metroMAGAZINE MAR/APR 2023 Issue

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metromagazine 2023 edition • vol. 35 no. 2

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In 1893, the Nebraska Children’s Home Society was founded to help children find safe and loving families after the loss of parents or guardians, or after experiencing abuse or abandonment. Today, NCHS provides a broad scope of supportive services to children and families.

NCHS: safe and loving care

nebraska children’s home society

WHEN E.P. AND MARY EVA QUIVEY

FOUNDED NEBRASKA CHILDREN’S HOME SOCIETY (NCHS) IN 1893 BEFORE THE STATE’S CHILD WELFARE SYSTEM WAS IN PLACE, THE ORGANIZATION PRIMARILY FACILITATED ADOPTIONS AND FOSTER CARE. THE QUIVEYS HAD PROGRESSIVE VIEWS FOR THE TIME, BELIEVING THAT CHILDREN SHOULD BE WITH FAMILIES RATHER THAN FOLLOWING THE PRACTICE OF THE TIME OF PLACING CHILDREN IN ORPHANAGES AND POOR HOUSES.

The organization has continued to be family- and childcentered in the 130 years since, and has evolved to encompass not only adoption and foster care support services, but also a wide array of family support services for every stage from pregnancy to grandparenting.

“Our founders were responding to a need, and that was homes for children whose parents were unable to care for them due to poverty or tragedy. Sometimes that meant that those children were placed in an adoptive family. And sometimes that meant that we cared for those children temporarily, until they could go back to their home,” Chief Executive Officer Lana Temple-Plotz said. “But today, we are really focused further upstream as a resource to families of all kinds so that their children can stay in their home.”

Temple-Plotz said as the organization celebrates 130 years of serving families and children, she’s also looking at how the past informs the future.

“We’ve always been an organization that’s focused on ensuring that children have a safe and loving family and home. And we’ve always been an organization that was really focused on going the extra mile and doing whatever it took to ensure that every child and every family was supported and cared for,” she said. “We still evolve and improve. And I hope that we continue to listen to our participants and what they want us to be and that we change our services accordingly. I hope that we continue to be a good partner to other nonprofits. And I hope that we can remain committed to innovation and excellence. Those are hopes that I have for our organization as we go forward.”

EVOLUTION AND INNOVATION

In 2018, NCHS underwent a year-long strategic planning process to examine how effectively it provides support for families, children, kinship caregivers, grandparents, adoptive families, and foster parents including through access to community resources, support groups, and ongoing educational opportunities.

“We really refined not just what we do as an organization, but how it relates to our mission and ensuring we’re communicating that effectively,” Temple-Plotz said. “We have had a little bit of change in terms of being a lot more focused on the prevention and early intervention family support components... And just providing them the support they need, through education and training, through helping them figure out how best to serve their kids and what they need to be successful.”

STORY BY KARA SCHWEISS • PHOTOS PROVIDED COURTESY OF NEBRASKA CHILDREN’S HOME SOCIETY • mMAGAZINE

NCHS: safe and loving care

Innovation Coordinator Olivia Biggs joined NCHS in 2021 to work with organizational leadership to coordinate and provide direct support for new initiatives and innovative services. “The staff’s integrity and the passionate work environment, paired with the agency’s mission to provide safe and loving care to children of all ages, led me to joining the NCHS team,” Biggs said. “My hope for NCHS in the future is that the organization can inspire our teams to implement holistic, groundbreaking solutions that support caregivers in providing a safe and loving home to their children, while continuing to advocate for quality resources for all families we serve.”

The Kinship Navigation program is one example of NCHS innovation. The program’s manager, Brooke Bouck, describes it as short-term case management services for adults caring for children—outside of the child welfare system—who are not their own offspring.

“What it really breaks down to is maybe Mom and Dad aren’t available to parent. Maybe somebody is incarcerated, or is sick, or has to go away, or just not at a point where they can parent well,” Bouck explained, adding that the temporary caregivers are usually family members or friends. “We want to work with them to address their immediate and their long-term needs, and we look to build

The care is personalized to each situation, and starts with a phone call, an email or a simple online form to answer the question, “How can we help you?” Bouck said.

ANILU, SCARLET, LESLYE, EDNER, NOELIA

BRAYTN, JEFF, AODEN, KASIE, AISLING, PHOENIX

ELMER P QUIVEY

supporting children and families

“We look across all those different areas of need and talk to them about ‘What does it look like to be successful?’” she said. “Everything that we do is what’s best for the children. You know, I’m a mom of four kids myself, and I can’t imagine having somebody to step in and care for my children. And I can’t imagine how hard it is for other people. I want to build them up. That’s what inspires me to stay with the agency and to work with the program: our ability to build people up.”

CARE AND RESPECT

Jeff and Kasie Knapp are foster parents. Jeff Knapp is also a mental health professional who has served as an educator at the Grace Abbott School of Social Work at University of NebraskaOmaha’s College of Public Affairs and Community Service.

“Personally, and professionally, NCHS is one of the best at what they do. To be successful in this field you have to truly care about what you do and those you serve. You have to care for and respect those you work with as humans and individuals, not just another case or another task. NCHS does this in so many ways,” he said, praising his family’s foster care specialist Jen Kiolbasa in particular and the entire NCHS team as “such a huge support to us.”

“They care about all of us, and in return we are able to care for those most vulnerable in our community. What they do goes unnoticed by most but it is so integral to a healthy community,” Knapp added.

JOSEPH, GREGORY, TYLER, JAXTON, LIAM

MIKE, CAROLYN, GARRISON, ELIZABETH

MARY EVA QUIVEY

nchs: SAFE AND LOVING CARE

NCHS: safe and loving care

“The work they do is hard and we wouldn’t be able to serve the kids in our home without them… They are able to support us and the children we care for in an individualized and personal way. They know our kids’ favorite color, favorite show, favorite animals, and—most importantly—their favorite snack. So, when a clothes donation comes in, they automatically know what our kids might like and without even asking can help go above and beyond to provide for their needs.”

NCHS Board Member Monica Wells said the organization is distinguished by both its consistency and longevity.

“One hundred thirty years of focus on family, children, and communities is commendable and proves that it is a mission that we must support and lead to continue to embrace and strengthen bonds between children and families,” Wells said. “I grew up in the great community of North Omaha and we have greatly benefitted from all the efforts of NCHS. Programs that have worked to reunite families who are in the foster care system, home-visiting programs that ensure families are getting the support and resources they need, and the young teen parenting program are a few of many that have provided strength and hope to the families in my community.”

