As Nebraska’s First Lady, I am a passionate supporter of the Friends of the Governor’s Residence, which is raising funds via sales of the collaborative cookbook, Inspired Recipes from Nebraska, and donations. Funds will be used for educational materials about the Governor’s Residence and for its continued updating. The cookbook gives you so much more than personal recipes from Nebraska’s current and former first families; past and serving state senators, and many other Nebraskans. Photos of the Residence and interesting tales of living there are interwoven with the recipes, and contributor’s stories accompany many recipes. Former Governor Mike Johanns was actually a night time refrigerator bandit! To see the book, visit their website. To make a donation only, and become a charter member of the “Friends of the Governor’s Residence,” please send your check to the Nebraska Community Foundation, P.O. Box 83107, Lincoln, NE 68501-3107. Sending a “donation only” is tax deductible. Donors will be listed in a book kept at the Residence.
Her parents named her "Blessing." She delighted them. The family's poverty was so deep, though, that one day they tearfully said good-bye so Blessing could leave Ghana for Amsterdam on the promise of an education and a job as a nanny. But hope vanished in a heartbeat. She had been tricked. Blessing was a slave. No longer a "blessing" - not even a person.
Everything was taken from her - her papers, her clothing. Her virginity. She was "seasoned" by brutal rape, dressed provocatively, put up for sale in a window display, forced to service more than a dozen men each night. There were four pregnancies; four forced abortions. The fifth time she conceived, the desperate young woman threw herself through a closed second-story window rather than allow another baby to be sacrificed.
Miraculously, she was able to get to her feet and make her way to an African community outreach - supported by Shared Hope, with your help. Here, we could enfold and protect her. And here, she gave birth to a "Little Blessing" in safety. Today, Blessing continues the long journey of restoration.
Give generously to help us rescue and restore hope for young women like Blessing targeted by the sex-trafficking industry.
Julie, one of our PEP ladies shared this information on Shared Hope. PEP-Perspectives encourages women’s empowerment across the world and what a worthwhile organization this is.
The beauty of this non-profit group is that you can host an event to support this cause in your own home. Shared Hope supplies you with informative materials. Check out their website to join others like Julie who support women who want to make a living for their family and maintain their dignity. Consider donating your time and/or money for women who take on stand on doing what is right!
Charity Description/Mission: The Susan G. Komen foundation is an incredible story of one woman with a passionate mission! Go on the website to read Susan's sister, Nancy G Brinker's Story..."I wanted to do something to let her know how special she would always be in my heart." This woman truly made a difference and has had an international impact not only on breast cancer but on women's empowerment.
There are many ways you can make a difference in the fight against breast cancer. You can choose to raise awareness and funds by participating in an event, such as the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. Become an activist to achieve important legislative objectives. Or simply make a monetary contribution. But no matter how you give, every bit helps support the Komen global mission of ending breast cancer.
Visit the website to not only see what is being nationally, but also to see what is happening in your local area. As you read the many personal stories, you cannot help to be inspired to participate in this worthy cause!
Charity Description/Mission: The Rose is the Houston area's leading 501(c)(3) non-profit breast cancer organization providing mammography screening, diagnosis, early access to treatment and support to all women regardless of their ability to pay. Last year, The Rose delivered 76,311 services, including 13,082 screening and diagnostic procedures at no charge to low income, uninsured women through The Rose Empower Her® Sponsorship Program. This program provides breast cancer detection services to those who cannot afford the costs of these potentially life saving procedures.
The Rose depends on revenue from paying customers, grants and donations for its funding. By scheduling your mammogram with us, you will enable us to help others who are less fortunate...You help us serve low-income, uninsured women.
At The Rose, you will receive uncompromised care from medical professionals dedicated to breast health. The added value of your visit is the difference you can make in another woman's life. The Rose services are covered by most insurance plans. The Rose, a non-profit organization, is not a United Way agency.
We are able to reach many women in need of our services through health fairs.We receive about 20 requests a month for health fairs and have not been able to participate in as many due to our busy schedule. Recently, we have turned to our volunteers to assist us and they have helped tremendously! However, we still need your help! Please consider donating a few hours of your time to this worthwhile organization. The Rose will be happy to cover the cost of parking etc. Please check out the many requests for volunteers under our Experience/Expertise Shared column under Volunteers.
