel comfortable to attend, that still allows for us to fulfill our mission for both membership and community.”

“

“I loved serving on the New Member Committee this past League year. I think that the New Member Committee’s work is so important for the longevity of the League, as we help shape the New Member’s experience and work to lay a positive foundation for them to build on during their time in the League.”

Megan Horn, Placement Committee New Member Engagement Specialist

“

“JLO has offered me several amazing opportunities to positively impact our Omaha community as well as forge strong friendships with like-minded women. Committees, like the Social & Hospitality Committee, work to promote connections within the league and opportunities for women to support women. Through assisting in the creation and implementation of our Social Groups, I have enjoyed watching members make new connections and friendships to grow their support system. I look forward to being able to participate in future Social Group events and sharing those experiences with current League friends and new ones to come!” Madeline Haas, Affinity Group Coordinator

“

October: Cathi Arnold, Sustainer and Foundation President November: Wendy Moore, Sustainer involved with CASA and other non-profits December: Holiday Social January: Neighborhood Meetings February: Hunger & Access to Healthy Food Panel March: Bylaws and slate vote with unveiling of the 2020-2023 Strategic Plan April: Virtual May: Virtual Annual Meeting

[ New Member Committee ] The New Member Committee’s goals for the 2019-2020 League year were to implement an engaging curriculum and bridge the gap between New Members and Active Members. New to the curriculum this year was a bus tour, Friendsgiving meetings hosted by Active Members, a service learning project and a guest speaker about diversity and inclusion. While the New Member Committee thrived, they were challenged this year with severe weather meeting cancellations and additional meeting cancellations due to the COVID-19 pandemic, making the committee get creative with virtual opportunities. The curriculum implemented received positive feedback and fostered an excitement about the Junior League of Omaha. The organization welcomed 51 total New Members to Active Membership for the 2020-2021 League year. Even more exciting, many New Members applied for and were placed in leadership roles during Advocated Placement, showing a commitment to helping the League thrive.

We are excited to see what the future holds for our amazing class of New Members.

CRaD was tasked with exploring three focus areas in further detail: hunger and access to healthy foods, abuse in women and children and opportunity youth, to help the League select an area of impact for future years. CRaD had teams dedicated to each focus area, a research team and a grants team. The focus area teams came together to create servicelearning opportunities with local organizations to provide service events to League members. The research team worked together to gather and analyze survey data from League members, as well as gather community statistics surrounding each focus area, to see where the League could contribute. “The CRaD team has been working diligently all year to ensure that education and volunteer opportunities were available for members to learn and participate in with the three focus areas,” said CRaD Chair Emily Barr. “The focus area and research teams have collaborated with local organizations to envision future strategic goals and programming for years to come. We are grateful to have such passionate women involved in this process and for the participation and feedback from all of our membership.” The grants team worked to revamp the grants application process and grading rubric, to select three local nonprofit organizations that would receive mini-grant funds from the League. Omaha Home for Boys received a grant of $2,000 while Nebraska Family Service Network received $1,500 and HEALing Embrace received $500.

Emily Barr, CRaD Chair

“

Omaha will have a new focus area: hunger and access to healthy foods. That development is thanks to the groundwork from the Community Impact Council. Led by Community Impact Council Director Amber Gard and Community Impact Council Assistant Director Catherine Harrington, the Council combined for 1664.5 volunteer hours in 2019-2020. The Community Impact Council also includes Done-in-a-Day, the League’s opportunity to live out our mission of “Women building better communities” by giving back to other community organizations in the Omaha area. Through a series of concentrated projects, Done-in-a-Day offers volunteers community-based placements on a short-term basis. CRaD formed the long-term community impact for the League.