PASSIONATE AND COMMITTED

“Our strategic priorities and aspirations are a big focus of what we do, and that helps guide our work. Our priorities are aimed at strengthening our organization and staying nimble so that we are always focused on

MICHAEL AND MARILYN

MEGAN, TOM AND CAMDEN

doing what we do best, and lifting up and bettering the communities that we’re in,” Temple-Plotz said. “And this also includes our NCHS community. We’re constantly striving to create a better culture within our organization, one where our team members are heard and respected, where they’re fairly compensated for the work they do, where they feel a sense of pride and belonging—that’s really important to us organizationally… We have a dedicated group of individuals who are so passionate and committed; that inspires me, to be able to work with them.”

“I chose NCHS because I was drawn to the beauty and simplicity of their mission. Providing safe and loving care to children of all ages should be the priority of the entire human race and to know that we have an entity devoted to that mission

MYRA AND BYRON

NCHS: safe and loving care

supporting children and families

SOREN, HAILEY, TAMAR AND TEDDY ELMER P QUIVEY

Finn’s tenacity served her particularly well at a time when not a lot of women were business owners and very few people were doing business in Asia. She said she knocked on a lot of institutional doors in an effort to acquire financial backing for what would become Creative Enterprises.

Driving it forward

Finn, who is from the area, said she was born with an entrepreneurial spirit.

nevertheless landed a position as a buyer/ line-builder for the company.

“I got to buy everything in the store that was not a shoe,” she said. “I did hosiery, jewelry, handbags, shoelaces—if it was in a store and not a shoe, it was in my department.”

The work and international experiences opened unexpected doors.

I’m still here. I’ve learned so much. You know, I brought some unexpected ideas to the company, including a Nebraska-based venture fund, which no one would have ever guessed Burlington would have done. They have been supportive, and actually excited about it; the company has an entrepreneurial foundation at its core, so it’s been a great experience to be part of this team.”

pamela finn

driving it forward

WOMEN WHO WOW Sponsored by

STORY BY KARA SCHWEISS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY DEBRA S. KAPLAN • mMAGAZINE

love what you are doing, what can I do to help?’”

Finn, who was raised in a “large, loud, Irish family” (they all live in the area), said her greatest joy comes from family. She and Jackson have two children: daughter Tehra, who was adopted from Vietnam as an infant and is currently an IT project manager with General Motors; and son Brandon, adopted from

nonprofit work and the boards/organizations we are members of

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NICHOLE TURGEON has devoted 12 years as chief executive officer of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Midlands. Nichole is also a current Big Sister in the organization’s community-based mentoring program. As CEO and a mentor, she understands firsthand what it means to help youth reach their full potential. Her passion for youth mentorship is attributed to many personal factors.

“After a couple of other workplaces, I chose Big Brothers Big Sisters because supporting and developing young people is the clearest way I know how to have a significant, positive impact on our community. I became a Big Sister to ensure I stay connected to the work we do, and because I know that as a Big I learn as much from my Little Sister, if not more, than she learns from me,” Turgeon said.

For more than 60 years, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Midlands has operated under the belief that inherent in every child is the ability to succeed and thrive in life. As a donor and volunteer-supported organization, Big Brothers Big Sisters makes meaningful, monitored matches between adult volunteers (“Bigs”) and children (“Littles”), ages seven through 21, throughout the Omaha/Council Bluffs metro area. Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Midlands targets the children who need us most, including those living in single-parent homes, in foster care, growing up in poverty, or coping with parental incarceration. Before making a match, a thorough process takes place to ensure success. After someone expresses an interest in becoming a Big, they go through an extensive background check and careful interview process. Bigs and Littles are then matched based on location, personalities and preferences. A dedicated Match Support Specialist supports them from from the start so that matches can grow into lasting, fruitful friendships.

Each Big and Little match is unique. Getting together out in the community doesn’t require a special occasion or expensive activity, just a few hours a couple of times every month, doing things the Little and Big already enjoy. Examples include reading books, getting ice cream, going to a museum, and providing advice and inspiration. Research has shown that positive relationships between Littles and Bigs have a direct and measurable impact on children’s lives. By partnering with

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Midlands

phone: (402) 330-2449

email: info@bbbsomaha.org

web: https://www.bbbsomaha.org

address: 1209 Harney Street, Suite 110, Omaha, NE 68102

others in the community, Little Brothers and Little Sisters are more likely to maintain or improve their emotions, decrease risky behaviors, improve their confidence in school, and maintain or improve their grades.

Turgeon said she is proud to be part of the organization’s rich history and mission to create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. Thanks to generous community volunteers and donors, the organization has served hundreds of local youth in the metro.

“We appreciate the community’s invaluable involvement with our organization. From stepping up to become a mentor to donating or partnering with us, we honestly can’t express our thanks enough. We literally cannot deliver our mission without you.”

To learn more about Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Midlands’ impact, sign up to volunteer or donate, visit bbbsomaha.org.

WE APPRECIATE THE COMMUNITY’S INVALUABLE INVOLVEMENT WITH OUR ORGANIZATION. FROM STEPPING UP TO BECOME A MENTOR TO DONATING OR PARTNERING WITH US, WE HONESTLY CAN’T EXPRESS OUR THANKS ENOUGH.

OUT FRONT • UP CLOSE WITH...

NICHOLE TURGEON CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

CREATE AND SUPPORT ONE-TO-ONE MENTORING RELATIONSHIPS THAT IGNITE THE POWER AND PROMISE OF YOUTH.

What is your favorite quotation and by whom?

“Be patient toward all that is unsolved in your heart and try to love the questions themselves… Do not now seek the answers, which cannot be given you because you would not be able to live them. And the point is, to live everything. Live the questions now. Perhaps you will then gradually, without noticing it, live…into the answer.”

~ Rainer Maria Rilke

What do you love most about the Omaha metro?

I love the spirit of community in the Omaha metro. Like many Omahans, I grew up here, left, and returned. Omaha has a philanthropic community like no other. The metro is not without its challenges, but there is a real sense that we can address those challenges together and make the community stronger.

If you went on a personal pilgrimage where would you go and what would you do?

If I were to go on a personal pilgrimage, I would want to spend that time in nature. Perhaps doing one of the great long-distance hikes like the Pacific Crest Trail, Appalachian Trail, or even Te Araroa in New Zealand.

What historical figure would you most like to be mentored by?

Maya Angelou

Who would you like to trade places with for one month?

I’m struggling to pinpoint a specific person, but I would like to trade places with an incredible artist. I appreciate art but lack all talent in that realm. To view the world through the eyes/mind/hands of a truly creative and talented artist would be a

dramatic departure from my norm and would change my perspective.

Describe your perfect day?

