Down Syndrome Association for Families to Host Strokes of luck Golf Tournament May 10

Down Syndrome Association for Families (DSAF) is gearing up for their upcoming Strokes of Luck Golf Tournament, to be held on May 10 at Highlands Golf Course in Lincoln. The tournament will start with check-in at 8:30 a.m. and a shotgun start at 9:30 a.m. The tournament will feature an 18-hole game and a four-person scramble. Backswing will have a Golf Pro on Par three to challenge participants to “Beat the Pro”! Sponsorship is available and the sponsor will receive a Dormie Network Vacation Package! If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, please email director@dsafnebraska.org.

The Down Syndrome Association for Families formed in 1995 as a way for parents to network and share the accomplishments and challenges of their children. Many families who have, or are expecting a child with, Down syndrome don’t always have reliable support or have access to accurate information about Down syndrome. DSAF provides that support and information, along with a vision of what a blessing their child will be in their lives.

Down Syndrome Association for Families of Nebraska recognizes that every person with Down syndrome is an individual who has a unique purpose and set of abilities. It is their mission to provide support and a positive vision for the future for individuals with Down Syndrome and their families, friends, educators and professionals who share in their lives. For more information about the organization, visit dsafnebraska.org or call (403) 421-1338.

Community Foundation for Western Iowa Selected as “Worthy Cause”

The Impact Fund at the Community Foundation for Western Iowa is currently the “Worthy Cause” nonprofit being recognized at Full Fledged Brewing Co. in Council Bluffs. The Community Foundation will receive a portion of taproom proceeds from Worthy Cause Amber Ale sales between the months of January through June to benefit the Impact Fund – a fund that supports projects and programming throughout Pottawattamie County.

The Impact Fund annually provides grants to nonprofits or governmental entities for creative or impactful projects that meet a clear, identifiable need in Pottawattamie County. Grants support projects in a variety of focus areas, such as: Arts & Culture, Community Betterment, Community Engagement, Education, Environment, Health, Human Services and Youth.

The Community Foundation celebrated its recognition as a “Worthy Cause” on February 23 with a small gathering, and will host two additional events at Full Fledged on May 9 and June 21 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. where community members are invited to attend. Learn more about the Impact Fund at www.givewesterniowa.org/ nonprofits/community-grants and Full Fledged Brewing Co. at fullfledgedbeer.com.

The Community Foundation for Western Iowa is a tax-exempt public charity, 501(c)(3), that serves thousands of people who share a common interest in improving the quality of life in western Iowa. They are dedicated to creating a lasting legacy in our region by engaging our citizens and communities for durable change and fostering a culture of philanthropy. For more information, go to givewesterniowa.org.

Save the Next Girl to Host Human Trafficking Awareness Night April 13

Save the Next Girl: Nebraska will be hosting a Human Trafficking Awareness Night on Thursday, April 13 at the Waterford Building – Fountain Ridge Office Park East in Elkhorn. There will be a panel and Q&A portion of the evening featuring Julie Shrader from Rejuvenating Women, Peter Rutherford from Technical Crimes Unit and an Omaha mother of a human trafficking survivor. Social hour begins at 5:30 p.m. with the event to begin at 6:30 p.m. This event is free to the public but limited spots are available. In addition, multiple fitness studios around Omaha will be participating in the Workout Event Fundraiser on Saturday, April 15. Registration is $100 which includes a workout class and a swag bag. Times vary between participating locations, so check the full list on Save the Next Girl: Nebraska’s website.

To RSVP for either event, get more details or donate towards Save the Girl: Nebraska’s $30,000 fundraising goal, go to savethenextgirl.org/ Nebraska. All proceeds go to Rejuvenating Women to help the prevention and recovery efforts for survivors of sex trafficking in Nebraska.

Save the Next Girl originated in Utah and will be entering their fifth year of the #savethenextgirl movement. Every year the number of participants triples and they need you to join the fight this year. Every human deserves the right to be free to make their own choices. Find out more at savethenextgirl.org.

