Empowerment Network on Heartland Focus with Tim Clark.
Thank you Tim for hosting us. Thank you community and partners for your support.
Let's keep it moving forward! Don't Just Talk About It, Be About It!
Link to WOWT Ch. 6 - Heartland Focus TV Show with Tim Clark and Empowerment Network
http://www.wowt.com/fortheheartland/heartlandfocus
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Thank you KETV Ch. 7 and Jeremy Maskel for covering our first community meeting of the year.
Priorities include Neighborhood Revitalization, Employment, Education, and Building Strong and Healthy Families! http://www.ketv.com/news/local-news/Empowerment-Network-builds-community...

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Omaha 360 Challenge and Pledge for Peace

Omaha 360 launches Community Challenge to help reduce gun violence and bring peace to the streets.

DO YOUR PART!
Take the Omaha 360 Community Challenge:

Sign the Pledge for Peace and Get Involved!
PLEDGE FOR PEACE: http://empoweromaha.com/2010/OMAHA360_TAKE-ACTION.pdf

BE A PART OF THE SOLUTION

Join the Omaha 360 Challenge: Pledge for Peace on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/Omaha360Challenge

Learn More About Omaha 360: http://empoweromaha.com/2010/node/14

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CHRISTMAS IN THE VILLAGE AT 24th and LAKE - Saturday, December 1, 2012

Christmas in the Village 2012 - Please watch this video recap - Over 2,000 attended!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S8qZjsMDG9U

Christmas in the Village at 24th and Lake is a community holiday celebration presented by the Empowerment Network, Omaha Economic Development Corporation, North Omaha Arts Alliance, Love's Jazz and Arts Center, and City of Omaha in partnership with over 50 organizations, businesses, ministries and groups. In 2011, over 1,000 attended the first Christmas in the Village at 24th and Lake. The event is a part of the on-going North Omaha Village Zone Revitalization and the rebirth of arts, culture, and entertainment district at 24th and Lake. The North Omaha Village Zone Revitalization's goal is connecting a rich history with a thriving and sustainable future.

Below is a link to our 2011 Christmas in the Village video on YouTube:
http://www.youtube.com/watchv=uFPHoJUY08w&context=C3528a0cADOEgsToPDskJ

December 1st
12pm - 8pm

Community Lighting Ceremony - 5pm

This year, Christmas in the Village take place Saturday, December 1st from 12 p.m. – 8 p.m. The event will span from Burdette to Ohio streets and will include a North Omaha Tree Lighting Ceremony near 24th & Lake Street that will be held at 5 p.m. We will also host an organization fair that will run from 1pm to 3pm with setup starting at 12:15pm.

The following are just a few “Planned Indoor and Outdoor Activities for Children and Adults” that we had last year and will duplicate and expand to have more festivities this year:

· Free Carriage Rides (1-6 pm only)
· Christmas Trees and Light Displays
· Live Holiday Jazz and Gospel - Choirs, Gospel Artists and Carolers
· Free Hot Chocolate and Cookies at various locations
· Santa
· Games
· Crafts
· Face Painting
· Small gifts for children
· Live Holiday Jazz (5 to 8 pm only)
· Arts and Crafts Boutique
· Nativity Scene and more!

Should you have any questions or need clarification, please call our office at 402-502-5153 or email Symone Sanders at ssanders@empoweromaha.com

ITS A CELEBRATION!
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Step-Up Omaha

Empowerment Network and City of Omaha report Positive Impact from Step-Up Omaha! initiative

Gun assaults were at the lowest level in six years during the months of May to July!

443 youth and young adults and 20 coaches/mentors worked this summer as a part of the Summer Training Employment Pathway and Urban Pipeline. While Omaha overall experiences a less than 4% unemployment rate, in targeted areas within our community residents are facing upwards of 30% unemployment. In addition, employers are facing challenges of recruiting and retaining employees to fill key positions. Step-Up Omaha is a key ingredient to help bridge this gap.

Over 20 businesses and foundations provided financial support for the program. The job and work experience portion of the training featured over 120 work sites. All together, there were over 850 job opportunities offered this past summer. A number of businesses extended permanent jobs for employees including UPS. Step-Up Omaha will continue to work with UPS and other companies to expand summer and year round opportunities.