My perfect day starts with a cup of coffee outside, preferably by the water. After that, I’ll spend my day in a mix of pursuits. A hike or a scenic drive to explore somewhere new. Time with my dog, husband and friends. And, the perfect day has to have some time for losing myself in a good book too.

What human virtue do you consider most important and why?

I consider compassion to be the most important human virtue. I mean compassion as defined by the great mindfulness traditions. Compassion for not only others but for oneself allows us to connect with others and truly desire for all people to be free from suffering. Compassion leads to moving through the world in kindness.

What did you most dream of being when you grew up?

My dream career changed all the time as a young person. What I remember most about my dreams of growing up were being able to travel and go out and explore wherever I was living.

What life experience has strengthened you most?

Being independent at a young age allowed me to tackle problems and figure out how to solve them. Knowing you have to depend on yourself helps you make better choices and learn about life quickly.

“THE WORK WE DO IS NOT JUST NICE; IT IS NECESSARY. WHEN YOU’RE HAVING A TOUGH MOMENT, REMIND YOURSELF THAT OUR KIDS DESERVE YOUR BEST, AND OUR COMMUNITY TRUSTS YOU TO BRING YOUR BEST FOR THE KIDS. WHAT YOU DO MATTERS!”

~ NICHOLE TURGEON CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF THE MIDLANDS

DR. CANDACE GREGORY has more than 28 years of experience in children and family ministries, and through her vision has become a noted advocate for those experiencing homelessness. She is currently president/ CEO of Open Door Mission in Omaha. Under her stewardship, Open Door Mission has expanded its reach to offer more than 917 safe shelter beds and 4,747 nutritious meals to those who need them. Since joining the Mission as a case manager in 1995, Dr. Gregory has also served as director of family ministries, director of lydia house and family ministries, and chief operating officer.

Born and raised in New Brunswick, Canada, Dr. Gregory is a graduate of Lower Coverdale Christian Academy, Bethany Bible College, New Brunswick Community College, and Grace University with a degree in human development and family studies. In 2004, she received an honorary doctorate from Clarkson College of Sciences in humanitarian services. She resides in Iowa and is a devoted wife to her husband Steve and a loving mother to their four children.

Dr. Gregory is sought out for her experience in implementing community prevention programs that help end the cycle of homelessness and poverty. She created and implemented the Individual Program Plan (IPP) for more effective case management for women and children, as well as a long-term recovery program for the Mission to better serve families ready to build lasting solutions to the problems that placed them in crisis. She has also initiated several effective preventive measures, events and ongoing programs alike, to better serve impoverished people in the greater Omaha/Council Bluffs area. A seasoned community relations builder, Dr. Gregory has acquired partnerships with a growing number of Omaha businesses and service organizations.

“We offer over 40 programs for free to our community,” said Dr. Gregory, “To those experiencing homelessness and those living in poverty, so they might receive hope for lasting change. And, of course, we wouldn’t be to do that without the generosity of the community, whether it be their prayer support, monetary gifts, or valuable time.”

The community has recognized Dr. Gregory’s contributions through Open Door Mission through a variety of honors, the

Open Door Mission

phone: (402) 422-1111

email: odm@opendoormission.org

web: https://www.opendoormission.org

address: 2828 N 23rd St E, Omaha, NE 68110

most recent of which include 2022’s Aksarben Contribution to Philanthropy and Community Service Award, 2021’s 50 over 50 Nebraska Nonprofit Award, 2020’s Heartland United for Puerto Rico’s Community Partner Award, and 2018’s Association of Gospel Rescue Missions Marilyn Farmer Leadership Award.

Dr. Gregory’s leadership has also brought recognition to Open Door Mission as an organization, recently including Citygate Network (formerly Association of Gospel Rescue Missions) Phase One Program Certification for “commitment to a standard of excellence in all aspects of ministry,” 2018’s Greater Omaha Chamber Business Excellence Award in Innovation for its Manna Pantry approach to the distribution of gifts-in-kind to individuals and families in need, and one of Omaha’s 2018 “Best Places to Work.”

WE OFFER OVER 40 PROGRAMS FOR FREE TO OUR COMMUNITY TO THOSE EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS AND THOSE LIVING IN POVERTY, SO THEY MIGHT RECEIVE HOPE FOR LASTING CHANGE.

OUT FRONT • UP CLOSE WITH...

DR. CANDACE GREGORY PRESIDENT/CEO OF OPEN DOOR MISSION

What is your favorite quotation and by whom?

“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.”

~ Jesus Christ, referenced in John 15:12-13

What do you love most about the Omaha metro?

I love the generosity and compassion that people in the Omaha metro have for others. It is an awesome representation of our city.

If you went on a personal pilgrimage where would you go and what would you do?

I would love to visit the Holy Land to walk where Jesus walked.

What historical figure would you most like to be mentored by?

Jesus, Mother Teresa, Amy Carmichael, and Corrie ten Boom would be wonderful mentors.

Who would you like to trade places with for one month?

No one! I would not want to miss anything. Describe your perfect day?

My perfect day would include breakfast with my hubby, a blended drink with a good book, and dinner with my family.

What human virtue do you consider most important and why?

Compassion. There is no HOPE without compassion.

What did you most dream of being when you grew up?

Either a missionary or a teacher.

What life experience has strengthened you most?

Being a mother has strengthened me the most.

~ DR. CANDACE GREGORY PRESIDENT/CEO OPEN DOOR MISSION

“THE BUSYNESS OF MINISTRY CAN CROWD OUT THE PURPOSE OF MINISTRY WHICH IS TO LOVE OTHERS. SO, I TRY VERY HARD NOT TO ALLOW THE DAY-TO-DAY PRESSURES TO INHIBIT THOSE PRIORITIES.

WHEN I PUT GOD FIRST, HE TAKES CARE OF THE REST.”

OPEN DOOR MISSION IS A GOSPEL RESCUE MISSION FOUNDED IN 1954 COMMITTED TO BREAKING THE CYCLE OF HOMELESSNESS AND POVERTY.

art of rehabilitation, BUILDING A SENSE OF HOPE AND OPTIMISM

QLI is the country’s largest specialized provider of post-acute brain and spinal cord injury rehabilitation services. Recognized nationally as a center of excellence, QLI has spent over 30 years rebuilding shattered lives through its proprietary clinical model TriDimensional Rehab®.

TriDimensional Rehab® integrates the best practices from medicine, education and psychology to simultaneously address the healing of the body, mind and spirit. While offering unrivaled medical, physical and cognitive rehabilitation services, the crown jewel of this revolutionary clinical model is the Life Path Services program. Life Path Services taps into an individual’s identity and interests to reignite purpose and passion after a devastating injury. Helping individuals and families cope with a sudden, lifealtering injury while building a sense of hope and optimism for the life path ahead is the ultimate rehabilitation challenge and the heart and soul of this program.

