metroMAGAZINE’s AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2020 Issue

STRENGTHENING OUR COMMUNITY

omaha home for boys

TRANSFORMING LIVES

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ConneCting our Community

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auguSt/SeptemBer 2020

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in this ISSUE

connecting our community

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tEnsEn y chris

By GaBB

special edition

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TRANSFORMING LIVES strengthening our community omaha home for boys

covid-19 edition part two of four

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area nonprofits need our support as they continue to support us

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HAIR DESIG

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stronger increase

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QUITE A “STACHE” mustaches 4 kids

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CREdiTS

metroMAGAzinE is wholly owned and operated by the publisher and is not affiliated with any other publication, operating solely on subscription and advertising revenues and the good will of the agencies and charities we support; all of which are very important to the continuing growth and quality of this publication. Thank you to all who support this endeavor.

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words FROM MY HEART

mmagazine • LeTTeR fRom THe PUBLiSHeR

WHAT letting go…

Letting go: It’s something we all have had to do a one time or another.

Sometimes it is easy and sometimes it can be quite challenging. Losing a loved one can perhaps be the most difficult—I know; I lost both of my parents last year.

I have just finished moving into a new home. I made the decision—before I started moving—that I was only going to take 20 percent of my “stuff” with me.

Easy peasy, right? Not so much. I decided to have an estate sale and loved the company I worked with. Deciding what to take was harder than I thought; I was attached to so much, even stuff that I hadn’t seen for years or decades. I had to become really aware of my stuff and ask (sometimes out loud), “Will this item/outfit/piece of jewelry contribute to me? Will it contribute to my future?

Will it contribute to my wealth (and wealth is more that just money; more on that later)? Does it want to be owned by me or someone else now?” I typically would get a “yes” or “no” almost immediately. I had to trust that inner knowing.

That in itself was a great lesson of the awareness I had.

As I started “letting go” of stuff, I soon realized that I had been carrying some of it around with me through decades of my life—a life that no longer existed.

Clothes, jewelry, artwork, computers, furniture, books, CDs (and VHS videos and cassette tapes—HA!) and all sorts of other things. I saw items being displayed that I hadn’t seen in decades (but I had actually felt nevertheless.).

I had SO MUCH STUFF, and it definitely FELT like it even though I couldn’t see ANY of it. Again, I had to ask my “stuff” if it wanted to continue to contribute to me. Most of it was “ready to move on.” I had to let go—it was time.

Time to focus on the future versus the past.

COVID-19 has forced all of us to let go of something at some point, many things much more important than a house full of belongings. But I am constantly reminded of how attached I have become to so, so much! Attached to a way of living or the freedoms I have enjoyed without a second thought. Letting go of one thing may allow something new, something better, something greater to come into our lives. It creates more space. I had to be willing to have more space in my life regardless of what is going on in the world. Allowing for that space allows me to contribute more to others and that is something that I don’t mind being attached to: contribution.

andRea L. Hoig ahoig@Spiritofomaha.com

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special EDITION

omaha home for boys A century after opening in 1920 as a single house for “orphaned, neglected and wayward boys,” omaha home for boys—long known in the community simply as ohb—now serves more than 1,300 youth, young adults, children and families every year. a continuum of services addresses basic needs and provides the skills and confidence clients need to lead independent, productive lives.

LATE LAST YEAR and in honor of the organization’s upcoming 100th anniversary year, omaha home for Boys (ohB) worked with local advertising agency clark creative group to refresh its Brand and develop a new logo.

lives.”the organization provides a continuum of care to help youth and young adults ages 12 to 26 and families overcome obstacles in reaching their full potential. its core programs represent a comprehensive approach, empowering clients with the skills and confidence needed to transition from a state of crisis to security and growth, and address a spectrum of needs: education, employment, housing, health and wellness, life skills, mental and behavioral health, substance abuse treatment, transportation, and mentorship.

the new logo emphasizes ohB over the full name of the organization for a reason, president and ceo Jeff dewispelare said. the omaha home for Boys name has historical significance, yet “we’re known more as ohB. and we’re not just omaha, not just boys, not just young “it really is a special way to celebrate 100 years, to be children, and not just a home. when you’re a historic organization, your history informs your mission but does doing the work the community most needs from us today,” ohB Board chair kirsten case fuller said. not define it.”

succeed, ohB’s primary programs include residential living, transitional living, independent living, supportive housing, and clinical services.

Inspiration Hill Residential Living

ohB’s inspiration hill residential living program provides a safe, stable environment where youth learn to become productive, independent adults. the program serves high school-age youth who live on ohB’s main campus and attend the ohB school. they also have access to support services, and the program’s behaviorally-based curriculum helps teens learn life skills, develop positive behaviors and advance academically. life skills teachers create a consistent and he added that the new logo’s fresh coloration represents “in 2019, ohB served over 1,300 youth, young adults, structured home environment while acting as positive children and families. we provide a true continuum of new ways of thinking and the overlapping letters are care with programs that are integrated to help youth and role models and mentors for the youth in their care. the evocative of ohB’s continuum of services. “the B has a ladder formation representing steps. we take every kid at families address immediate needs, plan for the future and residential living program also uses the 12-week ultimately become independent and self-sufficient,” chief Belief therapy program to combat the prevalent and whatever rung they’re on and try to take them to the development officer lori Bechtold said. “our new action pervasive impact of trauma on young people. Belief next step.” line, ‘transform a life. strengthen a community.’ truly provides both individual and group therapy as well as embodies what we do at ohB. By helping individuals and staff education and consultation. ohB has come a long way from its 1920 origins families achieve self-sufficient, productive lives, we are responding to the community’s need for a safe place to strengthening our entire community.” send “orphaned, neglected and wayward boys.”the Jacobs’ Place original house, located near 22nd and davenport streets, Transitional Living served a group of boys ages 5 through 15 that grew to “probably the biggest need we fill in the community is ohB began operating an innovative transitional living 67 by the end of its first year. less than three years later, having that whole continuum right on one campus,” program, Jacobs’ place, in 1995. each resident works chief program officer Brandy gustoff said. “another the home moved to a larger facility but was already with staff to create a personalized independent living thing we’re known for is having that niche with young outgrowing it by 1941. in 1945, the residents and staff plan. the independent living classes include cooking, moved to a campus, with residential cottages replacing people who are gang-involved or might be considered a workforce readiness training, ged/diploma assistance dormitories, at 52nd and ames streets. it’s still the hub ‘tough’ person to work with; who’ve been through a lot of and college planning, health and wellness awareness, placements already or may need services but not fit in of many of ohB’s present-day operations. and support in finding safe housing. participants pay with other programs.” rent for accommodations similar to college campus today’s ohB has a mission “to support and strengthen with an ultimate goal to equip youth, young adults and housing and receive up to 80 percent returned to them youth, young adults and families through services that inspire and equip them to lead independent, productive families with the skills and confidence they need to upon successfully completing the program.

restoring dignity HEALING THE homeless omaha home for boys • 10

mmagazine • speciaL eDition 2020

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story by KARA SCHWEISS • photos courtesy of OMAHA HOME FOR BOYS

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• mmAgAzine

I continue To bE A supporter of omAHA HomE for boys bEcAusE wHAT oHb GAvE To mE Is priceless.

omaha home for boys

”

~ MICHAEL HOOPER FORMER RESIDENT

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TrANsformING LIvEs strengthening our commuNITy “now that we have a dorm-style campus we can take those young people who are still finishing high school but don’t have a safe place to live,” gustoff said. “programmatically, we were an orphanage when we were founded, and operated in that vein until 1995 when we expanded into Jacobs’ place,” dewispelare said. “that was a big step in our history.” it was also the first program to serve females, who now make up around half of the organization’s clientele.

Branching Out Independent Living young adults who leave foster care face more challenges and risks to their success than peers. Branching out independent living’s three-phased program provides current or former state wards access to social services, life skills development, education assistance, scholarships, workforce readiness training and housing assistance. “in 2000, we expanded into the community with the Branching out program. those individuals are anywhere from 14 to 26 years old,” dewispelare said. “they don’t live on our campus but are supported.” participants have access to independent living specialists who work with participants throughout their time in the program. in the program’s final phase, youth and young adults may become peer mentors.

Branching out has expanded its work in the past two years to begin serving young people who may have never had any type of foster care experience but are struggling to meet their educational, housing and/or other essential needs. this expansion was implemented to fill a service gap in the community.

Supportive Housing ohB’s independent living campus three miles from its main campus include two apartment buildings and the neighboring combs learning center, together serving as home to ohB’s supportive housing program. opened in late 2018, the program provides affordable, stable housing to young adults and families with on-site support services to help them advance their careers and achieve their educational goals. the maximum stay is 24 months, and rent is based on a sliding scale with tenants

stabilization until they can return to their family home or transition to another placement if reunification is not a the supportive housing program was the realization of a possibility in the immediate future. long-held goal: ohB youth can now receive support in every aspect of their lives—education, housing, therapy “it’s like our residential program where the kids will come in and live with us for up to 45 days, but while they’re and employment—all at one location, gustoff said. living with us we’re working with the family,” dewispelare said. “and then we’ll bring them back to “in supportive housing, which is one of our newest the family and work with the family for six months.” programs, we’re able to serve young people who have children in their custody,” she said, explaining that the program supports the family unit. “we’re also unique in “we’re an alternative to out-of-home placement and/or possible detention and we’re also getting the client and the way we’re letting couples stay together. in other family stabilized,” gustoff said. “this is a very short-term programs they may not be able to stay with their program at 30 to 45 days and we’re very intentional with significant other. so, if you have an unmarried young person with a child and they’re in a relationship, they can the programming with the young people, but also be in that program and still live together so that we can immediately going into the home and seeing what the family needs to bring the young person back into the work with the entire family unit at one time.” home. forty-five days is our goal; we don’t want it to go over 60 days because then it becomes placement and Clinical Services not short-term intervention and stabilization.” “in 2018 we opened our clinical services for behavioral health,” dewispelare said. “we branched out into providing mental health support, which is a huge need.” if the new crisis stabilization program, a pilot with the juvenile probation system, goes well, gustoff said, ohB ohB’s clinical services program offers behavioral health, hopes to expand it in the future. “then we could work with those young people who are wards of the state and mental health and substance abuse services that are others who might need services.” both trauma-focused and strengths-based. services place a high emphasis on education, practice and Support Services development of new skills to help individuals achieve goals and are executed and overseen by a highly ohB’s primary programs are enhanced by support experienced staff. services including education and scholarships, youth mart, and valley view 4-h. clinical services expands beyond ohB’s youth to other youth and families in the community with services like the ohB school, located on ohB’s main campus, is evaluation, outpatient treatment for mental health and committed to helping students reach their full academic substance abuse disorders, and crisis intervention potential and serves youth in the organization’s (including court-ordered therapy). residential programs. the school focuses on credit recovery and accrual with the goal of helping youth “we brought clinical services onto our campus because eventually meet grade-level expectations. Behavior we had so many people who were going out for services specialists in the classroom teach students appropriate and we felt that if we brought those services onto responses to challenging situations and provide positive campus they’d have some consistency and support right reinforcement for practicing positive behavior. the school here anytime they need it,” gustoff said, adding that also assists with college preparatory classes and financial reporting programs are affirming the presumption that aid assistance, and offers college scholarships of up to proximity enhances positive outcomes. $10,000 per year to eligible students. working toward paying full rent by the end of their stay.

a crisis stabilization program, which launched just this spring, provides youth with 30 to 45 days of services in a therapeutic environment to help them achieve

omAhA home for boys • 12

youth mart, operated by partnership 4 hope on the ohB campus, serves former foster-care youth and young adults ages 16 to 26 as they face the transition into living

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omahahomefor boys

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probAbLy THE biggest NEEd wE fILL IN THE commuNITy Is HAvING THAT wHoLE continuum rIGHT oN one campus.

”

~ BRANDY GUSTOFF CHIEF PROGRAM OFFICER

wHEN you supporT oHb, you’rE GIvING A cHILd A chance To bE wHo THEy can bE. I rEALLy found myself AT oHb ANd If IT wAsN’T for THE doNors… oHb crEATEd THAT spArk. they lit the flame. I’m jusT rEALLy grateful.

”

“

~ JOSEPH BLAIR FORMER RESIDENT

without THIs proGrAm I wouldn’t HAvE A pLAcE wHErE I cAN fEEL safe ANd cALL my home. ~ TIANA YOUTH PARTICIPANT

”

MIKE YANNEY setting the stAge for whAt wouLD become homeLess of mentoring to AnD through coLLege

omaha home for boys

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TrANsformING LIvEs strengthening our commuNITy independently without a solid network of support. supported by community donations, youth mart provides household essentials, furniture and personalcare items free of charge. valley view 4-h began in 1948 with seven donated calves and has since presented hundreds of youth the therapeutic benefits of working with livestock at ohB’s cooper memorial farm. youth gain confidence while learning accountability, responsibility and the value of hard work.