“

“It was a very exciting year to be a member of the CRaD Committee. I enjoyed developing relationships and volunteering with the local non-profits that serve the three focus areas we explored. I am excited that we have narrowed our strategic focus to Hunger & Access to Health Foods and can’t wait to see how the Junior League shapes programming to make a big difference in our community.” Sophia Petrow, Team Lead for Opportunity Youth

“

“This past year, we have created relationships with several community partners who are instrumental in serving our new focus area of food access. In the coming year, we will continue building these relationships while we develop programming that will effectively serve our community, in a way that is an accessible and positive experience for all of our members. There are so many great things to come!” Shannon Lang, Team Lead for Hunger and Access to Healthy Foods

CRaD Committee has

30 Learning Opportunities

600+ Volunteer Hours Among the Three Focus Areas 10

“

Starting in the 2020-2021 League year, the Junior League of Community Research and Development (CRaD) Committee

“

“The Community Research and Development Committee worked tirelessly this League year to provide meaningful service-learning opportunities for our members, gather purposeful data from our local community, and create a framework for our future focus area, Hunger and Access to Healthy Foods. Committee members organized events with community partners, gathered and analyzed data from member participation, facilitating Junior League’s positive impact towards service in our community.”

“

[ Community Impact Council ]

26 Women with teams made out for each focus area, research team, and grants team, as well one chair and two vice chairs Community Partners Include: Big Garden, Catholic Charities, Project Harmony, Youth Emergency Services, Abundance Garden, JLO Bargain Bash Committee, No More Empty Pots, Nebraska Children’s Home Society, Women’s Center for Advancement, Child Saving Institute, Heart Ministry, College Possible, Phoenix House, Salvation Army, Children’s Square

[ Done~In~A~Day ]

[ Diversity & Inclusion Committee ] The 2019-2020 League year included the debut of the Diversity & Inclusion Committee, which sits on the Junior League of Omaha Management Team. It was chaired by Andrea Padilla-Rosas with Vice Chair Stephanie Kidd. Catie Baker, Tiffany Ward and Sommer Lassiter also served on the inaugural D&I Committee.

2019-2020 Events

Women’s Triathlon and the Wonder Girls Triathlon, Number of Volunteers: 14 Date of Event: June 22-23 Habitat for Humanity Omaha’s Women Build Number of Volunteers: 10 Date of Event: August 24, 2019

Flower Festival Number of Volunteers: 20 Date of Event: January 25-26, 2020

Children’s Museum Tinkerfest Number of Volunteers: 8 Date of Event: September 14, 2019

American Alzheimer’s Association Ulta Chic Boutique Number of Volunteers: 19 Date of Event: February 1, 2020

Operation School Bell Number of Volunteers: 6 Date of Event: October 5-6, 2019

Pace Private Viewing & Reception Event Number of Volunteers: 10 Date of Event: February 13, 2020 Omaha Children’s Museum-Candyland Number of Volunteers: 10 Date of Event: February 13-15, 2020

Symphony Spooktacular Number of Volunteers: 20 Date of Event: October 20, 2019 Omaha’s Great Pumpkin Festival Number of Volunteers: 28 Date of Event: October 26, 2019 Offutt Enlisted Spouses Club Winter Wonderland Number of Volunteers: 10 Date of Event: December 6, 2019 NorthStar’s December Clean Up Day Number of Volunteers: 9 Date of Event: December 14, 2019 Children’s Hospital Holiday Wrap Number of Volunteers: 23 Date of Event: December 20, 2019

Vice Chair Kidd helped the League apply for and receive a $1,000 grant from the Association of Junior Leagues International Inc.’s The Accelerator Fund to fund the 2020 Summit. The Accelerator Fund grant helps individual Junior Leagues to accelerate innovative programs that take action and advance definitive, measurable policies and practices that promote Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI), and eliminate racism and other discrimination, in their communities, and in their Leagues.

Rose Theater’s Membership Appreciation Day Number of Volunteers: 5 Date of Event: January 18, 2020

Child Saving Institute - Touch a Truck Number of Volunteers: 8 Date of Event: September 7, 2019

D&I was set to host the Midwest Junior League Diversity & Inclusion Summit, a first of its kind effort for Junior Leagues, on April 4, 2020, but it was also cancelled because of the pandemic. “We did offer a White Privilege training by Ashley Spivey in May 2020 who was scheduled to be one of the keynote speakers at the Summit,” Padilla-Rosas said.

Funds will be held for 2020-2021.

Here’s a look at some highlights from the committee August 2019 The D&I Committee hosted a Board and Management D&I training led by Shelley Henderson.

November 2019 D&I training for all members led by Dominique Morgan (they/them): focused on Identifying their why for being in the work, Experience a deeper understanding of intersectionality, Assess their power, influence, and access.