QLI’s diverse, interdisciplinary team understands both the science and art of rehabilitation and lifelong learning. While QLI’s national reputation for excellence draws clients from coast to coast and beyond, QLI remains steadfast in its dedication to serving Nebraska. The people of QLI are proud to serve as a local healthcare resource.

In addition to its core program, QLI innovates in exciting ways. Leaning on its clinical expertise and award-winning culture, QLI’s IMPACT workforce development program partners with area organizations to identify under-resourced yet capable high school-aged students to participate in an intensive, meaningful training and internship program. The students not only gain the technical skills and certifications needed to launch a healthcare career, but also the social, emotional and life skills necessary for success at work and home.

In the fall of 2022, QLI completed work on a two-unit smart apartment facility. These beautiful apartments were purposebuilt using the latest and greatest in smart home technology and design to foster independence for our clients with physical or cognitive impairment. The long-term goal is for smart home design to become the norm in residential construction,

QLI, Quality Living, Inc.

phone: (402) 573-3700

email: QLI@qliomaha.com

web: https://www.teamqli.com

address: 6404 N. 70th Plaza, Omaha, NE 68104

offering much greater housing access to the differently-abled in our community, and promoting continued growth and independence for these individuals and their families.

QLI is passionate about the use of neuroscience and innovative technologies to reimagine the possibilities of life after a catastrophic injury. They dream of inclusive spaces where every person can be a valued member of their community, one that allows people to live a life they love no matter the barriers they face. They challenge their devoted and creative team members to think outside the box. By dreaming big for their clients and their families, they remain dedicated to pushing the envelope for what is possible in the world of rehabilitation and accessible communities.

QLI IS PASSIONATE ABOUT THE USE OF NEUROSCIENCE AND INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGIES TO REIMAGINE THE POSSIBILITIES OF LIFE AFTER A CATASTROPHIC INJURY.

OUT FRONT • UP CLOSE WITH...

NASH MAHUPETE VICE PRESIDENT OF RESIDENTIAL SERVICES

What is your favorite quotation and by whom?

“Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery. None but ourselves can free our minds”

~Bob Marley

What do you love most about the Omaha metro?

It’s the people! Omaha is both big and small at the same time. It is large enough to have a diverse talent pool and yet quaint enough to be able to connect with anyone. Due to Omaha’s pool of talent, QLI’s unrivaled mission is supported by the wonderful and dedicated team members who call Omaha “home”.

If you went on a personal pilgrimage where would you go and what would you do?

I would take a tour of the African continent. Due to colonial influence, the world maps are widely misleading as to Africa’s size and scope. Growing up I was programmed to believe that Africa was just a small place with small potential. My pilgrimage would be to take in the excellence and greatness of the African continent and people.

What historical figure would you most like to be mentored by?

Nelson Mandela. As a leader, he always endeavored to listen to each and every person in a discussion before venturing his own opinion. It is a skill that shows how truly open he was to hearing others. It is something that I see people strive for often at QLI.

Who would you like to trade places with for one month?

I appreciate everything I have, who I am, and cherish the life I have been blessed with so much that I wouldn’t want to trade places with anyone. However, if I had to trade, it would be Denzel Washington’s

character, Robert McCall in the movie “The Equalizer.” He is courageous, mysterious, elusive, and stops at nothing to get justice.

Describe your perfect day?

My perfect day starts after a good night’s sleep. It includes having purpose within it, which comes from hanging with the great QLI team and impacting lives with equally passionate and committed team members. What sums up my perfect day is spending time with my wife, kids and other family.

What human virtue do you consider most important and why?

Several human virtues are important. If I have to pick a single one, like Maya Angelou said, it’s courage. You must have courage to live up to all the other values consistently.

What did you most dream of being when you grew up?

In Zimbabwe, I grew up in a household with my parents, five other siblings and several other people they took in and treated like family. My parents defined success for themselves as having nobody go to bed hungry and an assuring that we were raised in a home full of love. That is what I strive for.

What life experience has strengthened you most?

Other than losing my father when I was becoming an adult, the 22 years I have spent at QLI have shaped and strengthened me. Many QLI leaders have invested in me, pushed me outside of my comfort zone to grow, and helped me belong in our community. I am a stronger leader because of the people who believed in me.

QLI, QUALITY LIVING, INC.

“ABC: ALWAYS BE CURIOUS. FEED YOUR MIND WITH USEFUL KNOWLEDGE. YOU CAN ONLY WITHDRAW FROM IT WHAT YOU DEPOSITED. IF YOU AREN’T LEARNING, YOU’RE OBSOLETE.”

~ NASH MAHUPETE VICE PRESIDENT OF RESIDENTIAL SERVICES

building bridges across difference , LEADING WITH LOVE, EMPATHY AND PLURALISM

TRI-FAITH INITIATIVE’S mission to cultivate inclusive environments that advance interfaith relationships and understanding is more urgent than ever in this climate of polarization. The co-location of a synagogue, a church, a mosque, and an interfaith center was once thought impossible; today, the Tri-Faith Commons remains the only completed project of its kind in the world. But our vision as the Tri-Faith Initiative extends well beyond brick and mortar to a world in which differences are honored, similarities are built upon, and everyone belongs.

Tri-Faith Initiative recognizes that every individual relates to religion differently, as is their right. Through various programs, we celebrate religious pluralism as a social norm and make space for those who are affiliated, unaffiliated, and everything in between.

One such cross-sectional program is the annual Race, Religion, and Social Justice Conference, which launched in June 2022. The conference united 130 leaders for a DEI-focused educational experience. An expert panel of Black faith leaders from North Omaha presented a keynote discussion, and UNO’s Religious Studies and other departments contributed to the DEI-focused content. This year’s conference will be held June 7-8 on the Tri-Faith Commons.

The Tri-Faith Commons Garden and Orchard Project, launched in 2019 by our faith partners in response to Omaha’s worsening food insecurity problem, is a volunteer-run project. Our volunteers harvested a record-breaking 5,100 pounds of healthy produce this season, allowing us to donate more nutritious fruits and vegetables to food pantries than ever before.

Last September, our inaugural United We Walk event brought the community together to celebrate Omaha’s rich racial, religious, and cultural diversity. The event’s grand marshals were a diverse group of community leaders from across the region, committed to bridging divides within Omaha. Over 2,200 participants attended, and all event attendees walked away with a restored sense of community. This year’s United We Walk event will be held September 10 on the Tri-Faith Commons.