World-Herald Coverage
http://www.omaha.com/article/20121027/NEWS/710279888

STEP-UP OMAHA! is a community-based initiative of the Empowerment Network and City of Omaha in collaboration with community partners: Boys & Girls Club of the Midlands, ENCAP, Heartland Workforce Solutions, Hope Center for Kids, Impact One Community Connection, Latino Center of the Midlands, Metropolitan Community College, Omaha Economic Development Corporation, Omaha Public Schools, and Urban League of Nebraska.

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24th and Lake Revitalization Takes Another Step Forward
$100,000 Grant from the National Endowment for the Arts
http://www.cityofomaha.org/mayor/mayors-office-home/archives/2590
The North Omaha Village Revitalization participants and supporters include neighborhood residents, neighborhood associations, community organizations, educational institutions, businesses, churches and faith-based institutions, and other stakeholders. Key partners include the Omaha Economic Development Corporation, Empowerment Network, Mayor Jim Suttle’s Office, City of Omaha, a collaborative group of elected officials in North Omaha, Omaha Housing Authority, NIFA, philanthropic supporters, Schemmer Associates, and H3 Studio. The community-based vision and plan was approved by the Planning Board and City Council in July 2011.

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North Omaha Revitalization - Moving Forward
Wise Planning for the Future
Omaha World-Herald Editorial on Progress in North Omaha
http://www.omaha.com/article/20120926/NEWS0802/709269976

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Groundbreaking for new $12.2 Million development in North Omaha

Great news for North Omaha. $12 Million Dollar Fair Deal Urban District breaks ground.. The first major development - single family housing - market rate and affordable, arts and culture gallery, and senior housing - in the North Omaha Village Zone Revitalization Plan. Congratulations to Omaha Economic Development Corporation, Michael Maroney and team. http://www.omaha.com/article/20120914/MONEY/709159999/1685#north-omaha-s...

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Summit on Building Stronger Police and Community Relations:
Held on Saturday, October 13, 2012

Preliminary Summary and Initial Ideas, Issues and Solutions:

Audience:
Gender: 51% Female. 49% Male.
Age: 11% 19 to 29, 25% 30 to 44, 38% 45 to 59, 26% 60 and Older.
32% Live and Work in North Omaha, 21% Live in North Omaha, 24% Work in North Omaha, 23% Neither. (77% of Participants Live, Work, or Live and Work in North Omaha)

95% Registered to Vote: 98% Plan to Vote.

Top Community Priorities: 1. Employment & Entrepreneurship 2. Education and Youth Development. 3. Violence, Crime & Incarceration 4. Housing & Neighborhood Development

In the past five years, police community relations are: 41% Better, 41% Same, 18% Worse.

I feel safe in North Omaha: 65% Agree, 19% Neutral, 16% Disagree

I trust the police: 63% Agree, 17% Neutral, 20% Disagree

The community can do more to help prevent and solve violence: 96% Agree!

Issues that must be addressed to help build stronger relationships: 1. Address racial profiling/stopping innocent people 2. Address attitudes/disrespect towards residents 3. Acknowledge that historic relationships still create lack of trust 4. Address problem officers, complaint and discipline process. 5. Officers should spend more time out of car and in the neighborhoods.

Initial Solutions to Build Stronger Relationships and Trust: 1. Educate/Train police on better ways to interact with the community 2. Educate community on how to interact with the police 3. Citizens Review Council 4. Consistent meetings with Police and Community to discuss issues and solutions 5. Residents and community must get more involved in helping the police

Community Policing in Action in Omaha: Involvement and Engagement in the Community; Partnership with Neighborhoods; Participation in Community Meetings; Problem Resolution Teams; Removing Illegal Guns; Use of Technology and Data; Partnership with Schools and Community Organizations; Police Outreach Events - Safe Night Out, Fun in the Sun, Fall Festival, etc.; Citizen Academies/Precinct Advisory & Neighborhood Watch; Community Events Partnerships and Support

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1. Train 36 facilitators on eCPR (Dealing with Post Traumatic Stress and other)
Do Your Part: Contact Alegent Creighton: 402-572-2936

2. Work with 36 families on mediation and conflict resolution process
Do Your Part: Contact Impact One or Center: 402-932-2855, www.impactonecc.org or info@impactonecc.org

3. Connect 36 specific individuals with education and employment
Do Your Part: Contact Impact One or Center: 402-932-2855, www.impactonecc.org or info@impactonecc.org