May 2020 D&I offered Gender Inclusive Language & Practices training by Inclusive Communities led by Tena Hahn Rodriguez.

D&I Book Club D&I also launched the D&I Book Club. Books read included: 1) Small Great Things: A Novel by Jodi Picoult 2) When They Call You a Terrorist: A Black Lives Matter Memoir by Patrisse Khan-Cullors and asha bandele 3) White Fragility: Why It’s So Hard for White People to Talk about Racism by Robin DiAngelo

[ Communications Council ]

[ Fundraising Council ] Bargain Bash The League hosted its third annual Bargain Bash at the Ralston Arena August 10-11, 2019. The event raised funds which help JLO to support community programming throughout the year. The rummage sale featured designer and name-brand clothing, shoes and jewelry for men, women and children as well as baby supplies, toys, kitchenware, home decor and furniture. One of the standout items for sale this year was a 10 piece, hand-painted bedroom set.

If you follow the Junior League of Omaha on social media, watched League members on KETV Newswatch 7 or wear League apparel, you already know the impact of the League’s Communications Council. These women are the creatives, the project managers, the promoters and much more, working with every aspect of the League.

For a $20 donation, early bird shoppers could shop 90 minutes before the official opening to get their first pick of the items for sale and enjoy coffee with donuts. The Bargain Bash Committee sold 50 presale tickets. At the end of Bargain Bash, leftover inventory was donated to Heartland Hope Mission to benefit flood victims.

Made up of the Marketing Committee and Project Management Committee, the Communications Council led by Communications Council Director Jillian Humphries and Communications Council Assistant Director Jamie Schneider gave 1,553 hours to the League. “Communications has always been the backbone of the League, supporting the efforts of each committee. During COVID-19, Communications has stepped up to the plate. They have ensured that our League members feel connected to each other and the community. The Communications Council is a fairly new addition to our League structure and the Council continues to impress us with their ability and innovation each year.” - Kerri Palmesano, President “Communications plays a truly integral role to the success of our organization. We leverage the strength of our internal Communications Council in nearly everything we do - from developing eye-catching content to promote fundraisers, to advertising college scholarships, to coordinating media appearances to maximize our community impact, the Junior League of Omaha has integrated marketing and promotions into day-to-day operations. We are lucky to have such a strong communications team to help us achieve greater things together.” - Katie Triplett, President-Elect

Volunteers

177

Volunteer Hours

$17,000+ Raised 14

Cookbook

Color Run “Partnering with Color Run each year has been a great opportunity for the ladies of JLO to serve our community in a fun and energetic way,” said Courtney Otte, who chaired the July 27 event with Laura Praus.

After launching in September 2018, the Junior League of Omaha’s fourth cookbook, A Century of Serving: A Centennial Celebration, turned a new page for the 2019-2020 League year. “Our focus was transitioning from an internal League fundraiser to engaging with the Omaha community as a whole,” said Vice Chair Katy Spratte Joyce. “We mainly did that with strategic event attendance and pop-ups alongside creating some wholesale relationships. Some events/pop ups that were successful included the Union Pacific Women’s Fair, Barre Code in Dundee and the Westside Craft Fair.” The cookbook made its way onto shelves throughout the Omaha area, picked-up by stores including The Dapper Dwelling, The Bookworm, Hearts & Fire, Mine Custom Gifts, The Afternoon, Spruce, Everbloom Floral (Loveland location only), The Children’s Hospital gift shop, the University of Nebraska Medical Center’s The Corner Store and Clarkson Gift Shop, The Village Grinder Coffee Shop and Reve Salon.

“Each year the Color Run staff have made positive remarks about the efficiency we provide both on packet pick up day as well as race day. Color Run has provided the League with a great source of volunteer income as well as a great way for our members to complete one of their League volunteer obligations. We are hopeful and looking forward to their return to Omaha in future years.”

Volunteers

320

Volunteer Hours

$8,000+ Raised

bRUNch 5k Scheduled for April 18, the 2020 bRUNch 5K at Beacon Hills and Aksarben Village was cancelled because of the COVID-19 global pandemic. It would have been the fifth edition of the fundraiser. “We had a fantastic committee who were very engaged throughout the entire year and made a tremendous effort to make our event successful,” bRUNch 5K Chair Brooke Longenecker said. “I am extremely proud of what they were able to accomplish through fundraising and donation efforts. Their hard work was truly astounding and very much appreciated.” The committee gave 260 hours, despite the cancellation of the event. “If we would have had the event, I know it would have been amazing due to each and every one who served,” she said. “Thank you so much bRUNch 5K Committee. You all should be very proud.”

