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
LIVE FROM 24TH LAKE!
FIRST FRIDAYS OMAHA
Friday, February 5th @ 6 pm - 9 pm
Virtual Event

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

REGISTER for Free for the event and activities!

Order food in advanced from featured Black Restaurants and participate in Cook with Chef, Painting with Patti, Hot Topics Panel, Sports, Talk Black History and the 24th St After Party!
VALENTINE'S DAY VENDOR EXPO
Saturday, February 6th @ 11 am - 6 pm
5001 N 42nd Street

About This Event: Come out at buy that special gift for that special someone. Shopping Local vendors merchandise some valentine’s inspired items. Food, Fellowship and Networking. Support our community by keeping our dollars local. see you there
DOUGLAS COUNTY FOOD SERVICES STIMULUS WEBINAR
Omaha Community Foundation
Monday, February 8th @ 10 am - 11 am
Virtual Online Event

About This Event: This webinar is FREE! The Omaha Community Foundation and the Nebraska Enterprise Fund, in partnership with Douglas County, are offering $2 million to support small, locally owned and operated businesses in the food and beverage industry severely impacted by the pandemic.

Applications will be open February 8-17.
The Omaha Community Foundation is hosting two training webinars to support your application process.

Learn more about the stimulus program, eligibility requirements and how to apply during this webinar on Monday, February 8 from 10-11 a.m.

Find more details on the Eventbrite page: http://bit.ly/dcfss-webinar-feb8
SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY | BLACK EXCELLENCE
Saturday, February 20th @ 1 pm - 5 pm
1911 Harney Street

About This Event: Celebrating Black business of all types! Come out and shop with our Black business owners, professionals, brands, creatives 
VIRTUAL CAREER BOOT CAMP
Urban League of Nebraska
February 1st - February 19th @ 10 am - 1 pm
Virtual Online Event

About This Event: Our next Urban League of Nebraska’s Career Boot Camp will be VIRTUAL and runs from Monday, 2/1/2021 to Friday, 2/19/2021 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.
COMMUNITY RESOURCES
BECI FOCUS GROUP OPPORTUNITY
Buffet Early Childhood Institute | University of Nebraska
We seek to train community members as focus group facilitators to recruit and lead families in a discussion about childcare, educational services, and other community resources that can enhance the lives of children in the community. More detailed information and talking points have been provided below about the focus group opportunity.

Focus Groups
Purpose: We aim to bring together families of young children across Nebraska to share their thoughts and experiences about early care and education. Better understanding of families' perspectives will help us to improve access to quality early education and services for all Nebraska's children, birth to age 5.
We hope to work with community members to become focus group facilitators, who will recruit and lead families in a discussion about childcare, educational services, and other community resources that can enhance children's lives in the community.

Facilitator Compensation: $1000
Family Compensation: $30 gift card

If you are interested in this opportunity or would like to refer someone else that you believe may be interested, we would greatly appreciate it if you would complete the google form HERE
UNION PACIFIC LEN SCHOLARSHIP
Latino Employee Network
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.

Application Deadline: April 30th
SPRING SCHOLARSHIPS ARE OPEN
Metropolitan Community College
There are TONS of Scholarship Dollars

These Scholarships are for new, returning, part-time or full-time students who attend or plan on attending Metropolitan Community College in the Spring 20’ (and beyond). The Scholarship is for students who intend to complete an Associates Degree or Certificate in a Career or Technical Education.

Scholarships are granted based on GPA, Program of Study, Financial Need, etc. and covers Tuition, Fees, Books, and Supplies
Deadline to complete is February 15th
SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES!
Urban League of Nebraska
Urban League Nebraska is pleased to provide access to scholarships to make paying for college easier!

Find local, state and national scholarship opportunities that are awarded to graduating high school seniors who want to attend college.
Questions on Scholarship Details Contact:
Jeffrey Williams @ j[email protected]

SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES!
Urban League of Nebraska
Are you between the ages of 14-24?

Do you need help with identifying the best Career fit for you?

Do you need Financial Assistance for Education or Certifications such as CDL, Medication Aide, Certified Nursing Assistant, etc.?

Would you benefit from paid work experience and on the job training?

Doesn’t matter if you are out of work, looking for work, currently enrolled in College, etc., they can help you.

WIOA is accepting new participants with a focus on H3 Careers (High demand, high wage, high skill)

For more information or to enroll stop by HWS (5752 Ames Ave) or call 531-600-5860 or email [email protected]
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 January 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
APPLICATIONS FOR STEP-UP ARE OPEN!
Step-Up Omaha, Empowerment Network
Applications for The 2021 Step Up Program are now open Application Deadline is March 7th PLEASE DO NOT MISS THE DEADLINE...YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO APPLY AFTER THIS DATE

The Summer Work Program is for individuals from the ages of 14-21 Will go from June 7th-August 6th
Ages 14-15 will participate in career exploration training and professional development opportunities, Individuals 16-21 will be assigned to a work-site after completing a 2 week orientation!

