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
FINANCES & BUDGETING DURING THE PANDEMIC
Center for Holistic Development
Now - December 29th @ 1 pm - 2 pm
Virtual Online Event

About This Event: In the 4 week group counseling program, individuals will come together virtually over the course to:
  • Discuss elements of a budget
  • Steps to prepare a budget
  • Balancing your budget
  • Maintaining a budget

Limit of 8 participants
PARENTING IN THE TIME OF COVID-19
Center for Holistic Development
Now - December 29th @ 7 pm - 8 pm
Virtual Online Event

About This Event: In the 4 week group counseling program, individuals will come together virtually over the course to:
  • discuss parenting style
  • The difference between discipline & punishment
  • Changes in parenting due to COVID
  • Help and suggestions based on challenges

Limit of 8 participants
Friday, December 18 & 19 @ 6 pm & 5 pm
Online Event

About This Event: Increase basic knowledge of financial matter. Increase the use of personal budgeting. Learn how to protect personal & financial safety in crisis and post crisis. Learn new strategies towards long-term economic empowerment

Speakers: BC Clark & Krystal Fox
THE RELEASE: SELF LOVE EXTRAVAGANZA!
WithLove Felicia
Sunday, December 20 @ 1 pm - 3:30 pm
Online Event

About This Event: What’s love got to do with it? EVERYTHING

We will lean into:
Affirmation
Meditation
Self love poetry & Open mic
Intention setting for manifestation & much more!

Cost: $22/person
AFRICAN FASHION WEEK OMAHA 2020
Afromaha, AFWO
Saturday, December 27 @ 12 pm - 1:30 pm
Virtual Online Event

About This Event: Afromaha presents African Fashion Week Omaha 2020 Virtual || AFWO20 Virtual! Celebrating African Resilience!
With designers from Togo, Accra, Seattle, DC, Boston and Omaha presenting their unique and breathtaking collections.

An exciting and interactive visual experience that will keep you captivated from start to end.
VIRTUAL CAREER BOOT CAMP
Urban League of Nebraska
Monday, January 4 to January 22
Virtual Online Event

About This Event: Our next Urban League of Nebraska’s Career Boot Camp will be VIRTUAL and runs from Monday, 1/4/2021 to Friday, 1/22/2021 from 10:00am- 1:00pm. Participants receive a monetary stipend each week for attending!! This is a great way for participants to improve their work ethic skills, create and/or update their resume, improve interviewing skills, and get connected to employers.

Interested applicants must register at urbanleagueneb.org/jobs/career-boot-camps or SCAN the QR code that is on the flier.
BUILDING INDEPENDENT LIVING SKILLS SERIES
Child Saving Institute
Monday, January 6 to January 27
Virtual Online Event

About This Event: All sessions will be held through Zoom. Please RSVP to Amy Paulsen at [email protected] by the Monday before each session to receive the Zoom link via email. Log in to the session on time and participate for your chance to win a gift card!
COMMUNITY RESOURCES
New! PHARMACY TECHNICIAN TRAINING
Metropolitan Community College
We are pleased to share with you the upcoming Pharmacy Technician training program that is scheduled to begin on January 11, 2021. This remote Pharmacy Technician training program prepares students to take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) exam and is paired with our Career Placement Program where students will engage in meaningful soft-skill learning and obtain Customer Service and Work Ethic Certifications

The registration deadline is quickly approaching: December 23, 2020..
New! GREATER OMAHA CHAMBER TRANSPORTATION SURVEY
Greater Omaha Chamber
The Greater Omaha Chamber is working with member organizations and public-sector partners to develop a new transportation strategy for the Omaha-Council Bluffs metro area called ConnectGO. In 2019, a survey was conducted to establish the broad goals to effort:

  1. Equitable Access to Opportunity
  2. Attraction & Retention of Talent
  3. Economic Growth Throughout the Region
  4. Stewardship of the System

Make Your Voice Heard
The survey link is Survey.ConnectGo.org
Spanish Version is Encuesta.ConnectGo.org
You can also text the word "connect" to 512-580-8850
New! 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 December Newsletter brought to you by the Northeast Precinct!