[ Training Committee ]

[ JLO Foundation ]

The Training Committee is committed to developing our League members to prepare them for excellence in community engagement and volunteerism. The committee hosts training events and provides resources to enable personal and professional growth.

Creating a Foundation of Support for JLO The Junior League of Omaha Foundation was established in 1996 to provide a permanent source of income for the Junior League of Omaha. Donations to the Foundation are tax deductible and are invested to provide long-term capital appreciation and income. Each year a portion of the net investment is given to the League to support the mission, projects and other League business.

In 2019-2020, Training had three focus areas: empowerHERment, non-profit leadership and personal development. While many trainings took place as planned, the committee pivoted because of the COVID-19 global pandemic, and Training Coordinator Sara Huse led an effort to develop a guide of virtual training available to our members and broader community.

The JLO Foundation reported total assets of $550,310.89 as of May 31, 2020.

Highlights

Donation The JLO Foundation presented a gift of $14,000.00 to the Junior League of Omaha at the October 15, 2019, General Membership Meeting in support of their mission in 2019-2020. This reflects the largest gift to date of the JLO Foundation.

Kiley Freeman, Training Chair

“

“I am forever grateful for the opportunity to lead such a dynamic group of women, whom I have loved and respected since our Provisional [New Member] days. The JLO fashioned my life’s work of giving back and community service to others. This is my 35th year with the Junior League of Omaha. It means the world to me to culminate my volunteer career with the JLO, where it all began.” Cathi Arnold, JLO Foundation President 2019-2020

2019 ~ 2020 Foundation Board of Directors President: Cathi Arnold President-Elect: Anne Lieben Secretary: Sandy Lundholm Treasurer: Terri Eischeid Advisor: Kathy Martin

“

“My favorite part of Training is the people. The committee is phenomenal, small group of inspirational leaders. These women have enriched my League experience beyond measure. Additionally, I love the training mission. This mission has the potential to provide skills and memories that last a lifetime.”

“

• Emergenetics, an eight hour session to learn about your behavioral and thinking attributes and how to communicate and understand others • A virtual discussion with Seattle-based startup founder KT McBratney, who talked about her new company OwnTrail, which uses their platform to connect women and encourage mentorship • Community leaders from the Omaha Community Foundation and Film Streams joined Sustainer Jeanne Salerno to share the art of fundraising • Small Business Administration shared resources available to small business and start-ups • Opera Omaha led an educational series, teaching members about the art and economics of costume design • Corkscrew in the Blackstone offered a champagne, prosecco and other sparkling wine tasting, teaching members about the different types of sparkling wines

Foundation Facts by the Numbers 22 members 15 Sustainer Members 7 Active Members

HEALing Embrace

[ Annual Meeting Awards ]

The mission of HEALing Embrace is to provide hope, healing, and support for individuals and families navigating miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, stillbirth and infant death. We strive to validate and support everyone who faces the nearly impossible task of saying goodbye to their newest family member.

Each year we recognize members who are positively impacting our community both in and outside of the League. Their dedication to our community is an example for us all as we work toward fulfilling our mission of building better communities. We are so proud of both our community and League award winners. Their hard work has not gone unnoticed. Community Awards 40 Under 40 - Elizabeth Kraemer, Jamie Schneider and Allison Schorr Zach TOYO! - Kelsey Haswell

Emily Barr: Women to Watch

The grant of $500 will be used as funding for their Grief’s Journey program which provides women with miscarriages teddy bears the same weight as their lost child. Through HEALing Embrace, special stuffed bears can be purchased ($20 plus shipping) to honor a baby who has died and bring comfort to a grieving parent or family. Created with love and assembled by caring volunteers at the exact weight of the baby on their birthday or when they are lost, these keepsake bears provide a surrogate that helps mothers and fathers start their journey toward healing. This unique gift provides families with a physical connection to their newest member.

