Stories
July 30th, 2020 - As we are experiencing an unprecedented public health crisis, one SHARE@Home volunteer opportunity is providing a chance to come together to reduce the stigma that often surrounds mental health.
In response to the pandemic, the local American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Nebraska chapter created the Nice Notes campaign to send positive, uplifting notes.
Members of the Greater Omaha Chamber’s Young Professional Council said "yes" to this opportunity to serve and created 80 uplifting cards! These cards were crafted with care in an effort to inspire notes of positivity, encouragement and cheer. The cards will be distributed in the coming weeks to healthcare professionals and First Responders within the Omaha/Council Bluffs metro.
“This was an impactful activity for members of the team and a great way to serve our community,” said Haley Armstrong, YP Council Member and Nice Notes participant.
Dozens of individual volunteers are also joining the effort.
One...
July 20th, 2020 - This article is the first in a new series. SHARE Omaha is pleased to collaborate with Western Iowa Development Association (WIDA) to feature rural Iowans who are doing good. Learn more about WIDA.
Though it’s a short acronym, CASA volunteers play a significant role in the lives of many in Southwest Iowa. Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs) do the unseen work to ensure the best interests of vulnerable youth in our community, work that deserves to be recognized.
The Southwest Iowa CASA Program recruits community volunteers to serve as a voice in court for abused and neglected children, to secure a safe, permanent and nurturing home for all. One of these dedicated volunteers is Sheila Lewis of Treynor, Iowa.
For Sheila, the process of becoming a CASA volunteer was gradual. A previous co-worker was a CASA in Douglas County and shared her experiences; it sounded interesting. TS Banking Group, where Sheila works, posted the opportunity to become a CASA volunteer; she remembered...
July 13th, 2020 - Jesi, Aaron and little Dax moved to Omaha during shutdowns due to COVID-19. Within minutes of speaking with Jesi, her generous spirit shines through. It comes as no surprise that during this time of isolation, she and her family are choosing to get to know the metro by asking, “How can we safely give back to our new community?”
Jesi found a creative way to do good:
Their team of three prepared dozens of sack lunches for Open Door Mission, spreading love to their new neighbors from a safe distance.
Photo credit: Jesi Lee
"Our family has been quarantined at home since our move to Omaha and I struggled with how to best spend this time," shares Jesi. "I came across this quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson, ‘The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.’ It made me realize that if these last few months have been difficult for us, I couldn't even imagine what...
July 13th, 2020 - The Lifting Up Do-Gooders column, written by SHARE Omaha executive director Marjorie Maas, runs bi-monthly in metroMAGAZINE. See the original publication of this article here on page 38.
Who is a Do-Gooder?
Either you are one, or you know a few. SHARE Omaha defines do-gooders as those who see a need and do good for others or the community; those who raise their hands to help when a crisis or challenge arises around them; those who regularly prioritize this good work, even in the light of personal sacrifice.
SHARE Omaha tells stories of volunteers, donors and general do-gooders regularly on our blog at SHAREomaha.org, and with this column we seek to act as a megaphone for those making our community and metro area better. These do-gooders could be individuals, businesses, families or nonprofit organizations.
Give them a GRRIN
GRRIN, or Golden Retriever Rescue in Nebraska, attracted Jacki Wild to foster for the first time in May 2019. She and her family have a...