Our Mission
Stephen Center partners with the community,
families and individuals to overcome homelessness,
addiction and poverty.
2723 Q Street, Omaha, NE 68107
More Than A Homeless Shelter
SHOES
TRANSFORM
LIVES
W
alking into Stephen
Center’s shelter
during the winter
storm of 2009
without even a pair of shoes on
my feet was the best decision I
ever made. After losing all I owned
along with all my family and my
three precious children, I found
myself broken, afraid, addicted
and alone on the streets of south
Omaha. I was transported by the
hospital to Stephen Center and
was greeted by one of the kindest
and most genuine women ever. I
could instantly tell she cared. She
introduced herself as “Maggie”
and said “come with me.” She took
me to a room with used items and
found me a pair of size 7 shoes. I’d
never been so touched. This woman
didn’t know me. She didn’t know
what a horrible person I had been.
Couldn’t she tell that I was a liar,
a thief, a drunk and a cheat? Or
was she able to look past that and
simply accept me for who I was?
Today, almost seven years later, I
look back and smile when I think
Fall 2016
of all the amazing adventures that
those shoes (that weren’t so cute)
represent.
They represent me walking
across the alley and entering
Stephen Center’s HERO
inpatient treatment program
after being addicted for 20 years.
They represent me completely
surrendering to self and begging
for help. They represent walking
back and forth from bus stop to
bus stop looking for employment.
They represent me obtaining and
sustaining a job after not working
for eight years. They represent
me walking through an 18 month
juvenile court case to fight for
my children. They represent me
completing treatment, reunifying
with my children and moving
on to transitional housing. They
represent me walking around
as a new person with a new
perspective and setting goals,
which I’d never done before.
They represent me letting go
and letting God. They represent
me walking across the stage to
receive my college degree, which
I never thought possible. They
represent me walking alongside
other women who are fighting
their disease to get sober.
Today, they also represent me
being able to be a leader in the
Beth Robbins
Assistant Shelter Director
same shelter, sharing hope and
encouraging others to walk
strong. They represent some sort
of magical life-lifting empathy.
Today, they represent the Stephen
Center family that accepted me
when I was broken and continued
to teach me and love me until I
learned how to love myself.
As Assistant Shelter Director, it’s
a huge blessing to be able to help
others who come through the
shelter. I’ve heard the excitement
in a man’s voice when he comes
back from an interview and has
landed the job he’s been praying
for. Then I see his eyes light up
(continued on page 10)
From the Desk of the Executive Director
Greetings,
I am writing this as my first year as Stephen Center’s Executive Director comes to a conclusion.
In the past year, Stephen Center has been settling into our new building, opening new programs
such as our Permanent Supporting Housing project and Juvenile HERO IOP (Intensive OutPatient) treatment, hiring additional staff to provide greater supports, and implementing new
processes to serve more individuals and families than ever before. It has definitely been one
exciting year!
The type of excitement that I feel is similar to when I was competing in my first road races as a young man with
my father. There was always excitement in competing against other runners in my age group; however, the real
excitement in those early races was gaining the experience and the knowledge to build confidence and improve my
preparation and training for the next event.
One of Stephen Center’s newest and most exciting programs is Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH). PSH
provides the most vulnerable men, women, and children in our community the opportunity, and most importantly,
the support to obtain and maintain permanent housing. Stephen Center’s program prioritizes chronically homeless
individuals and families with a disabling condition for housing opportunities. This program is unique in that it
specializes in assisting program participants with their own individualized goals for obtaining and maintaining
permanent housing.
The “supportive” aspect of permanent supportive housing refers to the supports and services provided by Stephen
Center staff as well as our community partners to help individuals and families maintain their permanent housing.
These supports are as unique and diverse as the goals for each of the participants in the program. Examples of
supportive services include:
•
•
Case Management
Individual Behavioral Health
Sessions
•
•
•
Group Therapy
Crisis Intervention
Medication Management
•
•
•
Alcoholics Anonymous
Life Skills Education Classes
Kroc Center Memberships
One of the misnomers to PSH is that the housing is “permanent.” Stephen Center’s PSH project is not permanent,
but it is designed without time limits so individuals and families can effectively address the underlying reasons,
or root causes, that led them to homelessness. Specifically, this program is designed for the chronically homeless
with a disabling condition who need more than a 30-60 day stay in an emergency shelter to effectively address their
individualized goals to emerge from homelessness.
