The Village Connector is a service provided by The Empowerment Network
VILLAGE ZONE DIGITAL MAP
The Empowerment Network
Visit EmpowerOmaha to connect to resources for food, health, employment, business and more!

The Empowerment Network's Village Zone Map is in partnership with Village Pastors and Faith Leaders, NONA, Food Bank, North Omaha Coronavirus Task Force & Technology Consulting Solutions.
EVENTS
FIRST FRIDAYS FRIDAY NIGHT JAM!
The Empowerment Network
Friday April 9th @ 7pm - 9pm
Virtual Event

About This Event: An event for African-American Professionals to Gather (Virtually) & Celebrate Black Culture

REGISTER Free for the event & activities.
ORDER Food in advance from featured Black Restaurants, Celebrate Birthdays and participate in Cook with the Chef, Spoken Word Workshop & the "24th St. After Party."

Join the Fun Virtually. Food. Games & Connections.
AFRICAN AMERICAN WOMEN'S HERstory EXHIBIT
Great Plains Black History Museum
Friday, April 9th @ 1 pm - 5 pm
Great Plains Black History Museum

About This Event: The exhibit highlights Nationally known African American Women in number 2 pencil drawings by Artist Terry Diel, photos and bios of local successful African American Women from Omaha, Women of the Negro League Baseball, and artifacts

Tours are available by appointment only. To schedule a tour visit: https://gpblackhistorymuseum.org
1ST ANNUAL TECH GALA BRUNCH
Emerging Ladies Academy
Saturday, April 10th @ 10 am - 1 pm
3000 Farnam Street

About This Event: We are happy to be hosting Emerging Ladies Academy 1st Tech Gala In Omaha, NE. Let's dress up in our Purple attire and empower black girls/women in technology. We will have awards, presentations by the ladies of ELA, brunch, African food and more! You don't want to miss this event!
COVID VACCINE CLINICS
Thursday, April 8th & Monday, April 12th
Metro CC Fort Omaha
5300 N. 30th Street - Drive Thru ONLY
9am - 7pm - Johnson & Johnson

Saturday, April 10th
Creighton Rasmussen Fitness & Sports Center
702 N. 17th Street
9am - 7pm - Pfizer

Saturday, April 10th & Sunday, April 11th
Girls Inc.
2811 N. 45th Street
2pm - 6pm - Johnson & Johnson

Sunday, April 11th
Omaha North High School
4410 N. 36th Street
9am - 2pm - Maderna
3:30pm - 8pm - Johnson & Johnson

How to schedule an appointment:
Visit: www.douglascountyhealth.com or call
402-444-3400
REAL TALK WITH THE 100
100 Black Men of Omaha
Saturday, April 10th @ 11:30 am - 12:30pm
Topic: "How To Be More Marketable"
Online Event via Zoom

About This Event: Earlier in the school year, we had a great discussion about building a solid resume. Now, we would like to paint a bigger picture of how job seekers can stand out amongst the crowd, when applying for jobs!
 
There is more than just having a clean resume that can affect whether you get the job or not. We'll go over a few tips on how to boost your chances.

Prizes will be given away!
NEIGHBORHOOD CLEANUP DAY
Habitat for Humanity
Saturday, April 17th @ 9 am - 11:30 am
New Life Presbyterian Church
4060 Pratt Street

About This Event: Habitat for Humanity of Omaha, North Omaha Neighborhood Alliance and the Empowerment Network are hosting a Neighborhood Cleanup Day in your area.

Dumpsters will be available for neighborhood use. Questions? Contact Lacey Studnicka at
402-884-7417
FREE DRIVE THRU COMMUNITY EVENT
DCCR & Pinwheels for Prevention
Saturday, April 17th @ 11 am - 1 pm
King Solomon
3202 Evans Street

About This Event: Community Cafe Station. Games. Resources. Book Station. Goodies & Swag.