The importance of community ohB has formed numerous relationships over the years with other community providers to ensure that needs the organization can’t meet directly are still addressed. several partners provide services right on the ohB campus. “we’re not doing this by ourselves,” Jeff dewispelare said. “there are so many partnerships we have that it’s hard to list any specifically.” the community’s support is vital, gustoff said. monetary donations are always welcome, and volunteer opportunities are available as well. wish lists of needs are available online for youth mart and other programs, and even livestock and feed contributions for cooper memorial farm.

“

“

I THINk wE’rE called To HELp pEopLE, ANd wE cAN ALL mAkE A difference.

~ ROB WELLENDORF FORMER MEMBER, OMAHA HOME FOR BOYS BOARD OF DIRECTORS

omAhA home for boys omAhA home for boys • 14 •

“we have it out there that we’re always in need of hygiene supplies, books, board games and items we use to keep young people engaged while they’re in the program,” she said. “grocery cards, bus tickets—those are always things we are trying to provide to everyone.” “support from the community means that a struggling young family will connect with rental assistance, a teen will become the first in his family to graduate high school, a single mom will finally get a job that pays a sufficient wage to support her family, and a youth will get the mental health services she so desperately needs,” Bechtold said. “it’s hard to even put into words what the

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omahahomefor boys

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wE pick up wHErE oTHErs HAvE LEfT off. mANy of our youTH HAvE bEEN through oTHEr proGrAms, multiple pLAcEmENTs, sysTEm AfTEr sysTEm.

”

~ JEFF DEWISPELARE PRESIDENT AND CEO

“

I doN’T kNow where I wouLd bE without omAHA HomE for boys. THIs proGrAm changed my LIfE completely.

”

~ MONAE YOUTH PARTICIPANT

support of the community means to the youth and families at ohB. community support truly is the bridge that connects struggling youth and families in our community with the life-changing programs and services at ohB.” other sources of funding are program service fees and fundraising: grants, direct mail, events, and individual and business giving, Bechtold said. special events include an annual golf classic and a luncheon celebration (postponed for 2020; see “an ohB story” on page 13).

The next 100 years dewispelare said ohB is currently going through a master plan process to assess what needs are not being met, what the organization can do differently or better, and what services are best provided by others. the team is always open to further adaptation and evolution. “we’re going to grow the continuum,” he said. “when i think about the health and wellness of the community, i often think about our young people, how are they doing and if they’re being cared for and supported,” case fuller said. “i’m very proud of how (ohB) has developed this continuum of care so no matter where in the spectrum of needs a youth and family may be, we’re able provide support for them.” case fuller also called out the ohB team. “we have an amazing staff that carries a heavy load and we can never thank them enough for what they do,” she said. “we’re so lucky to have a genuine and caring group of staff who are so very committed to the mission and invested in our kids and wanting what’s best for them,” gustoff said in agreement. “we pick up where others have left off. many of our youth have been through other programs, multiple placements, system after system,” dewispelare said. “we’re trying to be that last stop. we always say, ‘we’ll stay here with you. we’ll still give it a shot.”

For more information on OHB, visit OHB.org.

omaha home for boys

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TrANsformING LIvEs strengthening our commuNITy

an story a family sticks together BeFOre cOnnecting witH OHB, DamOn had bounced around from house to house, never really having a place to call home. He also had a substance abuse problem that affected his ability to gain and maintain employment. after leaving home at 17, he was evicted four times in the next seven years.

“Life was erratic and crazy,” said Damon.

On the verge of losing custody of his three young sons, Damon entered OHB’s supportive Housing program in October 2019, just shy of his 25th birthday. in the supportive Housing program, Damon works with one of OHB’s independent Living specialists to set goals and learn the skills necessary to become self-sufficient. the program provides him with safe, stable housing at a reduced rent that increases each month.

Damon said that while having reduced rent is a wonderful perk of the program, the additional support of the staff has proven to be an even bigger blessing.

“Having them next door has been really nice because they’ve been a big part of me advancing in my life,” Damon said. “Pretty much anything i’ve needed, they’ve helped me one way or another.”

One of the most unique aspects of OHB’s supportive Housing program is that it offers young families the opportunity to live together while working towards self-sufficiency. similar programs in the Omaha area provide help to single parents and their children, but OHB’s program is one of the few that allows the entire family unit, including both parents, to live together with their children and receive assistance.

Damon has made some remarkable strides during his time at OHB. He has maintained steady employment, took the initiative to obtain his birth certificate and social security card, and attended several classes on cooking, budgeting and resume writing. Damon has also maintained his sobriety.

One of the biggest motivators behind all of Damon’s accomplishments has been the opportunity to walk this journey with his girlfriend and sons by his side. “there’s not a lot of places you can all be together so it’s definitely big,” Damon said.

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omahahomefor boys an story 100 year anniversary “in commemoration of 100 years of transforming lives and strengthening our community, OHB will be celebrating in a big way,” said Lori Bechtold, OHB’s chief development officer. “it just won’t be on the timeline that we had hoped.”

OHB invites the community to help celebrate this milestone anniversary next year and support the youth, young adults and families served by OHB. the 100-year anniversary celebration will take place on september 9, 2021. the event was originally scheduled for October of this year but has been postponed due to the ongoing pandemic.

Keynote speaker michael Oher will talk about his inspiring journey from the streets of memphis to the nFL and share his message of encouraging youth to realize their full potential. Oher was a first-round nFL draft pick and on the Baltimore ravens’ 2013 super Bowl champion team. He is also the author of the new york times Best seller I Beat the Odds: From Homelessness to the Blind Side and Beyond and was portrayed in the 2009 film The Blind Side.

“Having michael as our guest speaker is the perfect fit because many of the clients served through our programs have involvement in the foster care system just like he once did,” Bechtold said. “michael’s story of overcoming adversity to find success makes him the perfect speaker for our event.”

For event or sponsorship information, call (402) 457-7014 or giving@OHB.org.

“

by helping INdIvIduALs ANd fAmILIEs AcHIEvE sELf-suffIcIENT, productive LIvEs, wE ArE strengthening our entire commuNITy.

”

~ LORI BECHTOLD CHIEF DEVELOPMENT OFFICER

MICHAEL OHER, ohb's 100-yeAr AnniversAry ceLebrAtion Keynote speAKer

omaha home for boys

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carrying on

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local nonprofits

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keep serving

in troubledtimes

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PART TWO

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THE COVID-19 pandemic has continued through the summer of 2020. Challenged by diminished volunteer hours and reduced fundraising revenue due to postponed or canceled events and a troubled economy, area nonprofits are nevertheless finding ways to help some of our most vulnerable neighbors meet basic needs, extend a hand in a crisis, develop our youth for a lifetime of success, foster a better future for individuals and families experiencing challenges, and enhance the community.

Representatives from all 23 organizations featured in the second part of this four-part series emphasized that direct financial support from the community is critical to their future success, and in some cases, their very existence.

Each organization’s website provides information on monetary gifts and other contributions: material donations, volunteering on-site or from home, attending virtual fundraising events, promoting advocacy efforts and more.

Anyone with the desire to serve can explore ways to help.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• AS THEIR OWN FUTURE REMAINS uncertain

Visit SpiritofOmaha.com for the most up-to-date information

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NONPROFITS: carrying on IN OUR CRISIS ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

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Make-A-Wish Nebraska nebraska.wish.org One moment changes everything Since its inception, Make-A-Wish Nebraska has granted more than 2,850 total wishes, as many as 120 wishes per year, for children with critical illnesses. The organization has had to make the difficult decision to postpone all wish travel indefinitely and cancel participation by “wish kids” in Make-A-Wish activities and events that involve large gatherings, President/CEO Brigette Young said.

“THESE ARE difficult TIMES AND WE MUST balance SAFETY FOR OUR staff AND students.

”

~ DEB DENBECK PRESIDENT AND CEO, PARTNERSHIP 4 KIDS

“Make-A-Wish is committed to rescheduling every postponed wish but needs the community’s help now more than ever. The health and safety of our wish families is our priority, and—as always—we remain committed to our vision of granting the wish of every eligible child,” she said. “Although we’re not able to grant travel wishes right now, we continue to grant as many non-travel wishes as possible.”

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Postponed wishes will need financial support when circumstances improve, Young said. “We are asking the community to rally together to ensure we can continue granting wishes as soon as travel restrictions are lifted.”

Mid-America Council, Boy Scouts of America mac-bsa.org Unparalleled experiences for more youth “The legendary Scouting programs instill positive character, good citizenship and leadership experience in more than 15,800 youth across the 58 counties served by the Mid-America Council,” Scout Executive/CEO Chris Mehaffey said. “Since 1910, the Boy Scouts of America has inspired youth through educational programs designed to build character, citizenship and personal fitness. With the support of nearly 4,700 positive adult mentors, youth learn self-confidence and values guided by the Scout Oath and Law.”

WISH KID CAMILO

The pandemic has affected services, staffing, funding and recruitment. Troops and activities including camping and the Scoutreach after-school program continue to adapt, Mehaffey said.

“Our staff and volunteers have tirelessly transitioned our traditional program into stay-at-home educational activities for every Scout rank, tips for continuing to work on advancements, and kid-friendly content that connects Scouting with their daily lives,” he explained. “Our goal is to make it easier to deliver the Scouting program by making plans more accessible to leaders and those who can help leaders, like our parents.”

MID-AMERICA COUNCIL, BSA

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covid-19 aware ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Serving Our Youth Girl Scouts Spirit of Nebraska girlscoutsnebraska.org Building girls of courage, confidence and character “Girl Scouts Spirit of Nebraska is the largest girl-serving organization in the state,” Marketing Director Shannon Peterson said. “Our one-of-a-kind leadership development program provides age-appropriate, progressive opportunities in entrepreneurship, outdoor adventures, STEM activities and life skills. Girl Scouts offers every girl the opportunity to build courage, confidence and character, and to make the world a better place by discovering her inner strengths, passions and talents.”

The organization indefinitely closed facilities and canceled in-person activities, and converted the artVenture fundraiser to a virtual silent auction.

“We quickly pivoted our quality programming online, offering virtual programs for at-home enrichment experiences. Girl Scouts at Home offers a collection of online activities, camps and badge-earning workshops designed to give girls something familiar and fun to do and to keep them connected to Girl Scouts.”

GIRL SCOUTS VIRTUAL TROOPS

Girl Scouts at Home is available to anyone, Peterson said. “We also are looking at creative ways for girls to sell Girl Scout Cookies online, so all those Thin Mint fans won’t miss out on that special time of year.”

Partnership 4 Kids p4k.org

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Foundation for success from kindergarten to careers Partnership 4 Kids serves Omaha Public Schools students using a designed curriculum that helps build self-confidence, career interests, needed life skills, and school engagement.

PARTNERSHIP 4 KIDS VOLUNTEERS preparing to deliver cleaning supplies

“Building a futuristic mindset is critical to students realizing their potential,” President and CEO Deb Denbeck said. “COVID-19 has really challenged us in all areas because we are a school-based program, serving 3,300 students, along with the support of over 300 volunteers that work in concert with our staff to assist in programming and support.”

Technology needs are a struggle, Denbeck said. School closing has necessitated a transition to virtual programming and a change in focus.

“We are continually working with our students and families and providing monthly cleaning supplies, we participated in a hygiene drive, and we continue to work food distributions and provide mental health referrals as needed. We are also doing virtual programming with middle- and high-school students through the summer and have also prepared three plans to conduct safe and effective programming this fall…These are difficult times and we must balance safety for our staff and students.”

nonprofits:

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PARTNERSHIP 4 KIDS (PRE-COVID) mentor of the year erika and mentees

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NONPROFITS: carrying on IN OUR CRISIS Serving to Support Empowerment •••••••••••••

carrying on

in

Outlook Enrichment outlookne.org Building greater independence for people with vision loss “Outlook Enrichment’s goal is to empower our neighbors living with vision loss and blindness to live life independently, confidently engage in their communities, and continue doing the things they love in a more inclusive world,” Executive Director Donna Aman said. “We help anyone living with vision loss find the resources they need, learn how to use technology to stay independent, find out about employment opportunities and stay active through recreation and cultural activities.”

Cancellations and postponements have reduced interactions with volunteers, potential supporters, and partners, Aman said.

“Outlook has not been able to host visitors for tours and technology demonstrations, reducing our outreach to the community, which affects program enrollment and financial contributions.”

The organization has adapted, Aman added. Outlook and Vision Resource Coalition partners created a dedicated COVID Help phone line and resource webpage compatible with software used by people with vision limitations. Outlook shifted technology training and recreational programs to virtual delivery and even launched some new programs to meet emergent needs like Vision Loss Peer Support Groups.

