OUR STORIES ARE ORGANIZED UNDER THE BUILDING BLOCKS OF EDUCATION, INCOME AND HEALTH, BUT MANY PROGRAMS INVOLVE ALL THREE! 

EDUCATION

 Raising children presents so many unique challenges. For one family, the birth of twins was a cause for both celebration and questions. One child was visually impaired and the other was not. Fortunately, the parents found out about a support program for families of disabled children. There, they found technical assistance on visual impairment and advice on how to help both children continue on a healthy path. And even more important, they found the support of other parents who had been "in their shoes." They trade stories, offer a shoulder to cry on when necessary, and help families move forward so their children live life to its fullest. The twins are in school now, but the families stay in close contact because, as they’ve learned, there’s strength in numbers. (Ollie Webb Center)


Imagine where you’d be if you’d grown up in a home and a neighborhood troubled by gangs, drugs and violence. That’s where Gabi comes from. But lucky for her, there’s a youth center nearby, supported in part by United Way contributors. Starting at age 9, Gabi has been involved with positive adults who teach kids everyday to respect themselves and be a friend to others. "The Club helped me turn my life around before I slipped and followed the wrong path," Gabi says. And now, as a teenager, she mentors younger club members. To Gabi, the Center’s staff helped her through some scary times, and helped her take charge of her own life. (Boys and Girls Clubs) 


Sometimes, all it takes is simple information, a connection to help, and a life is changed. "D" had been involved in a local United Way supported youth program through high school, and it was there she nurtured her dream of becoming a nurse. But "D’s" father just couldn’t believe the family could support her in college. The youth counselors tried to tell him that a local college could provide D grants and scholarships to make her dream possible, but it just didn’t seem possible to him. Finally, D’s father came to a family college fair sponsored by the Club. It was clear to him, then, that his daughter indeed had a good chance to train for nursing. Now, D’s is in college and loves it and she’s ready to talk with other teens about following their dreams, too. (Camp Fire USA)


The young woman had earned the honor of introducing a special guest at her youth Club’s big annual luncheon. During the program, someone mentioned the teen’s desire to be a judge, and a judge in the audience volunteered to be her mentor. Another female judge joined in the mentoring process, too, and the young woman was soon awarded a scholarship from her Club’s national office. With financial help, and some hands-on experience, she’s ready to pursue her dream, and create a future for herself. (Girls Inc)


Undivided attention - sometimes, it’s all a kid needs to get back on track. Mary was pretty disrespectful when she started coming to the after school program at a United Way partner agency. She was angry when she walked through the door, and acted rudely toward the staff and other kids. Counselors wasted no time reminding her of the rules: treat yourself and others with respect, or you are not welcome. They also required her to report for one-on-one time with a staff member the minute she arrived each day. Within a month, everyone notice a change in Mary’s attitude, and her appearance. She told staffers that no one at home or school ever spent that kind of time talking with her. Now, she eagerly complies with the rules, and even volunteers to help out on some projects…all thanks to some face to face time with youth workers who care. (Heartland Family Service)


Friends, no matter what  - that describes Kirsten and Sarah – teenagers who appear, on the surface, to be quite different. Sarah has debilitating health problems, the result of aggressive cancer treatment when she was just four: hearing loss, diabetes, thyroid problems, and debilitating seizures. They met when Kirsten joined "Just Friends," a United Way-supported program that matches teens who have developmental disabilities with teens who do not. When Sarah’s feeling well, they can go to the zoo or out to lunch. When she’s worn out, they stay at home to bake cookies or do arts and crafts…something they both love. They talk on the phone, too. When Sarah’s health prevents a visit, Kirsten is just as disappointed as Sarah. Both teens cherish the time they have together. United Way donors help support the "Just Friends" program, bringing youngsters together to celebrate their differences and their special bonds. (Ollie Webb Center Inc.)


