Classic Taste.  Modern Style. 

  

The Junior League of Omaha (JLO) is the premier volunteer training organization in Omaha.  To build on this reputation and meet the diverse needs of our members, the training committee focuses on bringing quality education to League members through our Educational Series, Online Resources, General Membership Meeting Speakers and the Leadership Academy.

 

The November JLO General Meeting was held Monday, November 12, 2007 at the Nebraska Children's Home Society 4939 South 118th Street.  November is National Adoption Awareness Month. Karen Authier, Executive Director of the NCHS, spoke to the membership.  Since 1893, NCHS has helped over 20,000 Nebraska children.  NCHS has office locations in Omaha (2), Lincoln, Fremont, Gothenburg, Grand Island, Kearney, Norfolk, North Platte, and Scottsbluff. NCHS is the only agency in the country that charges absolutely no fees for our adoption services. Karen discussed how adoption touches everyone and that the role of the Nebraska Children's Home is to build families and provide support to mothers and fathers.  The Nebraska Children's Home Society also provides an early childhood program.  Help NCHS spread the word about Adoption and their services.   During November, NCHS would like to recognize those individuals and families who have been affected by adoption. Attend this Nebraska Children's Home Society special event: 

Babes in Toyland Holiday Fashion Shoe, Luncheon, and Auction  

When: Saturday, December 1 from 11am-2pm

Where: NCHS West Omaha Office

What: Kick off the holidays with fashion, food, and shopping. Tickets are $30 for adults and $15 for children. Call (402) 451-0787 if interested.

Join a NCHS Volunteer Committee or Volunteer

   

NCHS Family Guild-contact President Susan Hancock at 592-1981 to join

   

Sand in the City Planning Committee-contact Kathleen Al-Marhoon at 451-0787

   

B.R.A.N.C.H. Board-Building Revenue and Awareness for the Nebraska Children's   

Home-contact Mark Spotanski 636-6912

   

Operation Elf -Operation Elf provides toys for the foster children of Nebraska Children's Home-contact Kathleen at 451-0787

 

The Nebraska Children's Home Society would appreciate any donation amount which would help continue the services-at no fees-providing a child a loving and safe home. For more information on the Nebraska Children's Home Society contact the Foundation office at (402) 451-0787 or visit www.NCHS.org. 

  

The JLO October General Meeting was held at the Jewish Community Center at 333 South 132nd Street. Lesley Gendelman of the JCC spoke at the meeting. The JCC provides services for children as young as 6 weeks old to seniors in their 90s. The JCC provides childcare at the Pennie Z. Davis Child Development Center for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years. They have positions open for this year. If interested contact the JCC. For more information on the JCC go to their website at www.jccomaha.org.

 

There was discussion on closing the Jumble Shop. This issue will be brought to a vote of the membership in March. Please look for information on this very important voting issue in the upcoming JLO This Month and at future meetings.

 

At the September General meeting we had the opportunity to hear from Andrea Skolkin, Chief Executive Officer and Lori Bechtold, Development Director for One World Community Health Centers. The meeting was held at One World Community Health Centers, formerly the Indian/Chicano Health Center, located at 2900 O Plaza (30th & L) in Omaha. This facility is a full service medical and dental center that services people that live 200% below poverty. There are 120 people on staff, including 15 dentists and physicians. In 2006, they provided care to approximately 11,000 people and are on target to serve 12,000-13,000 in 2007. Most of their clients find out about their serves through word-of-mouth advertising.

  

In 2003, One World began to offer dental services to its patients.  In April 2006, they purchased a Care Mobile, which allows them to go to out to various schools and visit children. They choose one school per month based on the number of free and/or reduced lunches that the school offers. They typically reach 40-60 kids per month through this program. Their goal is to provide health and dental care for one school for one year.

  

The partnership with JLO, provides a unique opportunity for both JLO and the One World. One World is new to the concept and execution of fundraising campaigns and initiatives. This year's Toast of Omaha will fund raise to support the One World's Care Mobile program and provide much needed publicity for this organization. For volunteer opportunities, people can contact Lori Bechtold at (402) 734-4110.  They would love to have a group of motivated volunteers start a guild or auxiliary to grow their budget needs in order to expand and improve services.

  

The delicious food served at the reception was prepared by Guaca Maya, www.guaca-maya.com, located on South 33rd Street, two blocks south of L Street.

 

Please contact the Training Committee for any training needs within your League Council or Committees!