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“

OUR SERVICES HELP CLIENTS gain LIFE SKILLS AND STRIVE FOR independence TO ENHANCE THEIR quality OF LIFE.

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~ HANNAH SMITH DIRECTOR OF PHILANTHROPY, CROSSROADS OF WESTERN IOWA

Cross Training Center crosstc.com

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Providing experience and skills for success in the workplace Cross Training Center provides vocational training and job experience for those who are not able to attain a job due to challenging backgrounds and circumstances.

“We empower and equip those who have been incarcerated or homeless, involved in gangs or substance abuse, have mental or emotional disorders, have been a victim of human trafficking or domestic violence, or live in poverty for numerous reasons,” Executive Director Brenda Banks said. “They receive life-changing training and experiences in order to gain employment on a career path that breaks the cycle of poverty for generations to come.”

Cross program and businesses—Cross Electronic Recycling, Redeemed Computers & Electronics, Cross Automotive, Cross Events—have been compromised by the pandemic, affecting finances, client and students, volunteers and customers, Banks said.

As its operations resume, the organization needs the public’s patronage and support. Because of many factors including reduced training opportunities and competing against more people looking for employment, the long-term outlook is concerning for the people Cross serves.

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Crossroads of Western Iowa explorecrossroads.com Touching lives to shape extraordinary tomorrows Crossroads of Western Iowa empowers individuals with disabilities, Director of Philanthropy Hannah Smith said, serving more than 600 Iowans.

“We offer supported community living, employment services, and day habilitation, so our clients may reach their full potential at home, at work, and in their communities,” she explained. “Our services help clients gain life skills and strive for independence to enhance their quality of life.”

Group-based programming was suspended but many services were converted to virtual delivery.

Residential-home staffing has been boosted, and additional increased costs include sanitation

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supplies and personal protection equipment for staff and clients. Additional responsibilities like grocery shopping and pharmacy runs for clients

DO SPACE

allow them to quarantine at home.

To keep clients engaged in the community, Crossroads has started “Across the Road” video chats with volunteers and clients. “We would be thrilled to welcome volunteers…play online games with clients, talk with them about their hobbies, discuss movies or books, or help them gain a skill like gardening or sewing,” Smith said.

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NONPROFITS: carrying on IN OUR CRISIS Serving Seniors and Creating Homes •••••••••••••••••••••• Dreamweaver Foundation dreamweaver.org

Project Houseworks projecthouseworks.org

Making lifelong dreams come true for terminally ill seniors

Keeping seniors safe and healthy in their homes

“Our eight-year old, Omaha-based nonprofit has gifted over 300 dreams to seniors in southeast Nebraska and western Iowa,” Executive Director Cheri Mastny said. “Because seniors are an at-risk population, we have not been able to grant dreams since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead, we’ve shifted our focus to our Connecting Hope Campaign. The Dreamweaver Connecting Hope Campaign aims to lessen feelings of isolation, depression and loneliness within the senior population by providing Facebook Portals to seniors so they can be together with their loved ones virtually.”

Project Houseworks provides free, critical home repairs and modifications to low-income senior homeowners in Douglas and Sarpy Counties, Executive Director Lynette Farhart said. “It is our mission to keep seniors safe and healthy in their homes, allowing them to age in place. We also host our annual Brush Up paint event, which is a free service that brings volunteers teams together to paint the home exteriors of our low-income seniors.”

With both volunteer numbers and funding down, and interior home projects paused for safety, the organization has a large waitlist of seniors needing services. Plans to resume interior work are underway, but Project Houseworks has been able to provide exterior repairs through a new program.

The Connecting Hope campaign is especially important because it’s uncertain when the organization will be able to grant dreams again, Mastny said. “This is a great opportunity to help lift the spirits of seniors during these hard times, to “Now more than ever, it is imperative that we remain steadfast in our commitment to serving seniors,” Farhart said. “These outdoor repairs and keep them connected to their family and friends.” modifications not only increase safety for the homeowners and lessen their liability, but also beautify the neighborhood and bring pride to those in the area.”

•••••••••••••••••••• Visiting Nurse Association (VNA) vnatoday.org

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Expert and compassionate care to all “VNA has an unwavering commitment to the health and safety of patients who might otherwise be ignored, and our expertise serving the socially isolated through community home healthcare is unmatched,” Vice President of Development and Communications Dr. Carole Patrick said. “With 124 years of expertise, VNA impacts healthcare issues that need innovative, expert, and compassionate resolution. We have set the standard for quality home healthcare, hospice and supportive services, wherever individuals and families call home. We provide public health nursing to those who struggle to provide for themselves.”

Habitat for Humanity of Omaha habitatomaha.org The power of home Habitat for Humanity of Omaha works to expand access to quality, affordable homeownership opportunities by building and renovating homes, repairing existing houses, taking down blighted structures, and advocating for better, equitable laws and systems. The organization works with families to help them acquire the access, skills and financial education necessary for successful homeownership.

In addition to normal patient care, VNA is one of the only post-acute care providers taking COVID19-positive patients into home healthcare and hospice, plus is training community partners in infection control, Patrick added.

“We’ve learned to work differently by utilizing technology to work from home, leaning on partners in the construction industry to help our builds stay on track, rethinking fundraising events, and finding new ways to ensure we’re providing appropriate support and opportunities for families who partner with us,” “Historically, we stepped up to treat those impacted by the polio epidemic, Volunteer Services Manager Jenny Schroeder said. “Having a safe, stable place Spanish Influenza, HIV/AIDS, and H1N1,” she said. “We will serve COVID-positive to live has always been a basic human need; these times are making this even patients as long as this pandemic impacts our community. Once a vaccine is more clear. We know there will be many challenges in the months to come but we also know we can meet them by working together.” available, we anticipate being on the forefront of providing vaccinations.”

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HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Intercultural Senior Center interculturalseniorcenter.org Improving the well-being of older adults from around the world The diverse Intercultural Senior Center (ISC) staff provides education, nutrition, physical activity, and case management assistance to seniors from over 20 countries to create opportunities for every person to embrace and enhance their community, Executive Director Carolina Padilla said.

“ISC fills a unique spot in the community’s emergency food response with deliveries of food pantries, hygiene items, and prepared meals directly to seniors’ doors, which allows vulnerable older adults who need assistance to stay safely at home,” Padilla said, adding that an “all-hands-on-deck” situation emerged when services were rapidly expanded in response to the pandemic. Other activities became online or phone-based. People over 65 are at greater risk for COVID-19, but the necessary isolation in the name of safety is hard on older adults.

“Seniors facing language and cultural barriers, poverty, and technology and

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transportation limitations will have an even more difficult time. ISC expects to the demand for our services and the need to advocate for older adults to DREAMWEAVER FOUNDATION

increase,” she said. “We all benefit from seniors’ wisdom and talents, and a strong community will ensure that they are not isolated from others but instead given opportunities to thrive.”

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[WE ARE HERE] TO HELP lift THE SPIRITS OF seniors DURING THESE HARD TIMES, TO KEEP THEM connected TO THEIR FAMILY AND FRIENDS.

PROJECT HOUSEWORKS

nonprofits:

~ CHERI MASTNY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, DREAMWEAVER FOUNDATION

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NONPROFITS: carrying on IN OUR CRISIS Serving New Americans •••••••••••••••••••••••••• •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Centro Latino of Iowa sucentrolatino.com Educating and empowering the Latino immigrant population in southwest Iowa

“

“Centro Latino is well-known for helping the Latino immigrant population navigate social systems and economic challenges. We do it face-to-face and one-on-one,” Executive Director Ramon Calzada said. “We care about preserving the family structure and guide them through the process of self-sufficiency by learning new ways to adapt to a new cultural reality.”

Fundraising events have been curbed, but social media fundraising campaigns have ramped up, Calzada said. “This has helped us to tell our story and invite many new people to join in our mission, especially empowering these new Americans as they earn the national recognition of being essential workers and appreciation for their sacrifice working to feed America as meat processors and migrant workers.”

Centro Latino created a COVID-19 Solidarity Fund to alleviate economic and health disparities by supporting housing challenges and medical emergencies, Calzada said, especially for individuals whose immigration status makes them ineligible for governmental stimulus checks and/or unemployment benefits.

”

~ JOANNE HULL EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, BETHLEHEM HOUSE

••••••••••••••••••••• Bethlehem House bethlehemhouseomaha.org Serving women who are pregnant and in crisis Bethlehem House is a residential program for women experiencing a crisis pregnancy. Woman who participate are committed to creating and accessing healthy pathways to permanently break the cycles of poverty, lack of education,

“We have not stopped educating and empowering the Latino immigrant population,” he said.

abuse and addiction.

Executive Director Joanne Hull said a spectrum of services are provided at no

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“

IT IS likely THAT THE PANDEMIC WILL continue TO DRIVE THE ECONOMIC FACTORS THAT drive OUR CLIENTS INTO POVERTY, increasing THE NEED FOR OUR services IN OUR COMMUNITY.

cost and aftercare services support participants even after they graduate from the program.

WE HAVE NOT STOPPED educating AND empowering THE LATINO immigrant POPULATION.

“Demands for services, including calls for help and outreach support, has increased by 30 percent over the course of the pandemic,” Hull said. “Currently,

”

Bethlehem House is operating at capacity, both in the residential program and through additional need among our aftercare clients.”

~ RAMON CALZADA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, CENTRO LATINO OF IOWA

Resources including volunteer hours, material donations and fundraising are reduced as need rises. “The effects of COVID-19 will continue to affect our

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financial fundraising forecast,” Hull said. “It is likely that the pandemic will continue to drive the economic factors that drive our clients into poverty, increasing the need for our services in our community.”

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covid-19 aware Serving Those in Crisis •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Rejuvenating Women rejuvenatingwomen.com Supporting, protecting and restoring survivors of human trafficking “Rejuvenating Women provides hope and restoration to victims and survivors of human trafficking by empowering survivors to lead healthy, independent lives,” CEO and Founder Julie Shrader said. “We are committed to developing longlasting relationships with the girls and women who are deeply traumatized. We raise awareness of human trafficking in Omaha and surrounding communities.

Our team of dedicated staff and volunteers invest in the lives of each individual living in the recovery residential home as well as those participating in other programs and services that we offer.”

•

Services continue with safety precautions in place although revenue from fundraising events has been grossly curtailed. Unfortunately, human trafficking has increased during the pandemic, Shrader said. “Time spent online has risen, thus allowing traffickers a way to lure both children and adults on commonly used websites and apps. COVID-19 has stopped no one from falling victim to sex trafficking.”

The Kim Foundation thekimfoundation.org

REJUVENATING WOMEN

Improving lives through mental health awareness and suicide prevention The Kim Foundation’s mission is to be a supportive resource and compassionate voice for lives touched by mental illness and suicide.

“We focus on connecting people to resources, while providing education on mental health promotion and suicide prevention, as well as providing datadriven prevention messaging,” Executive Director Julia Hebenstreit said. “It is our goal at the foundation to bridge the gaps in mental health services and further encourage innovation that will enhance programs, expand services, strengthen organizational systems, and most importantly, transform lives.”

FIRST RESPONDERS FOUNDATION

The organization has been resourceful in finding new ways to engage the community around its mission through technology, Hebenstreit added, and to continue to serve individuals and families.

“The need for what we provide the community hasn’t changed, we’ve just had to adapt how we provide it,” she said. “Many people have been affected financially and emotionally due to COVID-19 and we will continue to see an impact. Since we are an organization that focuses on mental health, we believe the next weeks, months, and years to come will be very critical in connecting people to mental health services/resources.”

nonprofits:

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NONPROFITS: carrying on IN OUR CRISIS Serving the Public: Arts, Culture, Technology ••••••••••••••• •• Do Space dospace.org Technology and innovative learning experiences

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“At Do Space, the Omaha community has free access to powerful fiber wi-fi internet, high-end computer stations, 3D printers, and technology-focused learning opportunities,” Executive Director Rebecca Stavick said. “Do Space has a little something for everyone, but we aim to make a significant impact on two key groups: under connected, low-income individuals; and entrepreneurs, inventors and creators. Membership to Do Space is absolutely free.”

The facility was closed for three months but has now reopened with limited inperson services. “We were able to quickly mobilize our team and shift all of our in-person events and programs and bring them online,” Stavick said. “It will be a while before we, once again, have hundreds of people in our building. Our focus right now is to have the greatest impact on those who do not have access to computers or the internet, and ensuring we are welcoming the people who need us the most into our building to take advantage of our equipment. We will continue our educational programs virtually until it’s safe to hold in-person events. We will continue to wear masks and maintain physical distancing in our computer lab and other spaces in our building. We are committed to doing what we can to serve the community in the safest way possible.”