Christopher put his head down to the wind, and the sand. It was a horrible day to do outside work, but duty called. The Air Force master sergeant was part of "Operation Iraqi Freedom," far from home. On this particular day, something caught his eye in the dunes at his feet. He bent over and picked it up. Through the plastic packaging, he read a message: "A flag for your pocket, so you can always carry a little piece of home with you." Inside was a small American flag, folded by scouts from the Omaha-Bellevue-Council Bluffs metro area…who were fulfilling an oath to "help others at all times." Christopher wrote the scouts a letter, saying "I was, and still am, a bit choked up about it, and I just want you and your troop to know how much it meant to me." Your United Way contributions provides kids from all walks of life a chance to learn, grow and serve others…even those they may never meet.


A little boy named Juan cried every day at kindergarten. A counselor soon learned that it was more separation anxiety; the little five-year-old was afraid for his mother, a single parent and victim of domestic abuse. Family specialists worked with Juan and his mother, to help the child acclimate to his new school environment. They also helped Mom realize her responsibilities to protect her children from danger, through one-on-one parenting classes and twice-weekly in home visits. She found a job that allowed her to keep the family together, and she’s even saving a little money for the future now. Juan’s mom says the program, supported by United Way donors, helped her turn her life around and safeguard her children. (Child Saving Institute)


Sara never thought she’d have to ask for help, but both she and her husband were hit hard with medical problems. Then, she was diagnosed with her breast cancer. The illnesses stretched the family’s finances, and that meant fewer opportunities for their kids to have fun. Thanks to United Way donors, the YMCA could offer Sara’s children financial assistance to join in some health and recreational programs. Though the health hardships continue, Sara says “thank you for allowing my family some familiarity and enjoyment in life.”


Jessica and her two siblings grew up in Grandma and Grandpa’s house. There wasn’t much money for extras, but she had a talent for basketball.  Someone from the YMCA’s youth team asked her to join at age six, and with the help of a financial scholarship provided by United Way donors, she literally “took the ball and ran with it.”  Practicing with the team every day “changed my life” says Jessica, who says she learned about more than just hoops – she learned important lessons about hard work, persistence, and friendship. Jessica went to college on a basketball scholarship…and even played in the WNBA. She spent some time guiding other youngsters in youth sports programs at the Y, sharing some of her own life lessons. Jessica chose a helping profession; she works with troubled youngsters, teaching them life skills they so desperately need to survive on their own in the world. How to budget their money. Basic skills that pay off on every job. Perhaps because others reached out to her as a youngster, she’s giving that gift back, to others. 


Nicole wanted to overcome her past. She’d grown up in poverty, witnessed abuse and drug addiction in her home. Now, she was 17 years old and the mother of a six-month-old. Through the Teen Parenting program at Child Saving Institute, she realized she had the power to overcome years of hardship. With the help of a family support specialist, she’s developing positive parenting skills, learning about child development, and finding out what it means to have healthy family relationships. Nicole is close to earning her high school diploma, and she’s even dreaming of college. Nicole is intent not to repeat the mistakes made by her own parents; she wants something better for her child and herself. Thanks to your contribution, our community's kids have a better chance at success and a healthy future!

Sonya found the support she needed to be a good parent. When she discovered she was pregnant, she knew she faced a challenge. Covering the costs of a baby would be hard, even though she had a job. So she joined the “Building Families Boutique” program in Council Bluffs, while she was still pregnant. The Boutique is now run by Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska. This program for at-risk families uses a combination of training, support groups and an incentive program to instill positive parenting skills. Participants like Sonya earn points when they attend classes and group sessions, volunteer their time, and display positive parenting behavior.  By the time little Devonte was born, she had earned enough points to purchase a sturdy crib at the boutique. And two years later, she still attended classes and shared stories with other parents. Sonya’s willing to work hard to provide for her little family, but United Way donors have given her the extra support that makes all the difference in the world.

