Major Paul Fleeman, Divisional Commander Joanne Bemis, Development Director
Susan Eustice, Public Relations Director Laura Robinson, Public Relations Intern
The Salvation Army Salute
Volume 25, No. 1
The Salvation Army Kroc Center was sizzling on Sunday, August 11, with the sounds of good music, good fun and, of course, bacon! The first annual BaconFest Omaha was held on the Festival Plaza at the Kroc Center, 2825 Y Street, adjacent to the newly dedicated Miguel Keith Hernandez Monument and Park. An estimated 1,000 people visited BaconFest Omaha and approximately $80,000 was raised for the Kroc Scholarship fund.
Former Husker, Matt Davison, Speaks at Norfolk Annual Luncheon BaconFest Omaha Summer Meal
www. G i ve S a l vat ion Ar my .org
BACONFEST OMAHA: A SIZZLIN’ AFFAIR
Fall 2013
BaconFest Omaha offered a full day of familyProgram Expands friendly activities including a Kid’s Corral, several food vendors, 15 retail vendors, five area bands and Testimonial From the Farmland Bacon Cook-off. The competition Battered Moore, consisted of nine chefs, a panel of judges, public voting, seven prizes and nearly 1,000 pounds of pork Oklahoma Major Todd Thielke, Senior Kroc Center officer, looks bellies donated by Farmland. The first place winners on as Mayor Jean Stothert gives a mayoral pardon to were Doug Trammel (Best in Show and Best Sweet), “Sal” the pig on Monday, August 5. “Sal, I’m here to Glenn Wheeler (Best Savory), and Perry Kudlacek save your bacon,” said the Mayor just as the 35-pound (People’s Choice). The second place winners were porker let out a squeal right on cue. Thanks to Trent, Kelli and Landri Loos who allowed us to borrow Jon Rea (Best Savory), Perry Kudlacek (Best Sweet), and Glenn Wheeler (People’s Choice). The awards the pig from their Kearney, Neb. farm. for the competition were presented by Miss Teenage Nebraska 2014, Michaela Wells; Queen for the Independence of El Salvador, Jennifer Villanueva; and WOWT’s Brian Mastre. With acts ranging from Mexican folklore dancers to WOWT’s Wicked Weather Roadshow, BaconFest Continued on page 2 Omaha was truly an event for all.
At BaconFest Omaha, children enjoyed various games including electronic pig racing!
Special Thanks to our Sponsors: Mutual of Omaha, Farmland, Security National Bank, WOWT, KAT 103.7, Greater Omaha Packing Co., Nebraska Pork Producers Association, Cox Communications, Circo Enterprises, Village Pointe Toyota, 93.3 The Wolf, Pepsi Co., Sheraton Omaha, TD Ameritrade, Sam’s Club, Susan and Mike Lebens, and JE Dunn Construction.
NORFOLK CORPS RECEIVES GIFT FROM FORMER HUSKER Earlier this spring, Matt Davison, former Husker football player, was the featured speaker at the Norfolk Corps annual luncheon. About 200 guests attended the event, an annual awards luncheon to celebrate and recognize volunteer service and raise funds to benefit the Kids Cruisin’ Kitchen, a summer mobile feeding program. Davison spoke about a nonprofit and program he started in 2008. The Matt Davison Foundation and Creating Captains Program sponsor one-day football camps for children in grades 1-12. Creating Captains helps build leaders as well as better athletes, preach the importance of higher education and healthy lifestyles as well as address issues such as hazing and bullying. “Parents and teachers aren’t always around, so kids have to learn to help and govern themselves. Our goal is to create and build self-esteem with kids, helping them to be better leaders and better athletes,” said Davison. At the end of his presentation, Davison announced that a $10,000 gift would be made to the Norfolk summer feeding program. His foundation also provides support to Food Bank for the Heartland as well as Lincoln Food Bank’s Back Pack Feeding Program.
Captains R.C and Miranda Duskin, Matt Davison, Major Steve Merritt and Captain Scott Shelbourn at the Norfolk Corps annual luncheon.
Letter from the Divisional Commander The Community Is On Our Team My wife is a fan of the “Blackhawks”, our championship basketball team at the Omaha North Corps. She says these young men are role models for teamwork. When I think about teamwork, I think about the many community partners helping us carry out our mission.
Major Paul Fleeman, Commander of The Salvation Army’s Western Division
Frankly, The Salvation Army in Omaha would be hard pressed to do half of what it does without the efforts of others in providing “hands-on work,” advice and financial support.
Partners for Health The Omaha Children’s Hospital and Medical Center HEROES program has partnered with the Omaha Kroc Center to improve the health and well-being of children and families. Five prestigious partners in our new Healthy Home Project make it possible in a 12-week series of classes and activities. Partners Against Hunger The summer feeding program at three Nebraska corps served hundreds of children every day, thanks to financial assistance from many community partners. Companies and churches sent volunteers to help.
