Grow Omaha
Non-Profit News

The Bay held a groundbreaking ceremony last week for its 40,000 sq. ft. youth center at 6120 Military Avenue in Benson. The $20 million project will convert a former indoor parking garage into a cultural hub for youth. The Benson facility is a second location of a Lincoln organization of the same name. When it is complete in early 2027, The Bay, will have classrooms, music venue, creative labs, esports arena and indoor skatepark for all skill levels.

Goodwill Omaha’s Adult Education Program was recently recognized by the state as Nebraska’s first adult high school. The program is open to any Nebraska resident over 21 years of age and provides a pathway to acquiring a high school diploma.

Joslyn Castle & Gardens was awarded $357,480 in federal funding through the Save America’s Treasures Grant Program. The award will support the rehabilitation and preservation of the historic conservatory.

Girls Inc. broke ground on its highly anticipated South Omaha Center construction project at 2108 L Street, behind South High School. Girls Inc. also announced a campaign to raise the final $2.7 million of the $35 million project. The new facility will continue to be known as the Emma Lozier Center. At 36,000 sq. ft., the updated center will be nearly five times larger than the current building and will accommodate 300 girls.

Heartland Bike Share has opened a station at Zorinsky Lake. The shared bikes, which can be checked out via an app, are located in the northwest parking lot off 168th St.

Project Intentional is gearing up for its annual Love Can Store. Starting in November, Love Can Store (formerly the Winter Wonder Land Emporium Store) will serve 345 families, representing 513 adults and 950 children. Each household will receive socks, hygiene items and a $150 check, offering parents the dignity of choice in how best to care for their loved ones. This year, 644 families applied for sponsorship – nearly double the 345 families Project Intentional is currently able to serve.

Yates Illuminates and Sweet Circle are presenting a Health and Wellness Fair on October 4 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event will offer a few screenings, referrals for more free care, resources and information, raffle prizes, fitness demonstrations, access to the Yates Illuminates clothing closet and entertainment.

Metropolitan Community College hosted the 34th Annual Fort Omaha Intertribal Powwow last Saturday. The free, family-friendly event honored traditional Native American dance, music, artistry, oral history and food of tribes throughout Nebraska and the surrounding region, including the Omaha, Ponca, Santee Sioux and Winnebago.

The Dunham House, an assisted living facility that will provide combat-wounded veterans with care and community, is now accepting applications. The Dunham House plans to open 30 units in 2026. Learn more or apply here: https://dunhamhouse.org/residency-info/

Scatter Joy Acres, a nonprofit which rescues animals and provides animal therapy for the developmentally disabled, seniors and veterans, is kicking off Critter Chats, a series of events showcasing rare animals, this Friday at Gene Leahy Mall. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Visitors will be able to interact, touch and learn about Bengal kittens.

Musicians with Hero’s Encore performed at the Holland Center last Saturday for the organization’s Stage I Celebration. Hero’s Encore is a Nebraska-based nonprofit organization dedicated to guiding military veterans, transitioning service members and first responders on a transformative journey from peer to performer, utilizing musical expression as a tool for self-discovery, healing and a renewed sense of purpose. This concert allowed local veterans, first responders, and transitioning service members to share their stories and music.

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul says it needs 5,000 more coats to meet the needs of the community this winter. As part of its annual coat giveaway, the nonprofit has received 1,000 coats so far. Its goal is to reach 6,000 coats before their first drive on October 11. Donations can be dropped off at any of the Northwest, Downtown, Papillion and West Center Society of St. Vincent de Paul thrift stores.

From September 30 to October 1, the nonprofit AIM Institute is hosting its Heartland Developers Conference, presented by Farm Credit Service of America, at the Mid-America Center in Council Bluffs. This year’s conference offers two days of expert-led sessions, hands-on demonstrations and impactful networking opportunities for developers, engineers and technology leaders.

To meet growing needs, the Bellevue Food Pantry has purchased and plans to renovate the former Bellevue Public Library at 1003 Lincoln Road. The 21,500 sq. ft. building will be renovated into a modern, expanded food pantry and community hub, doubling the number of people they can serve each month. The space will provide families and seniors with not only food choices, but also wraparound support services all in one accessible, welcoming location. From 5 to 7 p.m. on September 25, the Bellevue Food Pantry will host an evening event to unveil its vision for transforming the former Bellevue Public Library. The program will feature remarks from community leaders, the vision for the future space and recognition of those who serve and support the Pantry’s mission.

Dunham House, a first-of-its-kind, transformational initiative for combat-wounded veterans who are in need of long-term residential-centered care for their wounds, has opened applications for residents. Information is available at https://dunhamhouse.org/residency-info/.

Sixty employees from Thrasher Foundation Repair and its sister company Supportworks built beds on September 24 for local children in need through the nonprofit Sleep in Heavenly Peace. These beds will later be delivered to children in the metro area who are in need of a safe and comfortable place to sleep.

Collective for Hope, a nonprofit organization offering free, compassionate grief support to all, is inviting the Omaha community to Heartland of America Park on Saturday, October 4 for the 11th Annual HEALs to the Pavement Walk, honoring babies gone too soon and supporting families affected by pregnancy and infant loss.

Beginning October 1, CenterPointe’s Omaha facility, Campus for Hope, will offer outpatient psychiatric medication management and comprehensive, same-day mental health and substance use assessments. An Intensive Outpatient Program is also in development and will launch soon, expanding the continuum of care available in Omaha.

The Metropolitan Community College Business Development Center received a $10,000 grant from the National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship. Metro matched grant, bringing the total investment in area entrepreneurs to $20,000. The NACCE funding will provide capital and support for students who participate in the 10-week, MCC FastTrac Entrepreneurship and Business Development program. FastTrac is designed for early-stage entrepreneurs and helps guide students through the business planning process — from refining concepts and conducting market research to creating financial projections.