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Stories
Some call it stories. Others call it a blog. But here you'll find nuggets of goodness to use and -- you guessed it -- SHARE!

Western Iowa Do-Gooders: CASA volunteers are a voice for children

Written by Katie Fourney    on July 20, 2020    in
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.


New to Omaha and already doing good: Jesi, Aaron and little Dax

Written by Katie Fourney    on July 13, 2020    in
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
 

Doing Good is for the Dogs…and Cats

Written by Katie Fourney    on July 13, 2020    in
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.

SHARE Omaha acquires Share Good - a high-tech advantage for new philanthropy

Written by Katie Fourney    on July 9, 2020    in
SHARE Omaha acquires Share Good – a high-tech advantage for new philanthropy
 
SHARE Omaha announces the acquisition of Share Good LLC, a branded community engagement platform powered by web-based technology. It connects new donors and volunteers to nonprofit causes for communitywide impact on quality of life.
 
OMAHA, Neb. -- The acquisition of Share Good LLC by SHARE Omaha moves its proprietary community engagement software into the future of approachable philanthropy. Marjorie Maas, executive director of SHARE Omaha, sees growing demand nationwide to make giving easy and accessible. “Communities and nonprofit organizations using this platform can immediately become more inclusive. We are excited to bring Share Good to Omaha’s Silicon Prairie to push the boundaries of innovative community engagement. It is a natural fit for the amazing tech culture here,” said Maas.

Junior League of Omaha member Stephanie Kidd finds meaning as Heart Ministry Center pantry volunteer

Written by Katie Fourney    on July 8, 2020    in
Written by Leo Adam Biga

Higher ed administration veteran Stephanie Kidd has found herself unemployed during the pandemic. Through this struggle, the Junior League of Omaha member has discovered meaning as a volunteer for the Heart Ministry Center pantry. She leads JLO volunteers working the 24th and Binney drive-thru on Friday mornings.
 
Kidd shared what the experience means to her in a Facebook post:
“Volunteering at Heart Ministry Center has been a true highlight of my spring. It feels really good to be able to provide love and support to folks who need it. I’m proud of the work we’ve done and the partnership we’re building.”


 

Do-Gooders: Volunteers making a difference

Written by Katie Fourney    on June 18, 2020    in
One of our favorite things is to hear from community volunteers about their experiences. Often, these Do-Gooders are using SHARE Omaha as a tool to find their fit and connect to a new way to give back. Most feel that spark of fulfillment, from simply doing a little good, and can’t help but share.

Here are a few snippets we’ve heard lately:



“I thoroughly enjoyed my time yesterday volunteering at Roberta and Bob Rodgers Gallery. I organized a drawer full of typeface while listening to Audible.” -Tricia

SEE CURRENT VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES AT ROBERTA AND BOB RODGERS GALLERY


SHARE @ Home

Written by Katie Fourney    on May 27, 2020    in
Our Omaha/Council Bluffs metro is a community of collaboration and generosity, and this piece of our DNA is showing itself in endless, heartwarming inquires of, "How can we help?" 

As we social distance to slow the spread of COVID-19, we are grateful for technology that empowers, unites, and brings us closer to the common goal of a metro where every nonprofit and vulnerable neighbor's needs are met.

To see how metro nonprofits have been impacted by the coronavirus, and how your gifts can make a difference, visit SHAREomaha.org/COVID19

If you're able to give: your money, time or skills...

You can continue to do good and #SHAREatHome.  

EASY WAYS TO VOLUNTEER FROM HOME

    Across the Road: A Crossroads of Western Iowa Initiative to Virtually Connect Clients and Community Members

    Written by Katie Fourney    on May 27, 2020    in
    This blog is written and shared by Crossroads of Western Iowa. 

    **Update: We participated! Scroll to the end to read our review. 


    Picture this: two roommates, unable to go on their regularly scheduled community outings due to the current COVID-19 crisis, meet kittens born the previous evening at the Midlands Humane Society via a Microsoft Teams connection.  The two animal-loving friends ask the Humane Society’s Executive Director questions about the animals’ routines, laugh together when the kittens roll around the screen, and share what life in quarantine is like for them.  
     

    This volunteer serves his purpose with Heartland Hope Mission

    Written by Katie Fourney    on May 20, 2020    in
    This story is written by Leo Adam Biga.
     
    In order for Heartland Hope Mission to address clients’ food insecurity needs, it relies on community support. Some support comes in the form of food and monetary donations. Other support comes from boots on the ground. Count volunteer Jeff Spilinek as a foot soldier who, rain or shine, cold or warm, shows up at Heartland Hope Mission’s South Omaha location to distribute pantries.

    “I usually help load food from grocery carts into cars for clients,” Jeff says. “The staff take care of the vetting process, so all I have to do is love on each person receiving a pantry. That’s probably the best part for me. Being able to show love to our neighbors is its own reward. It’s something I look forward to doing."

    “Being a regular part of the pantry has helped me become more committed to the mission.”
     

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