BACONFEST OMAHA: A SIZZLIN’ AFFAIR Continued from page 1 BaconFest Omaha was a signature event and collaboration between Divisional Headquarters (DHQ) and Kroc Center Staff. Joanne Bemis, director of community relations and development, said that this was a “wonderful unifying experience” between the Kroc Center staff and DHQ. Bemis’s idea for BaconFest Omaha came from the Blue Ribbon Bacon Festival in Des Moines, Iowa. “We wanted an event that was going to be unique to the community,” said Bemis. All proceeds from BaconFest Omaha went to benefit scholarships and programs at the Kroc Center. The Salvation Army would like to thank all sponsors for participating and helping to make the first annual BaconFest Omaha a success. We would also like to thank our talented chefs. Lastly, we would like to thank everyone who attended the event. We hope that everyone enjoyed BaconFest Omaha and that we will see everyone again next year!
Special Thanks to the Talented Chefs: Victor Cabrales/Anthony’s Steakhouse Perry Kudlacek/Eastern Nebraska Veterans’ Home Ryan Kingkade/Exec. Chef at the Holland Performing Arts Center/Guckenheimer Brian Sullivan/Hillcrest Country Club Doug Trammel/Omaha Kroc Center Jon Rea/M’s Pub Sarah Myre/Sheraton Omaha Glenn Wheeler/Spencer’s Omaha Jon Seymour/V. Mertz
The Omaha Salvation Army, Food Bank for the Heartland and Hunger Free Heartland again partnered to curb childhood hunger in Nebraska through the Kids Cruisin’ Kitchen program. We joined forces with Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity at the University of Nebraska at Omaha to help stock Salvation Army food pantries through the “Just Can It” food drive. Community partners ranged from a food store and fire stations to an energy company and radio station. With our partners, we collected more than 35,000 nonperishable food items. More than 3,000 Girls Scouts have been our partners in the “Spirit of Nebraska Fight Hunger” semi-annual campaign that collected in excess of 65,000 nonperishable food items for our pantry shelves. Media partners Hearing that a tornado was devastating Moore, Oklahoma, we immediately contacted our media partners. Within 48 hours, we had a disaster relief telethon airing live on a local television station. Another television station and a radio group also stepped forward to help us raise funds for relief support.
jhd photography Left to right: Brian Mastre (WOWT); James E. Trebbien, Dean of Culinary, Hospitality, and Horticulture at Metro Community College; Doug Trammel (Kroc Center); Perry Kudlacek (Eastern NE Veterans' Home); Brian Sullivan (Hillcrest Country Club); Jon Rea (M's Pub); Jon Seymour (V. Mertz); Glenn Wheeler (in back, Spencer's Omaha); Victor Cabrales (Anthony's Steak House); Jennifer Villanueva (Queen for the Independence of El Salvador); Sarah Myre (Sheraton Omaha); Ryan Kingkade (The Holland Center).
As a practical theologian, I see this approach spelled out in scripture this way: “Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many. The eye cannot say to the hand, “I don’t need you!” And the head cannot say to the feet, “I don’t need you!” (I Corinthians 12: 12 & 21). Look around. Partners are out there just waiting to collaborate for the good of the community. With best regards,
Major Paul Fleeman Commander, Western Division “125 Years Caring for Omaha.”
www.GiveSalvationArmy.org 2
On behalf of The Salvation Army’s Oklahoma Tornado Relief Fund, a big thank you to KETV, Telethon for Oklahoma; KMTV, “From Omaha to Oklahoma”; NRG, “Nebraskans for Oklahoma” and to our wonderful volunteers! You made a BIG difference in the lives of many.
Board Member Instrumental In Capital Project Bryce Hastings is retired although you’d never know it with how busy he’s been over the past few months. Having his professional career in St. Louis, Mo. with the architectural firm Hastings and Chivetta, he helped design many university and college athletic facilities nationwide. With his vast knowledge and experience, Hastings was asked by a Salvation Army board member to provide input on the corps’ pending capital building project. With that, Hastings rolled up his sleeves, became a member of the advisory board and chairman of the property committee to see the project through. “Bryce has been wonderful. His experience and skills have helped address issues and provided insight in times of need, giving thought to aspects of the project that we hadn’t even thought of,” said Major Jamie Pennington, Lincoln Corps officer. “His knowledge and oversight have been invaluable, undoubtedly saving us thousand of dollars toward completion of the project that will provide clients better access to programs and services. The highlight of the project is the food pantry, now tripled in size, making access much better for the hundreds of clients served each month,” said Pennington. The building now has ADA compliant restrooms as well as remodeled offices and waiting rooms. As a member, Hastings currently serves as president of the Architectural Foundation of Nebraska. Bryce and his wife, published author Sandra Hilsabeck-Hastings, married in 2001. They have six children and 14 grandchildren. In addition to community service, they enjoy skiing and spending time with family.
Lincoln Advisory Board Member, Bryce Hastings.
There will be a building dedication on Thursday, October 3 at 11:00 am.