For more information visit: https://douglascountycr.org/
BLACK BUSINESS EXPO
Minorities About Business
Sunday, April 25th @ 2 pm - 6 pm
Metoyer Event Center
2525 N. 37th Street


About This Event: Come and so some Spring shopping while supporting local minority owned businesses.

COMMUNITY RESOURCES
CDBG & HOME APPLICATIONS OPEN
City of Omaha Planning Department
Full applications are due by Today, April 9th by 4:30 pm,  Applications must submitted in a digital PDF format to hcdcomments@cityofomaha.org with an original hardcopy, 3-holded punched in a three-ring binder
and summited to 1819 Farnam Street, Room 1111, Omaha NE, 68183 Attn: Pat Evans,
Community Development Manager.

The City of Omaha recommends a thorough review of the 2021
CDBG/HOME and or the CDBG Public Service Application. Please submit all
information in the required format.

If you are proposing a Public Service Activity, please only
use the CDBG Public Service Application. Each proposed
program or project must be submitted as an individual application.

The CDBG /HOME and the CDBG Public Service Applications can

If you have any questions, or need technical assistance, please
contact Pat Evans at 402-444-5150 ext. 2011 or patricia.evans@cityofomaha.org
UNION PACIFIC LEN SCHOLARSHIP
Latino Employee Network
Application Deadline: April 30th

The Union Pacific Latino Employee Network (LEN) Scholarship Program is available to Latinx high school seniors and undergraduate students in their first four years of college who are committed to furthering their education.

Students are able to apply for the scholarship during all four years of their undergraduate program. The award is intended to cover any expense related to obtaining an education – including tuition, fees, housing, books, and/or a computer.

Recipients are awarded up to $4,000 and are chosen on the basis of scholastic ability and leadership. Current employees and dependents of employees are ineligible for this scholarship. All decisions are within the discretion of the Latino Employee Network Scholarship Committee and are final.
FINANCIAL EDUCATION 2021 WORKSHOP CALENDAR
Family Housing Advisory Services
The Financial Education course teaches the fundamentals of personal finance and provides participants with the right tools and support to gain control of their financial future.

Advance registration is required for all classes
If unable to register online, call 402.630.0021 or 402.934.6431
OMAHA 360
Collaborative Violence Prevention Initiative
Virtual Weekly Meetings

G: To make Omaha the safest city on the planet

M: Omaha 360's purpose is to work together to end gun and gang violence; bring peace and prosperity to every zip code in Omaha!

V: That Omaha continue to be recognized for being a great, safe city, in every zip code.

NONA
North Omaha Neighborhood Association
NONA (North Omaha Neighborhood Alliance) is to improve the quality of life in our community by: Connecting, Communicating, Coordinating, Collaborating and Celebrating. This is where we bring North Omaha neighborhood associations together and transform North Omaha block-by-block.
SONA
South Omaha Neighborhood Alliance
We decided to use our platform to connect our government leaders from School Board up to Congress, our community advocates and leaders and our nonprofit leaders across North and South Omaha to lay the foundation for positive and effective communication during this crisis and going forward as we heal afterwards.
OPD
Omaha Police Department
Check Out the March Newsletter brought to you by the Northeast Precinct!

OPD Makes Changes to Policies and Procedures

The Omaha Police Department has made some changes to our policies and procedures in light of the discussion surrounding police reform. The department has made some changes to our Use of Force policy to include the following:
  • Duty to intervene 
  • Knee to neck pin forbidden
  • Prone position warning
  • Carotid Restraint Control Holds (CRCH) will move up to the assaultive/high- risk subject category

Click Here to view the updated OPD Response to Resistance/Use of Force Policies
EMPLOYMENT
THE EMPOWERMENT NETWORK
Sr. Directory Diversity, Inclusion & Workplace Initiatives
About this position: Under the supervision of the CEO, the Senior Director of Diversity and Inclusion will: Integrate the critical components of the Network’s Diversity and Inclusion initiatives into a business plan in alignment with the organization’s mission, vision and values; implement strategies to support the Network’s goals of success for the Racial Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and scale the model; provide advanced, cutting edge D&I results that change the narrative and outcomes for racial equity, diversity and inclusion in the Omaha community; provide leadership to the Empowerment Network’s employment initiatives; and represent the Empowerment Network along with the CEO with strategic partners on major diversity, inclusion and workforce related collaboratives.

