Stories

"Reading to an infant is something that has a huge impact, not only on their health but bonding for families," says Tracy Madden-McMahon, Methodist Hospital Foundation president and CEO. In fact, parents who read to their infants in the NICU experience less stress and are more likely to read to their infants when they go home. 

This week's #ShopforGood feature, presented by Wells Fargo, shows us how we can help provide books for Methodist Hospital's NICU families.

Stacy has been crafting smiles and spreading joy for birthday girls and boys for over a decade. Arriving multiple times each month at Open Door Mission’s Lydia House with a noticeable pink box in hand, Stacy has made it her mission to bring happiness to children at the emergency shelter by providing personalized cakes for each child on their birthday.

"I love that kids know what the pink box means," Stacy says. “It’s time for their day of celebration, a moment of joy, and a birthday memory to hold onto."

When we heard of Kayla's community-wide volunteerism, using SHARE Omaha to find opportunities, we wanted to hear more about what's motivating her to continue giving her time. Tune in to the Volunteer Voices video below and hear how Kayla has even made her service contagious.

"It helps me feel my cup," she says.

Find volunteer opportunities

Watch the interview with Kayla:

"10% of individuals in our community are diabetic, so there is a huge need. Our goal is that anyone who is diabetic can monitor their blood sugar and know what's happening," Lorie, Dear Diabetes.

At our monthly nonprofit gathering on July 27th we had a chance to hear from 4 local nonprofits about what's happening right now at their organization.

Watch the Coffee Chat with Women of Wisdom, Inc:

"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.