Imagine waking on a bitterly cold winter night to find your home on fire. It happened one night last winter to a family of eleven in the Omaha metro area. Everyone escaped, but the flames drove them out of their home without shoes or socks, or coats. They watched as their home was consumed by the fire. But they were comforted by a disaster team that offered them shoes, blankets and hot drinks. Then, the team found them emergency food and shelter, so they could begin to rebuild their lives. The mother said it all: "What would we have done without you? Thank you!" (American Red Cross Heartland Chapter)


At the very least, a home delivered meal provides daily nutrition to the recipient. But more than once, it has also saved a life. Mark, a meal volunteer, arrived at "Bob’s" house and found he had fallen. Bob hadn’t been able to get to a phone to call for help, so Mark’s visit was critical to his safety. Bob spent some time in the hospital, but when he returned home he had a simple but powerful message for Mark: thanks for being there in my time of need. (Meal delivery – American Red Cross Loess Hills Chapter)


Yolanda inherited her parents' home when they passed away. To make some needed updates, she took out a loan on the house.  Shouldn't be a problem, she thought; she'd worked at the same local company for 20 years and the payments were affordable. But what she didn't count on was a medical problem during her pregnancy, once that forced her to take temporary leave.   With less income, she continued to pay her bills, including partial payments on the home loan. She thought she'd be okay as she prepared to return to work...until her lender sent a foreclosure notice. Yolanda called 2-1-1, to see if there was an program designed to help her family keep their home. That call connected her with a program that helps homeowners work with their lenders toward a goal of saving their homes. The program cost her nothing, but it facilitated a modified loan that she's now paying off.  Good news for the lender, her neighborhood, and her family. (Family Housing Advisory Services) 

Shelly’s a busy wife and mother of two young children. She and her husband used to make important financial decisions on the fly, and relied too much on the credit card. So she signed up for a financial literacy class hosted by her employer, just one of the projects in United Way and UNO’s Financial Stability Partnership that help people become and stay financially stable and independent. Shelly describes the class in three simple words: "Amazing. Life-changing." She says most of the worry about their economic health is gone. They’re handling today’s bills, paying off debt, and still socking some away for the future.  (Financial Stability Partnership™, a program of United Way and UNO's College of Public Affairs and Community Service) 


Daniel was living right on the edge. He’d been off of drugs for one precious week. But now he was very depressed, and couldn’t afford to stay in his home…a special place where his deceased daughter once lived. The grief and anxiety were overwhelming him. What would he do if he and another of his daughters were kicked out of their home? Fortunately, Daniel called a material assistance program that is partially funded by United Way contributors. The receptionist recognized the stress in his voice and connected him with someone who could help. The experts there prioritized his needs: drug treatment, rent and utility assistance, food, grief counseling. A family member offered to care for his nine-year old daughter when he was in counseling. And the team followed up with him every step of the way…even helping Daniel make plans for a more stable future, so he might prevent future crises.


They battled substance abuse, medical problems and mental health issues, which made Steve and Sue’s relationship difficult. They’d been homeless and on the move for several years before they found a shelter supported by United Way contributors. Right away, the staff helped them with a major hurdle: Sue had a physical disability that prevented her from working, so they helped her apply for disability benefits. Steve held some day-labor jobs, but wanted full-time employment. They both signed up for counseling to tackle their drug use and relationship problems. And together, they applied for housing assistance. In time, they qualified for a one-bedroom apartment in a small Pottawattamie County town. Sue was able to volunteer her time at a local charity’s second-hand store, where she earned some household items. And Steve has found a full-time job. They still work at their relationship every day, but now they’ve learned some coping skills that help them work together. (Micah House Shelter)


Sharon just needed one-time help to get back on her feet. The full-time student and part-time worker needed a little help with one month’s rent while she recovered from emergency surgery. A call to 2-1-1 helped her find that one-time assistance, and that’s all it took. Sharon's committed to helping others now because 2-1-1 was there to help her!   