Tri-Faith Initiative

phone: (402) 934-2955

email: info@trifaith.org

web: https://www.trifaith.org

address: 13136 Faith Plaza, Omaha, NE 68144

We also offer virtual and in-person religious literacy courses to the community. Our “Abraham’s Whiteboard” series examines historical, theological, and other aspects of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, and analyzes inter-relationships historically and in our contemporary world. Tri-Faith’s interactive “Women of Tri-Faith Virtual Lunch” series brings women together across differences to enjoy conversation, and our “Making the Familiar Strange” series features guest speakers presenting on a variety of topics that challenge attendees to learn from new perspectives.

Tri-Faith cannot understate the lesson learned in 2022: our audiences are looking for our thought-leadership on issues of interfaith, religious equity, and pluralism. In the workplace, organizations are looking to better serve their employees and clients whose religious identity is core to their being. Among spiritual and/or interfaith seekers, Tri-Faith presents a whole new world of what is possible in American society. To our TriFaith Commons partners, there is tangible excitement to how Tri-Faith can further facilitate and normalize interfaith empathy and understanding.

IT’S TIME TO BUILD MULTIRACIAL, MULTI-FAITH COALITIONS TO COUNTER HATE AND ADVOCATE FOR HUMAN RIGHTS AND FREEDOM OF THOUGHT AND BELIEF.

OUT FRONT • UP CLOSE WITH...

WENDY GOLDBERG EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF TRI-FAITH INITIATIVE

THROUGH

What is your favorite quotation and by whom?

“Love is a form of sweet labor: fierce, bloody, imperfect, and life-giving—a choice we make over and over again… Joy is the gift of love. Grief is the price of love. Anger protects that which is loved. And when we think we have reached our limit, wonder is the act that returns us to love.”

~Valarie Kaur

What do you love most about the Omaha metro?

My family, friends and colleagues. It’s home. I love the generous, collaborative and entrepreneurial spirit.

If you went on a personal pilgrimage where would you go and what would you do?

I would gather a cohort of thought leaders to read, talk. explore, practice yoga, garden, cook, eat, and write together. I’d visit all the national parks, too.

What did you most dream of being when you grew up?

A good mom.

Who would you like to trade places with for one month?

Uma Viswanathan, Executive Director of the New Pluralists leading a collaborative to galvanize $1 billion of funding towards pluralism. President Biden recently announced a partnership with Viswanathan’s organization to build solidarity with and support many types of funding and field initiatives that share our Tri-Faith vision for a pluralistic society.

Describe your perfect day?

A morning tending in the garden while listening to a well-written fiction novel about human connection.

An afternoon preparing food from my harvest. And an evening with family and friends enjoying the bounty and each other.

What human virtue do you consider most important and why?

Wonder and awe. At this moment when life is uncertain and messy—wonder and awe offer a sense of connectedness. When experienced in response to nature, art, music, spiritual experiences, or ideas, wonder and awe inspire me to think beyond myself. This virtue fuels my passion to learn, and be courageous and open-hearted.

What historical figure would you most like to be mentored by?

Dorothy Day is known for being a strong activist and devout woman who served humanity. In “Unruly Saint: Dorothy Day’s Radical Vision and Its Challenge for Our Times,” D.L. Mayfield describes Day as “incredibly human, full of guilt and joy and longing and desire and conflicted feelings and rage at the systems that dehumanize people.”

What life experience has strengthened you most?

I grapple with the reality that we are all struggling — that everyone I know is living with some private struggle. I make space and am brave about my vulnerabilities. I listen to others. Healing happens when I make space for the pain and lead with love. I realize these human experiences connect us, bridge difference and give me strength.

“RELIGIOUS PLURALISM IS MESSY AND NUANCED. CONFLICT IS A NATURAL PART OF A COMMUNITY; IT’S HOW YOU NAVIGATE CONFLICT THAT CHANGES EVERYTHING. IT’S NOT ALWAYS ABOUT BEING RIGHT OR WRONG. I IMAGINE A WORLD WHERE DIFFERENCES ARE HONORED, SIMILARITIES ARE BUILT UPON, AND EVERYONE BELONGS.”

~ WENDY GOLDBERG EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TRI-FAITH INITIATIVE

OUR CORE VALUES OF COURAGE, EMPATHY, INCLUSION, RESILIENCE, AND LIFELONG LEARNING, TRI-FAITH INITIATIVE ENDEAVORS TO CULTIVATE INCLUSIVE ENVIRONMENTS THAT ADVANCE INTERFAITH RELATIONSHIPS AND UNDERSTANDING.

For more than a century, Scouting has offered characterbuilding programs to youth and young adults ages 5-20. The programs conducted by trained adult leaders help youth develop leadership, citizenship, and personal fitness. The MidAmerica Council covers 58 counties in Nebraska, Iowa and South Dakota. More than 7,200 youth are served with support from 2,700 dedicated volunteers.

Cub Scouts, an educational program for boys and girls in grades K-5, focuses on hands-on activities and outdoor fun that promotes education, character, and self-esteem.

Scouts BSA is a leadership and character development program for young men and women ages 11-18. With support of adult leaders, youth develop self-confidence and personal values. Invention Scouts is a coeducational supplemental program of the BSA that seeks to inspire youth ages 6-18 about inventorship and entrepreneurship. Exploring is a co-ed worksite-based career education program for young people ages 14-20; Explorers develop social and leadership skills while gaining real-world career experience.

While the environment kids are growing up in today looks different than in the past, the nature of kids hasn’t changed. With programs for young men and women, Scouting continues to help meet the six essential needs of young people growing up in our society: mentoring, lifelong learning, faith traditions, serving others, healthy living, and building character. The Scouting movement is ready to meet families where they are today by adapting the way we serve. The core of our programs will continue to allow youth to:

- Try new things.

- Provide service to others.

- Build self-confidence.

- Reinforce ethical standards.

While various activities and youth groups teach basic skills and promote teamwork, Scouting goes beyond that and encourages youth to achieve a deeper appreciation for service to others in their community. Programs are offered year-round and include

Mid-America Council, BSA

phone: (402) 431-9272

email: mac@scouting.org

web: www.mac-bsa.org

address: 12401 W Maple Rd., Omaha, NE 68164

opportunities for family togetherness. Scouting provides youth with a sense that they are important as individuals and are a valued member of the Scouting family. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, Scouting promotes activities that lead to personal responsibility and high self-esteem. As a result, when decisions have to be made, peer pressure can be resisted, and the right choices can be made.

The Mid-America Council seeks to be the premier youth leadership and character development organization. We aim to pave the trail in providing youth development and outdoor programs by coordinating our efforts with other youth service organizations. In doing so, we can lead impactful change relevant to the persistent and emerging needs of youth today.