The task for all of us is to encourage our program participants to continue to dream and work on their goals. Just
as I experienced incremental growth as a young runner, we see clients making strides towards dreams and goals
on a daily basis. For every person, those goals differ. Some want to stabilize physical or mental healthcare needs.
Others are working toward re-entering employment or establishing other means of income such as disability. Still
others are benefiting from our new life skills program that encourages growth in areas such as financial literacy or
parenting or anger management.
As we experience this exciting growth as an organization and celebrate with our clients who are identifying and
overcoming barriers, I appreciate your willingness to grow alongside us. Stephen Center needs more volunteers
than ever before. We need donations of personal hygiene products and coffee and bus tickets to support clients in
the Pettigrew Emergency Shelter. And we are grateful for your continued financial support that provides shelter,
healthy meals and supportive services to vulnerable men, women and children in our care.
With your help, lives are changing every day!
2
- Michael Wehling, Executive Director
STEPHEN CENTER, OMAHA, NEBRASKA
Stephen Center Thrift - Housewares Needed!
Individuals emerging from homelessness often need basic housewares to set up their
homes. Do you have dishes, flatware, drinking glasses, pots and pans or other kitchen
items that you’re no longer using? Consider donating to Stephen Center Thrift.
Items can be dropped at the Thrift Store (5128 S. 24th Street), or call Thrift
Store manager Veronica Cardenas to arrange a home pick-up (402-614-1017).
We Will Accept:
• Clean clothing (men, women, children and infant)
• Shoes/Boots (in pairs)
• Jewelry
• Garden tools, hand tools
• Bedding, linens
• Housewares, dishes, pots/pans
• Small appliances (toasters, lamps, clocks, etc.)
• Clean furniture
• Portable stereos and TVs
• Stuffed animals
Give us what you would give your friend!
We are Unable to Accept:
• Console TVs
• Hazardous waste/chemical lubricants
• Plumbing fixtures/scrap building materials
• Large appliances (refrigerators, dryers, etc.)
• Used tires, paint, oil
• Waterbeds
• Furniture in need of repair
• Pianos/organs
• Encyclopedias
• Children’s toys & Bicycles
• Collapsible cribs
In Memory of Sharon McNeil
It is with great respect and sadness that Stephen Center recognizes the death of our
founder, Sharon McNeil. Sharon died June 27 of brain cancer at the age of 80.
Sharon and Dick McNeil recognized the need to assist those living in poverty in
south Omaha after Sharon witnessed the horrific death of a homeless man during
the cold winter months of 1983. The man sought shelter inside a dumpster and died
after a fire he set for warmth grew out of control.
Sharon McNeil
Stephen Center Founder
That same year, the McNeil family partnered with the St. Vincent de Paul Society
of Omaha’s Holy Ghost Church and purchased a 103 year old former pool hall and
bar on Q Street for $10,000. It was a grass roots community effort that transformed
the existing building into a shelter for homeless men in early 1984. From those
humble beginnings, Stephen Center has grown to include a multi-facility campus
designed to support vulnerable men, women and children as they seek to overcome
homelessness, addiction and poverty. The McNeil legacy is reflected every day at
Stephen Center as services are provided to the homeless, impoverished and addicted
in a sober, safe and secure environment.
Mrs. McNeil is survived by 10 children – Mary, Pat, Maggie, Chip, Barney, Francie,
John, Jane, Hannah and Betsy – plus 25 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
HELP • HOPE • HEROES
3
Memorials & Honorariums
June 6, 2016
through
September 6, 2016
You can memorialize a
loved one or pay tribute
to someone special in
your life while helping
those in need in our
community. When you
make a Memorial or
Honor Gift, Stephen
Center will send an
acknowledgement
card to the family or
honoree. Gifts are
also recognized in
this newsletter. You
may use the enclosed
envelope to send your
gift.