HEALTH 


After a head injury, Cindy found it difficult to maintain her balance; even standing still was a challenge. So she rarely left the house for fear of falling. Her doctor suggested she take the beginner T’ai Chi class offered at the Council Bluffs Senior Center, a program supported by United Way donors. The slow movements of the ancient martial art help many people with balance and flexibility. It was hard at first, but Cindy soon noticed she was getting a little better with each class. "Now, I’ve moved up to the intermediate class, where I’m learning to balance and even walk! I still have some difficulty, and a long journey ahead of me, but would not be where I am today, mentally and physically, if not for this wonderful class." (Council Bluffs Senior Center)


Mary counted on seeing a friendly face each time she visited HELP Adult Services to pick up her nutritional supplements. True, the drinks gave her the vitamins and nutrients that her meals did not. But it was the visits with staff that enriched the quality of her life. They always took the time to chat with her about what had been going on in her life and to share details of their own. One day, Mary’s son arrived at the office to return some unused nutrition drinks; Mary had passed away. But with tears in his eyes, the son offered his thanks for all who had treated her with such dignity and respect. "Both my mother and I appreciated all of your help, and your time." (HELP Adult Services)


Margaret loved living in her own home. But her doctor said it would do her good to get out more. The Heartland Family Service Senior Center became a favorite place to visit, where she meets other people close to her age. “I know everybody by first name,” says Margaret. “I like to walk in with a smile and encourage people, because that might be the only uplifting thing they hear all day.” Since she doesn’t drive, she gets a ride to and from the Center in the HFS van. And the driver takes her and other seniors to the grocery store every Tuesday. The Center’s continuing education classes help her manage her limited finances, and she’s learning ways to take better care of her health. “They help me maintain my independent way of living.”


Sheila is thankful help was there when she needed it. Paul was just 48 years old when Alzheimer’s started to take its toll. And for the next ten years, wife Sheila watched as her spouse succumbed to the disease. They joined a support group for families affected by early-onset Alzheimer’s, and the regular meetings helped them cope as best as they could. Paul died at age 58. Sheila is now the leader of that support group, and she works hard with the Alzheimer's Association, a CHC-Nebraska agency, to promote early diagnosis of the disease, now that there are medications that appear to slow down Alzheimer’s destructive path. She delivers speeches and helps other caregivers cope, saying, “I have taken, and now it is my turn to give back.” Your United Way gift helps people like Sheila, Paul and thousands of others who struggle with disease and disability…every day.


Does two hours sound like enough time to change a life? Maybe not, but to the wife of a metro area Alzheimer’s patient, it means the difference between good and poor health, between happiness and despair. The couple had been married many years, and when his memory started to lapse, the wife became the husband’s full-time caregiver. Though she loved him deeply, his condition made her fearful and her own health began to suffer. Thankfully, someone told her about a respite care program that United Way donors support…and soon someone was visiting their home for a couple hours each week. It gives her time to have lunch with a friend, or just take a nap. Her husband enjoys the company, and the chance to hear the respite caregiver read his favorite books. The wife doesn’t have to feel guilty about taking time for herself, and she feels refreshed after a little break. Two hours means everything to this loving couple. (HELP Adult Services)


Jane's boyfriend had been hitting her from almost the beginning, but now they had a baby together. She knew she had to protect her child, so Jane (her name has been changed to protect her privacy) got up the courage to leave...and she found safe shelter in an Omaha program that United Way donors support. Jane and her baby stayed in the shelter for 4 months while she received domestic violence counseling and help straightening out her credit history. Next step: a transitional living program that lasted a year, and then an apartment of their own. Feeling empowered, Jane completed her GED, and counselors helped her secure some grants and scholarships that made it possible for her to attend college. She now knows that it’s in her power to safeguard her child and improve their quality of life. (Catholic Charities Council Bluffs)  

Every family has some health problems. But one family that visits OneWorld Community Health Center is particularly challenged. Dr. Hans Dethlefs says the mother was doing a good job of managing her diabetes, thanks to a nurse educator who gave her the information she needed to take care of herself. But then, she developed kidney problems. OneWorld worked with Hope Medical Outreach to connect her with a specialist who is treating the new problem. Her husband, a generally healthy man, developed a mass in his neck. Again, patient support services helped him connect with an ear-nose-and throat doctor who removed the growth safely. The Center also arranges for some discounted medications that help their adult daughter treat her epilepsy. Thanks to these coordinated services, the family members are able to keep their jobs and support themselves, and they look forward to a healthy, happy life.