4. Recruit 36 New Business Partners to help expand Step-Up Omaha: Jobs & Job Training Program
Do Your Part: Contact Step-Up Omaha! 402-502-3763

5. Generate 360 New Neighborhood Association Members
Do Your Part: Contact your neighborhood association or:
North Omaha Neighborhood Alliance 402-457-7848 or www.northomahaneighborhoodalliance.com
The Neighborhood Center 402-319-5140 or www.unoomaha.edu/ncenter
South Omaha Neighborhood Alliance www.sonaomaha.org

6. Identify 36 Churches or faith-based groups to become New Adopt-a-Block/Village Stakeholders
Do Your Part: Contact the Empowerment Network: 402-502-5153

7. Recruit 36 New PrayerWalkers
Do Your Part: Contact First Responders: 402-651-3136

8. Recruit 360 New Mentors
Do Your Part: Contact Midlands Mentoring Partnership: 402-715-4175 or www.mmpomaha.org/mentor-interest-form/ or
Big Brothers Big Sisters: 402-505-3075 or www.bbbsomaha.org

9. GOAL: 36 New Adopt-A-Class (Pilot Program)
Do Your Part: Contact the Empowerment Network – 402-502-5153

10. GOAL: $36,000 to help Expand the Village Basketball Alliance and Sports League
Do Your Part: Contact the Hope Center: 402-708-9356

Tell them: “I’m taking the Omaha 360 Community Challenge”

KETV COVERAGE OF THE 360 CHALLENGE: http://www.ketv.com/news/local-news/Activists-call-on-community-to-help-...

KMTV COVERAGE OF THE 360 CHALLENGE: http://www.kmtv.com//169542846.html

Omaha World-Herald Coverage of the 360 Challenge: http://www.omaha.com/article/20120913/NEWS/709139885/1690#violence-preve...

Omaha World-Herald Editorial on Gun Violence Trend: http://www.omaha.com/article/20120909/NEWS0802/709099963

Learn More About Omaha 360: http://empoweromaha.com/2010/node/34
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OMAHA 360 NEXT STEPS:

A. Expand OMAHA 360 Collaboration and PIER Strategy:
Magnify What Works
Multiply the Number of Partners and Participants
Mobilize People and Resources

B. FORM AN ADVISORY GROUP and Hire the OMAHA 360 COORDINATOR – Sept./October 2012

C. FORMALIZE A COMMUNITY DECLARATION of PEACE – Sept./Oct. 2012

D. FORMALIZE PEACE COMMITMENTS with Groups – Sept. 2012 to Dec. 2012

E. Build Stronger Police and Community Relationships – October 2012
Host MEETINGS w/POLICE – 1st Meeting – October 2012
Develop a plan for consistent communication

F. FINALIZE UPDATED Gang and Gun Violence & Community Action Plan – Oct./Nov. 2012

G. LAUNCH Omaha 360 Community Challenge: Sept.-Dec. 2012

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G. LAUNCH Omaha 360 Community Challenge: Sept.-Dec. 2012

1. Start Community Healing Process: Mental, Spiritual, Emotional, Physical
2. Engage Parents, Family and Members: Greatest Impact & Influence. Message - Time for Peace. Put Down the Guns. Conflict Resolution.
3. Expand Direct Gang Intervention: Outreach. Mediation. Crisis Support. Connect with Resources & Opportunities.
4. Expand Businesses & Foundation Support: Provide Funds, Jobs & Job Training – Step-Up Omaha
5. Revitalize Housing & Neighborhoods: Join Your Neighborhood Association & Support Housing Revitalization
6. Mobilize Churches & Faith Groups: Start an Adopt-A-Block & Join First Responder Prayer Team – Empowerment Network
7. Support Schools and Education: Become a Mentor - Midlands Mentoring Partnership, Big Brother Big Sisters or Volunteer - Adopt-A-Class (in development)
8. Expand Positive Activities & Out of School Programs: Support Programs and Recreation Programs
9. Engage the Community: Step forward to help prevent and solve violence
10. Expand Recovery & Reentry Services: Support Reentry Programs
11. Expand Focused Enforcement: Prevent and Remove illegal guns, targeted enforcementEmpowerment Network Update

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Summer 2012

Thank you to all of our partners and supporters. Major projects launched or completed over the past two months:

Launched Step-Up Omaha and summer jobs partnerships with Mayor Jim Suttle, City of Omaha, Councilman Ben Gray, State Senator Council and 20+ partners creating over 600 summer jobs;