IN LOVING MEMORY OF:
Virginia Andersen
Laverne Andersen
Virginia Arkfeld
John B. Arkfeld
Betty Brass
Ellen R. Neary
Wayne Brinkmeyer
Lynn & Nancy Meyer
Crawford Family
Mike & Cathy Crawford
Archer Roy Eyman
Frank & Dorothy Mixan
William Fosdick Norma Jean Fosdick
Joe & Velma Fraas
Sandy Harrison
4
Dr. Robert Heaney
Rita A. Ryan
F. Hill
Barbara Wolfe
Jeff Kirpatrick
James & Mary Kirkpatrick
Barbara A. Kratky
Tom & Connie Dunham
William M. Krelle
Les & Joyce Bilharz
Richard Koeppen
Bev Hoschar
Gwen Teeple
Ron & Rosie Volkmer
Walter Kopocis
Mary J. Kopocis
Rita Kurtzuba
Joan & Mike Miller
Ray & Evelyn Ladenburger
Patricia Ladenburger
Kristen Lienemann
Les & Joyce Bilharz
Lucille Lienemann
Les & Joyce Bilharz
Richard McNeil
Terri & Jack McDonnell
Sharon McNeil
Jeff Anderson
Anonymous
Michael & Kathleen Bauer
Mike & Jeannie Beister
Nancy & Joseph Benak
Allen & Ruth Bilau
Betsy Bilau
Leon & B.K. Bilau
Paul & Jane Bilau
Scot Bonnesen PC Attorney at Law
Mike Boyle-Douglas County Commissioner
STEPHEN CENTER, OMAHA, NEBRASKA
Gregory & Kathryn Boulay
Tim & Annette Brazeal
William Carver
John & Eileen Chekal
Amy E. Chisholm
Monica Clark
Concord Mediation Center
Jim & Denise Dein
Diana & Dennis Dunning
Peter J. Digilio
Kipp Dimig
Susan & Michael Dobel
Gregory & Melanie Doeschot
Daniel & Melissa Driscoll
Tim Dunn
Paul & Jacqueline Eubanks
Mike Fahey & Kathy Merwald
Kathleen Fahey
Mary Mullen-Ferzely & Mike Ferzely
Phyllis & John Finney
Linda K. & Joseph Flott
Nancy & Patrick Flynn
Lucy Franks-Wanzenrie
Jerry Furlong
Fr. Tom Furlong
Genevieve Friend
Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.
Nancy & Thomas Gallagher
William & Doris Gillespie
Stanley A. Glandt
Lori Goc
James & Janet Goodman
Bruce & Debra Grewcock
Mike & Kris Haller
Ryan Hamilton
Mary & Eugene Hart
Michael & Linda Herman
Thomas & Marcia Hernon
John Higgins & Su Allen
J. Patrick Hillebrandt
John P. Houlihan
Lawrence R. James II
Jesse & Gorlene Jergensen
Edward & Joann R. Johnson
George & Margaret Johnson
Kevin & Julie Kaminski
Jeannine K. Kean
Patricia Kemp
Annette & Leon Kerkman
Thomas M. Kiefer, D.D.S.
Pat Kirby
Patrick & Andrea Kirby
Ron & Judy Kirchmann
Mike Kirk
James & Rjean Knowles
Dave & Deborah Kolar
Jason & Kelly Kubie
Jim & Bea Lammers
James R. & Michelle Larsen
Law Office of Nicole L. Cavanaugh PC LLO
Tony Leonardo Plbg. Inc.
Mary H. (Monnie) Lindsay
Joseph & Susan Ludemann
Joan Luebbert
Karen D. Luksa
Terri & Jack McDonnell
McKee, Curry, & Stanley
Pediatric Dentistry Partnership
Mary Catherine McMahon
Timothy & Debra McMahon
Barney & Julie McNeil
John P. & Nancy McNeil
Jodie Mackintosh
Randy & Jayne Maisch
John & Debra Marshall
Frank & Judy Mascarello
Tim & Dana Matula
Kathleen McGill Micheels
Millard Electric Co., Inc.
Millard Lumber Inc.