 

Sandy's safe now, thanks to you. She heard things no six year old should.  And on this night, she was awakened again by the sound of a loud crash. She knew it was the big kettle in the kitchen, that her dad had thrown it at her mom. Sandy’s stomach started to knot up, just like it did every time her parents fought. If things grew quiet again, she knew it was safe to go back to sleep. But if her mom continued to cry out, Sandy felt it was up to her to do something. It seemed like her dad would back off if she walked into the room. Sandy and her mother finally got out and sought shelter at the Heartland Family Service Safe Haven, where they could live in peace. They also got much-needed counseling. Sandy’s father attended a support group for batterers, and he’s finally accepting responsibility for his own behavior. It’s impossible to know if Sandy’s family will ever be reunited, but they’re all trying hard to make it work. And Sandy can sleep at night, in a safe place.


Sally endured what no child should: sexual abuse by her father. Authorities put Sally in foster care to make sure she was safe, and she began a long road of therapy. She also met other kids who had gone through the same kind of thing, and that support group helped her begin to heal. Sally’s siblings and mother talked to counselors too, and that’s when the mom was able to admit that she, too, had been molested as a child. Her own violent past made it hard for her to care for her children the way she wanted. But over time, counselors began to see a change in the family. More normal behavior during family visits, and finally "Mom" understood what it meant to truly protect her kids. She divorced her husband who was sent to jail, and she got a better job. Thanks to United Way donors, services are available to help victims of abuse when they need it most…and that could very well break this destructive family cycle. (Lutheran Family Services)


Dorothy’s spent her days and nights caring for her husband, Jerry. For 31 years, he’s suffered with Parkinson’s Disease. And for all of those years, Dorothy has been constantly at his side. Now, she gets a little break from her full-time caregiving, thanks to a program United Way donors help support. A respite care worker named Mary comes to the house, so Jerry’s beloved wife can visit with friends, take a drive or just relax. Jerry feels very comfortable with Mary stopping by, and the break helps Dorothy better maintain her own health. "I am so happy you have found someone like Mary to come into our home to help me out," says Dorothy. "Thanks so much." (HELP Adult Services)


Sometimes, it takes detective work to solve a person’s problems. To an outsider, it looked like Lynn just loved to party, and she hung around with people who felt the same way. To be sure, she abused drugs. But a counselor dug a little deeper and found out that Lynn had a medical problem that affected her brain; she suffered from clinical depression, and thought about suicide. Lynn agreed to treatment, and after awhile, she recognized that her substance abuse only made her problems worse. Her counselor helped her get treatment for the physical problem and her depression. Then, Lynn stepped away from her old friends and created a more positive support system. 12-step meetings and a sponsor help her stay away from drugs, and now she has a job. For the first time in a long time, Lynn has something to look forward to: a happier, healthier tomorrow.  (Catholic Charities)


A man and his wife were homeless, but he had an even bigger problem: his incision from a hernia operation had never healed. They were living in a tent encampment in the Omaha-Council Bluffs area, and his wound was still open. The danger to his life was apparent to the people who visited the encampment. Thanks to United Way donors, a nurse and social worker helped him stay as healthy as possible until he and his wife could get into a shelter. And when he grew even stronger, he received special care in a hospital. The nurse and social worker monitored his recovery, and now he’s fully healed. (Visiting Nurse Association - Omaha and Council Bluffs)


Thanks to your contribution, people from many walks of life -- of all ages and backgrounds -- are finding the assistance they need to remain healthy and independent across the Omaha-Bellevue-Council Bluffs metro area!  Thank you for your decision to LIVE UNITED!