Charity Description/Mission: Need encouragement to start a healthier life or to find a fund raiser for life-saving research, this is the place to go. It is an interactive site (BetterU blogs) as well as informative. Due to the popularity of last year's special, "Untold Stories of the Heart" presented by NBC that informed us of the realities of women's heart disease, a sequel is scheduled September 12: "Go Red For Women Presents: Choose to Live". Taking care of oneself is not always about shopping for something that makes you feel good on the outside--it is about taking care of yourself so that you do feel good on the inside. In addition, encouraging other women to choose healthier living is Women's Empowerment at its best--YOU can start the spark!! Check out the website and local publications for events scheduled in your area and support this worthy cause! www.goredforwomen.org
Charity Description/Mission: JDRF Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation along with THOUSANDS of families and friends, meet to walk for the cure of Type 1 juvenile diabetes. Their Slogan is raising money and awareness "one dollar at a time, one step at a time."
Georgia was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at 4 years of age. She handles it like a "pro". Mom and dad make no bones about it. People have worked feverishly on the JDRF team in many aspects to help raise awareness and find a cure. Sam and her daughters and many other families were privileged to be a part of the efforts for Georgia at the Omaha walk in August. It is typical for each family to have their own t-shirts. Ours read "Georgia’s Gang". Each year the shirts are a little different , however the name stays the same, of course. Georgia's mom and dad sponsor a pool party thanking everyone for their donations and participation. The love and support of friends and family is key to success for both the foundation as well as Georgia’s and the other children’s health. Positive attitudes and support give way to healthier bodies and relationships. Gotta love the power of teamwork!!! Way to go Georgia's Gang and all the other teams that inspire us.
Please note that the national tour of Grease (The Cure is the Word) has partnered with JDRF to raise funds and awareness. We salute these partnerships where everyone is a winner!
Charity Description/Mission: This event was started in 2006 by Omahans, Dave Karnes and Steve and Amy Lindsay as a benefit for Liz Karnes who lost her battle to cancer. Funds raised are used for cancer research for cancers affecting women. In addition this event now provides a $5,000 grant for an endowed scholarship to the Creighton University Women’s Soccer program. The primary purpose of the soccer tournament weekend is to raise awareness for women’s cancer education and prevention. It also generates an interest in women’s collegiate athletics and gives Omaha the opportunity to show others that they are a compassionate, vibrant community where health, education, commerce and recreation intertwine. This program has been highly successful; more than $400,000 has been raised benefiting cancer research. In 2008, PEP founder and artist, Sam, designed and created a trunk that was donated to the West Side High School Girls Soccer team for Kick For A Cure. The students sold raffle tickets and held the drawing at their soccer banquet.
Charity Description/Mission: This program began during the 2004-2005 school year in Lincoln NE, sending home food-filled backpacks. Currently, the program is serving over 1500 students each week during the school year. The BackPack Program sends a backpack filled with one of the 6 menus offered to students every Friday. The goal of the program is to provide 4-5 meals for the student and their family over the weekend. Volunteers like PEP’s Sheree, give an hour of their time on Friday’s packing the children’s backpacks with food collected by the local food bank from various sources. Through the volunteer efforts and the commitment of churches to provide outreach, the children and families of this community are less likely to go hungry.
Charity Description/Mission: Clinic with a Heart is a “medical mission at home.” Founded in 2003, Clinic with a Heart provides FREE urgent short-term care to the uninsured, underinsured and homeless population in Lincoln Nebraska and surrounding communities.
Dr. Rob Rhodes, along with volunteers from St. Mark’s United Methodist church, went on a mission trip in 2002 to Reynosa, Mexico, providing temporary medical care to the poor at a Mexican dump sight. If we can do this in Mexico, why can’t we do this in our own backyard, Lincoln, NE? One year later Dr. Rhodes along with other volunteers opened the first “Clinic with a Heart,” treating 19 patients. The free walk-in clinic is staffed by volunteers and paid for with community donations.