Elizabeth E. Molly
Heider & Jeremy Moore
Gary & Regan Muhs
Roberta Mullen
Kerry & Joshua Mumm
James & Donna Nissen
Robert & Ruth Niver
Joe Nutter
Timothy & Melany O’Brien
James & Elizabeth O’Connor
Daniel & Natalie Olsen
Larry & Linda Orsi
Sr. Johneen Owens, RSM
Memorials & Honorariums
Greg & Susan Pazderka
Todd Pestal
Gary Petersen
Billie Pettid
Catherine & Michael Pettid
Pinnacle Bank
P. Thomas & Anne Pogge
Graig & Jane Pohlman
Steven & Connie Povich
Renee & Tim Proksel
Jeffrey & Mary (Kathy) Rehder
Gregg & Janet Rueschhoff
Ed & Elaine Russell
Thomas & Sharon Samek
Dave Seda
Catherine Severin
Matthew J. Severin III
Richard & Lucille Shirley
Julie & T.J. Slizinski
Greyson Smith
Patricia M. Smith
Kathy Soula
Joyce A. Snowden
Kenneth & Ann Stinson
Alan & Karon Stites
Rich Stockton
Mr. & Mrs. Paul M. Stolinski
Marilyn Stoysich
Paul & Brenda Stuart
Gerald Suess
The Lerner Company
Tom & Nancy Tokheim
Sam & Judy Tomaszkiewicz
Ron Townsend
Mary L. Tuttle
Ann Underriner
Kathleen Urbina
Linda & Michael Vacek
Visiting Nurse Association
Lavon M. Vogeler
Kevin & Kathleen Vogt
Ron & Rosie Volkmer
Ray Vondra Family
Jim & Jean Watson
Radd & Gini Way
Aimee & Brenton Wehber
Ronald & Kathleen Weiss
Westwood Management
Dick & Mary Wettengel
John M. Whelton
Deborah & Matthew White
Jim Williams
Vandenack Williams LLC
Curtis & Molly Witzenburg
Stave & Ellen Wright
Richard & Andrea Yeshnowski
Molly & Ryan Zabrowski
Carey & Debra Zandt
Robert & Kathleen Zimmerman
Richard Zito
Kerry A. Stark
Richard & Mary A. Annin
Bernard & Nancy Livingston
Mary Lou Turner
McNeil Company Builders
Catherine Shugrue
Schaffner
Ron & Rosie Volkmer
Jeff Zaayer
Kathleen A. Cass Barrett
Mike Battaglia
Betty Bergman
Patricia Billotte
William & Sharon Bohn
Larry Brown
Paula & Don Bruckner
Andy & Mary Cockle
Cynthia Cockle
Vickie Coon
Gary Cordes
D.J. & C.L. Gerken
Dale & Caryl Horton
Bev Hoschar
Kathy “Williams” Jenkins
Holly Kaffenberger
Donna & Frank Keller
Harold & Virginia McGurk
Carolee Miner
Christopher & Stacy Neil
George Otteman
Mary B & Greg Pflaum
David F. Rabideaux
Dave & Kathleen Schlautman
Gregory & Linda Schuchmann
Suzanne Simonson
Mary & Joseph Starkus
Edmond & Pamela Talbot
Mark Tritsch
Ron & Rosie Volkmer
Charissa Wells
Gary Young
Jolene Schmal
Julie Springer
Rose Zanski
Frank & Dorothy Mixan
Donald L. Nelson
Frank & Dorothy Mixan
Charles & Ann Neumayer
Les & Joyce Bilharz
Wally Olson
Carole Olson
George Peterson
Rita Ryan
Pauline Redmond
Patrick Redmond
Dr. James Regan
Lynn & Nancy Meyer
Lee Roberts
Joanne Roberts
Jerry Ryan
John Minton
Johnny Ray Rybin
Janice Olechoski
IN HONOR OF:
Ed & Shirley Arkfeld 50th
Wedding Anniversary
Judy & Dennis Hagen
Phil & Carol Wegner
Leon & Reba Benschoter’s
60th Wedding Anniversary
John N. & Nancy N. Woelfl
Micah Gilbert’s Bar
Mitzvah
Victoria Kaplan
Karen Levin
Father Mike Grewe
Caroline C. Parys
Ron & Dee Iske 50th
Wedding Anniversary
Rick & Monica Jensen
Nancy Mahoney, President
Cullen F. Pilker
Cullen Pilker’s Birthday
Gerilyn Matthies
Julie Springer’s Birthday
Collette Heiman
Fr. Ron Wasikowski
Tom & Cindy Brazeal
Harold Shields
Les & Joyce Bilharz Charles Shimerdla
Linda Schriner
HELP • HOPE • HEROES
5
GOLF AND GIVE 2016
This year’s annual golf tournament drew 32 foursomes
on August 22nd to Shadow Ridge for a wonderful day of
fun and competition.
All proceeds from Golf and Give are used to
provide shelter, food and supportive services
to the individuals and families we serve at
Stephen Center.
First flight winner:
Sirius Computer Solutions
L to R: Larry Lubeck, John Peterson,
Craig Nelson, Mike Homa
Second flight winner:
Centris Credit Union
L to R: Jim Wehling, Tom Huston,
Phil Swift, John Walker
Stephen Center Now United Way Agency
Stephen Center is proud to be a United Way of the
Midlands member agency!