Application Closes: Sunday, April 18th
STEP-UP OMAHA IS HIRING
Step-Up Omaha Director
About this position: Under the supervision of the Director of Operations, the Step-Up Omaha! Director will manage and facilitate the Step-Up Omaha! Employment and Entrepreneurship Program; lead development of long-term strategic partnerships; develop, expand and lead the Step-Up Omaha! team; raise additional public and private funds to support the expansion of the summer program and piloting of an extended jobs initiative; facilitate planning sessions, meetings, and community forums; provide oversight for the administration and implementation of Step-Up Omaha!; and represent Step-Up Omaha with the media and at community events & activities

Application Closes: Sunday, April 11th
STEP-UP OMAHA IS HIRING
Career and Life Skills Coach
About this position: Coordinate the development of youth employability skills based on employer requests. Oversee the work experience process to include job placement and youth retention. Make regularly scheduled worksite visits in order to monitor the youth placed, foster business relationships and proactively address any employer concerns and/or questions.

Application Closes: Sunday, April 11th
OMAHA COMMUNITY PLAYHOUSE
Property Master & Development Coordinator
Development Coordinator: The Development Coordinator will work with the Development Director to plan and execute strategies to attract, engage, and retain individual, corporate, and foundation supporters. This person will provide general administrative support for the Development Department, serve as primary database user, coordinate funder recognition and benefit fulfillment, oversee donor cultivation and stewardship events, act as primary liaison for development-related auxiliary groups, and assist with other Development Department activities.

Interested applicants may email their application to: Theresa Ross at tross@omahaplayhouse.com
BOYSTOWN IS HIRING
Multiple Job Openings
Development Coordinator: Boys Town wants to continue building a diverse workforce to impact the lives of youth, families and patients. Interested candidates should review job openings and descriptions to apply!
NO MORE EMPTY POTS
Development Specialist
Job Lead: Starting pay is between $15-$21 hourly based on experience and this is a part-time position (20-25 hours per week). Individual will be responsible for general development activities to include donor engagement, major gifts, fundraising, grants, and campaigns. Will research and respond to grant opportunities, manage and implement donor engagement, develop & support giving campaigns, etc. (read full description). Individuals must have Associate's Degree in marketing, development, event management, a related field, or comparable experience in these fields, and at least 1 year project coordination experience.

Application Open Until Filled.
BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD OF NE
Customer Service Representative
Job Lead: Blue Cross Blue Shield is hiring for Customer Service Representatives (Work-from-Home). Starting pay is $17.00 hourly and these are full-time positions. (Day Shift) They have multiple openings! Individuals will be responsible for handling incoming phone calls and being the primary customer interface for inquiries. Will inform and educate as well as serve as member advocate. Will communicate with customers via telephone, fax, web, and/or electronic mail.
QUICK BITES IS HIRING!
Dishwasher. Line Cook. Dining Room Manager
About This Employer: Quick Bites Soul Food is a Black family-owned and operated restaurant opened by our late founder, Justin Epting, in 2017 in Old Town Bellevue. Quick Bites aims to serve the greater
Bellevue/Omaha community with comforting food and a soulful atmosphere our teammates and patrons alike can feel at home. Our traditions are Black and our community is open to everyone, full stop. We serve love with every plate.