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WE SEE OUR role IN PROVIDING SOCIAL AND emotional DEVELOPMENT TAKING MORE prominence AS OUR ENTIRE COMMUNITY recovers FROM THIS PANDEMIC.

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~ KIM REINER DIRECTOR OF MARKETING AND PUBLIC RELATIONS, OMAHA CHILDREN’S MUSEUM

“We can do our best to plan and project, but we just don’t know what the weeks and months ahead hold. We will no doubt feel the financial impact in the future.

We are hopeful we can stay creative in our approach and that we all come out stronger on the other side.”

Joslyn Art Museum joslyn.org

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Bringing people and art together Due to the pandemic, Joslyn Art Museum closed from mid-March to early August.

The Durham Museum durhammuseum.org

“Along with a public closure comes a realization of determining what programming and exhibitions need to be postponed or canceled. We unfortunately had to cancel all summer exhibitions as well as all spring and Omaha’s home to history summer programs and events,” Director of Development Hillary NatherThe Durham Museum closed to the public for four months due to the pandemic.

Detisch said.

“That closure had a significant impact,” Director of Communications Jessica Brummer said. “Without guests in the building, no events, no tours, et cetera, we took a large hit. As with many arts organizations, we had to get creative on how we could carry on our work without being ‘open.’”

Staff worked quickly to take education programs online, with great engagement, Brummer said; nearly 10,000 students participated in virtual field trips. “We also joined with several other museums in an effort to collect items and stories related to the pandemic in order to document this moment in our history.”

Nevertheless, the museum launched free virtual exhibition tours, talks with artists, gallery talks with curators, artmaking for children, resources for teachers and families, and an online seminar series, as well as summer camps and classes to serve the public in a virtual capacity, Nather-Detisch said.

In permanent displays and temporary exhibitions among nearly 20 galleries, the Joslyn Art Museum showcases art from ancient times to the present. Other highlights include a 1,000-seat concert hall, fountain court, education technology gallery, lecture hall, classrooms, sculpture garden, café, shop, and Art Works, an interactive space for art exploration. Free general admission makes Joslyn accessible for everyone.

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A host of safety measures are welcoming guests back safely, she added.

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covid-19 aware ••••••••••••••••••• ••••••••••••••••••••••••• Serving Our Animal Companions Omaha Children’s Museum ocm.org

Midlands Humane Society midlandshumanesociety.org

Engaging young imaginations, creating excitement about learning

Serving animals in need of healing, hope and their forever home

Omaha Children’s Museum facilities closed in mid-March and remained closed during what would normally be its busiest months.

“Our mission is ‘To protect and nurture companion animals and enrich the lives of people who love them,’” Director of Development and Marketing Kori Nelson said. “We pride ourselves as being a resource that helps the community as they search to adopt animals, find lost pets, gain information and advice regarding animals and behavior issues; and as a place where volunteers can be part of our team in caring for the animals, our relationship with the public, helping to maintain the building/grounds and and assisting with fundraising.”

“To adjust for revenue losses, we’ve had to reduce staff levels, adapt our temporary exhibition schedule, cut discretionary expenditures and rely more heavily on new and existing funding sources,” Director of Marketing and Public Relations Kim Reiner said.

But OCM continues serving its primary audience: families with young children under ten years old, Reiner added.

•

Adaptations have been necessary to continue operations safely, Nelson said.

Volunteers and staff are stretched to the limit but determined to ensure the organization continues to fulfill its mission.

“The museum has curated a robust online learning resource to encourage learning and play at home…Efforts to expand our museum offerings outside “We have been blessed with a steady stream of adoptions,” she said. “However, the walls of our existing facility are being planned, with an emphasis on serving we are ready if there is a surge of pet owners needing to surrender pets for a children and families in our under-resourced communities in the service area,” variety of reasons.” she explained. “We see our role in providing social and emotional development taking more prominence as our entire community recovers from this pandemic.”

Nebraska Humane Society nehumanesociety.org

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Offering safety, shelter and care for animals The Nebraska Humane Society offers safety, shelter and care for animals in the Omaha metro area. NHS also provides animal control services to Omaha and all of Sarpy County; and rescues, rehabilitates and rehomes pets who need those services. NHS also provides education, encourages adoptions, and promotes responsible pet care.

“Funding has taken the biggest hit from COVID-19,” VP of Public Relations and Marketing Pam Wiese said, explaining that events were either transformed into virtual affairs or canceled altogether. The organization did have to cancel some activities and services like shuttering the Spay & Neuter Center for two months, curtailing obedience classes and canceling camps through July, diminishing revenue streams.

••••••••••••••••••••

JOSLYN ART MUSEUM

nonprofits:

“However, we continue to provide care to all animals needing our help,” she said.

Most services continue with modifications for safety and increased demand is expected. “Making up the loss of revenue will be a challenge, yet we don’t see our needs lessening. In fact, we anticipate even more animals coming in, and more need for services like the pet-food pantry, if we see a resurgence and economic recovery slows down.”

CARRYING ON IN OUR CRISIS

continued

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covid-19 AWARE

NONPROFITS: carrying on IN OUR CRISIS Serving Our Animal Companions ••••••••••••••••••••••••• Promise 4 Paws promise4pawsdogrescue.com A sanctuary for senior dogs “Our mission is to provide the best home-like environment possible so that our senior residents can live out their lives as happy and comfortable as possible. We are a free-roaming home where all the dogs can go about as they please, whether that means a nice afternoon nap on a comfy bed or a relaxing stroll around the yard,” Promise 4 Paws Co-founder Tiffany Barrett said. “We have volunteers at the sanctuary 24 hours a day, seven days a week to care for the dogs.”

Funding is down with the cancellation or postponement of the organization’s regular fundraising events, Barrett said. “In the upcoming weeks, months and even years, we anticipate we will have to greatly update the way we do fundraising and construct our annual budget. The capacity of senior dogs we bring to the sanctuary directly correlates to the amount of funding we have. If we cannot afford to properly care for their needs, including but not limited to medication, vet visits and more, then we cannot bring in additional senior residents.”

PROMISE 4 PAWS SENIOR DOG SANCTUARY

Members of the public are not currently allowed to visit the organization’s facilities, but they can still see its residents online, Barrett said. “We are being more proactive in our social media postings to include videos and pictures in an attempt to give the public a better glimpse into our daily life.”

•••••••••••••••

“

MIDLANDS HUMANE SOCIETY

“WE continue TO PROVIDE CARE TO all ANIMALS NEEDING OUR help.

”

~ PAM WIESE VP OF PUBLIC RELATIONS AND MARKETING, NEBRASKA HUMANE SOCIETY

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• NEBRASKA HUMANE SOCIETY

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••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

nonprofits:

CARRYING ON IN OUR CRISIS

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game CHANGERS

• presented by

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• mmagazine

stOry by KARA SCHWEISS | phOtOgraphy by JIM SCHOLZ

JANYNE PEEK EMSICK was on a safari last year when she found out some interesting facts about zebras. “the guide said zebras thrive because they act like a team, they look out for each other and warn each other when there’s danger, and they gather around their young,” she said.

“

it’s fitting that those particular qualities appealed to english, who serves children’s hospital & medical center as executive vice president, chief operating officer (coo) and chief nursing officer (cno). she also has a couple of pictures of zebras in her office.

ONE OF MY favorite “i came back to hospital and said, ‘we’re going to be QUOTES IS ‘TOsheKNOW zebras,” said. “and theAND best part of it is that a group of zebras is called a ‘dazzle.’ isn’t that cool?” not DO IS TO NOT yet KNOW.’ english joined children’s in 1991 as cno, and she IF YOU know SOMETHING, came to the position with significant experience IT SHOULD result in direct patient care.IN A CHANGE OF behavior.

”

“i have spent my whole career in children’s ~ JANYNE PEEK EMSICKfrom hospitals,” she said. “when i graduated nursing school i went right to the children’s hospital in fort worth (texas) and was there for 15 years. i started as a nurse on the 11-to-7 shift on the adolescent unit, and when i left i was the assistant vice president for patient care.” it was hard to leave the facility where she’d

launched career, english said, but after 15 It’s been an interesting journey from new york City her and suburban years it was time to stretch wings and Chicago to Omaha—and all over the world in between—for Janyneherpeek experience another organization, with one emsick. the former theater major now helps corporate develop stipulation:executives it had to be a children’ s hospital. their leadership skills and local professionals make connections. whenimportant the one in omaha called, english hadn’t interviewed in years and looked forward to the and that’s just a piece of what she’s done. experience being “good practice.” she wasn’t counting on anything coming of it, but instead of merely wooing her, omaha’s children’s hospital wowed her.

JANYNE PEEK EMSICK

integrated PRESENTS

game changers

• JANYNE PEEK EMSICK

COntinUed

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game CHANGERS

• presented by

integrated FOR MOST people, “What do you do?” is an easy question to ansWer. For Janyne Peek emsick, hoWever, it’s not so simPle. she co-Founded emsick architects With her husband in 2012. she Pursued her education to the Ph.d. level and as adJunct Faculty teaches leadershiP classes For several educational institutions. she’s co-Founder oF young ProFessional-executive dialogues (yPed) and a co-Founder and Presenter For ProFessional Women connect. and last, but not least, she’s the ceo and an executive coach For your executive coach (yourexecutivecoach.com). “i say i have two businesses. the first is one i’ve had for 30 years, an executive coaching and consulting practice…People always say, ‘What is it that you do?’ and i’m finally wrapping my head around a handful of words that say’ i help executives that are stuck and tried to get unstuck on their own but it wasn’t working,’” Peek emsick explained. her teaching and nonprofit work center around leadership development and relate to her primary company. “i believe we’re all integrated, and my business and my service and my personal life are all very integrated.”

Peek emsick, at heart, is an optimist.

think i’ve been willing to re-invent…i have chosen to continue to pursue doing what i love and trust that, in the long haul, everything will be okay.”

that was important to me and teaching and to kind of grow into my own service model.”

now that you know

big city roots Peek emsick was born in brooklyn and lived in new york city until the age of 10—she remembers when the World trade center was under construction in the late 1960s and early ‘70s—and spent her formative years in suburban chicago. “i consider barrington, illinois, my hometown,” she said. “i’m a diehard chicago bears fan. it taught me how to have commitment through really hard seasons.”

People are often surprised to find out that Peek emsick’s undergraduate degree, from baylor university in Waco, texas, is in theater arts. she’s always been musically inclined, Peek emsick explained (“i was one of those kids who could pick up any instrument and play it”) but after injuring her hand using a table saw, a future in instrumental music was nixed. she’s maintained a connection to the arts over time, however. “serving and being a part of music has been part of my life since early on,” she said. “that’s been a real vibrant part of my story.”

soon after launching your executive coach, Peek emsick began post-graduate studies. in 1997, she earned a Ph.d. from trinity international university (illinois) with research in adult learning and transformational leadership pertinent to her business. “the big question i have that i seek to answer is ‘now that you know, what do you do?’ i’m not a fan of what i call ‘new year’s resolution’ training, which is where you invest time and money and go learn something—and a couple of weeks later you go back to doing whatever it was you were doing before, the same way that you did it. i believe when we invest time and resources into learning, that means the learning model has to support actual behavior change, it has to support something different,” she explained. “one of my favorite quotes is ‘to know and not do is to not yet know.’ if you know something, it should result in a change of behavior.”

Peek emsick served as adjunct faculty for trinity for five years and in the early 2000s also spent time teaching in “everybody has righteous intentions for what they’re doing, her transition from theater aspirations to a job in corporate graduate programs in burma and the Philippines. in 2002, even when they’re being difficult,” she said. “i think that is recruiting was a practical choice after Peek emsick returned she helped found the christian and nonprofit organization why i’m invited into hard places, because i’m hopeful and home to take care of her mother as she recovered from congo initiative, launching a university in the democratic i’m able to create a picture of reality using data, and then cancer treatment and surgery. Peek emsick discovered that republic of congo after that country’s civil war. more create a path forward to an ideal future and provide not only did she have natural aptitude for recruiting, it was recently, she has served the tyndale university college & consulting and coaching toward that future.” also nicely suited to her theater education and skill set. seminary (toronto) doctor of ministry program and since 2014 has been teaching a “leading change” course for her “we can get through this and be better on the other “to me it was like casting a play,” she said. “it was finding creighton university’s heider college of business. side” mindset has helped drive her personal success along the right person and the right cultural fit.” with ethical practices, loyalty and honesty.

Peek emsick said she is still open to being on the learning she felt she still needed to find the right fit for herself, side of things, like recent education in negotiating difficult “there are really smart people whose businesses don’t however. conversations through a harvard law school executive succeed and there are people who work really hard and program. their businesses do or don’t. it’s interesting. i think one of “Probably the first career highlight was as a the reasons i continue to succeed is that i’m very twentysomething, making the decision to leave corporate “it was fascinating going back into that environment,” she committed to being trustworthy and truthful and my america and start my own consulting business,” Peek clients believe i have their back in hard, complex situations. emsick explained. “it changed the trajectory for everything said. “it was a really powerful learning experience last summer.”

