April 15 is the third annual Avenue Scholars Day, which aims to shine a light on the organization’s summer boot camps. Held in collaboration with Metropolitan Community College and Clarkson College, the camps will provide hands-on training in healthcare, the skilled trades and transportation. These day camps help students explore career paths, earn certifications and prepare for future job opportunities.
Youth Emergency Services has announced the establishment of a permanent housing space at 2566 Farnam Street. The space, which will be called the YES House, will create a centralized location for housing and supportive services, expanding capacity and improving access to care as the demand for youth homelessness services continues to rise in Omaha. At full capacity, the YES House will include 24 apartments with 32 beds, offering young people safe places to land for the short- and medium-term. In addition to housing, the YES House will offer increased access to food, a clothing boutique, onsite mental health and nursing services, and stronger connections to community partners, ensuring youth can find the care, resources and support they need in one place when they need it.
The property already houses YES administrative offices, minimizing transition costs and allowing the organization to begin utilizing the building immediately. YES anticipates housing all staff and core services at the YES House by Fall 2027.
In partnership with Together, the Center for Immigrant and Refugee Advancement is starting a food delivery program to support local immigrant and refugee families facing growing barriers to accessing groceries, including recent SNAP cuts and limited transportation. CIRA is asking for volunteers to pick up pre-packed groceries and deliver them directly to a family’s home.
MICAH House celebrated its 40th anniversary this week. The emergency shelter is located at 1415 Avenue J in Council Bluffs.