Simple lives, Sisterly love, Thoughtful intent Simply taking care of each other – that is how three dutiful sisters led their lives. Fern, Iva and Lois Catherman lived their entire lives on the family farm near Wynot, Neb., one they would eventually inherit and learn to manage. As the girls grew to adulthood, they chose to remain together. Fern and Lois sought full-time employment while Iva cared happily for the home. Even while aging into their 80s and 90s, once a week they would go to town for groceries and stop at the library, often staying for hours to finish a good book. After all, overdue book fees were just plain unacceptable, even due to inclement weather. Although never traveling more than 50 miles from home their entire lives, the National Geographic Traveler subscription they had enabled global journeys from the comforts of home.
Fern, Iva and Lois Catherman in the 1930’s.
None of the sisters married so there were no heirs in which to leave their collective estates. So, with thoughtful intent, each prepared her estate to benefit the surviving sisters, adding a charitable component. The sole surviving sister would bequeath a gift to The Salvation Army.
As the years progressed, each sister departed this earthly life, passing away one by one - Lois in 2002, Fern in 2006 and Iva in 2012. Indeed Iva kept their sisterly promise, bequeathing an estate gift to The Salvation Army. Fern, Iva and Lois cared for their parents and each other all of their lives. Now they’re “Doing The Most Good®” by helping The Salvation Army take care of others.
Girl Scouts Keep On Fighting Hunger One in five children in Nebraska faces hunger. There are children who miss meals on a daily basis. The flip side of this problem is that there are young Nebraskans willing to help fight hunger in their communities. For the third time, the Spirit of Nebraska Girl Scouts conducted a spring Fight Hunger Campaign in collaboration with The Salvation Army in western Nebraska. The campaign collected nonperishable food items for The Salvation Army Corps in Grand Island, Hastings, Kearney, and North Platte. The Salvation Army’s Ogallala Service Extension unit at the New Hope Free Evangelical Church was included in this spring’s campaign. The campaign this year realized a 47 percent increase in items collected. Congratulations to the Girl Scouts on this success. The food donations to The Salvation Army are greatly appreciated and their willingness to tackle the problem of hunger within our Nebraska communities is an example of Doing The Most Good®. Girl Scout troops 905 and 906 were Fight Hunger leaders from Kenesaw, Nebraska.
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Twenty Years and Counting! It may look rough, but bell ringing is actually pretty easy. It only takes one bell ringing shift (two hours) to raise enough money to provide six warm meals for the men, women and children who enter our doors every day. In her words - Cheryl Stensby - a 20-year bell ringing veteran.
Major Paula Fleeman presents an award to Cheryl Stensby for her years of volunteer service.
I started the group "Stensby and Friends" 19 years ago after a lady in my church gave a presentation on bell ringing. Her father was Martin Colladay, a retired Air Force threestar General who had an extensive history of volunteering in the Omaha community. His volunteering included Salvation Army bell ringing. I wanted my two sons to learn about
2013 Tree of Lights Campaign Leadership Paul Hogan, founder and president of Home Instead Senior Care looks forward to his role as the Honorary Chairman of the 2013 Tree of Lights Campaign. “It is an honor to serve as this year’s Tree of Lights Campaign Chairman. 2013 marks the 125th anniversary for the Army of caring for people in Omaha. The money raised during the campaign is used to continue those programs that help Long-time supporter and the most vulnerable in our community, Tree of Lights Honorary Chairman, and I am privileged to be a part of it,” Paul Hogan. said Hogan. The Honorary Vice Chairmen for the 2013 Tree of Lights Campaign are Wayne Smith and his daughter Joleen David of SKAR advertising agency. Smith is one of the founding partners of the agency, and David currently serves as president. Rita Sanders, Mayor of Bellevue, Neb., will serve as the General Chairman and Kutak Rock partner, Joe Kavan, will serve as the General Vice Chairman. The strong leadership team of Hogan, Smith and David has selected an outstanding Kettle Klub Cabinet to help make the 2013 campaign a success. Additionally, the Young Professionals Kettle Klub (YPKK) Cabinet is gearing up for the campaign with plans to fundraise and volunteer as bell ringers. In September, the Young Professionals hosted the first annual YPKK Golf Tournament. Thank you to these great community leaders. Your efforts help many people in the Omaha metro area.
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volunteering in the community, and so that first year it was just myself, my two young sons and a couple of their friends. Today I have more than 30 people that ring bells, and each person usually rings for one hour. When I started, many were families with school age children, but those children have grown up, and now it is mostly the parents that still ring with me. What’s amazing is that it takes one person to do the scheduling, and people giving one hour of their time that actually accomplishes quite a bit. This year will be my 20th year of ringing bells, but I never started out thinking that it was going to be long term. It just happened. No matter how you decide to volunteer your time when Christmas comes around, the red kettle is the perfect example of how a little bit of giving can make such a big difference. For more information about the Red Kettle Campaign, contact Kay Kriss Weinstein at 402-898-6000, or kay_weinstein@usc.salvationarmy.org. You can also register online at ring bells at RingOmaha.org.
