OMAHA, Neb. (August 19, 2016) — Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska (LFS) is pleased to announce it was recently awarded five grants totaling $843,700 from United Way of the Midlands. Thanks to the generosity of United Way donors, LFS will further its vision of “safety, hope and well-being for all people” in the Omaha metro. Funding will provide support for services that enhance overall individual, family and community well-being, including: child and adult therapies, early intervention to break the cycle of child abuse and neglect, integration for refugee and immigrant families, and support for children and families impacted by child sexual abuse.

The United Way of the Midlands has invested in five community programs reaching a diverse range of people throughout the metro. With the support of these grants, LFS will:

• reach 3,000 refugees and immigrants with support and referrals through the International Center of the Heartland;
• improve the employment and job skills of refugees through the Refugee Employment and Education Program;
• improve the mental wellbeing of over 2,000 adults and children through tailored therapy;
• teach healthy parenting techniques and empower caregivers to break the cycle of abuse through the Centers for Healthy Families in North Omaha and Pottawattamie County;
• and guide children and families impacted by child sexual abuse to safety and recovery through the RSafe® program.

With the help of these grants from the community, LFS is able to offer these human care initiatives to build the resilience of over 7,000 individuals in the Omaha metro. For example, LFS provides refugees and immigrants with access to key community services, improving their employment opportunities and integration into the community. Case management, employment-readiness training and mentoring from local business leaders reduce reliance on public assistance and promote the social and economic vitality of Omaha.

Oo Meh, a 14-year-old refugee from Burma, spent her entire life in a refugee camp suffering from an undiagnosed physical ailment that left her immobile and without hope for improvement. After arriving in Omaha last year, her International Center of the Heartland case manager helped her parents navigate the complex healthcare system, connecting them with medical specialists who correctly diagnosed Oo’s condition.  The case manager also acted as a liaison between the parents and Oo’s school to facilitate better communication and understanding of Oo’s condition and abilities. Oo is now getting around with the help of a motorized chair, thriving in school and hopeful for her future.

“Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska greatly appreciates the investment of the United Way of the Midlands in LFS programs that address school and job readiness, safety, and well-being for children and families in our community,” said LFS President and CEO Ruth Henrichs.