People know that i authentically care,” she said. “i also else; it gave me the flexibility to do some global service

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• mmagazine

JANYNE PEEK EMSICK

“

“

THE big QUESTION I HAVE THAT I seek TO ANSWER IS ‘NOW THAT YOU know, WHAT DO YOU do?’

little office in omaha

~ JANYNE PEEK EMSICK

Pursuing balance

Peek emsick has found a niche in omaha leadership the world traveler came to omaha because of love. Peek emsick was nearly 50 when she married for the first time, organizations and nonprofits. young Professionaland she and husband michael emsick are still going strong executive dialogues even capitalizes on her theater background with her “executive life lessons interviews” almost 11 years later. inspired by the bravo television network’s Inside the Actors Studio program. Professional Women connect is “it’s Janyne Peek emsick, three names, because i had a full celebrating 10 years and when its march event was career as Janyne Peek and my husband is traditional,” she converted to a virtual platform because of covid-19, Peek said. “he’s one of more than 100 emsicks around town. i emsick turned lemon into lemonades by embracing new can’t tell you the number of times people have said, ‘are channels, and she’s now implementing regular online you related to so and so?’ it’s been interesting taking on his webinars. name because it’s such an intimate community and there are so many emsicks around.” and there’s more. “over the last year i have been involved with a new nonprofit called omaha leaders. it is a group of business and faith leaders who are committed to omaha and who invest in developing leaders and leaders’ influence,” she said, explaining that a partnership between creighton “i’ve had a digital model for 30 years. although i have university, omaha leaders, and global leadership always worked from home, the difference now is it’s with a network (an international faith-based organization) is team and we have other people coming into our home as culminating in a pilot for an eight-month certificate in well,” she said. the difference and the team she’s referring executive leadership program. “this in an opportunity for to is emsick architecture, which was launched in 2012 in us to serve other city movements that are happening in her husband’s family home with the first floor converted to not just the country but around the world.” workspaces. “some people work at home. We like to say, somehow she always finds room. ‘we live where we work.’” bringing your executive coach to omaha was a smooth transition since Peek emsick was an early adopter of the virtual workplace concept.

a lot is happening from that “little office in omaha,” Peek “i started what i called a simplification process maybe four years ago where i’m whittling off things that don’t feel emsick said. in a recent videocall to launch an executive completely aligned with what’s most important to me and development program for a global organization, she then creating more space for what my priorities actually addressed participants from russia, Pakistan, netherlands, are,” she said. “that process of simplification is kind of a France and england as well as Washington, d.c. and los lifelong process. i don’t know that you ever arrive. you angeles. continue to pursue balance.” “it was a fun ‘first’ to mark. it’s really humbling to be invited into that space, to help leaders make a difference,” she said. “it’s really exciting, too, to have that kind of conversation and that kind of outreach.”

PRESENTS

there may be a book to write in her future, and Peek emsick hopes for a vacation “somewhere near palm trees” soon. For now, “my favorite alexa command is, ‘alexa, play happy music from the ‘70s,’ she said. “it always works.”

game changers

• JANYNE PEEK EMSICK

This special feature is sponsored by planitinc. planitinc. is dedicated to honoring women whose influence not only impacts the boardroom but the community.

“Welcome to

”

one of the largest and most prestigious meeting planning firms in the midwest omaha magazine B2B winners since 2008 national, regional and local meetings and events nationally recognized as a leader in the meetings & event industry supporting our community through our nonprofit work and the boards/organizations we are members of planitinc. has been providing event and meeting management solutions for over twenty years. we are a client-centric firm that provides unmatched service and professionalism. while proudly located in the midwest, our crazy-talented event team works from NEW YORK to LA and everywhere in between.

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spotlight on

• MUSTACHES FOR KIDS

quite a “stache” “We essentially converted every single one of those to a virtual event. We used the MUSTACHES FOR KIDS ORGANIZERS HAD LOWERED THEIR EXPECTATIONS FOR THEIR SIGNATURE ANNUAL EVENT TAKING PLACE IN MAY. BUT MORE THAN webinar feature through Zoom and broadcast that through Facebook Live. We built 200 MUSTACHE GROWERS RALLIED UP TO SUPPORT EIGHT CHARITIES AND a production studio in my basement and every week we’d broadcast,” Covi said.

RAISED A RECORD $762,535.

Other adaptations included playing trivia via the Kahoot! phone app, and a new bracketed event, Mustache Melee, emerged with live video challenges ranging from solving math problems to being the first participant to find and crack an egg Every year, a group of local men grow mustaches for 30 days to raise money for a over his head. Entries were $10 donations and the pool went to the winner of the local children’s charity and embark on a spectrum of related events and final bracket. “It was the closest thing we’d had to a sports event in three months,“ celebrations that foster a spirit that’s as much absurdity and fun as it is charitable.

Covi said.

As this past winter was ending, organizers with the Omaha chapter of Mustaches for Kids (M4K Omaha) were well into plans for the 12th annual fundraiser to take The top two positions of the general fundraising leaderboard were neck-and-neck place in May. More than 40 nonprofits had applied to be considered as the 2020 beneficiary and most had representatives present at a well-attended informational until a last-minute donation on Reveal Night (the virtual version of Stache Bash) pushed Tyson Wiegel to the top with more than $28,100 raised. Brian Moore came event on March 3. More than 200 growers were registered. All systems were go. in second with a respectable showing of a little over $24,500. Tom Brantley came in third and Covi and The Commodore (his mustache) came in fourth.

“Shortly after, the whole world changed,” M4K Omaha President Kris Covi said. The organization considered postponement or cancellation in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sexiest Workplace awards based on participant fundraising averages went to 10 organizations including top three finishers Casual Pint, Millard Public Schools and “We knew that it was going to be rough for some people to donate and we knew the 1st ACCS Flying Club (which also created a Tiger King-inspired“I Saw A some guys would be less comfortable asking for money during the financial Mustache” video). 2020 also turned out to be a good year for the Selleck Society. uncertainty,” Covi said.

“Tom Selleck is the alpha male, always will be. If you raise $1,000 or more you’re “But we also knew there were a lot of guys cooped up in their houses with a lot of inducted into the Selleck Society. You get a button and it’s a real point of pride,” creativity and nothing to do. We also knew there were people who weren’t he said. “The late Burt Reynolds was another who was always one of our very necessarily (financially) impacted by the virus but wanted to help those that were.” favorites. We really like Val Kilmer’s character in Tombstone, Doc Holliday. Our logo for our shirts was our logo with a mask on it, and on the back of it was a movie The group expected 2020 to be, at best, a dialed-back effort following a recordquote from Doc Holliday: ‘You’ll forgive me if I don’t shake your hand.’” breaking 2019 in which $750,000 was raised.

“We thought that if we only do half of that, that’s still a lot of money that will go into the community immediately,“ Covi said. “So we decided this virus is taking our way of life from us but it’s not taking our ‘staches.”

Candidate charities were invited to submit updates to their original applications highlighting how their operations and populations they served were being affected

by COVID-19, he added. “During that process we realized there were a lot of smaller charities being hit really hard by this,“ Covi said.

Serendipitously, M4K Omaha had recently become an independent 501(c)(3) organization, making it possible for the first time in 2020 for the May event to benefit multiple charities. “As we went through the applications, eight rose to the top,“ Covi said. Growers were given the option of allocating their donations to all eight nonprofits or to just one if they had an affiliation. Most returning participants chose to grow for all, but many of the recipient organizations put together dedicated teams.

Virtual celebrations M4K events usually center around a series of gatherings starting with a Clean Shave Night kickoff event and weekly events like a mustache-oriented trivia night, a Magnum P.I. Hawaiian shirt event, a family-friendly night of bowling or a ball game, and the big finale: Stache Bash.

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A new record Growers raised a record $762,535 in more than 11,000 transactions, with $75,000 to $100,000-plus going to each charity. “That’s the most any chapter has ever raised—ever,” Covi said.

Live polls determined winners of mustache awards. Charlie Wilkins, an Army National Guardsman who also works for Nebraska Medicine, won Rookie of the Year and even made a video for “all those healthcare heroes out there” on how to grow a mustache that would fit an N95 protective mask. His fundraising goal was $500, but he raised more than $6,200.

“It really helps that I have a lot of real estate on the upper lip; I mean, from the bottom of the lip to the septum of my nose, we’re looking at an $8 Uber ride. On top of that, it grows really well to the east and west. This year, I had named it ‘The Fish’ as another (military) veteran mustache grower, on a whim, called me a ‘young fish.’ Being that my drill weekends with the Army National Guard were suspended due to COVID-19, I was able to grow the ‘stache well out of Army regulations,” he said. “This was an excellent opportunity for me to help give back to my community while able to maintain the boundaries of a quarantine. This also showed me that I have a ton of wonderful friends, who, despite some of them losing their jobs due to ‘rona and just being in a place of financial hardship, they still found ways to donate to the children of the Omaha area.” mmagazine • aUgUST 2020

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STory by KARA SCHWEISS | phoTography coUrTeSy of MUSTACHES FOR KIDS

• mmagazine

mustaches for kids 2020 SETS NEW RECORD mustaches for kids CHANGING LIVES ONE 'STACHE AT A TIME

email: stache@m4komaha.com social: facebook: @m4komaha twitter: @m4komaha

web: m4komaha.com address: 6526 s. 172 ave., omaha, nebraska 68135

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spotlight on

• MUSTACHES FOR KIDS

mustaches for kids MICAH House Executive Director Jaymes Sime, a first-time grower, won Nastiest Stache.

“MICAH House was one of the selected charity partners, so as executive director I thought it be a missed opportunity not to participate. I was also supposed to be in Scotland, but with the impacts of the pandemic that was canceled, so what better way to quell the pain of a missed trip to Scotland?” he said. “My ‘stache’s name was Tenuous Tuft. I knew it would be terrible, so I had to come up with a name to match.”

Sime and Tenuous Tuft raised more than $15,000 for MICAH House.

“I spent the month pushing people to donate to a terrible mustache…It’s as absurd as it sounds. It’s as fun as it sounds,” he said. “The growers are genuinely compassionate people that hide their hearts behind mustaches.”

Kids Can Community Center CEO Robert Patterson said Sime had some serious competition from Kids Can’s philanthropy director, Cliff McEvoy.

“As a two-time nominee and shocking loss for worst mustache in 2017, the safe bet on Cliff winning a Stachey award this year was in the only category that suited him in the past: Nastiest Stache,” he said. “But a few things happened in 2020. First, Cliff’s mustache was magnificent… well, at least according to him. Second, Jaymes Sime was never NOT the nastiest ‘stache as was visibly evident, and he won that award in a landslide. Finally, there were some great new award categories this year and Cliff was honored for Best Mustache Name: Between My Nose and Where the Bacon Goes! It was a glorious victory.”

Camaraderie and community Patterson, who confessed that his own mustache was “not that awesome,” said he’d nevertheless participate again.

“For one month every year, hundreds of Omahans—not just the growers—rally to raise funds for nonprofits. It is an enormous opportunity to spotlight the charity partner each year, but the month-long festivities are really about the growers. The best part of each daily post, weekly checkpoint, monthly hijinks and final results is that the focus is on two things: the amazing individual efforts of growers and the combined power of putting all that support together in a unparalleled total each and every year,” he said. “The camaraderie and community of each person that has ever grown a mustache in Omaha to raise money for that year’s nonprofit is as strong of a union as has ever been, bringing us together around a common goal: to look good and help kids.”

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• mmagazine

GROWERS RAISE MONEY FOR EIGHT CHILDREN’S CHARITIES

“

IT’S AS fun AS IT SOUNDS. IT’S AS absurd AS IT SOUNDS.

”

~ JAYMES SIME MICAH HOUSE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, FIRST-TIME GROWER AND NASTIEST STACHE WINNER

2020 M4K OMAHA CHARITY PARTNERS Down Syndrome Alliance of the Midlands Nebraska Red Dawgs (wheelchair basketball)

HETRA (Heartland Equine Therapeutic Riding Academy)

MICAH House (Council Bluffs homeless shelter)

Kids Can Community Center Hope Center for Kids The Life House (diaper bank and neighborhood food pantry)

Smart Gen Society (youth cyber-awareness advocate)

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• all makes

• mmaGazinE

By GaBBy christEnsEn

all makes offers • SAFER COVID-19 SOLUTIONS

spotlighting

all makes jeff kavich and amee zetzman

phone: (402) 341-2413 web: www.allmakes.com address: 2558 farnam st., omaha

ADAPTING TO CHANGING WORKPLACE TRENDS has always been at the center of operations for All Makes. Therefore, when the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted work environments across the globe in early 2020, the office equipment supplier continued to do what it had always done: evolve products to meet the changing needs of customers.

