NONPROFIT NEWS Stephen Center to Feed the Hungry and Homeless Through Gobble 4 Good Initiative
Omaha Home for Boys to Host Project Christmas Joy December 15
Stephen Center invites the Omaha community to "Gobble 4 Good" by donating turkeys and hams to serve those in need. Donations can be brought to the Stephen Center Donation Dock, 2723 Q St. (located off the alley between 27th and 28th Streets), between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. daily. Individuals can also visit www.stephencenter.org/ gobble4good to learn more or make a monetary donation.
Omaha Home for Boys (OHB) is holding its annual holiday gift and essentials drive, Project Christmas Joy, and is asking the public to help make the holidays special for area youth, young adults, children, and families. Project Christmas Joy is taking place through December 15 with a goal to provide every client at OHB with both necessities and a special gift at Christmas.
“Donating a turkey or ham makes a difference in the lives of vulnerable and hungry individuals and families for the holidays, and throughout the year,” Executive Director Michael Wehling said. “Our amazing kitchen staff utilize hundreds of hams and turkeys to provide delicious, high protein meals year-round.” In 2019, Stephen Center provided over 230,000 meals to individuals overcoming homelessness, addiction, and poverty. Donated turkeys and hams are also shared with local pantries to help meet community needs.
Some of the most critically needed items include hygiene items, cleaning products, laundry supplies, kitchen essentials, diapers and wipes. Some of the “wants” of OHB’s youth include gift cards (Walmart, TJ MAXX, Kohls, McDonald’s, QuikTrip, Burger King, Uber, Auto Zone), body spray, lotion, nail polish, backpacks, wallets, purses, socks, and blankets.
Located in South Omaha, Stephen Center is a sober campus of resources for mental health and addiction services. The campus includes a homeless emergency shelter, inpatient/outpatient co-occurring treatment, and permanent supportive housing for disabled and lowincome individuals. To learn more, go online to www.stephencenter.org or call (402) 715-5442.
Bailey Perry, self sufficiency director at OHB, notes just how impactful the public’s support of Project Christmas Joy is: “We try to give every youth in our programs a few gifts at Christmas, and the reality is that for some, it’s the first time they’ve had the opportunity to experience this aspect of the holidays. They are truly grateful for everything they receive.”
Aksarben Foundation Magazine Weighs Effects of COVID on Nebraska’s Future
Support of Omaha Home for Boys' Project Christmas Joy can be offered in a number of ways. Monetary gifts can be given online at OHB.org/joy or items can be purchased via the “Project Christmas Joy” Amazon Wish List and shipped directly to OHB.
The Aksarben Foundation recently released a 2020 Spirit of Aksarben special-edition magazine, which features interviews with more than 50 leaders from across Nebraska to understand how different industries and communities have been impacted by COVID-19 and are adapting, learning, and overcoming together. The goal is to learn, to find the positives in the chaos, and to change the narrative from one of fear and separation to one of strength and unity. The report notes examples of strength, perseverance, and innovation amid incredible uncertainty. What becomes clear is that the side effects of the health crisis go beyond the physical. COVID-19 is impacting our economic health and our mental health, as well. Nebraskans are hungry for unity. Many have said that things will never be the same after this, and perhaps they’re right. The Aksarben Foundation’s conclusion is that, as Nebraska emerges from this pandemic and businesses and schools resume more traditional schedules, we must continue to focus on Nebraska’s strengths. There lies another threat to our state’s economy that outweighs even the pandemic, though, and that is the lack of skilled workers, which has created a workforce problem that is stifling economic growth. Get the details in the 2020 Spirit of Aksarben at aksarben.org/covid-19-impact/. For 125 years, the Aksarben Foundation has been working with public, private, civic, and philanthropic leaders across Nebraska to address issues facing the state. Two years ago, Aksarben repositioned its mission to focus its energy on the issue of workforce development for Nebraska. Since that time, extensive research and analysis have been completed to take a holistic approach to addressing these challenges both by industry and by region, resulting in the launch of several workforce development initiatives. For more information, visit aksarben.org or call (402) 554-9600. 30 Strictly Business DECEMBER 2020
Angels Among Us Sets Out to Fill Funding Gap During Holiday Season, Sets Goal of $40K Due to the increasing need in the community, Angels Among Us needs help as there is a funding gap to be filled this holiday season. A goal of $40,000 has been set to be raised to help bridge the gap for families extra needs this year. Often times, one parent/caregiver has to leave their job when their child is diagnosed and, due to COVID-19, families have experienced additional income loss. Angels Among Us is fortunate to be able to continue to walk alongside their families during a very difficult time but community support is needed more than ever. Amid a global pandemic, Angels Among Us has been able to provide a record amount of critical financial support to a record number of pediatric cancer families. Due to COVID-19, pediatric cancer families have experienced additional income loss and additional financial strain so in addition to normal budgeted support emergency funding has been used this year. Over $500,000 has been given to over 120 families to help pay rent, mortgage, utilities, auto payments, medical bills, and more. On average, 83% of families whose children have cancer experience financial hardship and, in 2020, that number has grown. Angels Among Us is a Nebraska nonprofit that 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 for financial support with mortgages, rent, and other expenses. For more information about ways to make an impact, please contact Aly Theilen at alyssa@myangelsamongus.org. Please consider giving at www.myangelsamongus.org and clicking the donate button or mail in a check to 3858 Jones St., STE A, Omaha, NE 68105. Every dollar matters. #PrintProudDigitalSmart