WHILE VARIOUS ACTIVITIES AND YOUTH GROUPS TEACH BASIC SKILLS AND PROMOTE TEAMWORK, SCOUTING GOES BEYOND THAT AND ENCOURAGES YOUTH TO ACHIEVE A DEEPER APPRECIATION FOR SERVICE TO OTHERS IN THEIR COMMUNITY

OUT FRONT • UP CLOSE WITH...

CHRIS MEHAFFEY CEO & SCOUT EXECUTIVE

THE MISSION OF THE BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA IS TO PREPARE YOUNG PEOPLE TO MAKE ETHICAL AND MORAL CHOICES OVER THEIR LIFETIMES BY INSTILLING IN THEM THE VALUES OF THE SCOUT OATH AND LAW.

What is your favorite quotation and by whom?

From Jim Collins in “Good to Great”: “If we get the right people on the bus, the right people in the right seats, and the wrong people off the bus, then we’ll figure out how to take it someplace great.”

What do you love most about the Omaha metro?

The people of the Omaha metro are what make our community truly great. We are very fortunate to live, work and play in a community of our size that fosters a sense of pride and desire to make our town the best it can be.

If you went on a personal pilgrimage where would you go and what would you do?

I love being on the water and have always wanted to travel by boat from Lake Erie to the Atlantic Ocean.

What historical figure would you most like to be mentored by?

Winston Churchill. When I think about Churchill’s quote “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give,” that strikes a chord with me as I chose a career path based on purpose and giving back to Scouting.

Who would you like to trade places with for one month?

This is a difficult question because as I try to think about someone else’s role and life, my life

is truly the only one I would want. I have great joy and pride in the work I do and the lifechanging impact it will have in our world long after I am here. And alongside my best friend and wife of 24-plus years, we are raising three strong, remarkable daughters who will be my greatest legacy.

Describe your perfect day?

A day on the lake with my family.

What human virtue do you consider most important and why?

Honesty as it complements integrity and trustworthiness.

What did you most dream of being when you grew up?

I wanted to be a fireman. Their selfless acts of courage that save lives and help people in need are what we need more of in our community. Plus, they drive really cool fire engines.

What life experience has strengthened you most?

My time in the Boy Scouts as a youth. The self-confidence, self reliance and leadership skills I learned during that time I still use daily.

“YOU CONTROL YOUR ATTITUDE, AND POSITIVE ATTITUDES MAKE GOOD THINGS HAPPEN.”

~ CHRIS MEHAFFEY CEO & SCOUT EXECUTIVE MID-AMERICA COUNCIL, BSA

workplace culture:

WHY WORK FRIENDS ARE beneficial

You likely remember your first work friend. They showed you the ropes and helped you navigate office politics. Today, research shows that work best friends are not just nice to have, but also play an essential role in employee engagement and retention.

Fostering a buddy-friendly environment can reap benefits in many ways:

Increased job satisfaction. Friendships contribute to employee wellbeing and fulfillment. A 2019 study by PwC (business advisory services firm PricewaterhouseCoopers) showed that friendships increased worker satisfaction by 50%. Other studies also show that happy employees are more productive.

Lower turnover. Employees with friends at work are less likely to look for new jobs. They feel a sense of belonging that may deter them from looking elsewhere (even during the Great Resignation).

Improved skill building. Employees may be more comfortable asking a friend for help or understanding. This is especially helpful in a remote environment where shadowing or observation may not be possible. Work friends are a wealth of information. They function as an additional knowledge transfer outside of formal training.

Alternative support. Work friends offer a unique perspective. They comprehend the intricacies of your work environment that friends or family may not understand. Peer coaching naturally occurs between friends, enabling employees to reflect on their career journeys and problem-solve.

mary drueke-collins

The 2022 Workforce Purpose Index reported that almost half of the employees surveyed found it difficult to make friends at work. As a leader and HR partner, you can play a role in encouraging friendships on the job. First, take a sincere interest in getting to know your employees. Pair new hires with experienced staff who may offer a different vantage point. Dedicate a part of regular meetings to topics other than work. These small interactions contribute to making work fun and may cement new friendships.

Chances are your team will embrace “purpose.” Additionally, candidates are attracted to purpose-driven organizations, which gives you an edge in a hot employee market.

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

mindfulness AS A STRATEGY FOR IMPROVING positive presence

It is one thing to be in a calm state of mind and decide to sit down and meditate. It is quite another thing to be at work with emails popping in, texts pinging on your phone, and people knocking on your door to remind you of the many deadlines you have on your plate today.

I have a fair number of friends who are coaches. Each has his or her favorite coaching tool. One of my coaching friends, Anne, uses a tool called the Actualized Leadership Profile. When Anne first started to share with me the details of this tool, she referred to the “shadow side.” I admit to rolling my eyes at discussions of shadow sides; however, after learning more about the Actualized Leadership tool, I came to appreciate the idea.

The Actualized Leadership profile focuses on the Maslow hierarchy of needs. Three leadership styles are identified. For me, the noteworthy aspect of the profile is not so much the leadership styles as the analysis of the attributes that someone will reflect as an “actualized leader” as compared to the attributes that will be reflected when someone is at their worst. An “Asserter” at his or her best will be confident, decisive, proactive, creative and accountable. An “Asserter” at his or her worst will be impatient, arrogant, reactive and controlling.

A key thing for me was to learn that the shadow side simply reflected the fact that I was likely under too much stress and unable to be at the top of Maslow’s hierarchy.

Stress is common in life. For me, it was a relief to learn that I did not suffer from inherent character defects so much as too much stress and the need for improved management of the stress. On the other hand, I knew that functioning around others when the attributes of my “shadow side” were in full bloom was not likely to result in the positive relationships that I wanted to achieve. I particularly wanted to achieve a more positive culture at work.

I called Anne and chatted with her about my idea on how to prevent my shadow side from showing up at the office or anywhere else. My idea was that I would work remotely and hide out on those days that I was under so much stress that I might appear impatient or reactive. I was expecting Anne to cheer my idea but instead she said, “No, Mary, it doesn’t work that way. As a leader, you must learn to show up with positive presence every single day regardless of how you feel on a particular day.”

Anne suggested I reach into my mindfulness toolbox to develop strategies that result in a positive presence even on those days when I knew that doing so would be a challenge.

Mindfulness is the ability to be fully present in the moment. We use our breath to help us become fully present. We notice exactly what we are doing and where we are, and seek to be nonjudgmental about what we might be experiencing.