Hosted our five year anniversary with over 400 participants;

Partnered with UNO on the Gandhi Symposium;

Partnered with Revive! Omaha Magazine to produce a 60 page special edition;

Co-hosted two weeks of employability training for youth;

Facilitating a corporate explorer camp for high school students in partnership with ConAgra focused on STEM, Leadership, and building a career pipeline;

Partnered with the NAACP and others on major Juneteenth events and activities including the Parade, Gospel and Jazz at 24th and Lake and An Evening with the Tuskegee Airmen;

Working with regional and national organizations to expand Network strategies to other urban communities;

And, we continue to press forward on the 7 Step Empowerment plan. Working together we can make great things happen! UNITE & TRANSFORM!

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5 YEAR EMPOWERMENT CONFERENCE A BIG SUCCESS
Thank you to the 400+ leaders and residents that participated in our 5th Anniversary Empowerment Conference, Luncheon and Celebration. It was an incredibly inspiring event with one of the largest and most diverse audiences that we've ever hosted. George Fraser and Dr. john powell, two internationally-renowned keynote speakers, delivered powerful, insightful, and challenging presentations. Each of them also took time to tell the Empowerment Network and collaborative partners that what's happening here in Omaha is very rare and does not exist in most urban communities. They both communicated to the group that we are on the cutting edge with a model that will have national implications.

Panels were loaded with local experts and change makers. The response and feedback from those in attendance has been overwhelmingly positive. Thank you to all of our partners and supporters. It's time to Unite & Transform! We will continue working together to transform Omaha into a GREAT city, thriving and prosperous, in every zip code and neighborhood.

Coverage of the Events: (Thank you to KETV Ch. 7 and KMTV 3 for covering the event)
KETV Ch. 7
http://www.ketv.com/news/local-news/Empowerment-Network-celebrates-5-yea...

http://www.kmtv.com/news/local/151822585.html

STEP-UP OMAHA!
Summer Training, Employment Pathway, and Urban Pipeline
Bridging the Employment Gap by Investing in Tomorrow’s Workforce

UPDATES AS OF May 7, 2012

The application process for Step-Up Omaha has now closed. Over 900 applications were received. Applicants will receive communication within the next three weeks.

THANK YOU!
More than 20 companies have made financial and/or job contributions totally $400,000 in the last month. In addition to the City of Omaha, the sponsors include American National Bank, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Lindsay Manufacturing, Woodmen of the World, ConAgra Foods, Pinnacle Bank, AT&T, Coventry, UPS, Omaha Steaks , Cox Communications, Wells Fargo Bank, Physicians Mutual, Security National Bank, American Harvest, Max I Walker, three foundations and a number of non-profits.Businesses and organizations that would like to support the initiative, please contact:
STEP-UP OMAHA at 402-502-3763 or info@stepupomaha.com

You can also download the STEP-UP OMAHA! Pledge Form »
or please go to www.stepupomaha.com for more information.

Media Coverage
Omaha World-Herald
http://www.omaha.com/article/20120425/NEWS01/704269979

KETV - Ch. 7
http://www.ketv.com/news/local-news/Empowerment-Network-taking-applicati...

BACKGROUND & COMMUNITY PARTNERS:
The Empowerment Network and City of Omaha in collaboration with community partners are working to provide opportunities for youth and young adults to gain valuable job training and work experience during the summer. We’re working to provide jobs, internships, vocational training, academic recovery and remediation, life skills training, and community service opportunities.

STEP-UP OMAHA! recruits, trains, and places prepared Omaha youth and young adults age 14 to 24, in mutually beneficial paid summer jobs and work experience opportunities. STEP-UP OMAHA! builds on the Empowerment Network and community partners’ successes in hiring and placing over 1,000 participants over the past four years in the Great Summer Jobs Program. Based on its commitment to building a highly competitive workforce of the future, the City of Omaha is prepared to make a significant investment in helping to expand the employment program.

STEP-UP OMAHA! a community-based initiative of the Empowerment Network and City of Omaha in collaboration with community partners: Boys & Girls Club, ENCAP, Heartland Workforce Solutions, Hope Center, Impact One Community Connection, Latino Center of the Midlands, Metropolitan Community College, Omaha Economic Development Corporation, Omaha Public Schools, Urban League of Nebraska and Victory Boxing

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April 15, 2012
Empowerment Network featured on the premier of KETV's Chronicle
The Empowerment Network was blessed with the opportunity to be on the very first edition of KETV's new show Chronicle. KETV's web-sites states, "each Sunday, KETV NewsWatch 7's Chronicle will dig deeper into the news of the day and go in-depth with experts from the community to share their knowledge. The program airs at 10 a.m. on Sundays."