“Our first priority was safety for both our customers and our team,” Amee Zetzman, executive vice president and CFO, said.

“We were committed to following all of the directive health measures put in place. We migrated the majority of our team to work from home, while a limited number of our staff remained in our offices. Throughout this entire time, we have continued to work with clients to safely fulfill deliveries. Our focus was, and continues to be, helping our clients find solutions to transition their space to better accommodate current needs.”

This process involved shifting open office spaces to restricted spaces, converting collaborative areas to accommodate social distancing and helping to create safe pathways through the office, Zetzman said.

Plexiglass has recently become a very popular product, Jeff Kavich, president and CEO, said. Employers want to implement barriers at workstations, reception counters and other point-ofsale areas to protect employees.

The company, which houses locations in both Nebraska and Iowa, has also seen a demand in polyethylene terephthalate (PET) products, Kavich said.

“PET fabrics welcome bleach and heavy-duty cleaners for better sanitation, which is critical right now, while still remaining aesthetically pleasing,” Kavich said. “Manufacturers are continually coming to us with new ideas and new products that will provide safety for end users. We have access to any product solutions that our clients need during this time.

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OUR FOCUS WAS, AND continues TO BE, HELPING OUR CLIENTS FIND solutions TO TRANSITION THEIR SPACE TO BETTER ACCOMMODATE current NEEDS. ~ AMEE ZETZMAN ExEcutivE vicE PrEsidEnt and cFO

While a majority of manufacturers in the industry have been forced to close at some point, our manufacturers have remained open and operational throughout the pandemic, allowing us to continue to make deliveries and provide those needed products.”

Since its founding in 1918, Zetzman said the business has weathered a lot of change but has never experienced anything quite like the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Right now, it’s all about being able to reimagine what work spaces look like,” Zetzman said. “Many manufacturers rose to the occasion and made the fastest pivot of products that I’ve ever seen. Through these complex times, we’ve had to evolve and adapt just as quickly as things changed, in order to remain relevant in this space. Regardless of what changes we might have to make down the road, we are here for the long haul. We’ll continue to develop innovative solutions that help our clients, as well as our team members, ensure safety and productivity.”

mmaGazinE • auGust/sEPtEmBEr 2020

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• mmaGazinE

creative hair design john mangiameli, owner

phone: (402) 330-5660 web: www.creativehairdesign.com address: 12025 pacific st., omaha

FOR 38 YEARS, John Mangiameli, owner of Creative Hair Design, never had to lay off a single employee. However, as Mangiameli found out when the pandemic forced the business to close in March—which also meant laying off 90 employees— things can change in an instant.

Yet, even during these dire circumstances, Mangiameli was committed to taking care of his team. All employees received state unemployment insurance benefits and Mangiameli quickly applied for a Small Business Administration loan.

By the end of April, all employees were back on payroll and also given extra relief in the form of bonuses.

These regular services include hair, nails, aesthetic, massage, and special-occasion options.

Stronger than ever Mangiameli said customers have been very complimentary and appreciate the effort to maintain a clean and healthy environment.

“Customers are coming back stronger than ever and we are actually seeing an increase in new clientele,” Mangiameli said.

“So many people are stressed right now and need some down time, but don’t want to go far to receive it. Creative Hair Design is a safe destination where people are able to relax, get their mind off things and enjoy a spa service without the hassle and risk of traveling.”

“I did not want our employees to stress about making their payments or being able to purchase groceries,” Mangiameli said.

“I have found that if you take care of employees, the employees It is Mangiameli’s goal to give clients something to look forward will take care of clients and continue to stick around. I have to in this difficult climate. employees who have been part of our team for over 30 years. It’s “Everyone deserves to unwind, especially when they’re faced with so refreshing to have their support. We could not do this without uncertainty and stress every day,” Mangiameli said. “We’ve been them, so it’s extremely important to do right by them.” fortunate to be able to serve our community since 1982. We will get through these tough times and continue to serve our clients for years to come.”

Reopening The salon and spa remained shut down for a total of 80 days, reopening at the end of May under mandated restrictions.

To make up for the 9,000 cancelled appointments, the business implemented 16-hour days broken into three shifts, seven days a week.

Currently, all service providers and customers must wear masks and anyone entering the salon must have their temperature taken prior to entering. Mangiameli said stations, which are seven feet apart, are also thoroughly disinfected between appointments.

CUSTOMERS ARE COMING BACK stronger THAN EVER AND WE ARE ACTUALLY SEEING AN increase IN NEW CLIENTELE. ~ JOHN MANGIAMELI OwnEr, crEativE hair dEsiGn

“We’ve been doing everything we can to keep our staff and clients safe,” Mangiameli said. “Fortunately, we have been able to offer all of our regular services, aside from showers and the steam sauna.”

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mmaGazinE • auGust/sEPtEmBEr 2020

By GaBBy christEnsEn

• Creative Hair Design

creative hair design • RESTORATION OF RELIEF

spotlighting

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• swartzbaugH-Farber & assoCiates

• mmaGazinE

By GaBBy christEnsEn

swartzbaugh-farber & associates • GUIDING CLIENTS

spotlighting

swartzbaugh-farber & associates mary drueke-collins, vp: employee benefits bob swartzbaugh, president/ceo mike demman, business development

WHILE PREPARING FOR THE FUTURE has always been an important matter, the uncertainty of current events has heightened this urgency, prompting many individuals and businesses to take a closer look at their current life insurance, benefits and investment plans. Swartzbaugh-Farber & Associates has witnessed this uptick firsthand, working tirelessly to provide advice and solutions to clients throughout the pandemic.

“Our primary goal is to make sure our clients are taken care of,” Mary Drueke-Collins, vice president of employee benefits, said.

“Many employers are struggling right now with either having to lay off staff or add additional staff to keep up with demand. A lot of employees are concerned about their benefits, too. It is our role to make sure we are helping our clients by offering answers that will ultimately help them provide support to their employees.”

While the industry is financially stable, Bob Swartzbaugh, president and CEO, said there are many courses affecting the market, causing many carriers to shift their focus.

“People don’t know what to do or they’re often confused in a time like this,” Swartzbaugh said. “We are working with our clients to advise them to stay steady and stick to the objectives they had before COVID-19 hit.”

Mike Demman, business development consultant, said the pandemic has allowed the company an opportunity to push the “pause” button to evaluate how to manage current client relationships, while continuing to grow the business.

phone: (402) 397-5800 web: www.swartzbaugh.com address: financial plaza 9140 west dodge road, suite 418, omaha

OUR primary GOAL IS TO make sure OUR CLIENTS ARE TAKEN care OF. ~ MARY DRUEKE-COLLINS vicE PrEsidEnt OF EmPlOyEE BEnEFits

by on-site, face-to-face benefit enrollment meetings. We were able to pivot quickly to bring a solution to our clients without having to sacrifice our core values.”

In the upcoming months, the company is focused on executing its open enrollment process for clients while maintaining social distancing standards.

Although employers may be reluctant to make changes to benefit plans, Demman said they definitely need to make changes that allow them to communicate more effectively with their employees.

“At Swartzbaugh, we adopted a high-touch, client-centered consulting practice that proved to be effective and valuable for our clients pre-COVID-19,” Demman said. “As employers continue to embrace the new work-from-home-strategy, as well “Employees are going to be more engaged this year,” Demman as adhere to social-distance guidelines, we realize that the annual said. “As a result, the communication of benefits is going to be more important this year than ever. It is our responsibility as an benefit enrollment process will never be the same. However, advisor to be proactive and provide the tools that will allow our since health benefit decisions are so important to the employee, we needed to identify a solution that would typically be managed clients to communicate effectively.”

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VIP

very inspirational people

inspirational examples

EVEN AS A STUDENT at Longfellow School in Council Bluffs,

Another good thing started at the university: she met “a great guy” from the Theresa Barron—now Theresa Barron-McKeagney—was undaunted by East Coast named Don McKeagney. anyone’s expectations. The first year basketball was offered for girls, she “I was semi-dating someone else when I met him,” she said. But she told a surprised a few people by making the team. friend, “I have a feeling this is the man I’m going to marry.”

“Even though I’m just five-foot, there was no way I wasn’t going to go out for Her feeling was right. The couple welcomed son Adam in 1982. Barronbasketball. I was really fast and I could handle the ball. One time I made a threeMcKeagney launched her social work career at the Chicano Awareness Center point shot from the corner of the court,” she recalled. “My coach said to me, (now Latino Center of the Midlands) and held several positions over eight years ‘Theresa, when you see a shot like that, if you feel it, you take it.’ I’ve always been including interim executive director. The graduate program at Iowa was based in driven like than, competitively driven; it’s not to win over someone else but to South Sioux City, logistically challenging for a working mom, so she pursued her achieve something I wanted to do.” master’s degree at UNO. Today she’s the associate dean for the College of Public Affairs and Community Back to school Service at the University of Nebraska Omaha and still looks back at her years at Several senior professors approached her about applying to the minority Longfellow fondly. She attended the school through ninth grade (it’s an faculty development program to earn a PhD and eventually teach elementary school today) and remembers it as an encouraging social-work students. Her response: “Why would I want to environment to explore her interests and a place where her come back to school?” But the dean of the college academic achievements were celebrated. promised Barron-McKeagney time to consider the “I liked to study and I liked to read and I liked to think program. and I liked to talk to people. All those things I never “I went to some of my mentors in the Latino saw as boundaries or barriers, I saw them as a way to “I wasn’t afraid community and said, ‘What do you think?’” she said. get to know more. I wasn’t afraid of anything,” she “And they said, ‘You need to go and get your of anything.” said. “I’ll always have a very clear place in my heart education and bring resources back to the for Longfellow and for the south end in Council Bluffs.” community. You have our blessing.” theresa Barron-mcKeagney Standing out Barron-McKeagney began the program in 1989 F Barron-McKeagney was the youngest of 11 children and started teaching at UNO before earning her born to parents who emigrated from Mexico. Her closest doctorate in 1993. After a national search, she was named sibling is 10 years older, “so I was definitely a surprise,” she said, director of the School of Social Work in 2004. She became a full adding that her brothers and sisters ribbed her good-naturedly about professor in 2008 and associate dean in 2013. “I just celebrated 30 years here at being the spoiled baby of the family. “It was always, ‘When I graduated high school, UNO last August. It’s half my life!”

I got a bike. But when Theresa graduated from high school, she got a car!’” BarronShe’s received several teaching awards throughout her career and her McKeagney said, laughing at the memory. “I still get teased to this day.” qualitative dissertation, “Telling Our Stories-The Lives of Midwestern Latinas,” Her siblings had other Mexican-American classmates, but Barron-McKeagney was published by academic publisher Routledge Press. “They showed me where stood out. the books were being purchased, and they were being purchased all over the “When my sisters and brothers were growing up there was definitely an ethnic world,” she said. “And so these women’s stories, their histories, were being read all enclave over by Sunset Park, 16th Avenue and 10th Street to probably 19th Avenue. over the world.”

There were a lot of Mexican families in that area,” she said. “But time goes on and She subsequently wrote a biography, “Mi Rinconcito en el Cielo” (“My Little kids move away, so when I was in school there weren’t that many Latino kids. I Corner of the Sky”), on Alberto “Beto” Gonzales, an Omahan who overcame a think in my graduating class at AL (Abraham Lincoln High School) there were challenging childhood and went on to change lives as a mentor and gang maybe three other Latino kids out of a class of like 400.” prevention specialist. Barron-McKeagney is also active with several professional When it was time for college, Barron-McKeagney headed off to the University and community organizations. of Iowa to study psychology, intending to become a psychologist. She quickly Although she’s made her career in Omaha, Barron-McKeagney has chosen to discovered she didn’t exactly love the required math and science. go back to her roots, making her home in a historic Council Bluffs neighborhood A statistics professor recognized her dissatisfaction and suggested she look into not far from where she grew up. She’s also greatly enjoying being a switching her major to social work. The program happened to be housed in a grandmother of four and paying forward to them—and the students she works former elementary school. with—the kind of valuable support and encouragement that helped her get to “The moment I walked in, I just felt like I was home. I could smell the wood of where she is today. the old school and they had the old lockers, and it was such fun,” she said. “I was “For me, personally, I am so grateful to have many kind people, loving people, who wanted to see me succeed,” she said. “I really have a very good life. It’s been accepted into the program, and that’s when it started. I got my BSW (bachelor’s fun. It’s been an adventure.” degree in social work) from Iowa in 1981,” she said.