6
STEPHEN CENTER, OMAHA, NEBRASKA
Thanks to the Stephen Center Guild
Thanks to Stephen Center’s Guild for organizing another successful fundraiser! Passport to
Great Encounters was a wine tasting held on August 28 to benefit the people and programs
at Stephen Center. Co-chairs were Julie Skradski, Ann Crouse and Amy Nebbia.
SAVE THE DATE:
Cruise Away 2017 will be held
February 4 at Champion’s Run.
(continued from page 1)
HELP • HOPE • HEROES
7
With Gratitude to Our Generous Donors
Donors
June 6, 2016
through
September 6, 2016
We are extremely
grateful to our generous
donors...from the
brand new to those
who’ve been dedicated
to the Stephen Center
mission for many years.
We appreciate every
contribution and thank
you for your generosity.
We apologize for any
errors or omissions.
Please let us know.
4Strength4Courage, LLC
Abes Trash Service, Inc
ACI Worldwide Corp
AK Fireworks-Subby Anzalone
Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture, P.C.
Altrusa International Inc of Omaha Foundation
Amazon Smile
Laverne J. Andersen
Jeff Anderson
Steve Anderson
Mary Ann & Richard Annin
John Arkfeld
Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.
Mike Battaglia
Michael & Kathleen Bauer
Richard & Daryl Bayer
Neil & Vera Becker
Michael & Jeannie Beister
Nancy & Joseph Benak
Betty Bergman
Sharon Beschorner
Allen & Ruth Bilau
Leon & B.K. Bilau
Paul & Jane Bilau
Joyce & Lester Bilharz
Patricia Billotte
John & Alice Boeckman
William & Sharon Bohn
Michael C. Bonacci
8
Scot Bonnesen, P.C. Attorney at Law
Gregory & Kathryn Boulay
Mike Boyle
Tim & Annette Brazeal
Tom & Cindy Brazeal
Larry Brown
Don & Paula Bruckner
McNeil Company Builders
Rebecca Buxter
Gary & Maureen Campin
Richard Caniglia
William J. Carver
Shannon & Anne Case
Kevin & Patricia Casey
Kathleen A Cass Barrett
Central States Health and Life
Centris Federal Credit Union
Margie Chartrand
Nathan & Jean Chase
John & Eileen Chekal
Amy Chisholm
Christ Lutheran Church
Charles A. Christenson
Moncia Clark
Andrew & Mary Cockle
Cynthia Cockle
Paul & Kim Coleman
Concord Mediation Center
Vickie Coon
Gary Cordes
Jim & Dawn Coury
Kathleen D. Cox
Mike & Kathy Crawford
Jerry Crouse
Customer Service Profiles, LLC
Gordon Daugherty
Jim & Denise Dein
Sheri & Gregory Dietrich
Peter Digilio
Kipp Dimig
Truist Comprehensive Distribution
Mike & Sue Dobel
Gregory & Melanie Doeschot
Mike Dozelencic
Robert & Karen Drewes
Daniel & Melissa Driscoll
Daniel & Denise Drvol
Lorene Dulkoski
Tom & Connie Dunham
STEPHEN CENTER, OMAHA, NEBRASKA
Tim Dunn
Dennis & Diana Dunning
Dee Ebel & Gerald Rathouz
David Elsasser
Mary Kay Esser
Paul & Jacqueline Eubanks
Rita Evans
Kathleen Fahey
Michael Fahey
Farm Credit Services of America
Michael & Janet Faust
Gary Feldbauer
Amy Feltz
Mike Ferzely & Mary Mullen-
Ferzely
Phyllis Finn
Phyllis & John Finney
First Lutheran Church
Tom & Beverly Fleckten
Linda & Joseph Flott
Nancy & Patrick Flynn
Fort Crook Financial Company
Norma Jean Fosdick
Lucy Franks-Wanzenrie
Kurtis & Ritz Frickel
Genevieve A. Friend
Jerry & Lucy Furlong
Msgr Thomas Furlong
Nancy & Tom Gallagher
Helen Geisler
D.J. & C.L. Gerken
Garry Gernandt
Micah Gilbert
William & Doris Gillespie
Stanley Glandt
Lori Goc
Eugene Goltl
James & Janet Goodman
Craig & Lori Graeve
Joan Gratz
Great Western Bank
Mary D. Gregor
Bruce & Debra Grewcock
Daniel S. Grieb
Lance & Letha Grigsby
Gross Bush Insurance Agency, Inc.
Judy & Dennis Hagen
Michael & Kristine Haller
Hamilton Associates, P.C.