Since then, nearly five years, 3300 patients and more than 400 volunteers later, Clinic with a Heart is open four nights per month at the Center for People in Need located at 3901 N. 27th St., Lincoln, NE. The clinic offers primary care, dental, chiropractic and physical therapy care one night per week.
Our PEP team member, Sheree, has been volunteering with this worthwhile organization for the past 4 years. She coordinates the clinic @ Saratoga Elementary School on the 3rd Wednesday of every month. This urgent medical clinic provides care for children, birth through grade 5. Knowing that you are helping children who may not have received medical care makes her volunteer efforts extremely rewarding, this fall they will be adding pediatric denistry.
Charity Description/Mission: *Cambiando Vidas* (Changing Lives): Is a non-profit organization working in Chacala, Nayarit Mexico. They provide educational opportunities for children, including academic support, social enrichment and leadership development where previously most children dropped out after the 6th grade. In return for the opportunities to further their education, the students are required to give back to the community via service projects. This non-profit organization has touched many lives since it's conception in 1996. When you donate to this great cause you can personally follow the students achievements via their website. Cambiando Vidas is a charitable organization with United States IRS 501 (c) 3 tax -exempt status.
Charity Description/Mission:*Women of the Well*: Is a Christian Ministry in Thailand under Servantworks and other partner organizations. It's purpose is to love Thai bar girls and sex workers in the same way that Jesus loved the woman of the well and others like her; to help her see and experience her true value as a creation by God, and to help her, her family and village find their dream of a better life. The Well provides counseling, training, job development and other services to women and their family members. Servantworks is an IRS approved 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization, see www.servantworks.com/well. Donations may be made to: donateling.net or by mail to Wheaton, Ill (see website). The Thai women make and sell many products to help provide for their families, see narimon.org for pictures of their jewelry and stationery. To see all Pants for sale on PEP and make a purchase Click Here. Michaela spent 10 months working with the Women of the Well in Buriram Thailand. She also assisted the women in designing and making our PEP pants and stationery!
Charity Description/Mission:*Escape Family Resource Center*: The walls of the classrooms of the Escape Center hold countless stories of women, men, grandparents and caregivers who feel empowered as they gain confidence for constructive parenting and relationship building. The children have their own stories about the changes made inside their homes as their parents become more attentive. Families are being transformed by ESCAPE'S people and curriculum. One class at a time they begin to eradicate the verbal, physical and sexual abuse of children by improving their own parenting skills. Helping children live with good role models within their first 'community' of family is vital--the most important step to assure that every child has a chance to be the best they can be!! To read about the programs offered, the many opportunities for volunteering or to donate to this worthwhile Houston based non-profit organization go to www.learntoparent.org
Charity Description/Mission:*American Cancer Society*: Every one of us has been touched by cancer--some of us have great stories of survival to tell and others have great memories of loved ones. Having lost a sister @ the age of 36, leaving behind 2 young boys, I am reminded frequently of the devastating effects ofcancer. As an aunt I get to enjoy my nephews at the family celebrations, at their graduations and cheer them on @ all of their accomplishments--all when my sister should be there to hug them and to share in their pride. This organization offers many opportunities to donate time & money, visit them @ www.cancer.org to make a positive difference. Also, check out their wonderful site @ www.morebirthdays.com a fabulous site to remember someone's birthday AND to donate to a great cause. Every day is a day to celebrate!!
Charity Description/Mission: Heart disease is the #1 killer of women in North America. Check out all of the resources that this organization has available. They are recommending the ABC’s of making a commitment to heart-healthy living: Avoid Tobacco; Become More Active; Choose Good Nutrition. This worthwhile organization offers many online tips for healthy lifestyles. PEP’s founder Sam and her husband have been avid supporters of this organization as well as their daughters who have volunteered as “Sweethearts” with AHA. Collegiate women, who are members of Alpha Phi have also made this organization their philanthropy project for years. PEP ladies, Janell and Sheree’s collegiate chapter of Alpha Phi have a yearly fund raiser in March called the “Red Dress Poker Tournament”. Watch for upcoming benefits and events that promote American Heart Association.
.jpg)