The Omaha Police Department is taking additional precautions to keep our citizens and officers safe as our community deals with the Coronavirus (COVID-19). The Front Desk at Central Police Headquarters, 505 South 15th Street, will remain open daily but the hours and services available will change. The hours will be 8 am-4 pm. Fingerprinting services will not be available. If you need a file a report for a non-emergency incident please call
402-444-4877
EMPLOYMENT
AFLAC IS HIRING!
Customer Service Specialists
Job Lead: Aflac is hiring for Customer Service Specialists. These Positions are Remote and starting pay is between $15.00-$$18.00 hourly, based on experience, with raises upon completion of Training. These are full-time positions. Individuals will receive routine customer requests/inquiries via internet, phone, email or chat, etc. and accurately communicate with customers to resolve requests. There is NO Sales Required! Must have high school diploma or equivalent and one year of work related experience. Must have strong telephone and customer service skills and good math skills. Must have strong written and oral communication skills and be able to effectively interact with internal/external business contacts. Not background friendly
OMAHA HOUSING AUTHORITY
Housing Specialist
Job Lead: The Omaha Housing Authority is hiring for a Housing Specialist. Starting pay is $17.26 hourly and this is a full-time position. Individual will complete initial application process for applicants for determining their eligibility on the program. Will process annual recertification's, transfers, and interims of participants. Must have a high school diploma and at least 2 years college education in human service, social work, or related field...OR equivalent experience. Work experience must have included client interaction and must be able to effectively communicate with diverse personalities, be mature, tactful and professional. Background case-by-case basis
NEBRASKA DEPT OF TRANSPORTATION
Highway Construction Technician
Job Lead: Nebraska Department of Transportation is hiring for a full-time Highway Construction Technician I. Starting pay is $16.30 hourly and this is a full-time position. Employee may be promoted to Construction Technician II at a rate of $18.75 upon completion of Training. Individual will perform or assist with standard tests on Portland cement concrete, asphaltic concrete, etc. Perform soil tests, read construction plans, measure elevations, etc. Applicants must be 18 years of age and have a valid driver's license. Must be able to lift up to 100 lbs. Not background friendly
AMERICAN LABORATORIES
Production Operators
Job Lead: American Laboratories is hiring for Production Operators. Starting pay is up to $17.00 hourly and these are full-time positions (1st Shift). Individuals will perform shipping, receiving or transferring of products, materials or components to be used, stored or sold. Will assemble and clean process equipment and maintain work areas. Must be able to understand basic math. They will train! Background case-by-case basis
KELLOGG'S IS HIRING
Transitional Production Employee
Job Lead: Kellogg's is hiring for a Transitional Production Employee's. Starting pay is $19.00 hourly and applicants must have High School Diploma or Equivalent, be able to stand for long hours, be able to lift at or above waist, and be flexible with work scheduling as well as overtime and holidays. Duties will include packing finished product and maintaining quality of product. VERY background friendly
KELLOGG'S IS HIRING
Seasonal Employee
Job Lead: Kellogg's is hiring for Seasonal Employee's. Starting pay is a minimum of $16.00 hourly and these are full-time positions. Individuals will complete safety orientations, operate speed packaging equipment, and complete miscellaneous duties. MUST be a graduating High School Senior who plans to attend College in Fall OR Must be a current College Student
BIMBO IS HIRING
Bakery Helpers
Job Lead: Bimbo is hiring for Bakery Helpers. Starting pay is $17.00 hourly and increase to $19.00 after 90 days and these are full-time positions. They have MULTIPLE positions available! Individuals will run equipment utilized in bread baking process, monitor equipment to insure proper operation, clean and maintain designated areas, etc. Must be flexible to work any shift. Must have high school diploma or equivalent and must be able to stand and walk for an 8 hour shift. Very background friendly
WOODMENLIFE IS HIRING
Customer Service Specialist I or II
Job Lead: Job Lead: WoodmenLife is hiring for a Customer Service Specialist I & II Positions. Training starts February 1st. Starting pay is $16.00 hourly and these are full-time positions (work from home). Individuals will provide excellent customer service via telephone in an insurance customer contact center. Will provide service n new business, payments, reinstatement, disbursements, policy changes, and claims. Must have High school diploma or equivalent work experience. Must have excellent communication skills, customer service skills, patience, and effective listening skills. Not background friendly
HYATT HOTELS & RESORTS
Guest Service Associates
Job Lead: Hyatt Hotels & Resorts is hiring for Guest Service Associates (Work from Home). Starting pay is $14.00 hourly and these are full-time positions. Training Classes begin January 7th and go from 9:30-6 P for 6 weeks OR January 14th from 9-5 P for 6 weeks. Individuals will provide guest with exceptional customer service throughout the inbound reservation process. Must be able to multi-task (talk, type, search multiple screens) and be highly customer focused. Background case-by-case basis
DOUGLAS COUNTY YOUTH CENTER
Juvenile Detention Technician
Job Lead: Douglas County Youth Center is hiring for a Juvenile Detention Technician. Starting pay is $17.67 hourly and this is a full-time position. Individual will perform various duties in the control room operations and escort functions. Will control and distribute keys, complete incident reports, use intercom system to page individuals, etc. Must have high school diploma or equivalent and at least one year of college studies in criminal justice, behavioral science, sociology, psychology, or related field. Must be computer proficient. Directly related work may be substituted for educational requirement. Not background friendly
DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES
Motor Vehicle Driver Licensing Service
Job Lead: Motor Vehicle Department is hiring for Motor Vehicle Driver Licensing Services Examiners. Starting pay is $15.33 hourly and these are full-time positions. Individuals will authorize issuance of licenses, permits, and identification cards. Will conduct safe and comprehensive road tests for all class of licenses in all kinds of weather. Will ride on road tests with new and inexperienced drivers and verify identity. Must have valid drivers license and great driving record and successfully complete all training upon being hired. Not background friendly 😎👌🏾❤️
UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE
PSE Mail Processing Clerk
Job Lead: United States Postal Service is hiring for a PSE Mail Processing Clerk. Starting pay is $18.15 hourly and this is a full-time position. Individual will perform a variety of clerk duties to process mail using automated mail processing equipment or manual methods of sortation and distribution. Will load mail onto automated equipment, monitor flow of mail, prepare work area, etc. Duties are physically demanding and require lifting, carrying, standing for long periods of time, walking, etc. Selected applicants will be invited to take Exam via email. No experience required. Must be 18 years of age. Not background friendly 😎👌🏾❤️
RESOURCES Rental, Mortgage, Utility, Food, Legal & more...
COUNCIL BLUFFS IOWA HOUSING
Section 8 Housing Voucher Program
Council Bluffs, Iowa Housing will be accepting applications for the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program starting Friday, December 18th @9 AM Applications will be accepted online OR you can pick up a paper application from the MHACB, locate at 300 West Broadway Suite 38 Council Bluffs, Iowa
Applicants will be placed on the waiting list by date and time the application is received...
Remember...even if you start in Council Bluffs...you can still transfer it after 1 year. Don't let location be a factor in how you utilize resources you may need
RENT/MORTGAGE. UTILITY AND FOOD
My Sister's Keeper
My Sister’s Keeper Breast Cancer Support Group has received a grant to help our community during this pandemic. If you or anyone you may be aware of have been impacted by COVID19, please notify them that we may be able to help with rent/mortgage, utility bills and food. You DO NOT have to be a breast cancer survivor to qualify for this assistance.