Qualified applicants can send emails to: quickbitessoulfoodrestaurant@gmail.com
DOUGLAS COUNTY IS HIRING
Customer Service Technician
Job Lead: Douglas County is hiring for Customer Service Technicians. Starting pay is $18.21 hourly and these are full-time positions. Individuals will assist customers in person, via telephone, and by mail in completing transactions to obtain services and documents processed and issues by the Real Estate and Motor Vehicle Divisions. Must have high school diploma or equivalent, two years of related experience involving customer service and clerical skills, and at least one year of cashiering experience. Not background friendly
KELLOGG'S IS HIRING
Electrician. Maintenance Mechanic
Job Lead: Kellogg's is hiring for Plant Maintenance Electrical Technician. Individuals will alternate between troubleshooting, preventative maintenance and on-the-spot machine repair. You will need a firm focus and understanding of programmable logic controllers. This is a special opportunity to enhance your expertise, but you need to already be a creative problem-solver who clearly documents your learnings!
RESOURCES Rental, Mortgage, Utility, Food, Legal & more...
M.U.D. & OPPD CUSTOMERS CAN APPLY FOR NEW STATE RENTAL & UTILITY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
Renters and landlords who are struggling financially because of COVID-19 can now apply for assistance with rent and utilities under the state’s new Emergency Rental Assistance Program. The program, which recently launched, is funded through the U.S. Treasury as part of a federal coronavirus relief package.
 
Omaha Public Power District and Metropolitan Utilities District want to encourage customers who qualify for the program to apply. Customers within Douglas County, the City of Omaha, Lancaster County and the City of Lincoln do not qualify for the state’s program because those areas are receiving federal funds directly. They will operate rental and utility assistance programs separately from the State. 
 
To learn more about the state’s program, customers should visit coronavirus.nebraska.gov. They can also call 1-833-500-8810 to reach the state’s contact center for more information, including eligibility guidelines, documentation requirements, and additional utility assistance programs.
 
FAMILY HOUSING ADVISORY SERVICES
Serving the Community since 1968
If you or someone you know is in need of rent, mortgage or utility assistance, the FHAS staff is here to serve you and the community!

Fair Housing: 402-934-6675
Foreclosure Prevention: 402-934-1777
Tax Assistance: 402-250-9781
Mortgage Lending: 402-342-3773
Rent/Mortgage/Utility Assistance: 402-934-6763
NO MORE EMPTY POTS
No More Empty Pots has initiated emergency response to urgent community needs for food relief. We’ve partnered with local producers, businesses, community organizations and volunteers to meet the demand with available resources.

Learn more about the Community Harvest CSA and Prepared Meals program. CSA is a great way to get access to affordable local, seasonal, fresh and healthy raw produce.

If you are in need of emergency food support
FAIR DEAL VILLAGE MARKET PLACE
Buy in Bulk Locally #SupportTheVillage
Days: Tuesday - Saturday
Hours: 10 am - 4:00 om

For more information contact Cynthia Hume
at 402-504-1301
LEGAL AID OF NEBRASKA
Covid Related Resource
Do you have a legal problem related to COVID-19?
Tiene usted un problema legal relacionado al COVID-19?

Contact the COVID-19 Disaster Relief Hotline
(La Linea Directa de Alivio de Desastre COVID-19)

Nebraskans facing eviction or other legal issues related to COVID-19, should contact Legal Aid of Nebraska.

If you have received an eviction notice and your income has been affected by COVID-19 pandemic please call Nebraska Legal Aid and give this declaration to your landlord.

1-844-268-5627
UNITED WAY OF THE MIDLANDS
#CommunityStrong
CARES Act Housing Assistance

Who is eligible to receive funds through the program
An individual who meets the following requirements is eligible to apply for assistance:
  • Is a U.S. Citizen or legal resident and resides in Nebraska
  • Has experienced negative financial impact due to COVID-19
  • Can provide verification of lease, mortgage or rental agreement when applying for mortgage or rental assistance

Interpreters available for over 100 languages

Text: NECOVID To: 898211
NEBRASKA DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Unemployment FAQs
CARES Act Unemployment Extension!
Click Here for details.

