2679 Farnam Street, Suite 205
Omaha, NE 68131
402-345-5187
www.yesomaha.org
Youth Emergency Services assists youth experiencing homelessness and near homelessness by providing
critically-needed resources which support them in
their desire to be self-sufficient.
Eat at Texas Roadhouse TODAY and Help YES Youth!

Our community partner Metro Women's Fund continues to step up for and donate to YES!

From 4-10 p.m., TODAY, Tuesday, March 1, 10 percent of food sales at the Texas Roadhouse at 520 N. 155th Plaza will be donated to the Metro Women's Fund -- and they are then donating that money to YES! It is not necessary to present a flyer when ordering.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT!
Board Profile in Recognition of Black History Month and Women's History Month
Captain Sherie Thomas

Omaha Police Captain Sherie Thomas joined the Youth Emergency Services (YES) board of directors in January 2020 -- just before the onset of the pandemic.

She joined the board because of the impactful work YES does for youth experiencing homelessness in the community -- and she's enjoyed every minute of her experience.

In recognition of Black History Month (February) and Women's History Month (March), YES interviewed Captain Thomas to get her perspective about being on the board, being an African-American woman and being a police captain.

What does it mean to you to be a woman and an African-American woman on a nonprofit board?
Representation matters, and boards should be reflective of the community it serves. Diversity is important, not only race and gender, but diversity of thought which makes for a well-rounded board.

Kellie Harry is board president now. What does it mean to you to have a woman in this important role? 
Women deserve to hold positions of power and influence. I’m sure Kellie will do a great job just as previous board presidents have.

What have you enjoyed most about being on the YES board?
Learning and working with the other board members.

Where have you seen the greatest change/impact thus far? 
Being able to continue to serve youth during a difficult time with the ongoing pandemic and navigating the unknowns.

February was Black History Month. What does this month represent/mean to you? 
It is important to acknowledge the impact African Americans have had throughout history. Black History is American history, you can not have one without the other. Although February is set aside to acknowledge Black History, it should be acknowledged throughout the year. 

I remember as a child the feeling of pride I had when I learned about Black women leaders such as Rosa Parks and her impact during the Civil Rights Movement.

Tell us a little bit about your family. Hobbies? Interests? 
I enjoy traveling. My weekends are filled with my teenage daughters' sport activities -- one loves basketball and the other loves volleyball. I am married to Barry Thomas and we have three daughters.

What led you into police work?  
I wanted to serve my community and make a difference in the lives of others. I’ve been with OPD for 23 years. I started my career on October 5, 1998. I was promoted to captain in March 2021. Recently I was appointed as acting deputy chief of the Executive Services Bureau.

What do you enjoy most about your work as a police officer? 
Building long-lasting relationships, engaging with the community and having an impact in law enforcement. I also enjoy being a role model for young girls and helping them achieve their life’s goals and ambitions. I believe if they can see it, they will be encouraged to achieve it.
Celebrate and Support YES at Millard
B-Dubs Every Monday in March

Each Monday in March -- that means NCAA Basketball games (MARCH MADNESS!), NBA and NHL games, in addition to other AMAZING sports -- you can EAT AT Buffalo Wild Wings in Millard and GIVE BACK to Youth Emergency Services!

During the month, Buffalo Wild Wings will donate 10 percent of EACH MONDAY'S SALES -- that's March 7, 14, 21 and 28th -- back to YES to help us continue to help homeless and near-homeless youth.

Enjoy some great sports and GREAT FOOD this month and help YES!

4287 S. 144th Street
Omaha, NE

THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT!
Because of Your Support, YES Accomplished Great Things in 2021

During the course of each year, YES tracks lots of data, including number of youth served in each program, housing placements, graduation and employment and, of course, success stories.

With this in mind, we'd like to share some of these numbers with you to show you the IMPACT your support makes EVERY DAY to help youth in our community.

As you read through this graphic, know that YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE in the lives of our youth through your support, volunteerism, donations and general goodwill.
Spring Continues Need for Meals

Because of you, youth experiencing homelessness in our community DON'T GO HUNGRY -- and we are SO GRATEFUL!

And even though we're heading into Spring, we still need meals to feed the young people who visit our Street Outreach Center.

WE NEED YOUR HELP!

Meals can be catered or frozen and should be large enough to feed 10-15 youth. Further details can be found on our Meals Donation Page*. Please contact Maren with any questions.

Thank you for signing up today so our youth don't go hungry!

*Your donations are tax deductible.
We have some exciting EVENTS coming up. We would LOVE your support!

March 1 -- Texas Roadhouse 10% Back to YES!
March 8, 15, 22, 29 -- Millard Buffalo Wild Wings Gives 10% Back to YES
March 12 -- Omaha's St. Patrick's Day Parade
May 17-19 -- SHARE Omaha Do Good Days
August 29 -- YES Golf Outing Presented by Union Pacific
October 13 -- Dance for a Chance 2022

For more information, please contact Barb.
YES is Here, There
and Everywhere!

We love telling you about the great
things we do every day to change the
lives of homeless and near-homeless youth -- and here's proof!

Like What We're Saying?
Please Tell Your Friends!

Please share this newsletter with friends and family, and if you aren't seeing something you want to know about YES -- please let us know.

Look for the April 2022 issue of YES News in your mailbox Friday, April 1!

Thank you for helping us spread the word about the great things happening at YES!