Ted E. Bear Hollow Holds Informative Events

Nebraska is fortunate to be home to several organizations that extend a helping hand to children experiencing loss and grief. These organizations are of immense value to our communities, as they help youngsters of all ages understand loss and grief in age appropriate words, and to experience comfort in their loss. Sadly, many children and teens never experience these steps to healing, and carry a never healing scar from their loss for years to come.

Not Alone Radio Program, April 3: Tom Warren

Tom Warren, the President and CEO of the Urban League of Nebraska was Not Alone’s guest today. What an impressive man. He grew up in Omaha, attended college, and became an Omaha police officer, attaining the rank of Chief before his retirement. Instead of relishing years with decreased responsibility after leaving the Omaha Police Department, Chief Warren chose instead to give back to the community via a new route leading the Urban League of Nebraska.

Not Alone Radio Program, Mar. 20: Catholic Charities Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation

The spring season is a time of hope and renewal and it sparks interest in trying once again to change habits of addiction. We asked friends from Catholic Charities to join us and talk about opportunities and options for successful treatment. Mike Phillips, Director of Campus for Hope, shared that many times clients do arrive at their absolute worst, unable to see anything positive or sustaining about their life; they are frequently beyond caring. The mission of Campus for Hope is to help clients find their spirit’s resiliency, to see the good, the worth, the valuable treasure within themselves, and then help them develop the tools and skills needed to maintain a lifetime of safety and sobriety. It is not an easy process, and needs to be taken one step at a time, but life can and does change for the better.

Siena/Francis House Breaks Ground, Builds Brighter Tomorrows

Congratulations to Siena/Francis House for another spectacular ground breaking ceremony. Although they did pick one of the coldest, most blustery days for the outdoor ceremony, hearts and spirits were warm as preparations were made for construction of a new permanent supportive housing apartment. The building will hold 48 efficiency apartments, each housing homeless men and women who have a disabling condition. Each unit rents for $250 a month, including utilities.

Catholic Charities Celebrates 85 Years of Service

Since 1926, Catholic Charities has worked endlessly to serve and advocate for more than 75,000 voiceless, hungry, addicted, abused, and forgotten individuals annually throughout the Omaha area. Through its 11 main programs, and the efforts of nearly 400 amazing volunteers, staff, and board members, Catholic Charities works to feed the hungry, give shelter and safety to battered women and children, support individuals with mental illness, offer recovery and hope to those suffering from addiction, teach new skills to young and old, unite adoptive families, and so much more. In September, Catholic Charities celebrated 85 years of service to Omaha.

Not Alone Radio Program, Aug. 2: Behaven Day Center

Our August 2 program welcomed friends from the Behaven Day Center. Boy, was it fun to be transported back into the mind and behaviors of a child for just a little while. Being a little kid can be lots of fun: moments filled with energy, excitement, creativity, and wonder!

But what about the little ones who are psychologically vulnerable, or who have behaviors that are challenging for parents and day care providers to successfully manage?

Not Alone Radio Program, July 26: RSAFE Program

In response to requests from listeners, our July 26 program addressed the topic of sexual abuse in children, including treatment for children who had become sexual perpetrators. We began discussion for this program last February, not realizing at the time how much this topic would be in the news by our broadcast date.

Not Alone Radio Program, June 28: Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative

There is a new program in Omaha called Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative, or JDAI. Douglas County Commissioner Chris Rogers learned about this program through the Annie E. Casey Foundation about ten years ago, and established the local support needed to bring the opportunity to Omaha. Recognizing that juvenile offenders need to be held accountable for their actions, and that communities do need assurances of safety and protection, JDAI is a reform process addressing the efficiency and effectiveness of juvenile detention.

Ted E. Bear Hollow Adds New Youth Program

Since 2001, Ted E. Bear Hollow has provided a safe place to express emotions, to remember loved ones openly, and to learn ways to care for themselves in the sad times. Through support groups, day camps, retreats and a variety of programs, Ted E. Bear Holllow has helped thousands of children and their loved ones move beyond their grief of the loss of a loved one to death toward healing. Today, Ted E. Bear Hollow is the premier resource for grieving children, teens, and their families in the Omaha/Council Bluffs area.

Heartland Family Service Assessment, Support and Prevention Program

Law enforcement officers and medical personnel are called into situations every day where they are asked to make decisions regarding the needs of individuals experiencing crisis – some of these crisis involve individuals suffering from mental illness. The Assessment, Support and Prevent Program (ASAP) offered through Heartland Family Service is a team of volunteer, on-call licensed therapists trained in crisis intervention and communication who respond to Sarpy County Law Enforcement Officials in crisis situations.