Click the button below for a list of helpful COVID-19 resources, including instructions for filing an unemployment claim and information on Short-Time Compensation.
HEALTH RESOURCES
COVID VACCINE CLINICS
Thursday, April 8th & Monday, April 12th
Metro CC Fort Omaha
5300 N. 30th Street - Drive Thru ONLY
9am - 7pm - Johnson & Johnson

Saturday, April 10th
Creighton Rasmussen Fitness & Sports Center
702 N. 17th Street
9am - 7pm - Pfizer

Saturday, April 10th & Sunday, April 11th
Girls Inc.
2811 N. 45th Street
2pm - 6pm - Johnson & Johnson

Sunday, April 11th
Omaha North High School
4410 N. 36th Street
9am - 2pm - Maderna
3:30pm - 8pm - Johnson & Johnson

How to schedule an appointment:
Visit: www.douglascountyhealth.com or call
402-444-3400
OMAHA PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Health Updates
To Our Omaha Public Schools Community:

When early August arrives, more than five months will have passed since we last learned with students in-person. We miss our students. We have actively planned for a responsible reopening of our schools throughout the spring and summer. This outline offers more detail about the safety measures and new routines we anticipate in August and beyond...CLICK HERE TO READ MORE
CHARLES DREW HEALTH CENTER, INC.
While the restrictions around the coronavirus (COVID-19) are beginning to loosen in Omaha, it is still crucial to practice preventative measures. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (the grocery store) especially in areas of significant community-based transmission.
UNMC
Munroe-Meyer Institute
The MMI Department at UNMC is offering up to 2 free behavioral telehealth consultations. The service is available for families regardless of insurance coverage.
NOAH
North Omaha Area Health
Why Get Vaccinated?

COVID-19 is a contagious disease caused by
the coronavirus. You can get COVID-19 through
contact with another person who has the virus. It
is a respiratory illness that can affect other organs.
Symptoms may appear 2 to 14 days after exposure
to the virus. Symptoms may include: fever or chills,
cough, shortness of breath, tiredness, muscle or
body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell;
sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or
vomiting, diarrhea. Anyone can get COVID-19 and
can and make existing medical conditions worse.
The COVID-19 vaccine can prevent COVID-19.
Why trust the vaccines? READ MORE HERE
CHI
Catholic Health Initiatives
Our hospitals are closely monitoring the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak and are in close contact with local health authorities. For more information for the public and health care providers on coronavirus, please visit the CDC website.

Some CHI Health events and activities have been cancelled or postponed out of an abundance of caution. Please double check the status before arriving at an event.
CENTER FOR HOLISTIC DEVELOPMENT
Change your thinking, change your life!
Our goal is to help individuals relieve emotional and psychological pain, make behavioral changes that facilitate growth, increase self-awareness and self-knowledge, which lead to healthy living.
BUSINESS RESOURCES Small Businesses, Non-Profit
NEW! SHUTTER VENUE OPERATORS GRANT
SBA
Program Details: The Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG) program was established by the Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Nonprofits, and Venues Act, and amended by the American Rescue Plan Act. The program includes over $16 billion in grants to shuttered venues, to be administered by SBA’s Office of Disaster Assistance.
Eligible applicants may qualify for grants equal to 45% of their gross earned revenue, with the maximum amount available for a single grant award of $10 million. $2 billion is reserved for eligible applications with up to 50 full-time employees.

This grant provides emergency assistance for eligible venues affected by COVID-19.
NEW! SBA IS RAISING THE LOAN LIMIT FOR #COVID19 EIDL
SBA
Program Details: SBA is raising the loan limit for #COVID19 Economic Injury Disaster Loans to up to 24 months of economic injury with a maximum loan amount of $500,000.

Business owners who received a loan subject to the previous limits can now request an increase under the new limits. SBA is emailing borrowers instructions on how to submit a loan increase request
2021 REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
I Be Black Girl Gives
IBBGives, I Be Black Girl's giving circle is now accepting grant applications for their Year 3 cycle. They will invest up to $50,000 in projects that serve Black women.

