Healthcare and Wellness

Kristina Avan, Program Coordinator ~ kristina@100blackmenomaha.org ~ (402) 934-7065

2221 N. 24th Street ~ www.100blackmenomaha.org

The mission of the 100 Black Men of Omaha (100BMO) is to “improve the quality of life in Omaha by helping our youth to be Respectful, Responsible, and Ready to Lead.” We seek to achieve our mission through Mentoring, Education, Health & Wellness and Economic Empowerment programs. This has been the organization’s mission since 1995 when a group of concerned men realized that the survival of the community rested on their willingness to join together and be a vehicle for positive change. We are committed to the intellectual development of our youth. Our programs include Leadership and Mentoring Academy, Pathways to Success/Financial Literacy, African American History Challenge, 100 Saturday Academy, Real Men Read and Real Men Greet.

Types of Service: Mentoring

Looking for volunteers to give a semester commitment!

Melanie Roberts, Administrative Assistant  ~ mmroberts@alz.org ~ 402(502)-4300

11711 Arbor St., Ste. 110 Omaha, NE 68144 ~ https://www.alz.org/nebraska

The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s. Visit www.alz.org/nebraska or call 800.272.3900. Volunteers assist with all elements of our mission, including advocacy, community education, and special event support. Start your Volunteer Profile on our website linked above!

Cat Henning ~ cat.henning@cancer.org ~  701-219-9789

9850 Nicholas St, Suite 200, Omaha, NE 68114 ~ www.RelayForLife.org/CreightonUNE

The American Cancer Society’s mission is to save lives, celebrate lives, and lead the fight for a world without cancer. The American Cancer Society is a nationwide, community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem. Our Global Headquarters are located in Atlanta, Georgia, and we have regional and local offices throughout the country to ensure we have a presence in every community.

Types of Service: Assistance with daily activities, healthcare or health education, office support/clerical or computer work

One-time volunteers are welcome, as are individuals looking to commit a semester or longer to the organization!

American Cancer Society’s Hope Lodge

Angels Care Hospice and the National Hospice Foundation share a commitment to improve end-of-life care and expand access to hospice care with the goal of profoundly enhancing quality of life for people dying in America and their loved ones. The National Hospice Foundation is the national charity for end-of-life care. As an affiliate of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO), it is dedicated to supporting the development of resources for individuals and their families facing serious and life-limiting illness; raising awareness and increasing access to hospice and palliative care; and providing ongoing professional education and skills development to hospice and palliative care professionals. 

Hospice volunteers make a difference to patients and families at a very difficult time in their life. Volunteers often find their own lives enriched knowing their efforts have made a positive impact on another person’s life. Volunteers can do a variety of things based on their skills, interests and talents. Volunteers can provide direct patient care or administrative support in the office. A volunteer may:

• Make visits to patients to read, write letters, play games, take walks, and provide relief to the caregiver
• Provide companionship to patients
• Assist with patient household activities like running errands or walking pets
• Make patient/family phone calls to ensure they have all items needed for a weekend/holiday
• Assist office staff with answering phones and mailing patient cards
• Assist in special projects such as sewing or making memory bears for patients

Other (do you accept one-time volunteers, groups or just individuals, is there a background check or application required to volunteer, etc.): 

You will need to complete an application and background check because of this we are accepting individuals. 

Contact Name: Jeannette Blackstone

Email: jeannette.blackstone@angmarcompanies.com

Phone: (402) 933-5836

Address:10838 Old Mill Rd, Omaha, NE 68154 

Website: https://angelscarehospice.com

Michael Young ~ michael.young@campqualityusa.org ~ 402-714-5401

PO Box 24322, Omaha, NE 68124 ~ https://www.campqualityusa.org/ways-to-help/donate-time/

The mission of Camp Quality USA is to establish and sustain nationwide community-based camping experiences and ongoing support programs for children with cancer and their families. More than 10,000 children are diagnosed with cancer every year. Countless numbers of families struggle with the physical, emotional and financial drains of such a disease. To make matters worse, the cause of childhood cancer is largely unknown, making successful treatment a challenge, current research necessary and an established support system imperative.