One of the challenges of mindfulness is learning to practice mindfulness in the midst of a busy, stressful day; however, this is when mindfulness matters most. During the work day, I rarely have time to stop, close my eyes and meditate. Instead, I have to find mindfulness practices that fit in between phone calls, emails, meetings, and knocks on my door.

The most important practice I have adopted is that of just stopping for six to 10 seconds to take a deep breath—and to notice my breath. I set my Apple Watch to remind me to take a breath break every 90 minutes. When I notice my breath, I notice my state of mind.

I also focus on doing a single task at a time. If I am meeting with someone or engaging in an activity that needs my full attention, I close my email inbox and activate “do not disturb” on other devices so that I can focus on the one single task at hand.

I use mindful reminders. I have coffee cups with reminders to be mindful. I have coasters with mindful comments. I use calming sounds on my notifications. When I hear the ping from a message, I try to use that as a reminder to take a deep breath and stay present.

Notice the critical voice in your head that encourages you to feel stressed and redirect it. When someone (the voice in your head or another person) suggests that what you are doing is “stressful,” correct the comment and say, “Oh, actually, this is really challenging and exciting.”

Practice gratitude. On a very busy day, I try to express gratitude for the great work and opportunities that have come my way. Whenever possible, take a deep breath and find something to appreciate.

legal recourse FOR workplace gaslighting

What is workplace gaslighting? Gaslighting, whether at work or elsewhere, is when someone else manipulates you in a way that makes you question your sanity. A gaslighter achieves this by retelling events in a way that puts blame on you, denying events by saying things like “that didn’t happen” or “you don’t recall that correctly,” or downplaying your emotions by making you feel hypersensitive for reporting a co-worker’s inappropriate remarks. Gaslight is an abuse of power and it is bullying.

Signs of workplace gaslighting

You may hear narratives about your performance that are unjustified and inaccurate. Healthy feedback may involve a discussion of yourself that you might not want to hear, but gaslighting is a narrative that doesn’t fit what is actually

going on and who you are. An example might be related to a project that you completed and for which you felt a great sense of accomplishment and received positive feedback from others on your team. The gaslighter might start with one positive comment but then make comments that make you question whether your effort was actually good enough.

Mary E. Vandenack

A gaslighter lies often, even when you have proof that contradicts the lie. By way of example, perhaps you sent a document for review to the gaslighter and he or she denies having received it despite you having read a receipt related to the email.

Gaslighters are unwilling to be held accountable. If you ask your boss to review his or her inbox for the document you sent, you are likely to be met with abusive language: “I told you I don’t have it.”The gaslighter will meet a challenge with defensiveness and loud protestations about being questioned.

A gaslighting boss will deny established priorities. On Monday, you might be told that your number-one priority is to complete a particular project. On Friday, you may be lambasted for prioritizing that project. You might be told, “Your recollection of our conversation is wrong.”

Workplace gaslighting is a long game. It occurs over a period of time. It is the gaslighter’s persistent dishonesty over a period of time that begins to make you doubt yourself.

Do you have legal recourse for workplace gaslighting? Workplace gaslighting is illegal, but you must be able to prove the gaslighting. The first step is to verify that you are being gaslighted. Because workplace gaslighting is a form of emotional abuse resulting in self-doubt, it is helpful to hire an employment attorney experienced in this form of workplace harassment early in the process. It may also be helpful to consult a psychology professional with background in workplace gaslighting to assist in assessing whether the actions fall in the category of gaslighting. It may be best to seek external validation and assistance first.

Documentation matters in all legal matters. In gaslighting, its importance cannot be undervalued. The gaslighter is profoundly dishonest and will, with a straight face, lie about what happened and seek to recharacterize the facts in a way that makes the gaslighter appear to have been trying to be helpful. Excellent documentation will be of significant value when you file a report with your organization’s human resource professional. Documentation will also support your personal mental health by clearly identifying the abusive gaslighting behaviors and eliminating self-doubt.

MY favorite things

It’s 2023 and my hope is that your world is full of new beginnings and positive vibes. From TikTok to Facebook to Instagram, we are all influenced minute by minute on what to wear, what coffee to drink, how to wash our face, and more. The constant and consistent message is to be more and do more. “Influencers” show us their favorite products and sleek style, one video after another guiding us along the way.

Taking this idea and running with it, these are my five favorite things to “influence” you on my approach to heath-centered dentistry. As always, my desire is to challenge your beliefs about health and dentistry from a broader perspective as means of creating future opportunity if you

Silly and predictable, right? Right—but so true. The simple act of flossing once per day before bed to remove destructive bacteria from in between teeth can be lifechanging. It is the easiest way to prevent gum disease and empowers those who have struggled with recurring cavities every six months to stop

Again, a little bit cheesy, but so rewarding. From gorgeous porcelain veneers to simply smoothing the rough, chipped edge of a front tooth, helping another human feel better about how they smile is definitely on my favorite things list. The icing on top is that time and time again, those who improve their smiles show more confidence and take better care of their teeth. Yes, helping people become

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.

stephanie vondrak d.d.s.

Name Of Organization: Omaha Symphony

Event Name: 2022 Omaha Symphony 56th Annual Debutante Ball

When: December 27, 2022

Where: Embassy Suites La Vista

Why: The Debutante Ball is a benefit to support the education and community outreach programs of the Omaha Symphony. Funds raised support a series of educational programs including the digital classroom and reach over 60,000 students from pre-K through high school. The Debutantes and Stags are high school graduates from the class of 2022. Their participation is selected based upon their families’ support of the Omaha Symphony and their volunteer work in the community.

Special Guests: Honoring individuals and families across Nebraska and western Iowa for volunteerism and community service.

Attendance: 590

Amount Raised: $310,000

Event Summary: The 56th Annual Ball raised more than $310,000 and celebrated 87 families with 590 guests in attendance. Guests enjoyed Omaha Steaks for dinner, followed by dancing to Pam and the Pearls. Red roses, poinsettias, and fresh evergreen accentuated the floral design and decor by Aaron Carlson Design. Partners include: Bridal Traditions, BUNGALOW/8, Hooton Images, and Mr. Tuxedo.

Mission: The Debutante Ball, an annual fundraiser for the Omaha Symphony, has honored and celebrated the volunteerism and philanthropy of many families in Omaha and the surrounding areas for 55 years. Ball proceeds provide much-needed funding for the Omaha

VANDYKE AND KIRKWOOD FAMILIES

DEBUTANTES AND STAG TAKING A SPIN AROUND THE

2022 OMAHA SYMPHONY DEBUTANTE BALL COMMITTEE

2022 OMAHA SYMPHONY DEBUTANTES

2022 OMAHA SYMPHONY STAGS

2022 DEBUTANTES AND STAGS FINISH THEIR DANCE

2022 DEBUTANTE MARIS GRABILL, GAVIN GRABILL, KATE AND BRAD GRABILL

PHOTOS BY HOOTON IMAGES

Mirroring the Midlands Midlands Community Foundation: 2023 Reflection Ball

Name of Organization: Midlands Community Foundation

Event Name: 2023 Reflection Ball

When: January 21, 2023

Where: Embassy Suites La Vista

Why: The event was held to honor 2023 Reflection Award recipient Randy Sump and to raise funds for MCF’s bi-annual grants program.