Our Wish List 37th Street Readiness Program and VA Housing Opportunities Program • Hygiene supplies: shampoo, conditioner, soap, deodorant, feminine products, razors. • New or gently used bedding: sheets, blankets, pillowcases • New or gently used toys for children Seasonal Services for Christmas Toyland • New board games Dora Bingel Senior Center • Meat: a side of beef or a whole hog Citadel Corps • Hula hoops • Jump ropes • 12 passenger van or small bus • Billiards equipment (cues, triangle, chalk) • Foosball equipment • Cabinetry/shelving
• Volunteer interior decorator/ painter • Volunteer landscaper • Teen room furniture • Office furniture • Basketballs North Corps • Room divider for the gymnasium Corps within the Western Division • Art and craft supplies • Educational computer software If you are able to contribute to Our Wish List, please contact Madeline Madden at 402-8987700 ext. 137.
Volunteer Opportunities • Christmas Sign-up: Register individuals and families for Christmas assistance. November 2 (half day) and November 4-8. (morning and afternoon) • Turkeyfest: November 28. Deliver meals to homebound elderly Thanksgiving morning. • Toyland Days: December 20-21 and 23. (morning and afternoon) • Bell Ringers: November 9 - December 24. Register to ring at www. RingOmaha.org • After School Programs: Citadel at 38th and Cuming. North Corps at 24th and Pratt. Kroc Center at 27th and Y. • Disaster Services: Volunteers assist The Salvation Army with local and regional disasters. Training is required. Call 402-898-7700 ext. 177. For more information on these programs contact volunteer services 402-898-6000 or email Kay_Weinstein@USC.salvationarmy.org.
Omaha Kroc Center Receives Grant Award Children’s Hospital and Medical Center’s HEROES (Healthy Eating with Resources, Options and Everyday Strategies) program has found a thriving partner with The Salvation Army Kroc Center and has been conducting education and exercise classes two nights a week. The HEROES program is a medically-based, physician referral program designed to address childhood obesity conceived, designed and managed by the talented specialists at Children’s Hospital and Medical Center. Once a month, the Kroc Center offers a “Kroc Night” which gives the HEROES participants and their parents structured activities — water volleyball or relay races in the aquatics center, playing basketball or soccer in the sports and recreation department or attending classes such as kids kickboxing or Zumba in the health and fitness center. Recently, the Kroc Center was able to expand its efforts when it was awarded a $20,000 grant as part of Children’s Preventing Childhood Obesity Community Grant program. Thanks to the grant, HEROES families can continue their progress through a reduced price membership and programs at the Kroc Center. Programs like the Healthy Home Project which focuses on nutrition education, behavior modification and exercise to teach families how to be better together. Or through classes like “Weight No More!” which is designed to help kids discover a fun way to learn healthy exercise habits and lose extra pounds and coincidentally, is based on curriculum established through Children’s HEROES program. The grant also facilitated the Kroc Center’s ability to implement a testing system called FITNESSGRAM®. This computer program, which has recently replaced the Presidential Challenge as a standard in school systems, is nationally recognized and capable of tracking an individual’s progress in reducing health risks and obesity. Both organizations have worked diligently in making a comfortable connection for the families, providing a support system with an easy transition when HEROES participants are ready to graduate from the HEROES program and move on to continue the lifelong commitment to fighting obesity.
Omaha Kroc Center participates in World's Largest Swimming Lesson Hoping to Break the Guinness World Record! On June 18, the nation's leading water safety and training organizations came together to present The World's Largest Swimming Lesson (WLSL), and The Salvation Army’s Omaha Kroc Center was one of the locations participating in the attempt to break the Guinness World Record™! Team WLSL, which set the first record in 2010, needed more than 24,873 participants from around the globe to set a fourth consecutive Guinness World Record. While it can take weeks for the official paperwork to be reviewed, registrations for the morning event included more than 35,000 participants from around the world. The overall message of the event was focused on the importance of swimming lessons: “Swimming Lessons Save Lives™” was a message that was carried throughout the day. Tragically, drowning remains the second leading cause of accidental death for kids ages 1-14 and the leading cause of accidental death for kids 1-5. Research shows participation in formal swimming lessons like those taught at the Omaha Kroc Center, can reduce the risk of drowning by 88 percent among children aged 1-4. Visit www.OmahaKroc.org for more information on how you can register for swimming lessons. Participants gathered at The Salvation Army Kroc Center for the World’s Largest Swimming Lesson, a global attempt at the Guinness World Record.
Grizzard Selected for Digital Fundraising Program By The Salvation Army Western Division Grizzard Communications Group, Inc. was selected by The Salvation Army Western Division for a division-wide digital fundraising program. The division includes Nebraska, western Iowa and South Dakota. The new program will begin with an integrated communications strategy. A welcome series will add cultivation, and then the robust plan moves to solicitation which includes eAppeals, eNewsletters, slideshows and videos. “We are excited to be launching a digital program with Grizzard because it’s something we know we need to do,” said divisional development director Joanne Bemis. “Digital is no longer optional. With a partner to lead us in the right direction and help create an effective program, we are looking forward to seeing good results. Adding digital options will not only help us better serve our donors, it will also help raise more money to carry out our mission,” said Bemis.