In the USA, there are presently 16 camps established in 12 states. More than 700 children participate in our camps each summer, and many more participate in Camp Quality activities throughout the year. We have one-on-one companions for every camper, and the Heartland Camp is June 13-18th in 2016.

Michaela Kanoski, Volunteer & Guest Services Manager ~ Michaela.Kanoski@alegent.org ~ (402) 398-6199

7500 Mercy Road Omaha, NE 68124 ~ https://www.chihealth.com/chi-health-bergan-mercy

CHI CUMC Bergan campus needs volunteers for ALL areas of the hospital. Some of our needs are for the Gift Shop, Way finding, and Welcome Desk. We also have many openings on the Nursing units doing basic needs, Patient Transport, Pharmacy (NE license required), and Rehabilitation Services. We also are recruiting for instrumental musicians for the hospital lobby. We require a minimum commitment of 4 hours 2x per month for at least a semester. A phone interview, background check, online orientation, and health clearance (including drug test) will be required. It may take up to 4 weeks before the process is approved for volunteering. Each university must commit to a 1 year minimum.

Angela Loyd ~ aloyd@childrensomaha.org

(402) 955-4010 ext. 2 ~ https://www.childrensomaha.org/get-involved/how-to-volunteer/volunteer-application-form/

8200 Dodge St., Omaha, NE 68114

Volunteer opportunities may include playing with children or siblings, providing support for family members, assisting at the information desk, gift shop, visiting with families in the surgery waiting area, taking on special projects and much more. All volunteers are asked to make a one year commitment. Volunteers come in once a week, following a regular schedule, for a shift lasting approximately two hours. The first step toward becoming a volunteer at Children’s Hospital & Medical Center is to fill out and submit an application. Applications are available online or by calling the volunteer services department at (402) 955-4010.

Types of Service: Health care or health education

Looking for volunteers who can commit a semester or longer to the organization!

Erika Mallory ~ emallory@crccomaha.org ~ (402) 496-1000

2010 N. 88th Street Omaha, NE 68134 ~ https://crccomaha.org

We provide comprehensive services and family support for children with special medical, developmental, cognitive and impairment impacted children by providing services that evoke maximum potential and foster the development of intellectual and social competence.

Types of Service: Assistance with daily activities, child care, music or art activities

One-time volunteers welcome, as well as individuals who can commit a semester to the organization!

Jenna Kleine, Coordinator of Volunteers ~ jenna.kleine@cityofomaha.org ~ 402-444-4791

1819 Farnam St. #701, Omaha, NE 68183 ~ https://parks.cityofomaha.org/volunteer-opportunities

The mission of the Omaha Parks and Recreation Department is to provide and maintain a comprehensive park system, manage public property and offer opportunities for the citizens and visitors of the Omaha community to encourage a healthy, positive lifestyle that is essential to the quality of life. From fun recreation events to park clean-up and improvement projects there are numerous ways to offer your service.

Shannon Gennardo, Community Engagement Coordinator ~ garden@omahasprouts.org ~402-707-2860

4002 Seward St. Omaha, NE 68111 ~ https://www.omahasprouts.org/

Volunteers are needed year round to assist in the gardens, farm, and education center: weeding, watering, planting and harvesting, painting, organizing, building projects, etc. Opportunities change with the season, with spring, summer and fall having the highest need. Hours are flexible. The work is physical and fun! Volunteers can help with a one-time project or have a dedicated time commitment.  Please call/email Community Engagement Coordinator Shannon Gennardo at 402-707-2860 or garden@omahasprouts.org

Creighton Representative: Alanna Vance  ~ ajv73506@creighton.edu

Colleges Against Cancer (CAC) is a nationwide collaboration of college students, faculty, and staff dedicated to eliminating cancer by working to implement the programs and mission of the American Cancer Society. With hundreds of chapters nationwide, CAC is showing the world that young people care and want to make a difference.