Ryan Hamilton
James & Marilyn Hannam
Henrietta Hardy
Richard & Kimberly Harman
Richard Harrington
Sandy & Dan Harrison
Eugene & Mary Hart
Patricia Hauptman
Lawrence & Sharon Heck
Collette Heiman
Michael Hemenway
Michael & Linda Herman
Thomas & Marcia Hernon
John B. Higgins
J. Patrick Hillebrandt
John & Delores Hogan
John Hoich
Dale & Caryl Horton
Bev & Don Hoschar
John P. Houlihan
Gary & Mary Huliska
Michael D. Humphrey
Fred & Teresa A. Hunzeker
Dennis & Kathleen Hynes
John & Gretchen Jackson
Lawrence R. James II
Ruth Beers & Janet Tuttle
Monica & Rick Jensen
Jesse & Gorlene Jergensen
Louis T. & Bernice Jodlowski
Edward & Joann Johnson
George & Margaret Johnson
Holly Kaffenberger
Kevin & Julie Kaminski
Victoria Kaplan
Galin Karpisek & Joyce Fledderman
Jeannine Kean
Rob & Maura Kellar
Donna & Frank Keller
Michael R. Kelley
Don & Pat Kemp
Annette & Leon Kerkman
Stephen Kessler
LaVonne & Ed Keuter
Thomas Kiefer
Peter Kiewit Foundation
Brian Kimminau
Katharyn King
Trevor & Laura Kingston
Pat & Andrea Kirby
With Gratitude to Our Generous Donors
Ronald & Judy Kirchmann
Mike Kirk
Mary & James Kirkpatrick
Jane Knight
James & Rjean Knowles
Dave & Deborah Kolar
Mary J. Kopocis
Courtney Koziol
Stephanie Kremla
Kelly & Jason Kubie
James & Linda Kuhlmeyer
Steven & Anne Kutilek
Patricia Ladenburger
James and Beatrice Lammers
Karen & Terry Langan
Troy & Monica Lanning
James & Michelle Larsen
Arthur Laursen
Law Office of Nicole Cavanaugh PC LLO
Tony & Sandy Leonardo
The Lerner Company
Karen Levin
Randal & Dawna Lewis
Lorie & Donald Lewis
Mary H. Lindsay
Bernard & Nancy Livingston
Joan Lubischer
George Lucas
Joseph & Susan Ludemann
Joan M Luebbert
Karen D. Luksa
Stephen & Angela Luna
Lutheran Church of The Master
Jodie Mackintosh
Magnum Realty, Inc.
Randy & Jayne Maisch
Mick Manley
Roland & Jean Mariucci
John & Debra Marshall
Randy Martsching
Judy & Frank Mascarello
Carmen Massara
Gerilyn L. Matthies
Tim & Dana Matula
Jim & Gail Mays
Donald McClenahan
Kevin & Denise McCoy
Gordon & Sharon McDonald
Jack & Terri McDonnell
Kathleen McGill Micheels
James & Patsy McGonigal
M & Ruth Ann McGrath
Harold & Virginia McGurk
Eldon J. McKamy
McKee, Curry & Stanley Pediatric Dentistry Partnership
Dr. James & Sandra McKnight
Mary Catherine McMahon
Timothy & Debra McMahon
Barney & Julie McNeil
John & Nancy McNeil
Sharon C. McNeil
John McVay
Robert & Susan Medlin
Dorothy Menousek
Merck Foundation
J.H. Meschede Jr.
Lynn & Nancy Meyer
Midwest Housing Equity Group
Millard Electric Co., Inc.
Millard Lumber Inc.
Joan Miller
Carolee J. Miner
John Minton
Frank Miratsky
Dorothy & Frank Mixan
Elizabeth Molloy
Jeremy & Heidi Moore
Morrissey Engineering, Inc.
Larry Mruz
Dulcie Mueller
Gary & Regan Muhs
Ray & Marian Mulder
Roberta Mullen
Kerry & Joshua Mumm
Mutual of Omaha Bank
Jose Napier
Charles Narmi
Ellen Neary
Ron & Amy Nebbia
Nebraska Air Filter
Christopher & Stacy Neil
Sean Nelson
Garrett Neuman
James & Donna Nissen
Robert & Ruth Niver
Northwest Bank
Joe Nutter
Timothy & Melany O’Brien
James & Elizabeth O’Connor
Annie O’Farrell
Jason Oberg
Offutt AFB CTOF Fund
Timothy & Janice Olechoski
Daniel & Natalie Olsen
Carole Olson
Omaha Community Foundation
Omaha Division Insurance Agency
On-Line Imaging Inc.