Please contact MaxCine Jackson@ 402-541-5803.
CARES RENTAL & MORTGAGE ASSISTANCE FOR IND & FAMILIES
Douglas County Community Response
Applications can be submitted in two ways:

  1. Agency staff working with families can submit an application on behalf of the family with their consent. Forms can be found by following this link.
  2. Individuals can complete and submit the CR/CYI Participant information from directly through the Douglas County Community Response website.
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
RENTAL/MORTGAGE ASSISTANCE
MACCH
COVID-19 Related Rental/Mortgage Assistance Application. They have funds.

You DO NOT have to be in arrears but you must have Children living with you

COVID-19 EMERGENCY RELIEF FUNDS FOR UTILITY ASSISTANCE
Home Fund
Customers not eligible to receive COVID-19 emergency relief funds may apply for assistance through the State of Nebraska of MUD Home Fund.

Call 1-800-383-4278 or apply online at accessnebraska.ne.gov
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.

1-844-268-5627
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/Utility Assistance: 402-934-6763
UNITED WAY OF THE MIDLANDS
#CommunityStrong
If you need help with food, housing, utilities, healthcare and more, 211 is here for you 24/7!

211 Helpline has set up text alerts for COVID-19! Sign up today to receive updates and information and stay in the loop.

Interpreters available for over 100 languages

Text: NECOVID To: 898211
NEBRASKA DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Unemployment FAQs
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
WHERE CAN I GET TESTED?
Complete List of Testing Sites
COVID-19 TESTING AVAILABILITY

Free COVID-19 testing is also available at:
  • DCHD/UNMC/OneWorld 50th & G
  • Charles Drew Health Center
  • OneWorld Community Health Center

Pharmacies are also providing testing:
  • Kohll's @ 12741 Q St
  • CVS Minute Clinics
  • And more....
CHARLES DREW HEALTH CENTER, INC.
Get Tested from a Trusted Healthcare Provider
Curbside and On-Campus testing is available at the following locations:

  • 2915 Grant Street
  • 5319 North 30th Street

Call 402-451-3553 and get scheduled to get tested today!
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 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
For the next couple of months we will not be taking "walk-in" appointments please call ahead of time for an appointment as we will want to talk to first before you come to the clinic. Screening and treatment is still FREE.
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.
CRUSH THE CURVE
#TestNebraskaChallenge
If we are going to kill the virus, crush the virus, slow the virus we must know more about where the virus is and who needs to be tested.

We are asking you and every member of your family to to Test Nebraska and complete the questionnaire.
BUSINESS RESOURCES Small Businesses, Non-Profit
NEBRASKA ENTERPRISE FUND
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.
SBA
U.S. Small Business Administration
Small business owners in all U.S. States are currently eligible to apply for a low-interest loan due to Coronavirus
(COVID-19).

CLICK HERE for basic information.
GREATER OMAHA CHAMBER
We Accomplish More Together
NAM
Nonprofit Association of the Midlands
Plan, Don't Panic
The coronavirus (COVID-19) has impacted us all. NAM has put together a helpful information packet to consider.
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
MIND & SOUL
101.3 FM
Join Mind & Soul In The Morning
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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