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Students Receive $10,000 Scholarships -- and Standing Ovation Super Bowl champion Emmitt Smith, who played his first football game on a Salvation Army team, was the speaker. The former Dallas Cowboy received a warm welcome as he took the stage at the 2013 D.J.’s Hero Awards Luncheon.
jhd photography Back Row (from left): Majors Paul & Paula Fleeman, Jennifer Jones, Madison Bastian, and Luis Miguel Hernandez-Alarcon. Front Row (from left): Zachary Powers, Lianna Prill, Rosio Granados-Trejo, and Kloreace Pokorny.
Smith told the award winners who were selected for their contributions to the community while facing roadblocks in life: “You have shown a lot of adults how to take opportunity and make something happen. No matter how difficult life is, you have to set your sights on something greater.”
The sound of 2,600 hands clapping rocked the CenturyLink Center Omaha on May 7 as those attending the D.J.’s Hero Awards Luncheon gave a standing ovation for the 2013 award winners.
“D.J.‘s Hero” students are chosen for making a difference in their communities while facing difficulties that could have stopped them from succeeding.
Seven students received $10,000 scholarships donated for the 13th year by David and Peggy Sokol. The Salvation Army event is named for their son, D.J. Sokol, who died of cancer at age 18.
Suzanne Caruso, who served on the selection committee, said the selection of the scholarship winners was not easy. “All had strong areas and were amazing. The scholarship program really embodies The Salvation Army's mission of doing the most good,” said Caruso.
The students were selected from 124 nominations from across Nebraska. They are: Madison Bastian, Arlington; Rosio S. GranadosTrejo, Omaha; Luis Miguel Hernandez-Alarcon, Schuyler; Jennifer Jones, Omaha; Kloreace Pokorny, Scotia; Zachary R. Powers, Omaha, and Lianna L. Prill, Holdrege.
Officers on the Move
As of last June, there are new faces and some new appointments for Salvation Army officers throughout the Western Division which includes Nebraska, South Dakota and the western two-thirds of Iowa. Welcome one and all! Major Randy Hellstrom, Divisional Secretary, Omaha, Neb. Major Kathy Hellstrom, Women’s Ministry; Moral & Ethical Issues and Community Care Ministries Secretary, Omaha, Neb. Lieutenant Brenna Logan, Assistant North Corps Officer, Omaha, Neb.
Caruso represented the Fred Arkoosh, Jr. Foundation. Other premier sponsors were First National Bank and UltraAir. The luncheon raised nearly $470,000 for Salvation Army programs for children and teens.
Red Kettle Run Mark your calendar for the 4th annual Red Kettle Run. The Red Kettle Run is co-chaired this year by the run’s creator and past chair, Allie Baxter. Joining her this year is her younger sister Libby Baxter, a sophomore at Millard North High School. The run will be held October 12 at 9:00 am at Zorinsky Lake. Last year’s event drew a record 875 participants and brought in approximately 44,000 nonperishable food items. The event is sponsored by Harrison Financial Services and Northwestern Mutual Financial Network.
Captains Trevor & Rochelle McClintock, Citadel Corps Officers, Omaha, Neb. Lieutenants Brad & Cassandra Burkett, Corps Officers, Kearney, Neb. Captains William & Ann Mealy, Corps Officers, Grand Island, Neb. Lieutenants Tony & Brianne Bowers, Corps Officers, North Platte, Neb. Lieutenants Kenyon & Melissa Sivels, Corps Officers, Watertown, S.D. Major Judith Tekautz, Corps Officer, Council Bluffs, Iowa Captains Oliver & Tabitha Knuth, Corps Officers, Boone, Iowa Captain Ruth Gibbons, Corps Officer, Ottumwa, Iowa Majors Ben & Beth Stillwell, Corps Officers, Marshalltown, Iowa
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More than 800 runners and walkers came out in support of the Salvation Army's 3rd annual Red Kettle Run last November.
The Salvation Army/KETV 7 Can Help Kids Back-to-School Backpack Program
Thousands of backpacks, with all the right tools for success, put smiles on the faces of children and especially their parents.
In its 16th year, The Salvation Army teamed up with KETV 7 Can Help Kids to collect and distribute backpacks and school supplies! This year’s distribution was a huge success as more than 13,000 backpacks were given to children in the metro and surrounding areas. We would like to thank this year’s new sponsors Methodist Health System, McDonald’s and Kaplan University. On August 10, physicians from Methodist volunteered their time to offer health checks for students. More than 150 children were assisted by their generosity. “Methodist is proud to be the presenting sponsor of this program for the first time this year. We care about our community and are committed to giving back. Clearly this program was a huge success with the record breaking donations and distributions. We appreciate our employees and medical providers who contributed and made it possible to help so many disadvantaged children in the Omaha community,” said Stephen Zubrod, vice-president of marketing at Methodist Health System. We thank our partners Q98 Five, Two Men and a Truck, Staples and Payless Office Products. Through our shared efforts, The Salvation Army and sponsors were able to do the most good in the lives of thousands of children.
Stephen Zubrod, Vice President of Marketing at Methodist Health System, is interviewed by KETV's Nichole Berle. On August 2, donors were invited to donate new school supplies at Methodist Women's Hospital in Omaha.
