The Journey of a Thousand Miles

Outbursts of violence among local teens are growing progressively more frequent. The Nebraska Crime Commission documented a 21 percent increase in juvenile arrests in Nebraska over the past two decades and these numbers continue to climb. Last weekend, two teenagers, one just 14-years-old, were killed by gunfire in separate instances in northeast Omaha within a six-hour span.

In the wake of so many tragic incidents, we are all searching for a way to get these young people out of the line of fire and on to a more promising path. Although this may seem like an overwhelmingly long and rugged journey, every journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.

Here are three steps that we hope you will add to your own journey of a thousand miles:
Step 1. Support Partnership ProgramsThe average cost of a student participating in the Partnership programs is $1,500 per year. While at first blush this might seem like a large figure, comparing it to the staggering average annual cost to incarcerate one individual in the juvenile justice system of $43,000 puts things into a whole new perspective. Donating to the Partnership is fast and easy as a click of your computer mouse! Make a contribution online through our secure Paypal account. Click DONATE for more information.

Step 2. Volunteer as a Goal Buddy or a Group MentorThe volunteers who serve as positive role-models bring out the best in Partnership students, who are over-flowing with potential and personality. “Before I joined, I didn’t really care about school, but they pushed me and molded me into a mature individual who cares about education and wants to give back,” says Hollyn, a Partnership student alum. Hollyn recently received her CNA degree and is employed full-time in Omaha.
To learn how you can start making a difference as a volunteer, click VOLUNTEER for more information.

Step 3. Share Your Experience“I feel so good when I return to work from my time with the students. It’s a very rewarding experience,” says a current Partnership volunteer. Partnership supporters know first-hand the amazing feeling they get from their personal experiences of being involved in our programs. Sharing that experience is a powerful and moving way to motivate others to join the journey.

Volunteer Spotlight: Marvelous Monroe Mentors

The Partnership For Our Kids is so lucky to have such amazing volunteers! The time and energy each devotes to their students is a testament to just how much they care. One of these groups of true-life superstars, volunteer at Monroe Middle School!

“The best group of mentors, EVER, work with the Monroe 8th graders,” says Partnership Program Specialist, Amber Nawroth. “They are amazing and show up to every after-school meeting ready to truly bond with their mentees and make a difference in their lives.”

Each of the five volunteers in the Monroe group are at very different points in their lives, ranging from college classes to retirement. Mike Janda is a student at Creighton University, who hopes to pursue Dental School after getting his undergraduate degree. Bev Fleckten is a retired research coordinator from UNMC and loves spending time with her grandchildren and doing outdoor activities. Mary Green is the director of the Dundee Community Garden and is a leader of the Omaha Sierra Club. Bryce Montalbo is a recent college grad and is preparing to attend medical school next year. The newest member of the Monroe team is Josey Corritore. Josey is originally from Waterloo, Nebraska and grew up riding and showing horses, competitively and although she no longer does it competitively, she still enjoys riding for fun. Despite their varied backgrounds, the one thing this group does have in common is the commitment they have to their students.

“They are not only committed to their mentees inside the classroom but they’re also invested in their social lives as well,” says Nawroth. From apple-picking adventures in Nebraska City, to sporting events, ice-cream socials, bike rides and beyond, these marvelous mentors have kept their mentees active and exploring a side of their community they don’t always get to see.

Although the students love getting to go out with their mentors, it seems that the things they most enjoy are also the simplest. Monroe 8th grader, Danessia says the biggest thing her mentor has taught her is the importance of reaching out to others. “You should always try to help someone in need,” she says. Fellow student, DeaDrean says the thing he has appreciated most about his mentor is that he doesn’t try to pretend to be someone he’s not and he stands up for what he believes in. “He encourages us to be our best,” says DeaDrean.

The Partnership would like to extend a special thank you to all of our wonderful volunteers, who are making a difference in the lives of students every day!

To learn more about volunteering with The Partnership For Our Kids, click on VOLUNTEER

A Craving For The Community!

Have a desire for something delicious and guilt-free? Consider local midtown restaurant, Crave for a tasty bite! Their menu features a wide variety of selections from sushi to sandwiches and everything in between.

Why the random restaurant review, you might ask? During the month of October, The Partnership For Our Kids will partner with Crave in their community outreach initiative, Crave Cares. Each month, Crave selects a local charitable organization to promote and raise funds for with their unique Crave Cares menu.

Show your support for the Partnership during the month of October by stopping in and ordering from the October Crave Cares menu, or simply add a contribution to your final bill.

For more information about donating to the Partnership, visit http://www.thepartnershipforourkids.org/donate.shtml

Thank You Lincoln Financial Group!

A special thanks to Lincoln Financial Group for inviting The Partnership For Our Kids to participate in the company’s first annual volunteer fair! The volunteer fair was held at the Lincoln Financial Group’s Omaha campus over the lunch-hour on Thursday, September 8th. Approximately 200 Lincoln Financial employees attended the fair. The purpose of the fair was to give Lincoln Financial employees an opportunity to find more ways to become actively involved in their community.

Community involvement is extremely important to Lincoln Financial Group and the company utilizes multiple avenues of giving back locally. One of Lincoln Financial Group’s prime philanthropic efforts is through the work of its foundation. The Partnership For Our Kids was awarded a $5,000 grant from the Lincoln Financial Group’s foundation earlier this summer. Thanks to the grant award, Partnership high school students were able to participate in career exploration workshops and site visits throughout the summer months.

To learn more about career exploration activities at the Partnership, visit
http://www.thepartnershipforourkids.org/aokcareer.shtml