Social Issues

Gay rights legislation draws standing room only crowd at legislative hearings

Demetria Stephens and Nebraska News Service — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 14:18:26 +0000

LINCOLN – More than 100 people came to a Judiciary Committee hearing Thursday on three legislative bills on adoptions and foster care by same-sex couples, and employee protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation.

Salvation Army of Omaha director to speak before United Nations

Katie Schubert — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 16:39:55 +0000

This week’s United Nations session of the Commission on the Status of Women will include a Salvation Army of Omaha representative.

Black-Jew Dialogues brings discussion on civil rights, diversity, race

Katie Schubert — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 14:35:04 +0000

A two-man show coming to Omaha this week discusses issues of race, diversity, and stereotypes through comedy and education.

Salvation Army's Tree of Lights Campaign raises more than $3 million

Cheril Lee — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 11:06:06 +0000

More than $3 million was raised during the Omaha Salvation Army’s 2011 Tree of Lights Campaign.

Joanne Bemis is the Divisional Director of Development. She says last year, the Salvation Army assisted more than 170,000 people and she anticipates the need increasing this year.

The Salvation Army has more than 20 social service programs, serving families from teens to senior citizens. Bemis says 100% of the money raised during the campaign goes to support these programs.

Ultra Chic Prom Boutique Celebrates Five Years

Cheril Lee — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 11:06:06 +0000

The 5^th annual Ultra Chic Prom Boutique takes place Saturday, February 25^th.

Lisa Sekundiak, Vice President and Owner of Max I. Walker, says she was inspired to start the event after looking through her own closet of gently used formal wear. She says the company asks people to look through their own closets, and consider donating any unwanted bridesmaids gowns or prom dresses.

PRIDE-Omaha, Inc. Closing

Cheril Lee — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 20:25:20 +0000

PRIDE-Omaha, Inc. is dissolving its non-profit corporation on March 31, 2012.

The organization was formed in 1978 with the purpose of working to keep children safe and drug-free. Executive Director Susie Dugan says even though the need for drug prevention is as great as ever when it comes to kids and drugs, it has become increasingly difficult to sustain funding for their resource center.

She says PRIDE-Omaha is grateful to the community and state supporters who made it possible for them to do their work for so long.

Project Interfaith offers multiple programs dealing with children, families and faith

Cheril Lee — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 21:18:21 +0000

Project Interfaith is offering children’s story time and show and tell Sundays at 3:00 at the Bookworm through March 4^th.

Each week of the story time features a different religion. Beth Katz, Executive Director for Project Interfaith, says more than 60 people attended the first event last Sunday.

She says the events offer a great opportunity for parents and children to learn more about the diversity of beliefs and cultures present in our community and the world.

Being Heard: A Creative Healing Program Using the Arts takes place this weekend

Cheril Lee — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 11:00:00 +0000

Being Heard: A Creative Healing Program takes place this Saturday at the Omaha Home for Boys.

Rita Paskowitz is the Director of the Storytelling workshop. She says this weekend’s program is geared toward at-risk youth.

Paskowitz says the purpose of creative healing is to get people to work through their grief using the arts. Workshops in storytelling, music, movement, poetry and visual arts will be offered on Saturday.

Paskowitz says it is sometimes easier for those who are grieving to express themselves through the arts.

5th Annual Heartland Walk for Warmth takes place this week

Cheril Lee — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 22:16:46 +0000

The 5^th Annual Heartland Walk for Warmth takes place tomorrow (Thursday) at 6:00 p.m. at Westroads Mall.

Kathy O’Hara, Spokesperson for United Way of the Midlands, says the event helps raise funds for energy assistance programs. She says the organization has seen a 30% increase in requests for help with energy assistance over the past year. O’Hara says the Walk for Warmth is a one mile walk outside. She says even though it’s been a milder winter, it can get cold in the house when you can’t afford to turn the heat on…