The Empowerment Network would like to thank KETV for presenting this opportunity to update the community on progress and journey ahead.
Watch the show here: Watch the show here: http://www.ketv.com/Chronicle-Segment-1/-/9675214/11683426/-/cug3k4z/-/i...

April 15, 2012
The Empowerment Network, IMA and OTOC host forum with four U.S. House Candidates
On Sunday, April 15, three Omaha organizations joined forces at North High School to question Democratic and Republican candidates for the U.S. House about where they stand on issues impacting families in North Omaha and throughout the greater Omaha community. The well attended session featured questions on topics including; employment and job training, health, education, immigration reform, community development, and neighborhood revitalization.

April 11, 2012
City of Omaha presents the Community Development Award to the Empowerment Network
The City of Omaha Planning Department presented its annual Community Development Award to the Empowerment Network, Deer Park Neighborhood Association, and Jeannie Dickes on Wednesday, April 11, 2012. Over 100 community leaders and partners were present during the ceremony held at the Tip Top Conference Center in Omaha, Nebraska. Willie Barney, president/facilitator of the Empowerment Network, was the keynote speaker and delivered a speech entitled, "Transforming Omaha into a GREAT city in every zip code. We can do this."

Governor Dave Heineman presented the award to the Empowerment Network and other recipients in a ceremony at the State Capitol on Monday, April 9, 2012.

April 10, 2012
Empowerment Network co-sponsors Revive! Omaha Magazine's Salute to Excellence
On Tuesday, April 10, Revive! Omaha Magazine hosted its Salute to Excellence Dinner with presenting sponsor, ConAgra Foods. Over 250 students, parents, and guardians joined the Revive! Omaha team, OPS leaders, and representatives from sponsors ConAgra, Wells Fargo, the Empowerment Network, and State Farm Insurance. Willie Barney, publisher of Revive! Magazine and president/facilitator of the Empowerment Network, and Yolanda Barney, co-publisher and vice-president of Revive!, were the hosts.

Community leaders attended to show their strong support for the OPS African-American students who were honored for achieving a 3.5 or higher. OPS Superintendent Dr. John Mackiel, School Board President Freddie Gray, School Board Vice President Mary Morrisey, Asst. Superintendent Thomas Harvey, Asst. Superintendent Dr. Janice Garnett, Councilman Ben Gray, Douglas County Treasurer John Ewing, Dr. Claudette Lee, Vicki Quaites-Ferris, Jason Ferris, and other community leaders were all present. Students received copies of Revive! Omaha Magazine's 4th Annual Salute to Excellence, a gift bag from ConAgra, and a certificate highlighting their achievements.

Salute to Excellence in Revive! Omaha Magazine:
http://www.reviveomahamagazine.com/RO2012/?q=node/38
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April 3, 2012
OPS Selects New Superintendent - Dr. Nancy Sebring
Omaha World-Herald Coverage »

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Empowerment Network receives national recognition for community building work

In a ceremony held on Friday, March 16, 2012 at FBI Headquarters, Director Robert S. Mueller, III recognized the recipients of the 2011 Director’s Community Leadership Award. These leaders, selected by their area FBI field office, have demonstrated outstanding contributions to their local communities through service. The FBI is grateful for the work of each of these individuals and organizations on behalf of their communities.

Weysan Dun, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Omaha Division is pleased to announce the Empowerment Network of Omaha as the 2011 recipient of the Director’s Community Leadership Award. Mr. Willie Barney, President of the Empowerment Network traveled to FBI Headquarters in Washington D.C., to accept the award on behalf of the organization which serves as a catalyst for uniting individuals and organizations to work toward empowering disadvantaged communities through strategic objectives and action.

“Whatever the motivation—an unfilled need, a tragic occurrence, a desire to give back—these are people who make things happen and enlist others in their cause,” said Director Mueller. “They are activists who have earned their prestige through good works.”