Grand Marshal Nominations are Now Open for Cinco De Mayo Omaha Adelante Banquet

Cinco de Mayo Omaha (CDMO) is now accepting nominations for the 2023 Grand Marshals to honor outstanding Latina business owners in Omaha. This is your chance to honor and recognize the hard work and dedication of these business owners who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation and entrepreneurship. Nominations are due by April 5, and the winner will be announced at the Adelante Banquet on April 27. To submit a nomination, go to www.cdmomaha.com/ latina-business-nomination-omaha.

In celebration of the annual Cinco de Mayo festivities, the Latino Economic Development Council will present the Adelante Gala. The evening will begin with a networking reception featuring live entertainment, hors d'oeuvres, networking, redevelopment sketches and historic content.

The Gala will recognize CDMO and BSF scholarship recipients and conclude the evening with an awards ceremony. This culturallydiverse event will also present exciting news about a revitalization project that will serve South Omaha families, strengthen neighboring businesses and fortify the district’s economic future. For more information and to get tickets, go to www.cdmomaha.com/events/ adelante-gala. For questions, please email fiesta@cdmomaha.com.

Cinco De Mayo Omaha is a community-based nonprofit organization with a mission to present a culturally and historically significant celebration of ethnic diversity for residents of Omaha and surrounding areas. Cinco de Mayo Omaha celebrates equity, diversity and inclusiveness. The organization embraces these pillars of excellence as crucial to healthy people and healthy communities. Learn more at cdmomaha.com.

The Nebraska Statewide Arboretum to Host Spring Affair Plant Sale April 27-29

The Nebraska Statewide Arboretum (NSA) will host their 2023 Spring Affair Plant Sale on April 27-29 at the Lancaster Event Center in Lincoln. Spring Affair is the Great Plains’ largest plant sale, attracting more than 4,000 visitors and featuring more than 800 varieties of perennials, annuals, herbs, succulents and trees, in addition to gardening vendors and educational nonprofits.

A Preview Sale will be held on Thursday, April 27 from 7-9 p.m. Tickets to the Preview Sale are $20 for NSA members and $25 for non-members. Free general admission to Spring Affair will be held on Friday, April 28, from 2-6 p.m. and on Saturday, April 29, from 9 a.m. to noon.

To register for the Preview Party and Preview Sale or for more information about Spring Affair, visit plantnebraska.org/spring-affair.

The Nebraska Statewide Arboretum plants Nebraska for healthy people, vibrant communities and a resilient environment. The organization offer resources to help Midwest gardeners improve their home and community landscapes, encouraging plants and landscapes that are beautiful and beneficial for ourselves as well as the larger environment. To learn more, visit plantnebraska.org or contact the Arboretum staff at (402) 472-2971 / arboretum@unl.edu.

Child Saving Institute to Break Ground on $46M Capital Campaign this Spring

Child Saving Institute (CSI) continues to make strides in its efforts to enhance the future of care in the Omaha community with expanded services and doubling its physical footprint through its $46 million capital campaign—Campaign for Hope.

The organization is ready to begin construction this spring at its centrally-located campus near 45th and Dodge Streets in Omaha.

CSI has diligently evaluated the evolving needs of local children and families including the rapidly growing need for pediatric and adolescent therapy, an expanded emergency shelter, supportive early education services and additional access to high-quality early childhood education. To expand these services, CSI will nearly double its physical building space. This two-year project will allow for an on-site mental health clinic to be added to the facility, a newly built emergency shelter housing 16 beds for youth, four additional early childhood education classrooms with a STEAM classroom and innovative treatment childcare classrooms added within its early childhood education center to address the needs of preschoolers unable to attend traditional school environments.

The Campaign for Hope will allow the organization to continue to meet the dynamic needs of those it serves today, and over the next 100 years. The Omaha community can join the effort in building a stronger community through Child Saving Institute’s Campaign for Hope initiative by visiting childsaving.org/campaignforhope.

Child Saving Institute (CSI) is dedicated to preventing, intervening and healing child abuse, neglect and trauma. For 130 years, CSI has been “Responding to the cry of a child” and meeting the changing needs of metro area children. CSI serves approximately 2,500 children and families each year. To learn more about CSI and the programs and services offered, please visit childsaving. org or follow CSI on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

BFF Omaha Announces the Benson All-Star Rumble Fundraiser

BFF Omaha is inviting everyone to barf it up in support of the organization on Saturday, May 13 from 2 to 6 p.m. in the Benson Creative District. B.A.R.F. is short for Benson All-Star Rumble: a Fundraiser!