This year, Service Extension doubled its backpack distribution from 2,000 to 4,000 backpacks over last year. We have heard so much feedback from our volunteers thanking us for providing the backpacks and informing us how excited and appreciative their recipients have been. Overall, we provided backpacks to a total of 54 Service Extension units. ~ Angela Harding-Gillespie, Assistant Director for Service Extension/Emergency Disaster Services
Summer Enrichment at Omaha North Corps Summer day camp at the Omaha North Corps was bursting with children from day one this year. Within the first week, registration was full as it stretched to nearly 100 youths ages 5-13. Weekly workshops included the Omaha Storm Chasers baseball organization, The National Park Service, a simple cooking class, and a book and journalism club, as well as regular “enrichment hours” with educational groups, arts and crafts, trivia and story times. The Omaha Fire Department stopped by with a fire engine and their smoke house to give North Corps kids a lesson in fire safety and practice evacuating a smoke-filled home. Swimming is a huge part of the North Corps’ summer day camp. The campers made a splash all over the Omaha area - at The Salvation Army Kroc Center, Mahoney State Park, CoCo Key Water Resort, Fun-Plex and multiple city pools. In addition to wave pools and water slides, highlights for many were the field trips to Henry Doorly Zoo, SkateDaze, Fontenelle Forest Nature Center, Pump It Up, the Omaha Children’s Museum, and more! The eight-week camp was capped off by an “End of Summer SAL Spectacular.” That party extended through the building and out onto the corps’ front yard. There were bounce houses, water slides, a sports zone inflatable, and a whole lot of fun. The SAL, inside and out, was filled with the smiling faces of those attending “Summer @ The SAL, 2013.”
It’s more than just baseball! North Corps children participated in an Omaha Storm Chasers FUNdamentals workshop.
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SAL Blackhawks Basketball Team & Awards Ceremony The hype, expectations, and success were all real this past year. When the 2012-13 basketball season wrapped up for the SAL Blackhawks teams, there was no waking up from a dream. There was no letdown and there were no losses! In only its second year of existence, the SAL Blackhawks basketball program has already established itself as a powerhouse program in the ever-competitive basketball city of Omaha and put everyone else in check. Housed out of The Salvation Army’s North Corps Community Center at 24th and Pratt Streets in North Omaha, the Blackhawks collected as many as 11 team championships this past spring including an unprecedented, undefeated run by their top high school boys’ team. The Blackhawks top-level upperclassmen high school squad’s season was nothing short of amazing, as they ran through the competition and any foe that tried to get in their way by rattling off an overall record of 24-0 spanning seven different high-level tournaments across the Midwest. This performance over the past year resulted in winning every tournament they attended including championships at Nebraska Elite, Chicago, Ill.; Fort Dodge, Iowa; Omaha Sports Academy, Lincoln, Neb.; Summer Jam in Omaha, Neb., and the Unity Stars tournament also in Omaha. While winning all seven championships is a feat in itself, the team further compounded their standing as the region’s best by not losing a single tournament game. The success of the top high school team also rubbed off on the other grade-level teams within the Blackhawks program, as the 9th and 10th grade team also won two team championships of their own in Chicago, Ill. and Lincoln, Neb. – both times going undefeated in those showings. The middle school team comprised of players from 5th and 6th grades also shined through with a couple team titles of their own in which they claimed the top prize at the Nebraska Elite tournament and the Mid-American Youth Basketball tournament in Des Moines, Iowa. The success didn’t stop there. An end-of-the-year awards banquet was held in their home gym at the North Corps in May. The celebration brought together all of the players, their families, and many special
A Calling to Moore, Oklahoma
The SAL Blackhawks collected 11 team championships last spring.
guests including former Mayor of Omaha, Jim Suttle, Salvation Army personnel, Omaha advisory board members, and distinguished members of the community. During the evening’s festivities it was announced that all 12 seniors within the basketball program had graduated and received high school diplomas. In addition, the total number of seniors moving on to play college basketball and receiving athletic scholarships came to seven players from within the Blackhawks program. In fact, the head coach from Black Hawk Community College out of the Quad Cities made the trip to the banquet that night as well and presented two players with letters of intent to sign on the spot. Congratulations to the SAL Blackhawks basketball team!
By Angela Harding-Gillespie
When I was deployed to Moore, Oklahoma to help serve as an Emotional Spiritual Care (ESC) specialist, I was happy to answer the call. Regardless of the amount of training I have, nothing could prepare me for the initial ‘pit in my stomach’ feeling when I arrived and saw first-hand the devastation and amount of damage the tornado had caused on May 20. As an ESC worker, it was important for me to soak up what had happened and then collect my thoughts and emotions so I could do what I had been sent to do - provide counsel and ministry. I heard so many amazing stories about families that had beaten the storm. Some tried to outrun it while others took shelter even as the walls came crashing in. I was fortunate to visit with such strong and positive people, people who had lost everything but still found hope and strength in the community support and relief agencies that had come to help. I was a listening ear, a shoulder to cry on, arms to hug and hands to hold. I provided something that couldn’t be found under a pile of rubbish or purchased at a store. I provided prayer and the opportunity to share how the Lord works in mysterious ways, and though they were experiencing a difficult time in their life, He would be there to pick them up. And would you believe, I had not one doubter! I left Oklahoma feeling blessed to have had the opportunity to visit with many who were strangers when I had first arrived but were so much “Moore” when I left.