Larry & Linda Orsi
George Otteman
Jay & Marilyn Oxton
Caroline Parys
Carole Patrick
Catherine Pawol
Payroll Maxx LLC
Greg & Susan Pazderka
Dena Pedersen
Wayne & Sarita Penka
James & Linda Perkins
Eva Peroutka
Todd S. Pestal
Peter Kiewit Foundation
Gary Petersen
Peterson Bros. Insurance, Inc.
Billie Pettid
Catherine & Michael Pettid
Mary & Gregory Pflaum
Cullen Pilker
Pinnacle Bank
John J. Piper
Tom and Anne Pogge
Craig & Jane Pohlman
Virginia Pokorny
Jerry & Mary Pont
Jon & Sharron Potadle
Steven & Connie Povich
Renee & Tim Proksel
David F. Rabideaux
Scot & Kathleen Rainbolt
Ralston Senior Center
Daniel & Vickie Ramaekers
Pamela Rautio
Patrick Redmond
Jeffrey & Mary Rehder
Gerald & Virgina Relford
Mick & Cathy Richter
Thomas P. Richter
Brian & Marilyn Rickley
Robert B. Daugherty Charitable Foundation
Joanne Roberts
Betty Jo Royal
Larry & Dolores Rubenstein
Gregg & Janet Rueschhoff
Edmund & Elaine Russell
Rita Ryan
S & M Import Auto
Gerard A Sabatka
Thomas & Sharon Samek
Howard & Connie Schanzer
Dave & Kathleen Schlautman
Al & Dottie Schmid
Linda Schriner
Gregory & Linda Schuchmann
Todd Schuiteman
Jerome Scott Jr
Security National Bank
Dave Seda
Matthew J. Severin III
Catherine Severin
Sue & Tom Sheeren
Richard & Lucille Shirley
Silverstone Group
Martin Simon
Suzanne K. Simonson
Davis Singles
Leo E. & Mary M. Sis
Sisters Of Mercy
Daniel & Deborah Slattery
Julie & T.J. Slizinski
Greyson Smith
Patricia Smith
Joyce A. Snowden
Kelly & Gregory Sosso
William & Dorothy Soukup
Kathleen T. Soula
Julie Springer
St Vincent de Paul Catholic Church
St. Piux X Catholic Church
St. Wenceslaus Church
Marty & Joseph Stankus
Ken & Ann Stinson
Karon & Alan Stites
Rich Stockton
Mr. & Mrs. Paul Stolinski
Marilyn Stoysich
Lee R. Stuart Family Foundation
HELP • HOPE • HEROES
9
With Gratitude to Our Generous Donors
Paul & Brenda Stuart
Gerald Suess
Todd Swartz
John & Ruth Szarad
John & Judy Szaro
Edmond & Pamela Talbot
Travis & Jade Tangeman
Gwen Teeple
Frank & Julie Telich
Kevin & Sharla Thernes
Maurice & Teresa Thiele
Alfred & Beverly Thomsen
Tom & Nancy Tokheim
Samuel & Judith Tomaszkiewicz
Ron Townsend
Mark Tritsch
Judy & Omer Trout
Tom N. & Pearl Tsosie
Turner Technology
Mary L. Tuttle
Margaret Ann Underriner
United Way of the Midlands
Urban Abbey
Kathleen Urbina
Don & Mary Pat Vacek
Linda & Michael Vacek
Vandenack Williams LLC
Kathleen & Ernest Vincentini
The Visiting Nurse Association
Lavon Vogeler
Kevin & Kathleen Vogt
Ron & Rosie Volkmer
Shoes Transform Lives
Loretta & Raymond Vondra
Deb & Scott Vosika
Margaret Wagner
Margaret Wagner
Gregory & Karen Waszgis
S. James & Jean Watson
Radd & Gini Way
Carol A Weber
Phil & Carol Wegner
Brenton & Aimee Wehber
Kathleen A & Ronald Weiss
Charissa L. Wells
Westwood Management
Dick & Mary Wettengel
John M. Whelton
Kathy Williams Jenkins
Jim Williams
Kirk Winkler
LaDonna Witschi
Deborah & Matt Witte
Curtis & Molly Witzenburg
Barbara L. Wolfe
Angel Woodard
Woodhouse Auto Family
Ellen Wright
Richard & Andrea Yeshnowski
Gary L. Young
Molly & Ryan Zabrowski
Debra Zandt
Robert & Kathleen Zimmerman
Richard T. Zito
(continued from page 1)
when I take him back to look
through donated work boots –
and the gratitude he displays
when finding the pair that fits
him. In the following weeks, he
walks through the shelter after
work, going through the food
line with a presence about him
that is so different than before.