BFF Omaha is partnering with area bars and businesses to raise money in support of their mission to build community through arts engagement.

Teams of four will compete in creative challenges at participating locations in hopes of winning prizes and capturing the title of the ULTIMATE BARF! The Benson Creative District will come to life with onstreet performers, live music, free pedi-cab rides, food and fun! Teams are encouraged to dress in costumes, engage with their fellow community members and ultimately have fun for a good cause. Kids are welcome to participate for free at the family-friendly location at Ted and Wally’s. Benson-located businesses are welcome to support BFF Omaha by hosting a creative challenge or becoming an event sponsor. BFF volunteers will be present at each location to monitor the challenge and participants. Event goers can also expect food and drink specials or special events and programming at participating locations.

The “ULTIMATE BARF” team will be announced following the charitable competition at Petshop Gallery (2727 N 62nd St.) at 6 p.m., where the entire community is invited to celebrate all neighborhood all-stars with an award ceremony followed by special TBA performances.

For more information on BFF Omaha the Benson All-Star Rumble: a Fundraiser, please contact info@bffomaha.org or bffomaha.org.

Red Cross Welcomed as Core Partner of National Weather Service

Leaders of NOAA’s National Weather Service and the American Red Cross signed a groundbreaking agreement that will enhance collaboration between the organizations before and during large-scale weather disasters.

This agreement designates the Red Cross as a National Weather Service core partner and reinforces that the agency can provide impact-based decision support services to the Red Cross at any level, including the local chapters supporting disaster preparedness and response. The Red Cross, which has a Congressional Charter to provide humanitarian and disaster relief services, is the first nonprofit organization to hold this formal designation.

A key part of the National Weather Service’s mission is supporting public safety officials who make key decisions to protect life and property in the face of extreme weather. Called “impact-based decision support services,” this assistance to core partners includes weather forecast advice and interpretations of the impacts a weather event will bring. Until now, “core partners” have consisted of local, state and federal governmental organizations. The Red Cross is often involved in formal response efforts, working closely with established public sector core partners to plan preparation and recovery efforts during weather disasters, making the organization uniquely positioned to receive weather support directly from the National Weather Service.

The mission of the American Red Cross is to prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors. Visit redcross.org or call 1-(800) REDCROSS to support Red Cross efforts.

Mosaic in Omaha to Host Discover the Possibilities Tour Event April 12

Mosaic in Omaha will be hosting their April Discover the Possibilities event on April 12. Mosaic in Omaha hosts its monthly Discover the Possibilities Tour every second Wednesday of the month, at 9 to 10 a.m. and again at 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. All are invited to come and learn about Mosaic’s mission to “love and serve” those with intellectual and developmental disabilities, the nonprofit’s good works to lift up the community and its commitment to relentlessly pursue opportunities for people with diverse needs.

Join Mosaic for refreshments and a tour of Mosaic’s mission and work by those who know it best — the people they support, their families and those who serve. To RSVP for the event or to ask any questions, please contact Jessica Westerlin at jessica. westerlin@mosaicinfo.org.

Mosaic in Omaha is part of Mosaic, which is a whole-person healthcare organization reaching across 13 states in more than 700 communities and providing supports to more than 4,900 people. Services empower people with disabilities, mental and behavioral health needs and autism, as well as aging adults to live their best life. Mosaic is an affiliated social ministry organization of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, a member of Lutheran Services in America, and a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. To learn more about Mosaic, please visit www.mosaicinfo.org.

Kids Can Community Center Opens Doors On New Facility & Celebrates 115 Years

Kids Can Community Center is celebrating their 115-year anniversary in a big way –moving into a new building! On March 27, the doors opened to the new facility at 4768 Q Street. This facility, the former site of Ashland Park School, more than doubles the space now available to Kids Can Community Center and that increases the number of kids they can help. The new center fosters an environment truly suited to the needs of Kids Can families, including a STEM room, greater classroom and community capacity and infant childcare for the first time in their history.

According to CEO Robert Patterson, “As Social Settlement before and now Kids Can Community Center, we have always been here for our community. This new center was an investment by our supporters so that we can impact the future. That future is the kids. Our children today are the citizens of tomorrow. This building allows us to keep investing in our children, especially the littlest ones, because every child deserves an opportunity to a successful start in life.”

