OMAHA, Neb. (August 14, 2015) – Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska (LFS) is pleased to announce it was recently awarded ten grants totaling $936,300 from United Way of the Midlands. Thanks to the generosity of the United Way donors, behavioral health programs that provide therapy and build self-sufficiency for adults, youth and children, as well as prevention and early intervention programs to break the cycle of child abuse and neglect and equip parents to create safe, healthy families, will continue. Funded programs also include specialized therapy and support for children and families impacted by child sexual abuse through the RSafe® program, as well as services to new populations.
The United Way of the Midlands has invested in the following community programs provided through LFS:
- International Center of the Heartland
- Home Visitation
- RSafe® therapies for children impacted by sexual abuse
- Adult Behavioral Health
- Behavioral Health for New Populations
- Children and Youth Mental Health
- North Omaha Center for Healthy Families®
- Pottawattamie County Center for Healthy Families®
- Immigration Legal Services
- Refugee Education and Employment Program
With the help of these grants, LFS is better able to offer critical support services that improve the well-being of our most vulnerable populations through programs like the International Center of the Heartland (ICH). ICH strengthens the continuum of care for refugees, immigrants, asylees, international human trafficking victims and other new populations in Omaha. In 2014, ICH served 2,342 clients, 84.75% reported an improved ability to meet their own needs in their new country. As a result of ICH’s direct case management, newcomers better integrate into the social fabric of the Omaha community, reduce their reliance on public assistance and go on to support economic vitality.
ICH services increase the likelihood that new populations succeed in the U.S., like “Fatima” – a single mother of three, who was forced out of her home in Darfur, Sudan. Fatima was resettled in Omaha through LFS and was provided an ICH case manager. Her case manager listened to her health concerns then provided her an appropriate medical referral, which resulted in her receiving early treatment for cancer. ICH continued to support Fatima by ensuring that plans were made for her medical bills and housing, thereby preventing her family from becoming homeless. Upon recovery, ICH supported Fatima’s efforts to start her own cookie business, providing her direction and advice. Fatima and her family are doing well; live in safe and affordable housing and are well on their way to becoming self-sufficient.
“Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska greatly appreciates the investment of United Way in LFS programs that further our vision of safety, hope and well-being for all people,” said Ruth Henrichs, LFS President and CEO.
About United Way of the Midlands:
We focus the efforts of many to help our neighbors stand strong – by addressing basic needs, and fostering success in the classroom and the workplace. For more information, visit www.UnitedWayMidlands.org.
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