Nebraska Family Support Network

NFSN is a family run organization. We hire families with lived experience navigating public system - children’s behavioral health, education system, child welfare system. We are family navigators for the Nebraska Family Helpline. We are parents helping other parents via peer support, education and advocacy. We also have a youth program focusing on kids with mental health challenges who are at risk of involvement in other systems. The grant of $1500 will provide funding to help cover transportation for kids to get to the programming. Our Journey to Success program offers life skills development workshops to youth ages 12-18. Topics vary depending on the ages in each workshop. They might include: healthy life choices, goals setting, personal hygiene, resolving conflict, and thinking ahead/career readiness. We also facilitate 2 Juvenile Justice youth councils (JJC) - an older group ages 19-26 and a younger group ages 14-18. The goal of the councils is to ensure youth voice is present in the JJ system in Douglas County. We focus on leadership development, productive prosocial engagement, positive community engagement and helping reform the juvenile justice system.

Women to Watch Emily Barr Catherine Bogacz Lauren Hellman Scholarship Winners $2,000 each Yexalen Jaramillo Sharhana Shrestha Brittney Yanez Catherine Bogacz: Women to Watch

Omaha Home for Boys

The mission of OHB is to support and strengthen youth, young adults and families through services that inspire and equip them to lead independent and productive lives. The grant of $2,000 will provide funding for the “Dress for Success” program. The Firm Foundations Project is part of the larger “Dress for Success” programming offered to young adults in the Jacobs’ Place Transitional Living Program. “Dress for Success” has been a critical part of Jacobs’ Place workforce readiness training since the program’s inception. It helps young men and women learn to dress appropriately for the workplace and provides them with either an interview outfit or clothing and footwear required by employers as a condition of employment.

Carrie Jenkins Sustainer Hall of Fame

Sharhana Shrestha: Scholarship Winner

Brittney Yanez: Scholarship Winner

“

“In the 70s/80s, the League Parliamentarian attended all Executive Committee and Board Meetings as a non-voting member along with teaching Parliamentary Law Classes to Provisionals and League Members. How fun it was to be on the Executive Committee and Board for so many consecutive years, to observe so many different leadership styles, and to be involved in so many changes in the League. No other member had this opportunity....it was awesome.” Pam Hoesing Distinguished Sustainer

“

Lauren Hellman: Women to Watch

“My favorite memory from the League is when our wonderful group of friends decided on a Wonder Woman theme for the High Heel Dash. Those 50 yards seemed like a 5k in those heels! Truly great fun benefiting our beloved community projects!”

“

“My favorite memory of the League was our Provisional Class putting on a ‘Follies’ show for the entire league and their spouses, at a dinner-dance. We had such fun rehearsing. The theme was a satire on the League itself: the committees, training, controversies etc.” Kitty O’Neil Sustainer Hall of Fame

“

Yexalen Jaramillo: Scholarship Winner

“

[ League Donors ] Ann Marie Abboud Alicia Abboud Chris Abboud Public Affairs Mary Acker Tanya Ackerman Active Network LLC Dustin Adams Megan and Tim Addison Miranda Aden Liz Akert Sam Albers Jennifer Alloway Robyn Amis Marian Andersen Cynthia Anderson Emily Anderson Janet Anderson Katie Anderson Lauren Anderson Katherine Anglim Catherine and Gene Arnold Cathi Arnold The Association of Junior Leagues Kellie Ballou Kimberly Banat Bethany Banister Andrea Barbe Barbara Barchus Michael Barr Andrea Barstow Jennifer Bartelt Tanya Bartholomew Rita Bartlett Beverlee Baughman Anne Baxter Kaitlin Beck Kathy Beck Jean Bell Amy Benedict Kathleen Best Allison Bickford Kristin Bieber Anna Bird Sally Bisson-Best Renee Black Jessica Blackman Rebecca Bode Catherine Bogacz Joe Bohac Nicole Bohuslavsky Ann Bonham Kandie Borchman Deanna Bosselman Anne Bothe Meghan Bothe Douglas Bottger Rhonda Bowers Rebecca Boylan Bridget Boyle Lesley Brandt Shae Brannon Trudy Bredthauer Elizabeth Breunsbach Sally Bridges Beth Broderick Mary Broderick Christina Broekemeier Judy Bromm Deborah Brower Kris Brown