The goal of the Empowerment Network is to transform Omaha into a great city, thriving and prosperous, in every zip code, where citizens are actively engaged and have full access to: employment and entrepreneurial opportunities, world-class education; high-quality, mixed-income housing options; and, support services to build strong and healthy families.

The organization, in partnership with residents, religious leaders, law enforcement, and more than 100 community organizations, launched Omaha 360. The Omaha 360 initiative is a comprehensive approach aimed at reducing gun violence through prevention, intervention, enforcement, reentry, and support services. Since 2006, gun assaults in Omaha have decreased by 21%.

The Empowerment Network also worked with community partners to launch and expand non-profit organizations and initiatives, including Impact One, Communities In Schools, Alliance Building Communities, North Omaha Neighborhood Alliance, North Omaha Village Zone Revitalization Plan, and the Step-Up Omaha! jobs and employment pathway. Over 500 hundred organizations have participated and thousands of residents have been positively impacted by the work of the Empowerment Network collaborative partners.

In five years, the Empowerment Network has grown from a concept into a comprehensive community development model. The efforts are being recognized regionally and nationally by governmental entities, philanthropists, community-building organizations, and other influential leaders.

“This national recognition goes to every individual and organization that has worked in a collaborative way to reduce violence and build a stronger, more cohesive community,” said Willie Barney. “We have a long way to go, but we’re beginning to see measurable progress in key areas. We will make an even greater impact as more residents and leaders get involved and do their part. Working together, we will accomplish the mission.”
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STEP-UP OMAHA!
Summer Training, Employment Pathway, and Urban Pipeline

Closing the Employment Gap by Investing in Tomorrow’s Workforce

STEP-UP OMAHA! Launch - Official Press Conference
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v_6aX_XPSXk&context=C4f322e6ADvjVQa1PpcFP...

City of Omaha, Empowerment Network, and 20+ Community Partners Launch STEP-UP OMAHA!
KETV Coverage - March 1, 2012
http://www.ketv.com/news/30578884/detail.html

The Empowerment Network and City of Omaha in collaboration with community partners are working to provide opportunities for youth and young adults to gain valuable job training and work experience during the summer. We’re working to provide jobs, internships, vocational training, academic recovery and remediation, life skills training, and community service opportunities.

STEP-UP OMAHA! recruits, trains, and places prepared Omaha youth and young adults age 14 to 24, in mutually beneficial paid summer jobs and work experience opportunities. STEP-UP OMAHA! builds on the Empowerment Network and community partners’ successes in hiring and placing over 1,000 participants over the past four years in the Great Summer Jobs Program. Based on its commitment to building a highly competitive workforce of the future, the City of Omaha is prepared to make a significant investment in helping to expand the employment program.

In 2012, Mayor Jim Suttle, the City of Omaha, Empowerment Network and community partners are challenging the business community, philanthropists, and community organizations to help us put 550+ youth and young adults to work. Employers over the past four years have included non-profits, educational institutions, governmental agencies, and for-profit businesses.

“Blue Cross Blue Shield supported youth summer employment last year and we are committed to partnering with the Empowerment Network, government, business leaders and community partners to expand the initiative moving forward,” said Steve Martin, CEO of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Nebraska. “The program is producing measurable results.”

“We are excited to be a part of the expansion of this jobs program,” said John Kotouc, Executive Chairman of American National Bank. “The Empowerment Network has been effective with this program for the last four years. They have excellent connections to youth in the community and offer great support to employers. The youth participants are respectful and courteous. It’s wonderful to see their horizons expand as they are exposed to new work challenges.”

There are four ways that businesses and organizations can invest in this vitally important initiative:

1. Hire participants from the initiative and provide a high quality work experience
2. Provide work experience opportunities that are subsidized or partially subsidized
3. Sponsor participants financially. Participants will be placed on a separate work site.
4. Make a financial contribution to support the initiative.

Businesses and organizations that would like to support the initiative, please contact:
STEP-UP OMAHA at 402-502-3763 or info@stepupomaha.com

Download the STEP-UP OMAHA! Pledge Form »

Omaha World-Herald Coverage - March 1, 2012
http://www.omaha.com/article/20120301/NEWS01/703019856/1010384#city-expa...

Applications for participants will be made available starting on April 2, 2012. Check back for more details.