The new community center is a result of the “Get In Gear” capital campaign that raise funds necessary to complete the project. More details can be found at www.kidscan.org/capital.html.

At Kids Can Community Center, their mission is to educate, engage and inspire children through early childhood education and out of school experiences. Founded in 1908 as Social Settlement Association, the organization has evolved over the past century to meet the continually changing needs of children and families in the community. Learn more at www.KidsCan.org.

I’ve Got A Name ‘Walk for Freedom’ Registration to Close April 10

I’ve Got A Name, a nonprofit organization that fights sex trafficking in Lincoln and throughout Nebraska, will hold its annual Walk for Freedom on Saturday, April 22 at 11 a.m. before the Nebraska spring football game, and the registration deadline is coming up quickly.

Local research indicates at least 900 girls are sold in Nebraska each month. The Walk For Freedom is designed to create statewide awareness that sex trafficking exists where we live. Participants will disperse around Lincoln wherever Husker fans gather, wearing their “It Happens Here” Walk For Freedom t-shirt and passing out information cards. I’ve Got A Name encourages families, friends, businesses and community groups to register and walk together for greater impact.

Registration is $15 and includes the Walk t-Shirt. The deadline to register and guarantee your preferred shirt size is April 10. Learn more and about this year’s Walk For Freedom and register online at ivegotaname.org/walk2023.

I’ve Got A Name has a mission to protect and restore the lives of those who are vulnerable or victims of sex trafficking. To get behind their mission and raise local awareness, visit ivegotaname.org or email Paul Yates at paul@ivegotaname.org.

FAMILY, Inc. Awarded uNbelievable Workplaces for Third Consecutive Year

For the third year in a row FAMILY, Inc. is excited to announce that they are one of Council Bluffs’ 25 awarded UNbelievable Workplaces. UNbelievable Workplaces is an employee engagement and satisfaction program; developed and managed by the Council Bluffs Area Chamber of Commerce. The program focuses on ensuring their business is a human-centered workplace. Understanding the culture of their workplace is the best way to increase employee engagement and strengthen the workforce attraction and retention efforts.

“When we spend 40+ hours each week at work, that workplace should be UNbelievable!” commented Kimberly Kolakowski, executive director at FAMILY, Inc. “We are grateful to our team, who are the sole reason we have achieved this designation for three years. UNbelievable team members make UNbelievable workplaces!”

FAMILY’s leadership team works tirelessly to ensure they have a vibrant work environment where their associates feel engaged and empowered to fulfill the company’s mission. They are dedicated to continuing to operate an organization that is focused on the health and well-being of their associates.

The award was presented by the Council Bluffs Area Chamber of Commerce.

FAMILY, Inc. is an early childhood and public health organization that provides public health education, support and connection to resources for women, children and families in Pottawattamie and Mills counties. To learn more about how to support FAMILY’s mission, visit www.familyia.org.

At Ease uSA to Hold Yoga and Self Defense Classes for Veterans and Healthcare Workers

At Ease USA will be teaching Veteran trauma-informed yoga classes on Sundays from 2 to 3 p.m. from April 30 to May 21. The classes will be held at At Ease USA, 10605 Burt Circle in Omaha.

Trauma doesn’t just affect the mind; it can also be held in the body. Trauma-informed yoga is an approach that addresses the specific needs and symptoms of trauma survivors. A safe, secure and predictable environment surrounded by a like-minded community is the foundation for this type of practice.

In addition, Veteran and healthcare worker self-defense classes will be held the fourth Sunday afternoon of the month from noon to 1:30 p.m. The classes will take place April 23, May 21, June 25, July 23, and August 27. Classes are free for female veterans and frontline healthcare workers.

Those interested in either class should contact Beth Kramer at beth@ ateaseusa.org or (531) 247-4040 to register.

At Ease USA is committed to providing access to confidential trauma treatment to active military, veterans and their loved ones suffering from PTSD. AEU offers behavioral health services through an inhouse clinical manager and a network of trained PTSD professionals. For more information, contact Beth Kramer at beth@ateaseusa.org or (531) 247-4040, or go to www.ateaseusa.org.

limited Tickets Available for JDRF One Night Gala April 22

Tickets are selling fast for the JDRF One Night: Better Together set for April 22 at the CHI Health Center Omaha.