Lyndsay Brueggemann Sandra Bruns Amara Bryan Dawn Buchanan Lindsey Buchanan Lori Bucholz Anthony Buda Kristen Buell Danielle Bunz Bonnie Burke Karen Burkley Mary Burnett Emily Burns (Flom) Jill Bydalek Kathy Byrnes Barbara Call Mary Ellen Callahan Steve and Sandra Callahan Taylor Callahan Lyndsey Canning Nicole Caputo Sandy Carmichael Joan Carnaby Matt Carney Stephanie Caron Sarah Carse Jody Carstens Mary Carter Chaley Chandler Chad Chaney Clayton Chapman Kristyn Chapman Susan Chenoweth Linda Chloupek Norman Choat Phyllis Choat Brenda Christenen Brenda Christensen Jacqueline Christianson Michael and Brenda Morris Christensen Fund Bethany Clark Judy Clark E. Cline Mary Helen Cockle Kathleen Connor Jackie Conway Jennifer Cooke Jessica Covi Sally Coyne Amanda Cramer Andrea Critser Marci Crone Katie Cunningham Vicki Cunningham Angela Cutler Paige Damkroeger Elizabeth Darling Mary Daub Linda Daugherty Kati Davis Kristi Davis Mary de Souza Chas DeVetter Derek Dillon Alicia Dittenber Mary Dobleman Megan Douglas Britt Dudzinski Jessica Dugger Meredith Duling

Colleen Dustin Carol Dvorak Amy Eckler James Eggers Andrea M. Eiler Terri Eischeid Grace Elliott Jane Ellsworth Sharon Emery Catherine Enenbach Janis Enenbach Scott Enser Cynthia Epstein Laura Essay Nancy Estabrook Jeff Evans Samantha Evans Erin Fairchild Janice Falk Kimberly Falk Kay Farrell Katie Ferge Amanda Ferguson Sigrid Festersen Ashlee Filippi Pam Finn Mary Finnegan Barbara Fitzgerald Katherine FitzgeraldGrandsaert Mary Nesbit Fitzgibbons Alice Fleming Carolyn Fleming Jodeen Fletcher Mary Focht Donna Foley Suzanne Foley Jones Leslie Fonda Lexie Frahm Cailan Franz Alexandra Fredrichs Paula Freeman Rob Futhey Joanne Gaines Joey Gaines Amber Gard Kimberly Garnett Kathy Gerber Brady Gibson Kelly Giese Jane Gilbert Sarah Ginn Ashley Gloystein Kristi Goldenstein Emma Gollehon Laura Gordon Wanda Gottschalk Karen Goughnour Erica Goven Government Systems Software Kate Grabill Gail Graeve Lisa Gravelle Beth Greiner Mark Griffith Judith Griffiths Amy Grohe Megan Guenther Cindy Guenzel Mary Kate Gulick Cynthia Hadsell Judith Haecker Kathy Hagen Lisa Hagstrom Dustin Hajek Laura Lee Hale Katherine Hall Mary Lynn Hallett Vicki Hallett

Andi Hallgren Andrea Hallgren Eiden Hamata Bea Haney Judy Hanify Carolyn Hansen Elinor Hansen Elizabeth Hansen Emily Hansen Kate Hansen Stephanie Hansen Ashley Harbison Allison Hardy Janet Harley Libba Harmon Catherine Harrington Debbie Hart Nathalie Hart Kellyanne Hartley Cyndi Hartman Gail and Kirk Hawkins Karen Hawkins Marianne Hawkins Emily Head Gregory Heckman Julie Hefflinger Melissa Hegarty Cindy Heider Heider Family Foundation Leisa Heimann Christopher Held Pattie Helke Courtney Hellman Lauren Hellman Sarah Helvey Sara Hemley Angie Hempel Amy Henderson Shelley Henderson Missy Henry Justin Herron Kareen Hickman Ashley Hinderaker Marcia Hinkle Beverly Hinrichs Julie Hockney Melissa Hoeman Carlberg Pam Hoesing Margaret Hoffmaster Lori Hogan Kari Hohenstein Sam Hohman Jessica Holdenried Nancy Holloran Meghan Hope Shelley Hourigan Shannon Hoy Brook Hudson Lori Hueschen Annette Huff Jillian Humphries Paul and Jean Hundtoft Sara Huse Nicole Hustad Maureen Irish Cynthia Irvine Michele Jackley Nancy Jacobson Jacki Jacox Ahmad Jaffery Theresa Jehlik Danielle Jelensperger Carrie Jenkins Anne Jetter Jennifer Jetter Matt Jetter Ande Johnson Andrea Johnson Carolyn Johnson