How many college organizations do you know that involve the entire campus community and surrounding area? CAC does just that through four Strategic Directions: Advocacy, Cancer Education, Relay For Life, and Survivorship. By working to advance the mission of the American Cancer Society, the Strategic Directions are areas in which college students are easily engaged.

Kelly Keller, Volunteer Coordinator ~ kkeller@endlessjourneyhospice.com ~ (402) 800-8145

10909 Mill Valley Rd 205 Omaha, NE 68154 ~  www.endlessjourneyhospice.com

Endless Journey is a local independent hospice that embraces the holistic philosophy of caring for body mind and soul. In addition to traditional hospice care, we enlist a broad array of holistic interventions such as Reiki, Healing Touch, massage, music therapy, acupuncture, essential oils, chiropractic and art therapy to assist in pain management and helping patients and family members through the entire dying process. volunteers are utilized in the office and at bedside. Bedside volunteers use their unique gifts to be present to patients and/or family members as relief support, a friendly visitor, or in the final hours simply providing calm presence.

Sandra Savage-Steffes ~ ssavage-steffes@everystep.org

300 W. Broadway, Suite 114 Council Bluffs, IA  51503 ~ everystep.org

EveryStep is one of the oldest and largest non-profit organizations in the state of Iowa.  When Iowans face life’s most difficult moments, EveryStep offers support and empowerment in the right place and at the right time.  Our people and programs provide support and education to young moms; assistance to immigrants and refugees; wellness services to communities; in-home care to people who are ill, injured or facing the end of life; and compassionate support to families during times of grief and loss.

EveryStep Hospice helps those living with serious, life-limiting illnesses and make the best out of every day by managing pain and symptoms, helping with daily needs and providing emotional and spiritual support.  The hospice care team includes the patient and their family, the patient’s physician and EveryStep staff.  Our volunteers play a large part in our patients’ daily care plan, as well.  Some of the activities our volunteers participate in are visiting with patients and their families, help with special events, assist with projects, perform light housework, provide patient comfort care, share special skills and offer caregivers respite. 

There is an application on our website to fill out. MyImpactPage - Application Form - Hospice - Council Bluffs (betterimpact.com) There is also a background check, 2-Step TB test and one-time orientation meeting. 

Deb Potter, Volunteer/Events Coordinator ~ dpotter@gotrnebraska.org ~ 402.483.0373

4600 Valley Rd. #321 Lincoln, NE 68510 ~ www.GOTRNebraska.org

Requirements: At least 18 years old, reliable transportation, background check

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

7811 Farnam Dr, Omaha, NE 68114 ~ www.griefsjourney.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

Mark Dahir ~ mark@heartministrycenter.org ~ (402) 451-2321

2222 Binney St, Omaha, NE 68110 ~ https://heartministrycenter.org/get-involved/#volunteer

Volunteers needed for assistance with daily activities, collecting or distributing personal care items.

Requirements: on-site volunteer orientation

Becky Snedeker~ (402) 341-6559 ext. 102 ~ becky@helpadultservices.org
1941 S. 42nd St, Suite 200, Omaha, NE 68105 ~ www.facebook.com/HELPAdultServices  www.helpadultservices.org

HELP Adult Services is seeking volunteers who are passionate about making a positive difference in the lives of others. Both our long-term navigation program and our medical equipment rental program serve all ages by providing support for those experiencing the challenges of aging and/or medical needs. To help with our mission to empower lives, €one person at a time we are seeking a team of volunteers who will provide assistance with the development and implementation of our 2018 -19 marketing plan. As a volunteer, you will help our team develop marketing materials, develop a social media campaign and a community based action plan to help spread the word. As this population continues to grow it is even more critical that we reach out to these very special members of our community.

Types of Service: Health care or health education, listening to stories/ministry of presence, office support/clerical or computer work

Katie Kaufman ~ katherinekaufman@creighton.edu ~ (402) 280-3179

Creighton Hall RM 334~ https://www.creighton.edu/geo/ilac

Creighton University has had a presence in the Dominican Republic for 45 years.  We are hosted by the Centro de Educacion para la Salud Integral (CESI), well-known by its English name, Misión ILAC, with whom we have a very close partnership. This partnership grew from efforts to provide immersive experiences in health services and has expanded to other initiatives including supporting a semester-long academic service learning program for undergraduate students, Encuentro Dominicano, facilitating service and immersion experiences for partner high schools, and assisting with surgical missions and medical rotations.