The event will help raise funds for critical life-changing type 1 diabetes (T1D) research to cure, treat, and prevent T1D. If you still haven’t purchased your ticket, what are you waiting for?

The gala begins at 6 p.m. featuring cocktails and silent and live auctions, signature Fund A Cure program, and live entertainment by Don Felder, former lead guitarist of the Eagles and co-writer of “Hotel California” and “Victim of Love”! JDRF is thankful for this year’s event co-chairs and Fund a Cure program families, Pam and Dan Beninato and Jill and Lou Rotella III.

Tickets and table sponsorships can be purchased on the JDRF website at jdrf.org/nebraskaiowa. Supporters can also directly contribute to T1D research by donating to Fund A Cure. For more information, contact JDRF Associate Executive Director Chris Dunn at (402) 397-2873 / cdunn@jdrf.org.

JDRF Nebraska-Iowa Chapter gratefully acknowledges this year’s event sponsors, Premier Dental and Rotella’s Italian Bakery.

JDRF has a mission to accelerate life-changing breakthrough to cure, prevent, and treat T1D and its complications. They do this by funding innovative research, advocating for government action, and providing a support structure for our community. For more information, please visit jdrf.org/nebraskaiowa or follow JDRF on Twitter (@JDRFNEIA).

Youth Emergency Services Receives $160K Grant from BHECN

Youth Emergency Services (YES) has received a $160,000 grant from Behavioral Health Education Center of Nebraska (BHECN) providing a direct mental health therapy program to clients.

The BHECN grant will be used towards the development and implementation of a new mental health therapy program provided by YES. The grant will allow YES to be able to provide direct and consistent mental health services to those in their four major programs; Maternity Group Home, Street Outreach, Emergency Shelter and the Transitional Living Program. They are excited to be able to provide access to mental health and trauma informed care to their clients, opening up a pipeline to focus on prevention and breaking the cycle.

Youth Emergency Services assists youth experiencing homelessness and near homelessness by providing critically-needed resources which support them in their desire to be self-sufficient. It is their goal to help youth in crisis get back on their feet in whatever ways they can. After meeting their immediate needs for food, shelter, clothing and safety, they create a support system which helps them flourish. For more information, go to yesomaha.org or @yesomahane1974 on Instagram.

Angel Guardians, Inc. Announces Two New Lines of Service

Angel Guardians, Inc. (AGI) is excited to announce that they will be opening two new lines of service this spring. This includes: Supported Family l ivingSupported Family Living is designed to provide long-term support for individuals with disabilities who live with their families. Activities in Supported Family Living promote independence for individuals, including assistance in areas such as budgeting, self-care and navigating the community.

p revocational Services - This introduction to employment will ensure individuals with disabilities gain the skills and experience to succeed in the workforce. Supports include workplace readiness training, skill building and defining career interests for individuals. Please feel free to reach out to Angel Guardians if you are interested in participating in or supporting these programs! They welcome visitors and would love to schedule a tour. For more information, email info@angelguardians.org.

Angel Guardians, Inc. serves individuals with intellectual/ developmental disabilities in the Omaha Metro. AGI has a goal of creating an inclusive environment where people with, and without, disabilities can live, work and play. AGI works to empower people with disabilities to make their own choices and create relationships in the Omaha Community. Programming for AGI includes day services, art programming, vocational training and respite services. If you’d like more information, please reach out to Executive Director Sam Comfort at sam@angelguardians.org.

Bagsof FunOmahatoHostSecondAnnual Golf Tournament June 7

Bags of Fun Omaha is excited to be hosting their second annual Golf Tournament at The Club at Indian Creek on Wednesday, June 7. Check in begins at 9:30 a.m. with a shotgun start at 11 a.m. Every player receives greens fees and a cart, lunch, dinner, two drink tickets and swag!

Bags of Fun invites you to be a part of a great day fi lled with fi rst-class golf for a fi rst-rate cause. Foursomes, single players and sponsorships are available. Visit the Bags of Fun website at bagsoffunomaha.org for more details and to register. All proceeds will benefit children served by Bags of Fun Omaha.