Mary Johnson Sally Johnson Kimberly Johnston Jeanie Jones Marcia Jones Steve Jones Anna Jordan Nicole Jordan Katy Joyce Kim Junge Samantha Kaiser Heidi Kalafut Sally Kampfe Judy Karr Rine Ruth Keene Robert Kelley Emily Kemp Tracy Kempkes Sheena Kennedy Taylor Kerschke Stephanie Kidd Marilyn Kingston Dan Kinsella Anna Kirshenbaum Susan Kizer Rebecca Kleeman-Weyant Amy Knuth Wende Kotouc Suzanne Kotula Allison Kousaie Janet Kratina Sharon Krauss Myrna Krohn Cameron Kroll Jamee Kugler Ashley Kunes Cindi Laing Diny Landen Mary Landen Heike Langdon Amanda LaPuzza Mary Larsen Emily Lauritzen Courtney Lawrenson Kim Lehl Brian Leimbach Elizabeth Lemke Jackie Lesiak Carol Lewis Holly Lewis Kristin Lewis Liz Liakos Trisha Liakos Anne Lieben Melanie Liebsack Dana Livingston Becky Lockhart Sarah Lockhart Sarah Lopez Sarah Lorsung Turdik Caleb Lowrey Kristin Lowrey Jim Loyet Nancy Lund Mary Lundgren Sandra Lundholm Steffanie Luteran Julie Lyons Sarah Macdissi Jodie Mackintosh Carolyn Magid Carol Maginn Catherine Mahoney Alyson Manning Janet Mardis Lynn Marsh Michelle Marsh Shelly Marsh Bryan Marshall

Kathryn Martin Sharon Marvin-Griffin Gerry Masimore Master Property Owners Association Mary Maxwell Leslie Mayo Catie McCarthy Niederee Meghan McClain Jamie McCollough Abby McConnaughhay Kate McCoy Jones Megan McDevitt Erica McDonald Megan McFarlin Margaret McGlade Sarah McGowan Suzanne McNamara Barbara McNeal Megan McNeal Megan McNeel Eleanor McNichols Elizabeth McNichols Anne McVeigh Susan McWhorter Anne Medlock Lucy Medvec Carolyn Meissner Toni Menear Michele Merrill Sue Meusey Charlene Meyer Michelle Meyer Maria Michaelis Cheryl Miller Elizabeth Miller Merrilee Miller Maria Minderman Paige Moberg Wendy Moore Melissa Moraczewski Yvette Morehouse Macey Morgan Darlene Mueller Kelly Mullin Margaret Mundy Gina Murante Erin Murnan Elizabeth Murphy Barbara Musselman Mariana Myers Summer Nabity Shawn M Nantz Lindsey Natvig Karen Nelsen Diane Nelson Tina Nelson Emily Nesbitt Diane Neumann Stacie Neussendorfer Lucinda Newberry Kelly Newell Jerome Nichols Amy Niederee Kristin Nielsen Nancy Nielsen Christine Nikunen Leeann Noble Kimberly Nolan Jayne Oatman Mary Ochsner Kathleen O’Konski Gwen Olney Amy Olson Andrea Olson David Olson Judith Olson Julie Olson Karen Olson Omaha Community Foundation