Participants can earn up to $1800 for the Summer.
Individuals will learn more about strengths, talents, and career interest while gaining valuable work experiences to include interviewing, job search, and customer service.
FAMILY HOUSING IS HIRING!
Housing Tester Investigator
Job Lead: Family HSG Advisory is hiring for Part Time Housing Tester Investigators. Starting pay is $40.00 hourly (this is a contract position).

Testing is a process of determining the nature and extent of discriminatory treatment of different home seekers in the housing market. As a Tester you will post as a home seeker and gather information about all aspects of housing. Must be impartial, objective, and careful observers who give accurate and truthful information about what they have observed in efforts to end housing discrimination

Must be 18 years of age and have valid I.D. Not background friendly (no felonies)
OPPD IS HIRING
Technical Streetlight Department
Job Lead: OPPD is hiring for Part Time Technical Streetlight Department. Starting pay is $22.55 hourly. Individual will review crew data using various technologies to summarize results into management and/or daily operations reports. Will identify streetlights out in major areas and perform surveys utilizing a computer program. (read full description) Must have high school diploma or equivalent, strong proficiency in creating pivot tables, charts and graphs, and sorting & filtering data. Must be great with Excel. Valid Driver's License and be able to work with minimal supervision. Not background friendly
AFLAC
Customer Service Specialists
Job Lead: Aflac is hiring for Customer Service Specialists (No Sales Required) Starting pay is $17.48 hourly with raises upon completion of Training and these are full-time positions. Individuals will receive monitored inbound calls regarding products and services and navigate systems to provide thorough and accurate responses. 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
UNITED STATES COLD STORAGE
Fork Lift Operator
Job Lead: United States Cold Storage is hiring for a Forklift Operator. Starting pay is $16.92 hourly and this is a full-time position. Individual will be responsible for shipping/receiving, inventory, order picking, etc.. Will operate a Forklift, slip sheet, and clamps. Must be at least 18 and have high school diploma or equivalent. Must be able to lift up to 70 lbs. Background semi friendly
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
MARRIOTT RESERVATION CENTER
Customer Care Reservation Specialists
Job Lead: Marriott Reservation Center is hiring for Customer Care Reservation Specialists (CSR). Starting pay is $14.00 hourly and these are full-time positions. Individuals will process all reservation requests, changes, and cancellations received by phone, fax, or mail. Will identify guest reservation needs and determine appropriate room type. Will verify availability of room type and rate and explain policy to customers. Must have high school diploma or equivalent and be able to work a weekend day. Must have prior customer service experience and be computer proficient. Background case-by-case basis...but friendly
KELLOGG'S IS HIRING
Transitional Production Employee
Job Lead: Kellogg's is hiring for Transitional Production Employee's. Starting pay is $18.00 hourly and these are full-time positions. Individuals will package finished product, produce high quality finished goods, maintain quality, operate and assemble equipment, conduct sanitation checks, etc. Must have high school diploma or equivalent and must be able to stand for long hours and lift at or above waist at a maximum of 50 lbs. Must be flexible in work schedule and have previous manufacturing/production experience. Very background friendly
LEGAL AID IS HIRING
Job Lead: Legal Aid is hiring for multiple positions in the Omaha Area.
RESOURCES Rental, Mortgage, Utility, Food, Legal & more...
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
RENTAL & MORTGAGE ASSISTANCE
MACCH
MACCH is no longer accepting CARES applications for rental or mortgage assistance. General emergency rent or mortgage assistance for 2021 is NOT available at this time. Federal stimulus dollars for emergency rental assistance are not yet available. Information about federal stimulus emergency rental assistance will be shared here when it becomes available. The CDC Eviction Moratorium has been extended through March 31, 2021. If you are having difficulty paying your rent and if you meet the CDC criteria, provide your landlord with the CDC Eviction Moratorium Declaration.  Be sure to retain a copy for your records. If your landlord does file for eviction and a court hearing is scheduled, it is imperative that you attend the hearing.
CARES RENTAL & MORTGAGE ASSISTANCE FOR IND & FAMILIES
Douglas County Community Response
The CARES Act Form was temporarily suspended due to the mass amount of applications. For further updates join our mailing list HERE.
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
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.
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
Coronavirus (COVID-19): Small Business Guidance & Loan Resources

SBA offers several different relief options to help businesses, nonprofits, and faith-based organizations recover from the impacts of COVID-19. You can view all options or skip to a specific program below.

SBA is currently offering the following funding options:
GREATER OMAHA CHAMBER
We Accomplish More Together
Update! NAM
Nonprofit Association of the Midlands
What's in the New COVID Relief Law for Nonprofits?

After many months of inaction, the House, Senate, and President finally came together to enact important COVID relief for individuals, nonprofits, businesses, and governments. Some of the provisions will expire in just a few weeks, and others will last only a few months. This webinar presentation provided information to help nonprofits and identified what nonprofits need to do to take advantage of them. This Nonprofit Town Hall briefing hosted by the National Council of Nonprofits took place on Wednesday, January 13 at 3:00 pm Eastern.

View the webinar recording HERE
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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