Bags of Fun Omaha believes in the power of play to bring a welcome distraction during times of difficulty. Bags of Fun bring a child and the parents hope, relief, a smile and the ability to focus on something other than their illness. Bags of Fun is a nonprofit organization. Each Bag of Fun is funded by grants, charitable contributions and fundraisers. The bags are essential tools that bring the power of play into the hospitals. To learn more, go online to bagsoffunomaha.org.

Open Door Mission Promotes National Volunteer Week April 16-22

Open Door Mission is acknowledging the hard work of all of their volunteers this month during National Volunteer Week, April 1622. While it is important to volunteer throughout the year, this is a special time dedicated to those who are giving their time to making our community a better place.

You can make a difference in the lives of people experiencing hunger and homelessness by volunteering a couple hours at Open Door Mission. Anyone interested in volunteering can register online and once approved can self-schedule where they would like to serve. Get started at www.opendoormission.org/volunteer.

Open Door Mission also has Volunteer in Place opportunities where you volunteer from your home or work. You could make sack lunches, encouraging handmade cards, fleece blankets and more! Find out more www.opendoormission.org/volunteer-category/ volunteer-in-place.

Open Door Mission is a Gospel Rescue Mission that meets the needs of individuals and families while inspiring HOPE for lasting change. Each day, Open Door Mission’s campus offers 917 safe shelter beds to homeless men, women and children, serves over 4,747 nutritious meals and provides preventative measures to more than 1,000 people living in poverty. Learn more at www. opendoormission.org, or call (402) 829-1538 to get in touch with Open Door Mission.

Release to Host 2023 Imagine Gala April 28

Imagine, the 2023 Annual Release Gala with Honorary Chairs Dave and Courtney Martin, is scheduled for April 28 at the Hilton Omaha, 1001 Cass St. and promises to be an inspiring and memorable event.

The evening will be a night of exploration, using the guests combined imaginations to create a path through which people from all walks of life can life safe, together, healthy and free!

Psychiatrist Dr. Curt Thompson, author of The Soul of Shame and The Soul of Desire, will be the speaker, who, with his expertise in neurobiology, will speak about the power of the imagination. He will lead the audience on a journey of understanding current neuroscientific research and how it relates to our daily lives, and how beauty, goodness and truth beckon us to a deeper healing knowledge of ourselves, our neighbor, our society and, ultimately, of God. Expect the unexpected as well as immersive opportunities for imagination and joy. Join Release for a night that will empower the organization to continue growing beauty, goodness and truth throughout the community.

The funds raised at the 2023 Gala will bring hope to hurting youth and families in the community through the Foster Parent Training & Supprt program, mentoring, social work and mental health service. For information on purchasing a table or sponsorship, email Garth Hilton at garth@releaseinc.org or (303) 902-9417.

Learn more about Release and their services at releaseinc.org.

One Day Without Shoes Collection Drive to Benefit Stephen Center

Clean out your closets and find gently used shoes! It’s time for One Day Without Shoes, Cornhusker Bank’s annual shoe collection drive to benefit Stephen Center. The collection drive will take place April 24 through May 6.

One Day Without Shoes is a collaborative effort with local businesses who volunteer to help the bank collect new and wearable used shoes for free distribution by Stephen Center.

“The look on the faces of our clients when we provide them with shoes is priceless, providing them with joy they may not have felt in a very long time,” noted Michael Wehling, Stephen Center CEO.

One Day Without Shoes started in 2011 by Cornhusker Bank to benefit the Lincoln community. In 2020, the event expanded to Omaha, and a partnership was formed with the Stephen Center. In the three years of hosting this event in Omaha, Cornhusker Bank’s Omaha location and numerous business partners collected over 5,000 pairs of shoes and $750 in monetary donations. All shoes and any cash donations collected in Omaha will stay in Omaha for distribution.

Gently worn and new shoes can be dropped off at one of the collection sites during these two weeks. A complete list of collection sites can be found on Cornhusker Bank’s website, www. cornhuskerbank.com/Day-Without-Shoes-omaha.

Located in South Omaha, Stephen Center serves the homeless, addicted and those with mental health challenges. Learn more at stephencenter.org.