Mary Katherine O’Neil Courtney Otte Dolores Owen Kerri Palmesano Jennifer Pansing Susan Pape James Parisien Brienn Parker Amy Parks Brianna Parriott Jessica Pate Jennifer Patten-Benson Arlan Peak Michelle Pernicek Jennifer Peters Amanda Petersen Michaella Petersen Pamela J. Petersen Jennifer Peterson Patricia Peterson Ann Pitschka Kate Pitschka Angie Pohlman Jane Pohlman Vicki Polank Tracey Ponec Allison Poock Kayla Pottebaum Sierra Poulson Nancy Prauner Stephanie Pravecek Melinda Probst Patti Pryor Colleen Quinn Alysia Radicia Sara Radil Dominick Ramirez Susan Reaves Susan Reaves Whipple Kimberly Reeves Ann Reis Mary Lynn Reiser Renze Display Katie Revels Ashley Rich Brandon and Ashley Rich Derek Richards Phillip Riddle Megan Riebe Natalie Riggs Norma Riley Paige Ritter Vanessa Roach John Robbins Laura Robbins Barbara Roberts Betsy Ronspies Christy Rooney Mary Root Maria Rosenfels Anthony Rotolo Barbara Rounsborg Amy Rouse Deyna Rouse Dawn Rubek Melissa Rush Carol Russell Lisa Russell Shelly Ruwe Dan Salcedo Jeanne Salerno Betty Sample Drake Michael Sanchez Whitney Sandusky Kate Schafer Amie Schellpeper Nola Schettler Sarah Schlotfeld Deb Schmadeke

Debbie Schmadeke Angela Schmit Jamie Schneider Jennifer Schroen Paula Scott Nicole Seckman Jilek Seirra Seeley Kathleen Seidel Mary Seina Stacey Shadden Elen Shanahan Isaiah Sheese Kathleen Sibbernsen Shirley Siebler Shelley Siemers Kim Simon Will Simons Kathryn Simpson Breann Sims Audra Sis Julie Skradski Rachel Skradski Jeanne Skutt Thelma Slattery Brenda Smith Elizabeth Smith Jenny Smith Liz Smith Lynn Smith Amanda Snyder Koda Snyder Lindsey Snyder Jessica Sock Emma Sodoro Tina Spatz John Spaustat Kayla Spaustat Connie Spellman Grace Spomer Katherine Spratte Abigail Squire Katie Staab Brandie Stallsworth Kathryn Stemm Christine Stevens Christine Stewart Amanda Stigge Libby Stiles Patricia Stillmock Ann Stinson Alexandra Stoll Asher Stoller Alexandra Stone Mary Ann Strasheim Carly Stuberg Jesse Sullivan Lisa Sundling Carolyn Sutton AJ Swanda Erin Swanson Jo Ann Swanson Kendra Swanson Peggy Swanson Peggy and Bill Swanson Nessie Swedlund Kathy Tausz Hunter Taylor Danielle TeKolste Jen Teusink Jennifer Thielen Lynda Thomas Madison Thompson Morgan Thomsen Paulette Thomsen Anne Thorne Weaver Aj Tidwell Lisa Tonjes Moritz Lindsey Tonniges Carolyn Traynor

Mary Trecek Allyson Triplett Barbara Triplett Kathryn Triplett Mary Jane Tritsch Lisa Tronchetti Dorothy Turley Carly Turner Jessica Turner Lisa Turner Maureen Turner Cindy Vaccaro Frances Van Meter Dave Vannier Heather Vanourney Gail Veitzer Laura Vodvarka Dan and Joni Vollmer Guinio Volpone Julia Von Riesen Suzann Wagner Andy Wahl Samantha Wahl Laura Wakefield Diana Walker Leslie Walter Vicki Wampler Carol Wang Dian Warren Joy Watanabe Christine Webster Barbara “Babs” Weinberg Martha Weiss Kathryn Wells Winifred Wells Bobbi Wells-Dyer Maureen Whalen Susan Whipple Nancy Whitted Becki Wiechman Traci Willis Andrea Willman Kathy Wilson Stacy Wilson Dimitria Wittman Louis Wolfson Andra Woods Woodhouse Auto Group Emilie Workentine Veronica Wortman Deborah Wyatt Jennifer Zatechka Susan Zeilinger Heike Zumdohme

NON PROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID GOLDENROD PRINTING & MAILING

Junior League of Omaha 12135 Pacific Street Omaha, NE 68154

Junior League of Omaha is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. All rights are reserved. Reproduction without permission, except by other Junior League of Omaha publications, is prohibited. The Junior League of Omaha office is located at 12135 Pacific Street, Omaha, Nebraska, 61854. 402-493-8818. The Annual Report is a community publication of the Junior League of Omaha.