He carries himself with his
head high and hope in his eyes.
Soon, we get to stand aside as he
transitions out of homelessness
and beats the odds.
A generous donation recently
purchased new shoes for the
children in Stephen Center’s shelter and permanent supportive housing. There’s something magical about a
child and a pair of new shoes. There’s excitement in their little voices when parents encourage them to say
thank you. Somehow, new shoes make that child feel faster, smarter, taller and more powerful than before.
Shoes definitely are not just an object. Shoes are dreams, goals, and accomplishments to someone who is
ready to receive the help and who is willing to change. Some may not understand the importance of a simple
pair of “not so cute shoes,” but I can tell you that shoes transform lives!
10
STEPHEN CENTER, OMAHA, NEBRASKA
Brabec Named Volunteer of the Year
an average of three to six hours a week, assisting
with client intakes and helping shelter clients feel
comfortable with an unfamiliar and often intimidating
process. According to Volunteer Director Holly
Kaffenberger, “Dan is a tremendous asset to the
shelter and is often looking for ways to improve
processes and procedures to better meet the needs
of our clients. He encourages clients to participate in
programming while helping them understand that
what may appear difficult has great reward.”
(L to R: Volunteer Director Holly Kaffenberger,
Dan Brabec, and Executive Director Michael Wehling)
Congratulations to Stephen Center’s own Dan Brabec,
who was recognized by the Metro Area Continuum of
Care for the Homeless (MACCH) as the Community
Volunteer of the Year.
Dan began volunteering for Stephen Center in 2014.
He staffs the Pettigrew Emergency Shelter office
When the new facility opened in January 2015,
Dan was instrumental in the move, assisting with
everything from packing boxes, transporting files
and setting up the shelter office. During the grand
opening, Dan served as a tour guide, welcoming
visitors to the new building. To date, Dan has staffed
the shelter office over 500 hours, and is an amazing
advocate for our clients and the homeless community.
Congratulations, Dan, on this well-deserved honor!
Mobile Diabetes Center Visits Stephen Center
Stephen Center partnered with the Nebraska Methodist College Mobile
Diabetes Center on September 14 to serve residents on campus who are
living in homeless, low-income and addiction recovery housing.
This was an opportunity for vulnerable adults to receive valuable
medical testing that identifies health concerns. Tests included
blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol levels, body mass index,
and foot care.
For homeless individuals, foot care is a significant issue. Shoes
that are ill-fitting, worn out or inappropriate for current weather
conditions can contribute to poor foot health that includes
issues such as blisters, in-grown toenails, neuropathy, and
frostbite. Many homeless individuals do not have the resources
to keep their feet clean and dry, nor access to clean socks and
properly fitting shoes.
HELP • HOPE • HEROES
11
Stephen Center NEWS
Editor: Carole Patrick
[email protected]
Executive Director: Michael Wehling
[email protected]
www.StephenCenter.org
Fall 2016
Published four times annually
by Stephen Center
Stephen Center
2723 Q Street
Omaha, NE 68107
Non Profit
Organization
US Postage
PAID
Permit No. 776
Omaha, NE
2723 Q Street
Omaha, NE 68107
www.StephenCenter.org
Please visit our website to keep up with all the latest news & needs of the Stephen Center Family
Phone: 402.715.5442
Executive Director
Michael Wehling
Chief Financial Officer
Gwen Teeple
Chief Development Officer
Carole Patrick
HERO Program Director
Christine Salvatore
Housing Director
Abby Burgess
Thrift Store Manager
Veronica Cardenas
Volunteer Director
Holly Kaffenberger
facebook.com/StephenCenterOmaha
In this Edition...
Front:Shoes Transform Lives
2
Letter from the Executive Director
3
Stephen Center Thrift
In Memory of Sharon McNeil
4-5
Memorials & Honorariums
6
Golf and Give 2016
Stephen Center Now United Way Agency
7
Thanks to the Stephen Center Guild
8-10
Generous Donors
11
Brabec Named Volunteer of the Year
Mobile Diabetes Center Visits Stephen Center