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photography by DEBRA S. KAPLAN

• mmagazine

A class OF HER OWN

theresa barron-mckeagney

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Marjorie M. Maas, SHARE Omaha executive director

lifting up do-gooders

• share omaha

allies for justice…

LEARN AND become ONE Who is a do-gooder? Either you are a do-gooder, or you know a few. SHARE Omaha defines do-gooders as those who see a need and do good for others or the community; those who raise their hands to help when a crisis or challenge arises around them; and those who regularly prioritize this good work, even in the light of personal sacrifice.

SHARE Omaha tells stories of volunteers, donors and general do-gooders regularly on our blog at SHAREomaha.org, and with this column we seek to act as a megaphone for those making our community and metro area better.

This month we spoke with two Omaha social justice leaders: Josh Dotzler, CEO of Abide, and Erik Servellon, deputy director of the Tri-Faith Initiative and recently named as one of Ten Outstanding Young Americans by the Jaycees.

We talked about allyship in light of current events that have exposed racial and social justice conversations.

Who is an ally?

Servellon defined allyship as a process by which a person advocates for an identity or group of identities close to their heart. Allies acknowledge truth.

“Allies are here to create space. When you step back and allow someone else to speak, you create that space for someone to have their voice. You support the work.

When someone gives you a great idea, or policy or procedure, you say ‘yes,’ and you start acting to make it happen. Allies amplify the voice. They show up. They stand in solidarity and they start acting to amplify the voice of others,” Servellon said.

A time for allies As allyship is a journey, we asked each leader how our local struggle with race and social justice is pushing individuals to take this journey. Servellon said, “For a lot of people this is a conversation that has never stopped; specifically, Black people with law enforcement. (This is) a deeply invested flash point, and there is energy behind it. People outside the Black community are starting to put on themselves to be that voice of support on the side of the Black community. We would like to be better as a society, and we’re not there yet. One person never accomplishes anything alone and with more people involved in supportive roles, the more equitable the solutions are going to be.”

Dotzler also responded to this question of how our metro area events are activating allies. “I think when you look at just the challenges with race and social justice, you see the scope and magnitude. It doesn’t just affect one demographic or one part of our city. It affects really everybody on different levels,” he said. “…Omaha is bigger than one person, and so it causes you to reach beyond spheres of influences or circles that you typically would. I think (recent events) also bring a common mission and purpose, regardless of what we’re doing as an organization or individually. (Social justice) is something that we all agree needs to be addressed and needs to have some specific intentional action. I think it highlights our need for each other, because the challenges are so great.”

Who is showing up?

Servellon said he sees the Latinx community taking it upon themselves to understand a fight for Black racial equity is a fight for Brown racial equity. He elaborated, “I see a lot of Latino community members showing up; not there to be the thought leader. They want to be there when invited to be behind or to the side to support.”

Servellon also noted he is starting to see the clergy in Omaha being part of some protests and rallies. He said he sees more beginning to wade into civic matters. “They need to be in the forefront. They are an intersection of religion and people’s hearts,” he said.

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Servellon and Dotzler talked about clergy and church leaders meeting all over Omaha regarding what they can do for efforts to support and provide guidance.

One of the more tangible efforts Servellon discussed was seeing clergy approach the City-County Building marjorie m. maas before a press conference. They were praying for justice.

It was a picture of clergy lending their weight to an effort that affects everybody.

Dotzler said about working with church leaders: “We’ve been able to have very authentic conversations. It’s also led to taking some action where we’ve been able to gather and pray. There’s been a posture of humility that’s been pretty powerful.”

He added, “I’ve seen church pastors and leaders from all across the city just come to the table and say, ‘I want to be a part of the solution. How can we do it together?’ and so the conversations that are happening and then also some of the actions have been pretty powerful.

“People are really listening, staying in their lane, but supporting efforts of the Brown and Black community,” Servellon said.

An ideal outcome for Omaha Servellon and Dotzler have tangible visions of our metro’s future in regard to race relations and social justice. Omaha is seen by them and others as a racially divided city, and there are many facets to the future they envision.

Regarding rethinking law enforcement, Servellon said, “There are so many calls to defund the police. It is a macrocosm for a community, for a person disproportionally affected by a law enforcement system of oppression. (Police) do good work, but a restructuring of all the systems we have built under erroneous principles have to be undertaken.

“Defunding means we are going to fund the things cops shouldn’t be doing: mental health, education, social justice. Reallocation of line items that can be channeled into community services with so many benefits in the community.”

Servellon also serves as a medic for the Army National Guard and recruited and organized medics for the Memorial Park rally in June. He said he asks people who want to be allies to identify their skill set and channel it toward the communities they want to help.

Dotzler commented on our city as unique, having great prosperity and incredible poverty. “For me the dream is that Omaha wouldn’t be known as one of the most segregated cities but one of the most integrated ones. It would be a city that, no matter what your color is, you could live in any part of it. That there wouldn’t be a part of the city that’s known for crime, violence and poverty. ( At Abide) we have a dream that one day there’ll be a new inner city—a place that’s vibrant, full of life and a place where people want to live, not leave.”

Dotzler is asking people to make three commitments in becoming a greater ally.

1. Learn about injustice and grow in understanding 2. Stand up when you see injustice 3. Give resources to close the economic gap

Who are your do-gooders?

SHARE Omaha exists to be a conduit between nonprofit needs and the public doing good. The best way, we think, to spur that action is to inspire through telling stories of do-gooder actions and emphasizing that acts of goodness add up to a healthy and engaged community. If you would like to shine a spotlight on a dogooder, shoot us an email at info@SHAREomaha.org.

Find your fit as an ally by volunteering for and donating to local causes at SHAREomaha.org. mmagazine • aUgUST/SePTemBeR 2020

Images courtesy of SHARE Omaha

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Omaha metro organizations working toward social justice. Support their efforts at SHAREomaha.org:

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Kali Baker, Vice President of Community Investment

omaha giving

• omaha Community Foundation

A COMMUNITY IN NEED: OUR response TO covid-19 Nearly six months ago, the Omaha Community Foundation launched our COVID-19 Response Fund to address the immediate and long-term impacts of COVID on our community.

The intention of the fund is to serve communities who are disproportionately impacted by the coronavirus and the economic consequences of this outbreak. It’s a collaborative, community response to deploy resources to the local nonprofit organizations who are serving those individuals who need support the most.

To date, the fund has granted more than $1.2 million to more than 51 nonprofits and supported over 100,000 residents. While we are so grateful to the more than 6,000 individuals in the community who have given to the Fund, the need continues to be significant for many residents as the pandemic continues to take its toll.

In March, a first round of grants supported nonprofits addressing the immediate economic and health impacts of the pandemic. In April and May, the Fund augmented those initial investments with additional grants for mounting food insecurity and housing stability.

Throughout these last few months we have learned a lot, but most importantly, we have discovered that our short-term response was only the beginning. As we adapt to emerging needs, we are seeing a long recovery ahead. The pandemic is exacerbating existing disparities, and it will take months—and likely into 2021—to respond adequately.

The scope and breadth of the need in our community is impossible to quantify, but we know from our data and conversations that while the effects of COVID impact us all in some way, there are several groups of people in our community that are suffering most: The Unemployed – With both local and national unemployment rates reaching all-time highs (local unemployment rates have surged six times higher than this time last year) and additional federal and state unemployment support ending in July, thousands of families in our region could face economic uncertainty throughout 2020 and beyond. There have been over 141,000 new unemployment claims across the states since mid-March representing a 1,500percent increase over the same period in 2019.

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Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) – COVID-19 is disproportionately impacting people of color in our community. In Douglas County, 67 percent of COVID-19 cases are people of color, yet they make up only 29 percent of the population. Minorities are at greater risk for contracting COVID, due in part to underlying economic systems and structural racism that have led to worse health outcomes for people of kali baker color. Additionally, a survey reported in the Omaha World-Herald showed that only 20 percent of Black workers and 16 percent of Latino workers in Nebraska are able to work from home; increasing the likelihood that Black and Brown residents are at risk to contract the disease in a workplace.

Refugees and Immigrants – The pandemic and its effects are having a compounding effect in refugee and immigrant communities as there are already existing barriers to basic support systems (including employment opportunities) due to low English skills. Many local refugees work in the manufacturing or meatpacking industry and are currently faced with the decision to either keep working and risk exposure, or resign and face unemployment without access to benefits or stimulus support.

Our Fund is making investments to local nonprofits who are working directly to help these impacted groups. We know the fall will bring new challenges as students return to school, unemployment remains high, and families are forced to make difficult decisions around the most basic needs: housing, food, utilities and healthcare.

The Foundation is grateful for those in this community who are working each day to help our vulnerable neighbors confront new realities and is committed to continuing our support to meet these needs now and into the future.

To learn more about the local ongoing needs related to the pandemic, or to donate to the Response Fund, please reach out to us at giving@omahafoundation.org or visit omahafoundation.org/COVID19.

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mary e. VandenaCK Mary Vandenack, while a lawyer by profession, has studied extensively in mind/body areas of fitness and wellness. She is Yoga Alliance RYT-200, Power Pilates certified and ACE certified.

REDISCOVERING yoga (AND THOUGHTS ON YOGA FOR THE non-yogi) I have often written about the path of my longtime yoga journey. In recent years, I have devoted more writing time to mindfulness. My shift was for the purpose of seeking to reach more people with the concept of mind/body connection. There are many who won’t attend a yoga class for reasons such as “I can’t get my foot behind my head” or “I am not a Buddhist and don’t want to be” or “That ‘Om’ stuff is weird.” I learned that I could reach a lot of people with a mindfulness presentation who would never walk into a yoga practice—even though yoga practice is all about being mindful.

While the limitations of life since the beginning of the pandemic are significant, there have been opportunities for joy. For me, one of them has been doing more yoga and meditation every day than I have ever done. And I have practiced that yoga with many of my favorite teachers across the country. One of my favorite classes of all time is Yoga Nidra taught by Dharma Mittra at Dharma Yoga Center in New York City. Every time I am in New York, I have dragged whatever soul I could to Dharma Yoga Center on Saturday morning. In the last few months, I have been able to take that class many Saturday mornings.

In addition to taking Yoga Nidra from my living room, I began trying other instructors at Dharma Yoga and yoga from other studios. Even though I am a longtime yoga instructor who preaches “what you can do today is right for you,” I really don’t love going to a yoga class where I know there will be poses that I might not be able to do.

As teachers, we say, “it is okay if you fall ten times” but as teachers, we really don’t want to fall in front of students.

If you have ever taken Dharma Mittra’s yoga class, you might know that sometimes it starts with hand-to-big-toe pose. And it gets harder from there. While I have taken the class, I would often stand in the very back of a very full room. With Dharma teaching online and the ability to turn my video off, I started taking the most challenging of classes. In a matter of months, I have moved my yoga practice along both physically and spiritually at a phenomenal speed.

I have never been one to think that it is a good thing to spend all your time following one instructor. When we are doing that, we are looking for a savior. The fact is we should each seek to be our own savior instead of looking for someone else to do that.

We have a better chance to achieve that if we are open to different teachers. I remember one pose that I had been unable to do for a couple years. I walked into a yoga studio I had never been in one day and that was the day that the teacher of the class I happened upon gave a different cue that had me easily into a pose.

We all come from different backgrounds and we have seen different things.

We can be more whole by being open to more perspectives. In the eyes of the person to whom something is new, everything is possible.

For the non-yogi, keep in mind that there is significant science supporting benefits of yoga in dealing with chronic pain and mental health. In the era of Zooming classes into your living room, you can try out all kind of options. In a matter of a few months, I have taken classes that I will never take again, classes that I would happily do a couple times a day (and sometimes do), and classes of types I have never tried.

I was in a cranky COVID mindset one evening and not very delightful to be around. To freshen my mind, I tried a completely different yoga format. It had me laughing and smiling, and by the end of the class, I was in a very different place. If yoga is not your thing no matter what, check out Feldenkrais, Pilates, thai chi and other mind/body formats. I was almost sad to return to my office…until I realized there is good reason to take a break during the day and Zoom a class right into my office. I so hope that Zoom classes survive long beyond the passing of the pandemic.

ENVISION YOUR FUTURE: PREVENT DISEASE DISCOVER HEALTH! YOU DESERVE A BEAUTIFUL, HEALTHY SMILE!

Dr. Stephanie Vondrak • Dr. Ashley Rainbolt Vondrak Dental (402) 289-2313 info@drvondrak.com

THE CHOICE IS YOURS! 49

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planning matters

• with Vw law

estate planning ISSUES

IN divorce AND premarital PLANNING

Grantor Trusts

For a variety of reasons, a couple might each create a grantor trust of which the other is a beneficiary. When a grantor trust is created, the income is taxed personally to the grantor rather than to the trust. (When a non-grantor trust is created, the trust income is taxed to the trust.)