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Devastation followed a massive tornado that hit Moore, Oklahoma last May.
Expanding the Summer Meal Program: Collaboration Fuels Success The Omaha Salvation Army serves over 10,000 meals annually to children during the school year at its Citadel Corps, North Corps and Kroc Community Center. Recognizing the need to expand this service into the critical summer months, we learned that doing so required some creativity and the formation of new partnerships. We entered the process with specific experience conducting high-quality youth activities which help to engage and retain children in meal programs. Recognizing that no single agency is stronger than many working together, we seized the opportunity to expand our nutritional services for youth by partnering with the Food Bank for the Heartland and Hunger Free Heartland. We began this endeavor with a shared goal: eliminate childhood hunger in Nebraska by addressing the intertwined issues of food affordability and access. With a 15 percent childhood poverty rate and 96,700 children, or 20 percent, dealing with food insecurity, we agreed action was urgently needed. The presence of “food deserts” within low income and rural areas makes it difficult for those without transportation to access affordable, nutritious food found in traditional super markets. Much of the year children from such areas have access to free and reduced-priced school meals, but only 10 percent of these kids have access to regular meals during the summer. The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) plays a key role in shrinking these food deserts by helping nonprofits, schools and churches provide free, healthy summer meals to children 18 and younger. Furthermore, there are simply not enough sites to meet the increased need for food in the summer. The first step in addressing these issues is to open new traditional meals sites. To do so, the Food Bank for the Heartland has taught Salvation Army cooks and officers how to prepare and serve meals that meet the USDA’s nutritional guidelines. They also provide hundreds of pounds of food every summer for use in our meal programs. The Salvation Army has opened six new successful summer meal sites in Omaha, Lincoln, Fremont and Norfolk.
The Salvation Army Western Division plays an increasing role in fighting childhood hunger in Nebraska.
The next step in this collaborative venture was the formation of the Kids Cruisin’ Kitchen program (KCK). Every summer Salvation Army disaster relief canteens bring hot meals to places where children already congregate, such as recreation centers, pools, and parks since the nearest summer meal site might be too far away to be able to walk. It started in 2011 with six sites in the greater Omaha metro area including rural Plattsmouth, expanded to Lincoln in 2012 and Norfolk in 2013. Over 20,000 meals have been served in the first two summers alone! Together, the three partners have connected corps to other local service providers such as school districts, United Way chapters and service clubs with whom they have combined resources to strengthen their respective meal programs. This collaborative project has utilized the unique expertise of each partner agency and built upon the foundation of The Salvation Army as a meal provider to make great strides in combating childhood hunger.
How a Day in One's Life Can Change a Life On Monday, July 22, I rode along with the Kids Cruisin’ Kitchen (KCK) crew to take photographs of their daily procedures. I ended up leaving with a lot more than just photographs. It is one thing to be told that many children rely on the KCK program daily for what might be their only meal. It is completely different to see it with your own eyes and to know what a big difference this program makes in many lives. During my experience with the KCK crew, I saw first-hand how much this program not only means to the children but what it means to their families.
By Laura Robinson,
Salvation Army Public Relations Intern
At the first site, the slowest of the day, we served entire families of children who visit the site on a daily basis. It was nice to hear the families talk about how much they appreciate not only the KCK program but also other programs The Salvation Army offers. The children were very appreciative and happy to receive their free lunch. It was also wonderful to see children pick up their finished plates and walk it over to the trash can without being asked, no matter how far of a walk it was. At the second location, once again families drove or walked to the site so the children could receive their free lunch. At this site, it was nice to see new faces that had no knowledge of the program. It was a great opportunity to inform them of the program and increase program participation. At the third and final site, the busiest of the day, we were met by a long line of waiting children. This was sad but also nice to see the joy on their faces when we finally pulled up and started serving the lunches. It was nice to see the children happy and helping each other. For example, an older girl unfolded a tarp for her younger family members and friends so they had a place to sit on the grass. The adults at this location offered to help where they could. At the end of the visit, we had served close to 80 meals at this one location.
More than 20,000 nutritious meals were served out of Kids Cruisin’ Kitchen over the past two summers.
Now having seen first-hand what the KCK program does for children and families on a daily basis, I have an even higher appreciation for the program and the volunteers who do such a great job. I saw how The Salvation Army has such wonderful volunteers who jump at the chance to help out and whose joy is reflected in their work. This was truly a life-changing experience.
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TRIBUTE GIFTS:
(Tribute Gifts received January 2013 thru June 2013) The Salvation Army is privileged to continually receive gifts in honor or in memory of loved ones. These gifts not only provide a fitting tribute but also serve, in a practical way, to relieve human suffering. The Salvation Army notifies the honoree or the family of all tributes.