Amelia Simmons, Creighton Medical Student ~ ameliasimmons@creighton.edu ~ (402) 881-0143

1111 N 17th St, Omaha NE 68102 (Siena Francis House) ~ Website

Founded and run by students of the Creighton University School of Medicine since 2004, the Magis Clinic serves the homeless and uninsured of Omaha.  The Magis Clinic is staffed by volunteer students, physicians and pharmacists from the Creighton University School of Medicine and the School of Pharmacy and provides free healthcare and referrals to existing community services.  It is the first free medical clinic in Omaha open on Saturdays that treats homeless men, women, children and the medically uninsured.  Services include basic acute primary care consultations and follow-up, physical exams, mental health care, STD testing, laboratory services, including basic blood tests; pharmaceuticals.  Magis Clinic volunteers also partner with the Charles Drew Health Center, coordinating their efforts to achieve the mission of the Magis Clinic.

Requirements: Application & Interview

Courtney Cleveringa ~ (402) 333-8999 ~ ccleveringa@nebraska.wish.org

11836 Arbor Street, Omaha, NE 68144 ~ www.wish.org/nebraska

Make-A-Wish Foundation Nebraska is a non-profit, charitable organization whose purpose is to grant wishes to children between the ages of 2 1/2 and 18 who have been diagnosed with critical illnesses medical conditions.  Volunteers are needed for: office help, gift-wrapping during the holidays, and some one-time special events. Office hours are 8 – 5, Monday – Friday. We can accommodate groups 1-10 volunteers and welcome both long-term and one-time volunteers.

Requirements: On-site volunteer orientation

Kara Covrig ~ kara.covrig@mosaicinfo.org ~ (402) 896-9988 x 51002

4642 S 132nd st Omaha, NE 68137 ~ www.mosaicinfo.org/locations/nebraska/omaha

Mosaic is a faith-based organization serving people with intellectual disabilities in the Omaha area.  Volunteer opportunities range from one time opportunities to ongoing opportunities.  Activities could include (but are not limited to) working directly with people served, assisting with activities, teaching classes, accompanying people in service on outings, starting an advocate program for those in service, manual labor, etc.  We match the skills and desires of volunteers with the opportunities at Mosaic.

Types of Service: Assistance with daily activities, listening to stories/ministry of presence, music or art activities

Patricia Ostronic, Volunteer Services Lead ~ (402) 559-4197 ~ volunteering@nebraskamed.com

42nd & Dewey, Omaha, NE 68198 ~ www.nebraskamed.com

Nebraska Medicine provides a variety of volunteer opportunities in a medical environment.  Volunteers do essential non-medical tasks.   Opportunities are available day and evenings, seven days a week. Most volunteers work a weekly shift of two to four hours. An initial commitment of six consecutive months is requested of all volunteers.  Some of the service areas include the Emergency Department, Child Life, Ambassadors, Gift Shops and various clinics. The exact duties, scheduled times and dates available will depend on the position. An orientation class, health screening, and other prerequisites must be done prior to volunteering.  Further information can be found on our website www.nebraskamed.com. The application process can take up to four to six weeks to complete.

Special Requirements: Completion of New Volunteer Orientation, background check, health screening, 2 hour/week commitment for 6 consecutive months

Courtney Spurgeon ~ cspurgeon@oneworldomaha.org ~ (402) 502-8917

Leslie Ibarra, Volunteer Specialist libarra@oneworldomaha.org

4920 S. 30th St, Omaha, NE 68107 ~ https://www.oneworldomaha.org/volunteer/

Put your passion to work at OneWorld! Join people from diverse cultures and make a positive impact in the health and well-being of OneWorld patients.