Grantor trusts are used for a variety of reasons. One of the reasons is that trust income tax rates reach the top bracket at a relatively low amount of income. When a grantor trust is created by Spouse One and Spouse Two is a beneficiary, Spouse Two receives income and Spouse One pays the tax. This might be okay during marriage, but upon divorce, one possible result is that Spouse Two continues to receive the income while Spouse One continues to pay the tax. Historically, Internal

Revenue Code 682 prevented this result by requiring that in the event of a divorce, the spouse receiving the income would be subject to tax. mary e. vandenack and michael j. weaver Section 682 was repealed effective January 1, 2019. The repeal is tied to the date of divorce rather than to the date of trust. Thus, the undesirable result of one spouse paying tax on the income of the ex-spouse becomes an issue. Additional clarifications are being considered by the IRS, but in the meantime, the matrimonial lawyer and the estate planning lawyer should work together to avoid trust-related issues post-divorce. Drafting of new trusts have already evolved to consider this change.

Repeal of Alimony Deduction

Alimony payments made pursuant to a divorce decree after December 31, 2018, are no longer deductible. Divorce agreements prior to January 1, 2019, are grandfathered and those paying alimony under such an agreement will continue to receive a deduction. Provisions regarding alimony in premarital agreements may not receive grandfathering treatment. Any premarital agreement signed before January 1, 2019, should be reviewed.

The Hidden Asset: Portability

The current federal estate tax exemption is $11.4 million. The current estate tax laws allow the unused portion of an estate tax exemption to be “ported” to the surviving spouse. By way of example, assume Audrey has an estate of $20.4 million. Audrey is negotiating a premarital agreement with her fiance, George. George has an estate of $1 million. If George dies, he will have $10.4 million of unused exemption. If this exemption is ported to Audrey, her estate will pass to heirs estate tax-free. If such exemption is not ported, Audrey’s estate tax exposure is in the vicinity of $3.6 million. George’s exemption has negotiating value of $3.6 million. Note that the negotiation strategy should consider that Audrey could die first.

Asset Protection Trusts

Another premarital strategy is the use of asset protection trusts. For this technique to be effective, settlor must choose a jurisdiction that limits claims of spouse, former spouse, or minor child. Despite the specific laws, an asset protection trust provides protection in the form of making it more complicated to pursue trust assets. A spouse who marries a settlor after the trust is created is not included in the class of exception creditors.

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• swartzbaugh-Farber & assoCiates, inC.

your money

impact!

• your dental health

describe

RECALIBRATING YOUR work-life

YOUR 2020 IN one WORD

balance mary drueke-collins

stephanie vondrak d.d.s.

I RECENTLY ASKED a group of

ONE of the most indicative signs of a healthy lifestyle is a measured

educated, amazing women to describe 2020, the coronavirus and their current reality in one word: blurt it out quickly, whatever comes to mind that sticks.

work-life balance. In fact, many candidates cite work-life balance as a deciding factor when looking for jobs. But since the onset of self-quarantine and stay-athome orders, the physical distinction between work and home has been all but erased—and as a result, many of our work-life balances have suffered.

Living and working under a global pandemic is stressful enough, especially with additional responsibilities like child care and other family obligations. When your work-life balance starts to falter, it’s a recipe for poor performance and burnout, not to mention the toll it takes on your mental health. In fact, Small Business Trends found that employees working over 55 hours a week are at a higher risk of depression and anxiety than their 35-40 hour-per-week counterparts. Here are a few tips for maintaining your work-life balance—even under a crisis: Designate a workspace. The tried-and-true remote work advice is more relevant now than ever; creating a physical distinction between work and home in your house helps to replicate the usual separation you’d have if commuting to work.

If you don’t have a home office already, consider designating a different room in the house, or even a specific desk or table. Whatever it is, just make sure it’s not the same space you use to relax, like in bed or on the couch.

Dress for the workday. Remote work comes with its fair share of perks, one being a much more lax dress code. There’s nothing wrong with dressing down while working from home, but wearing the same thing whether you’re on or off the clock further blurs the boundary between your job and your free time. You don’t need to dress in business casual, but putting on a “real outfit” for work and then changing into sweatpants when you’re done for the day can promote a healthier work-life balance.

Plan for breaks and an official lunchtime. In your usual office environment, you probably have breaks peppered in throughout the day to talk with a coworker, enjoy lunch in the breakroom, and maybe take a walk to stretch your legs. At home, these important reprieves from the workday often fall to the wayside. Consistently block out ten to fifteen minutes a day, as well as a lunch hour, to make sure you’re not working through your breaks.

Take some time off. If your work-life balance still feels off-kilter, and you feel like you’re burning out, consider taking some time for a day, or two, or more. While it may seem like a waste to use vacation days when you’re stuck in your own home, it can do wonders for your mental health and overall productivity. Use that reset button, and when you’re ready, go back to work feeling refreshed and ready to go.

As I awaited their responses, I couldn’t help but speculate on what they would say. To give you context, this poll is made up of extraordinary women. These are badass mamas, motivated entrepreneurs, exceptional listeners, caregivers, and survivors of heartbreak. These are my soul sisters. Knowing these women as I do, I was certain that the majority of their responses would be entertaining and likely inappropriate.

Fingers crossed that at least a few answers would be suitable for print.

This endeavor was more of a personal quest than anything, a barometer for me to gauge my feelings and my current level of stability in this crazy world. You see, the longer this virus-infested, mask-wearing, speculative fog looms, the more unsettled I feel each day, and the more distant and separated I fear I become with the absence of normal life. Anticipating their answers to reflect my feelings, drip with frustration, or at the very least provide comic relief, I waited.

With gratitude, I was surprised and inspired.These are my favorite answers: unprecedented, unreal, pivotal, uncertain, testing, transformational.

What collaboration of words!The unsettled craziness I am experiencing could not be more accurately described. These unprecedented changes to our society do seem unreal and are most definitely uncertain, testing our patience and our spirit daily. However, with challenge we find opportunity. And with opportunity, we find choice. We can choose to surrender and hide from fear and uncertainty or we can choose to transform and become.

I am inspired by many positive and transformative examples to date, from breweries creating hand sanitizer to automakers producing ventilators. We have seen businesses pivot and transform, eager to help. As a health-centered dentist, I have seen my profession face enormous challenges and am proud to say we are standing tall! We’ve incorporated scrupulous amounts of PPE (personal protective equipment); modified our schedules to accommodate social distancing; and implemented telemedicine for follow-up consultations, new patient interviews, emergency visits and patient education opportunities. As dental professionals, we have continued to teach prevention for improved oral and systematic health, giving back to the community and patients we cherish.

So, if you’re having trouble navigating your reality or finding your word to describe 2020, please feel free to borrow one of ours. Together, you, me and my rockstar tribe will pivot, overcome and transform to meet the needs of tomorrow. And, tomorrow will be brand-new.

For more information, please contact your trusted advisor at Swartzbaugh-Farber – ‘Client Centered – Client Advocates™’.

Securities and Investment Advisory services offered through M Holdings Securities, Inc., a Registered Broker/Dealer and Investment Advisor, Member FINRA/SIPC. SwartzbaughFarber and Associates, Inc. is independently owned and operated.

Dr. Stephanie Vondrak is board certified by the American Academy of Craniofacial Dental Sleep Medicine to treat patients suffering from sleep apnea with sleep apnea appliances.

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CONNECTING OUR COMMUNITY

etro

the spirit of omaha

Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, many charitable events are being continuously postponed or canceled.

Many rescheduled events remain in an ongoing state of flux and readjustment. As we continue to attempt to fulfill our commitments to our nonprofit and business partners we will be collaborating with each to provide our readers and followers with the latest information available.

Please check with all organizations and visit our COMMUNITY CALENDAR webpage at SpiritofOmaha.com for continuously revised updates!

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event galleries | save the date

save the date updated event dates WHEN YOU SEE THE “BIG RED” LEARN MORE ABOUT THESE ORGANIZATIONS IN THE GIVING GUIDE 2020!

Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, many charitable events were postponed or canceled. Many rescheduled events remain in an ongoing state of flux and readjustment. In the pages that follow we have partnered with participating nonprofits to provide the latest information available.

Please check with all organizations and visit our COMMUNITY CALENDAR webpage at SpiritofOmaha.comfor continuously revised updates!

! r e h t e g o t s i h t !

0 n i 2 l l 0 a 2 e n r i a d e e t w c e n n o c u o y g n keepi 55

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fEATUREd EVENT

spotlight

Catering Creations and Founders One | Nine PhoToS coURTESy of cATERING cREATIoNS ANd foUNdERS oNE | NINE

When: June 13, 2020 Where: Founders ONE | NINE Why: As COVID-19 dine-in restrictions loosened for restaurants, Catering Creations and Founders ONE | NINE wanted to create a pop-up restaurant with higher capacity since the venue is large enough to go above and beyond the social distancing/safety mandates for attending events and dining. We wanted to show guests our added safety measures for dining out and attending events as well as create an elegant restaurant experience while putting a spin on protective face masks and a classic masquerade ball.

Sponsors: Catering Creations (catering and event planning), Founders ONE | NINE (venue and rentals), Complete Music and Events (music and trivia), 402 Events (décor and lighting) Caterer: Catering Creations Event Planner: Catering Creations’ event planners Attendance: 50 Mission Statement: Catering Creations strives to create an inspiring and positive work culture so that our staff may produce events with custom menus featuring unique delivery, stylish design, and exceptional customer service in order to leave a lasting impression for each and every one of our guests.

About: Specializing in creating the perfect custom event, Catering Creations will cater to our clients’ every need. We make your event planning stress-free as we create made-fromscratch, restaurant-quality food and deliver exceptional service and hospitality for your event.

Our goal at the end of the day is to make your event memorable and exceptional.

Hors d’oeuvres Served Per Table Charcoal Crepe with Roasted Beets & Goat Cheese Roulades with Toasted Pistachio V Marinated & Charred Shrimp Cocktail Shooter GF Crostini with Spicy Orange Marmalade, Homemade Ricotta & Sliced Duck Dinner Classic French Onion Soup with Croutons & Caramelized Gruyere Cheese V Spring Berry Feta Salad In a Crown of Apples Finished with Toasted Pecan Spread In a White Chocolate Vinaigrette V/GF Classic Beef Wellington Beef Tenderloin Wrapped in Puff Pastry, Mushroom Duxcelles, Hint of Dijon & Prosciutto Ham Finished with Bearnaise Sauce Each served with Haricot Vert Bundles with Carrot Ribbons GF and Smashed Yukon Gold Potatoes GF Dessert Flourless Rich Chocolate Gateau with Strawberry Sorbet & Meringue Cookie GF/V Swag Bag Take Home Cut out and Decorated Royal Icing Sugar Cookie in the shape of a Masquerade Mask Homemade Beef Jerky

For more information: cateringcreations.com, foundersomaha.com

CATERING CREATIONS AND FOUNDERS ONE | NINE

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mMAGAZINE

| MASK-ERADE

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fEATUREd EVENT

spotlight

Fashion Institute Guild PhoToS coURTESy of fAShIoN INSTITUTE GUIld

When: July 12, 2020 Where: The Empire Room Why: informal networking Sponsors: The Empire Room Event Planner: Heather Hooton Mission: FIG raises money to support the Fashion Institute Midwest, its workroom, designer education and more.

About: Fashion Happy Hour is an informal event for fashion lovers of all kinds to gather, talk about trends and events, connect with designers and more.

For more information: www.fashioninstitutemidwest.org/fashion-institute-guild-3/

FASHION INSTITUTE GUILD

fashion happy hour

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mMAGAZINE

| FASHION HAPPY HOUR

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Create more in 2020!

podcast

with ANDEE Hoig

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ADAPTING TO MEET YOUR NEEDS!

RESERVE YOUR SPACE EARLY & SAVE!

The Giving Guide & The Event Book 2021 Email us at CONNECT@SpiritofOmaha.com Email Subject: “TGGEB21 EARLY BIRD!” 30th

anniversary EDITION

receive priority promotion in our

Save the Date and SCene departments in every issue of

metromagaZine prior to and following your important events receive priority promotion on our

SoCial meDia sites such as our faCeBooK page receive priority promotion for your run/walk events with our

m.a.D. 25 partnership option register your events FREE on

Spiritofomaha.Com’S re-imagineD neW feature-paCKeD Community CalenDar and update or revise it 365/24/7 promote your agenda in our

weeklyConneCtor and reach out weekly to over

12,000+ subscribers

Look for more information via email, mobile and other virtual resources as we ADAPT to meet your needs in 2020/21 AND BEYOND!

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alh p u B l i C a t i o n S

inform • educate • inspire

P.O. Box 241611 • Omaha, NE 68124

PRESORTED STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

OMAHA, NE PERMIT NO. 2013