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Anne Thorne Weaver Mr. & Mrs. Robert Ames Beth Galli Mr. & Mrs. Jeremy Hoogestrant Ms. Therese Bender Ms. Melissa A. Johnson-Orlando Brittany Pillard Ms. Deborah S. Pillard C.L. Landen Mr. & Mrs. Edward May, Jr Debbie & Randy Paragas Mr. & Mrs. John Gerard Debbie Hunsberger Ms. Gretchen R. Gallentine Dorothy Schwieder Ann Loughlin Sharon Lemke Gary Sadlemyer Mid America Expositions Inc. Harry Reyburn Ms. Olia Furmully Jan Selken Christie Selken Jim Landen Mr. & Mrs. Edward May, Jr. John & Karla Marburger Mr. & Mrs. James Marburger Kailyn Bell Ms. Alyce Green Ken & Jacquie Kluck Ms. Carole L. Sieck Kenneth Johnson Ms. Aimee Melton Larry Ball SKAR Advertising Lenore Whaley Leah Whaley Marie Galda Mrs. Lori Garbina Phyllis Aron Ms. Jan Papenfuss The Barton Girls Jamie Barton
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Al Gilbertson Ms. Dorothy Olson Alan & Loretta Jisa Hotovy Mr. Ray Jisa Allan Swanson Ms. Dianne Whittle
Alverta Ahl Ms. Mary A. Deane Alvin Randall Ms. Elaine Randall Andrew Watson Ms. Pauline Watson Ann Downing Ms. Jean McGaughey Betty Johannes Ms. Gloria E. Kirchhoff Bob Ward Mr. Paul Reppert Bonnie Mahafey Mr. & Mrs. Michael W. Mahaffey Braden Allen Darty Mr. & Mrs. Del Toebben Carl & Augusta Johnson Ms. Virginia F. Jensen Carl Maschmeier Ms. Margie Schimenti Carl Sasse Mr. & Mrs. Douglas S. Lash Mr. & Mrs. Gregory Drew Cindy Huisman Mr. Charles Spindler Bill & Chris Monroe Ms. Stephanie Weber-Anderson Janelle Martin Janyce Roche Roger Gelder Ms. Mary Hyde Clifford Baldwin Mr. & Mrs. D. Shelby Brightwell Mr. & Mrs. Joe F. Martinez, II Mr. & Mrs. John Frolio Mr. & Mrs. Michael Kussman Mr. & Mrs. Milton D. Schreiner Mr. & Mrs. Robert L. Simmonds Mr. Danny Stoney Mr. James Weiss Ms. Joan M Boeder Coy & Gwendolyn Miller Mr. Robert D. Miller Curtis Robert Cotton Mr. Robert Coffey Darleen Spencer Mr. & Mrs. Rex King Darlene Hample Mr. Richard Hample David Charles Arenz Mr. & Mrs. Charles L. Arenz
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Save the Date: Red Kettle Run at Zorinsky Lake — October 12, 9 am Pumpkin Patch Party at the Kroc Center — October 31, 4:30-6 pm Tree of Lights Red Kettle Campaign Kick-Off, 90th & Dodge — November 8, 6 pm Salvation Army Chicago Staff Band — November 9 & 10 Military Appreciation Weekend at the Kroc Center — November 9-11 Adopt-A-Family Radiothon — December 5-6, 6 am-6 pm Breakfast with Santa at the Kroc Center — December 14, 9 am Holiday Concert with the Omaha Symphony at the Kroc Center — December 19, 7 pm D.J.'s Hero Awards Luncheon at CenturyLink Center Omaha — May 13, 2014, 11:45 am
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10TH ANNUAL “JUST CAN IT!” - A RECORD-BREAKING SUCCESS University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) students from Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity slept in cardboard boxes at Crossroads Mall April 1st through the 5th. Their efforts to draw attention to hunger and homelessness were a huge challenge and a great success! With monetary and food donations, more than 35,000 food items were collected for The Salvation Army food pantries. The students had the support of business partners Two Men and A Truck, Crossroads Mall, Fareway Food Stores, Miracle Hills business partners, Tenaska, the City of Omaha and Nexus. Thank you to the businesses that participated and to UNO!
A Lifetime Loyal Volunteer Harry Reyburn received the Central Territory Volunteer of the Year “Life Service” Award this year for his dedicated volunteer work for The Salvation Army. For over 24 years, Harry Reyburn has been a loyal volunteer. He has donated over 4,000 hours of volunteer service to The Salvation Army. Harry has directed the scheduling for the Winter Night Watch program that provides warm food, clothing, and kindness to the hungry, homeless, and near-homeless in our community. Harry recently took on the additional task of recruiting and scheduling volunteers for Kids Cruisin’ Kitchen, our mobile summer feeding program. Harry is always ready to pitch in and help other departments with short-notice projects and deliveries around the city. Way to go, Harry!
UNO students from Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity collected donations for The Salvation Army food pantries while sleeping in cardboard homes throughout the week.
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Harry Reyburn accepts his Life Service Volunteer of the Year Award from Greg Kadrlik, divisional director of volunteers.