"We sneak in a bit of education while we are making a lot of noise!" - Liz, Omaha Symphony
Who would have thought you could make music with straws and rubber bands to create popsicle stick harmonicas? As the musical core of the city, Omaha Symphony engages students in the love of music, using a few simple donated items.
Carolyn, Learning for ALL volunteer, shares her experience as an ESL tutor during this 17th episode of Volunteer Voices.
At this morning's Cuppa Jo'maha, our nonprofit gathering, we had a chance to hear from 6 local nonprofits about what's happening right now at their organization.
Watch the less than 3 minute video:
"We have a couple moms that were just surrendered to us that are getting ready to have puppies, so there are always puppy needs," says Joy of Scatter Joy Acres.
Let's hear more about Scatter Joy Acres and how we can support their work together!
This blog is guest-written by Sarah Phelps, Smile Baggs Board Member
Our Smile Baggs founder, Desree Coleman, often says that she wants working moms to have the opportunities, resources, and respite that she didn’t have as the single working mother of two children. She sees that moms in our community could thrive and lead so much more with a little help along the way.
Yes, summer is in full swing, but metro youth will be back to school before we know it! Now is the time to Shop for Good and provide the items local nonprofits need to help their program participants start the school year off on the right foot.
As givers, we don't always know how our donations of items will make someone smile. This is just one example of how a gift made one young girl's day a little brighter.
Project Harmony Child Advocacy Center's receptionist, Pam, noticed a young girl in her waiting room - the center offers services related to child abuse - was about to celebrate a birthday. She asked the child what she wanted for her birthday. She told Pam, she wanted a Barbie car.
With Omaha metro nonprofits reporting they need about 1/3 more volunteers, every person who is giving their time to a local cause is making an impact!
Let's hear what some of our recent dedicated volunteers are saying about their time serving the community:
Meet Caitlin, a Stephen Center volunteer who serves up more than food. She gives a bit of positivity and encouragement to everyone she encounters during her time volunteering at the Stephen Center, an incredible five to six days a week.
"You know it amazes me as a medical researcher how much benefit there are to playing board games. If you play a board game once a week after the age of 55 you're much less likely to get dementia and Alzheimer's disease than somebody who doesn't. More so than diet and exercise and reading. That's just one of the many reasons why we like the enjoyment and the health benefits of play," says Dr. Kaleb Michaud, Director of Spielbound.