Attendance: 360

Amount Raised: $143,000

Event Summary: This event was held to honor 2023 Reflection Award recipient Randy Sump for his community volunteerism, economic development, and leadership role in MCF’s growth. The event also raised funds to support MCF’s bi-annual grants program which supports nonprofits that provide program and services in Sarpy and Cass Counties in the areas of arts, community and economic development, education, health, and human services.

Mission: The mission of Midlands Community Foundation is to be a catalyst for lasting impact in Sarpy and Cass counties and to give opportunities to organizations and individuals so that they can pursue their charitable goals. About: We accomplish our mission through our grants program and the establishing of charitable funds. With our bi-annual grants program, discretionary gifts and 160 charitable funds, we contributed more than $2.5 million to charitable causes in our last fiscal year. For more information: (402) 991-8027

Sponsors: CHI Health, Koley Jessen, Meta, Pinnacle Bank, Rick Iske Insurance, Upton Construction, American Family Insurance, Adams & Sullivan, Bluestem Capital Partners, E&A Consulting, Lee & Associates, Roloff Construction, Bellevue Community Foundation, Black Hills Energy, Catalyst Public Affairs, City of Papillion, Egermier Builders, First National Bank, Frederick Brothers Rental, Houston Engineering, inSource Financial Advisors, Nebraska Medicine, Northwest Bank, OPPD, PAC Singers, Papillion La Vista Community Schools Foundation, Roth Enterprises, Sarpy County Sports Commission, Tower District Papillion, Werner Enterprises

MICHAELA AND KRIS VALENTIN, CONGRESSMAN MIKE FLOOD AND MANDI FLOOD, JOHN WINKLER

PAPILLION MAYOR DAVID BLACK, LA VISTA MAYOR DOUG KINDIG, GRETNA MAYOR MIKE EVANS

LORENZE AND JANICE ROLOFF; VALERIE DOWNS

HONORARY CHAIRS RICK AND PATRICIA ISKE, 2023 REFLECTION AWARD RECIPIENT RANDY SUMP, MCF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR DIANE KNICKY, MCF BOARD PRESIDENT TOM ACKLEY

2023 REFLECTION BALL COMMITTEE

ERICA AND DAVE HARRIG; SARPY COUNTY COMMISSIONER JIM WARREN AND PATTI WARREN; JASON BUETHE.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF MIDLANDS COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

Watch

2023 Reflection Award recipient, Randy Sump,

Gold Sponsors ♦ CHI Health & Midlands Medical Staff

♦ Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O. ♦ Meta ♦ Pinnacle Bank

♦ Rick Iske Insurance, Inc.

♦ Upton Construction

Wine Sponsor ♦ American Family Insurance (Dan Grzywa, Terri Scholting, Ken Summerfield)

Silver Sponsors ♦ Adams & Sullivan, P.C., L.L.O. ♦ Bluestem Capital Partners

♦ E & A Consulting Group

♦ Lee & Associates

♦ Roloff Construction

Corporate Sponsors

♦ Bellevue Community Foundation

♦ Black Hills Energy

♦ Catalyst Public Affairs

Corporate Sponsors (cont’d)

♦ Egermier Builders, Inc. ♦ First National Bank

♦ Frederick Brothers Rental ♦ Houston Engineering

♦ inSource Financial Advisors ♦ Nebraska Medicine

♦ Northwest Bank ♦ Omaha Public Power District

♦ Papillion Area Community Singers

♦ Papillion La Vista Community Schools Foundation

♦ Reinsch, Slattery, Bear, Minahan & Prickett

♦ Roth Enterprises, Inc.

♦ Sarpy County Sports Commission

♦ Tower District Papillion ♦ Werner Enterprises

MATT GOETZ; STACY LAMBERT; SCOT BURMEISTER AND SARPY COUNTY COMMISSIONER ANGI BURMEISTER; TRISH AND PHIL DAVIDSON; CASS COUNTY COMMISSIONER JOHN WINKLER.

RANDY AND CHRISTINA SUMP

DR. ARMAN AND CATHIE PAJNIGAR AND FATHER HARRY BUSE

SARPY COUNTY COURT JUDGE COLIN PALM, TAMMI PALM AND TOM ACKLEY

LUCAS DART, JASON OLSON, MATT AND SARA HANKE, ELLEN AND KEVIN DASHER, ASHLEE OLSON.

MARY LORRAINE AND KEVIN MILLER; TAMI AND BOB DENTON.

TONEE GAY, KARLA RUPIPER, MARY GAWECKI, DIANE KNICKY

FIRST NATIONAL BANK GUESTS

save the date!

WHAT ELSE IS possible?

Welcome, 2023! I love the New Year. New beginnings, new adventures, new possibilities, new choices. A blank canvas for us to perhaps choose something different and create another masterpiece along the journey of our lives.

As I look back over the past 30-plus years I’ve been in the publishing/media business, I realize where I am today is largely because of the choices I have made. Some of them created more ease and more joy in my life and business, and some of them did not.

We are all a work in progress and constantly evolving. There are hundreds, thousands—make that millions—of choices we can make at any given time.

We all are making choices. Every moment in every day there are choices to make. We are choosing what we wear, what we eat, what we do, who we do it with, where we work, how we nurture our bodies or how we don’t. We choose happiness and joy and we also choose sadness and struggle.

What I love about CHOICE is that you always have a CHOICE. If you choose something and it doesn’t work out or you change your mind, you can choose again. When I hear myself saying, “I have no choice,” that is a choice.

Gary Douglas, founder of Access Consciousness, encourages us to choose in 10-second increments. There is no right or wrong choice, good or bad choice. There is just CHOICE.

Ask yourself, “If I choose (fill in the blank), what will my life be like in a year, five years, ten years? (Or perhaps, in keeping with the above admonition, in the next 10 seconds?) Will this choice create more in my life or less?”

Only you can answer that question. My life continues to change by asking such questions. What are you choosing in 2023? And remember: If it isn’t working out or feeling light—choose again!

What else is possible (in the next 10 seconds, 10 minutes, months, years?) That begins with your next CHOICE!

What else is possible? ~ ANDEE

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