Volunteer opportunities include:

• Working in our Baby Boutique
• Mexican Consulate Health Window (Spanish required)
• Gardening and Grounds Keeping
• Special Projects Support
• Learning Community Center ESL Class Aide
• Learning Community Center Child Care Assistant 
• … and more

Shelby Larson, Manager of Community Engagement ~ (402) 934-9700 ~ shelby.larson@omahahealthykids.org

5006 Underwood Avenue, Omaha, NE 68132 ~ https://omaha.net/omaha-healthy-kids-alliance

Omaha Healthy Kids Alliance is a nonprofit organization that works to create a Healthy Home for every child. Our main goal is to bring awareness and education to families in the city about environmental hazards, green and Healthy Homes, and lead poisoning. We are always looking for dedicated volunteers to help us accomplish our goal of creating Healthy Homes for every child in Omaha and beyond.

Volunteers with OHKA can:

1. Host a Healthy Home House Party: This is a great way for you to have some fun with your friends, learn about Healthy Homes and help support an incredible cause. At the party, our staff can help you make green cleaning supplies and natural home improvement remedies, teach you and your friends about Healthy Homes and our work, and you can adopt one of our families to help them make their home safer and healthier.

2. Do a Healthy Home Clean-Out: Once a month, we need volunteers to help us clean out a basement, clear out a living space, clean up a backyard or organize a living area for one of our families. We provide the supplies including haz-mat suits (when needed), gloves, dumpsters and cleaning equipment. Volunteer Clean-Out days usually occur on a Saturday morning for 2-3 hours.

3. Volunteer for Rundee: Rundee is our annual 5K run that is a fundraiser and awareness builder for OHKA. Volunteers help manage the course, staff the stations and cheer on the runners and walkers.

4. Help OHKA in the office: We are always in need of help to organize our supplies, manage the front desk, edit grants, or serve on a committee. Let us know what you’re good at and we will try to make it work!

5. Outreach events

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

Megan Mackie ~ mmackie@outlookne.org ~ 531-365-5328

4125 South 72nd St., Omaha, NE 68127 ~ https://outlookne.org

Supporting people who are living with vision loss and blindness through technology training, recreation and cultural activities, and community education around inclusion of people with blindness. Volunteers can be sighted guides for teens and adults who are blind/low vision during our monthly recreation activities. Service learning class placements also around topics of disability, heath and wellness, non profit administration, advocacy.

Craig Howell, Director Community Partnerships  ~ (402) 345-8047 ext. 218 ~ chowell@togetheromaha.org

812 S. 24^th Street, Omaha, NE 68108 ~ www.togetheromaha.org

Together.  Collaborating to End Hunger and Homelessness. We provide necessary resources to individuals and families in our community so they can maintain their homes. Volunteers support Together by helping in our pantry. We can host small and medium groups as well support special projects such as building maintenance and donation drives for food, hygiene, kitchen essentials, and house hold items such as plates, cups, small appliances, silverware, and pans. Your support provides hope, dignity, and compassion to those that otherwise would not have it. We can accommodate any number of volunteers and welcome both long-term and one-time service. No special skills required but Spanish is helpful.

Celeste Sully Feuerbach, Volunteer Coordinator ~ (402) 930-4143 ~ csully@vnatoday.org

12565 West Center Road, Omaha, NE 68144 ~ Visit the website!

VNA Hospice Volunteers: provide service to terminally ill patients and families. Volunteers go through 16 hours of training and specific responsibilities and hours are dependent upon work assignment.

VNA Patient Advocate/Visitation Volunteers: visit patients in area care facilities and nursing homes – weekly or bi-weekly depending on the volunteer’s schedule – to provide conversation and companionship while advocating for the patient’s healthcare.

VNA Flu Clinic Volunteers: assist with clerical duties at community Flu clinics in October and November. Volunteers can sign up for one or more 2 – 4 hour clinics and receive a free flu inoculation.

VNA Special Event Volunteers: assist with our special events (Art and Soup; Cooking for the VNA) throughout the year – great for groups who want or need a one time volunteer event. Filling holiday gift bags for hospice patients and collecting small-sized toiletry items and filling gift bags for Home Health Aide patients are great projects for groups in November and early December.