STEP-UP OMAHA! a community-based initiative of the Empowerment Network and City of Omaha
in collaboration with community partners: Boys & Girls Club, ENCAP, Heartland Workforce Solutions, Hope Center, Impact One Community Connection, Latino Center of the Midlands, Metropolitan Community College, Omaha Economic Development Corporation, Omaha Public Schools, Urban League of Nebraska and Victory Boxing

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March 1, 2012
City of Omaha, Empowerment Network, and 20+ Community Partners Launch STEP-UP OMAHA!
GOAL: Summer Training and Employment Opportunities for over 500 Youth and Young Adults

KETV Coverage of STEP-UP OMAHA! Launch and Challenge
http://www.ketv.com/news/30578884/detail.html

Omaha World-Herald Coverage STEP-UP OMAHA! Launch and Challenge
http://www.omaha.com/article/20120301/NEWS01/703019856/1010384#city-expa...

KPTM Coverage of STEP-UP Omaha! - Story of Participant - Now Working at American National Bank
http://www.kptm.com/global/story.asp?s=17061293

February 2012
Basketball Brings Neighborhood Together
Village Basketball Alliance - Part of a Comprehensive Collaboration to Reduce Violence
Omaha 360 is an initiative of the Empowerment Network and Community Partners
KETV Report
http://www.ketv.com/video/30446069/detail.html

February 2012
Bringing Community Together - More than Basketball
Village Basketball Alliance - Positive Activities and Alternatives have an IMPACT
Omaha 360 is an initiative of the Empowerment Network and Community Partners
Omaha World-Herald Report
http://www.omaha.com/article/20120211/NEWS01/702119912/-1#fighting-gangs...

February 2012
Empowerment Network Response to Mayor's State of the City and Priorities
KVNO News Report
http://www.kvnonews.com/2012/02/supportive-response-to-mayor-suttles-pri...

January 2012
MLK Week 2012 - Honor the Legacy: Take Action Now
Empowerment Network Partners with City of Omaha, Omaha Serves and others
Over 1,500 participated in the events...MLK Lunch at Big Mama's, Get on the Bus Mobile Museum, Double Victory Documentary, Innovations in Education with Eric Mahmoud, and Red Tails Premiere at Aksarben.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQ0hxCQ8_tc&context=C304a014ADOEgsToPDskK...

Monday, January 16, 2012
Metro Bus Turned into Mobile Civil Rights Museum
presented by the City of Omaha, Empowerment Network, Omaha Serves, and Metro Transit
http://www.ketv.com/video/30229678/detail.html

Friday, December 16, 2011
Loves Jazz and Art Center - Keeping the Jazz Tradition Alive at 24th and Lake
Omaha World-Herald
http://www.omaha.com/article/20111216/NEWS01/712169874/-1#-31-000-grant-...

Saturday, December 10, 2011
Empowerment Network - State of African-Americans and North Omaha Update
KETV
http://www.ketv.com/news/29972046/detail.html

Saturday, December 10, 2011
Kandiss Crone and KMTV's Coverage of Christmas in the Village at 24th and Lake
http://www.kmtv.com/news/local/135386088.html

Thursday, November 3, 2011
WOWT
Revitalization in North Omaha - Omaha Economic Development Corporation
A Historic Building is Restored to Greatness - Green, Sustainable Development
http://www.wowt.com/home/headlines/Renovated_Building_Provides_Hope_For_...

Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Omaha World-Herald Editorial: North Omaha Revitalization
Big Boost for Revitalization
http://www.omaha.com/article/20111012/NEWS0802/710129933

Monday, October 3, 2011
Omaha World-Herald
North Omaha Plan Backed by Buffetts
http://www.omaha.com/article/20111003/NEWS01/710039958/1009#north-o-plan...

September 2011
KIOS Radio Segment
Forum hosted by Filmstreams following a showing of the Interrupters (Gang Intervention Efforts)
Moderated by Willie Barney, President & Facilitator of the Empowerment Network
Panelists: Councilman Ben Gray, Emergency Team Director for Impact One; Jannette Taylor, Executive Director for Impact One; and, Thomas Warren, Sr., President & CEO of the Urban League of Nebraska.
http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/kios/.artsmain/article/15/414/1859465/...

Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Omaha World-Herald
New Homes in North Omaha: $17 million dollar investment planned
http://www.omaha.com/article/20110802/NEWS01/708029925/1009#a-plan-for-n...

Friday, July 22, 2011
The Reader
Overarching Plan for North Omaha Development Now in Place
http://www.thereader.com/index.php/comments/overarching_plan_for_north_o...