Learn more by visiting IBBG at: https://www.ibeblackgirl.com/
NEBRASKA ENTERPRISE FUND
April Events
NEF offers loans direct to business and can help fill financing gaps in participation with other lenders or programs.

In addition to the programs NEF offer, they can connect your business to both local and statewide program partners with expertise in micro and small business development.
Extended! SBA
U.S. Small Business Administration
On Monday, February 22, President Biden announced the following changes to SBA's coronavirus relief programs to ensure equity:

Specifically, on Wednesday, February 24, 2021 at 9 am ET, SBA will establish a 14-day, exclusive PPP loan application period for businesses and nonprofits with fewer than 20 employees. This will give lenders and community partners more time to work with the smallest businesses to submit their applications, while also ensuring that larger PPP-eligible businesses will still have plenty of time to apply for and receive support before the program expires on March 31, 2021.
__________________________

SBA is currently offering the following funding options:
GREATER OMAHA CHAMBER
We Accomplish More Together
Vaccination Information for Businesses

To assist business owners and employers, we've compiled a list of COVID-19 vaccine information and policy guidance. You can find official guidelines from trusted sources, such as the FDA, DHHS and others.

_________________________

The resources below can help organizational leaders better understand the implications of COVID-19

NAM
Nonprofit Association of the Midlands
Resources for Re-Opening

Many organizations are challenged with questions about how and when to reopen in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. NAM has compiled the following resources for organizations considering their reopening strategies.

NAM has compiled the following resources for organizations considering their reopening strategies. More resources will be posted here as they become available.

Click Here for Resources
MEDIA OUTLETS
THE OMAHA STAR
Nebraska's Only Black Bi-Weekly Newspaper
The Omaha Star and its work for equal rights for all Americans is legendary. Throughout its renowned history, the Omaha Star was on the forefront, leading the charge to open public accommodations to African Americans, including hotels, restaurants, theaters and taverns...READ MORE
NOISE
North Omaha Information Support Everyone
NOISE is a new community-led news organization committed to strengthening information creation and sharing throughout North Omaha.
Text NOISE to 33222 to get text alerts.
REVIVE OMAHA MAGAZINE
Spirit, Mind & Body
Revive! Omaha Magazine is a Lifestyle and Community Empowerment Magazine serving African-Americans in the Greater Omaha Area

Access the 2020 Revive Black Business Directory HERE
THE BOSS RADIO STATION
95.7 FM
Start your day with William & Martine

Monday through Friday | 7 am - 9 am
GOSPEL MUSIC OMAHA
100.3 FM
FINALLY! Nebraska's FIRST and ONLY 24/7 live on-air urban gospel radio station 100.3FM in Omaha Nebraska. http://www.GospelMusicOmaha.com for more details.

Tune-In with Lady J
HEARTLAND FOCUS
Channel 6
Tune-In Every Sunday @ 6 am
with Tim Clark
COVID-19 UPDATES
GET THE LATEST UPDATES
As confirmed cases of COVID-19 continue to rise, how are we communicating the importance of abiding by social distancing regulations?

< Click on the map to follow the development of the virus through Douglas County.
DOUGLAS COUNTY HEALTH DEPT
Citizens of Omaha and Douglas County:
Information Line for Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19):
402-444-3400

Open Seven Days a Week, except Holidays
8:30 am to 4:00 pm
CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION
This is an emerging, rapidly evolving situation and CDC will provide updated information as it becomes available.
CITY OF OMAHA
Citizens of Omaha and Douglas County
The City of Omaha, Douglas County, our health care partners, and first responders are working diligently to protect public health and safety as the coronavirus spreads.  We are working together to lower the risk of transmission and infection and reduce the impact on our community.
STATE OF NEBRASKA
Dept. of Health and Human Services
DHHS COVID-19 Information Line:
(402) 552-6645

8 am - 8 pm CST - 7 Days a Week
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The Village Connector is a service provided by
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