Other Local Community Partners

Deanna Wagner, Recruitment Coordinator ~ dwagner@casaomaha.org ~ (402) 932-5683

2412 St. Mary’s Ave, Omaha, NE 68105 ~ www.casaomaha.org

When home is no longer safe for a child, and the child must enter the foster care system, a judge may appoint a committed volunteer called a CASA or Court Appointed Special Advocate®. The CASA volunteer's focus is on advocating for the best interest of that foster child. CASA volunteers do this by providing individualized attention through monthly visits to their foster youth and relevant parties, documenting information concerning the child's best interest, and submitting their independent report to the court to assist the judge ruling over the case. Duties: Meet with the child on a consistent basis. Assess best interests and understand the child’s wishes. Attend family team meetings, meet with professionals in the child's life, review documents and records to maintain awareness and gather information about the child. Monitor the services that are in place and recommend services as needed. Maintain complete records of contacts, hours, and mileage. Document the facts and circumstances of the child’s situation in a written court report, including the child’s wishes and recommendations to fulfill the best interest of the child, and attend court hearings.

To be a CASA, you must: Be able to commit to a minimum of 2 years. Be willing to donate 10 hours per month.  Be available for court hearings. Be able to maintain objectivity and professionalism in dealing with the child and all other parties involved. Ability to maintain confidentiality. Possess excellent verbal and written communication skills. Possess a working knowledge of Microsoft Word. Must be at least 21 years of age. Must pass a background check, have a valid driver’s license, valid phone number, and a permanent address. We provide 30 hours of pre-service training (15 online and 15 in person) and 12 hours of continuing education training annually.

Catherine Baker-Coleman, Executive Assistant ~ catherine.baker-coleman@cityofomaha.org ~ 402-444-5049

1819 Farnam St, Suite 502 Omaha, NE 68183 ~ https://humanrights.cityofomaha.org

Do you have a passion for civil rights? Have you ever wanted to get involved in your city, but don’t like the politics of it all? Here is your chance! We are always looking for people to help with our community outreach efforts! The Human Rights and Relations department needs volunteers to help with parades, events, student outreach, and a variety of other community oriented events. If you are interested in helping your community move towards a more diverse and inclusive Omaha, please contact our executive assistant, Catherine Baker-Coleman, at her email linked above!

Alex Jurgens ~ (402) 502-2773 ~ ajurgens@griefsjourney.org

7811 Farnam Dr, Omaha, NE 68114 ~ https://thecollectiveforhope.org/

Grief’s Journey provides a safe, supportive environment where children, teens, and adults can learn healthy ways to cope with the death of a family member or friend. Grief’s Journey also performs community education and outreach to meet the needs of Omaha’s bereaved youth. Volunteer needs vary and include weekend day camps, monthly and evening support groups, assistance with fundraising and benefit events, as well as office/clerical work and program preparations. Volunteers who facilitate support groups must complete our Child Grief Facilitator Training, which is held 2-3 times throughout the year. We can accommodate groups of 1-10 volunteers and welcome both long-term and one-time service. No special skills required. Support groups include serious illness and injury and immigration challenges.

Special Requirements: Grief Facilitator Training

Tena Hahn Rodriguez ~ tena@inclusive-communities.org ~ 402-391-4460

6001 Doge St. UNO CEC Ste 122 ~ www.inclusive-communities.org

Inclusive Communities is a human relations organization confronting prejudice, bigotry and discrimination through educational programs that raise awareness, foster leadership and encourage advocacy for a just and inclusive society.

Erin Cihal ~ ecihal@legalaidofnebraska.org ~ (402) 348-1069

209 S. 19th Street, Ste. 200, Omaha, NE 68102 ~ https://www.legalaidofnebraska.org

Our mission is to promote justice, dignity, hope and self-sufficiency through quality civil legal aid for those who have nowhere else to turn.

Payton Shudak ~ (402) 444-4597 ~ Payton.shudak@douglascounty-ne.gov

1905 Harney St, Suite 500, Omaha, NE 68102 ~ https://countyattorney.douglascounty-ne.gov/victim-assistance

The Victim Assistance Unit offers opportunities for volunteers and interns with trainings provided. Responsibilities include: follow up calls, court accompaniment, court clerking work (coding reports, etc.), and assisting other advocates. Volunteers are needed 8:00am – 4:30pm, Monday – Friday.

Requirements: On-Site Training

Dave Winiger, Executive Director ~ dave@releaseinc.org ~ 402-707-7482

3223 N 45th St, Omaha, NE 68104 ~ https://www.releaseinc.org

Release always needs volunteers. From office assistance and event work to mentoring and bible study leading, we can find a role to match your talents and passions. One of our biggest volunteer needs is with the juvenile justice mentoring program. With a 2-3 hour/week commitment, volunteers offer their companionship and presence at the Douglas County Youth Center conversing with individulas currently in the juvenile justice system.

Requirements: Background check, ability to listen, on-site training for mentors

Chantal Randal, Volunteer Manager ~ crandall@seeusrise.org ~ (402) 203-3166

3555 Farnam Street Omaha, NE 68131 ~ https://www.seeusrise.org/

RISE’s Vision is that all people will find freedom from cycles of incarceration. At RISE, transformation starts pre-release and continues post-release. Our inside/out model bridges incarceration to the community and considers all the critical steps in that journey. We prepare and train people for each phase through intensive character development, employment readiness, job creation through entrepreneurship and case management. We transform people in the community by building awareness and empathy that leads to support and opportunity. These connections heal families, create employment pathways and lower recidivism.

Volunteers are utilized to provide feedback on resumes, personal statements, mock interviewing, and business plans to our incarcerated program participants. This not only provides tangible feedback, but also challenges perceptions community members may have about who it is that is incarcerated. Through the cultivation of empathy and relationships, our volunteer experience furthers opportunities for our released participants through networking, hiring, housing, etc.

Aruna Bewtra, Volunteer Coordinator ~ aruna@setmefreeproject.net ~ 402-521-3080

11620 M Circle, Omaha, NE 68137 ~ https://www.setmefreeproject.net

The Set Me Free Project began in the spring of 2014 following much training, research, and education on the evils of human trafficking.  After speaking to many educators in the community, we learned that there was simply no education and prevention training on the dangers of human trafficking in Nebraska public schools.  We are no serving the community by bringing awareness and education to students, parents, leaders, and educators and by empowering our youth  to value themselves and protect themselves from trafficking and social media dangers.  We are always looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help with community engagement projects, legislation research, grant writing, and marketing.

Laurel Heer Dale, Director ~ lheerdale@nevlp.org ~ (402) 742-8133

635 S 14th Street, Ste 200 Lincoln, NE 68508 ~ https://nevlp.org/

VLP’s mission is to improve access to justice through the delivery of quality pro bono legal service. Law students can help:

• pre-screen applicants at legal clinics
• applicants complete paperwork at clinics
• assist a volunteer lawyer with a pro bono case provide support at a VLP office.

Jacquie Gordon, Volunteering and Training Coordinator ~ jacquieg@wcaomaha.org ~ (402) 345-6555 ext. 333

3801 Harney Street Omaha, NE 68131 ~ https://wcaomaha.org/volunteer/

The Women’s Center for Advancement (WCA) serves victims of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault. We are dedicated to helping clients stay safe and grow strong by addressing both their immediate safety needs and their long-term self-sufficiency. Volunteers can help in a variety of ways, including sorting donations in our Career Clothing Boutique, answering Hotline calls, and co-facilitating classes such as the Girls Leadership Academy, and more.