I Want To Be A Super-Role Model

“I feel that the whole concept of the program is great. It inspires the students to do their best and be the best they can be. So often kids are recognized for what they do wrong. It is great to see their faces full of smiles and receive hugs and cards for recognizing and rewarding them for doing something good,” says one Partnership volunteer about The Partnership For Our Kids programs.

Despite all of the reports about neighborhood shootings and robberies that consume the 6’o’clock news, many local kids are finding ways to improve themselves, their schools and their communities, with a little help from some truly amazing volunteers who serve as positive role models and mentors of the Partnership.

“Whether they realize it or not, our goal buddies and group mentors are making an extremely powerful impact on these kids, just by being a consistent presence in their everyday lives,” says Partnership Recruitment Manager, Jessica Warren. “The hard part is having enough of these great folks to go around for ALL of our students. Warren says currently there is a volunteer deficit for the Partnership’s middle school student groups. “Middle school is an especially tough time for most kids, so it is crucial to have that extra encouragement and positive reinforcement present,” she says.

Warren goes on to say that becoming a volunteer with the Partnership is a simple process and volunteers are given all of the tools they need to work with the students. “All they need to do is just show up and spend time with the students, and our staff takes care of the rest,” Warren says.

To find out how you can become a volunteer mentor or goal buddy with The Partnership For Our Kids or to learn more about our programs, visit: http://gettoknowmeomaha.com/

Summer Break?!

It’s official-school is back in session, but what a busy break it has been at the Partnership!

The Partnership kicked off the summer on a bittersweet note as former agency president of fourteen years, Julie Hefflinger retired from the organization and new president, Deb Denbeck was welcomed to the helm on June 20th. "I feel very blessed and fortunate to be following in the footprints of someone I have great respect for," Denbeck said. "Julie has done an amazing job of building a strong team and a program that is so needed in the Omaha area."

As Denbeck settled in to her new role, not a moment was wasted as students were
immersed into a multitude of activities including educational workshops such as “Cops and Kids”. Students who participated in the workshop learned more about their local justice system and received a first-hand look at trials in action at the Douglas County Courthouse. Students also got to explore their artistic side during a tour of Omaha’s Hot Shops, where they witnessed a glass-blowing demonstration and had an opportunity to paint their very own pottery. Summer tours even included a trip to Moylan Tranquility Iceplex where students got to cool off from the heat and glide around the rink with their fellow classmates and friends.


In addition to student events and outings, the Partnership also prepared for an end of the summer fundraiser celebration. The Partnership For Our Kids teamed up with vinNEBRASKA and Midtown Crossing to host the Summer Wine and Food Festival, “An Evening Escape”, on July 30th on the Midtown outdoor promenade. More than 350 guests enjoyed sampling fabulous wines from both vinNEBRASKA and local distributors. They also sampled extraordinary food from Midtown restaurants and bid on unique day-trips and dream-destination packages. Nearly $50,000 was raised to benefit the students of the Partnership.

While it has been a busy season, there are many more exciting activities planned for the 2011-2012 school year. Be sure to check our online events calendar for more details!

Dine With A Purpose-August 24th

Does it get any better than a mouth-watering burger and a heaping pile of fries?

How about being able to help 5,000 Omaha students, while you indulge in this tempting treat?! The Partnership For Our Kids is teaming up with Blanc Burgers and Bottles for an evening of great food for a good cause! Dine out with us at Blanc Burgers and Bottles, located in Omaha’s Midtown Crossing, on Wednesday, August 24th between 4 and 9p.m. and a portion of your purchase will be donated back to The Partnership For Our Kids.

For more information, please call 402-930-3000 or visit www.GetToKnowMeOmaha.com.

It's Not To Late For An Evening Escape!

Join The Partnership For Our Kids at the Summer Wine and Food Festival, "An Evening Escape", July 30th at Midtown Crossing!


Click here for more information!

Happy 4th of July!

Looking for something to do this 4th of July weekend? Check out these family-friendly activities happening throughout the Omaha metro area.

Bank of the West Celebrates America, July 1st
Free concert featuring, Cheap Trick and 38 Special. Fireworks to follow.
Location: Memorial Park, Omaha NE
Cost: FREE

Omaha World Herald Fireworks Night, July 2nd
Ameritrade Park, 1200 Mike Fahey ST
Fireworks following Home Run Derby
Cost: $12

Ralston 4th of July Parade and Fireworks, July 4th
Parade starts at 1pm at 8th and Highland STS;
Fireworks at Lake View Golf Course, 9:30pm
Ralston, NE
Cost: FREE

Bellevue 4th of July Fireworks and Family Day Activities, July 4th
Bellevue Downtown Park, NE
Games and family activities; 2pm-10:30pm
Cost: Activity pricing varies

The Partnership Has A New President!

Earlier this week, Deb Denbeck began her new position as president of The Partnership For Our Kids.

Denbeck, who comes to the Partnership from Creighton University, is taking over for Julie Hefflinger, who is retiring from the Partnership this week, after 14 years of service.

Denbeck is honored to have been selected for this position. "I feel very blessed and fortunate to be following in the footprints of someone I have great respect for," says Denbeck. "Julie has done an amazing job of building a strong team and a program that is so needed in the Omaha area." She feels that the Partnership's work to continue providing quality role models and mentors is paramount to helping more Omaha students succeed.

Inspiring commitment to achieving greatness among young people is something that Denbeck knows a lot about, having devoted 21 years of her life to coaching collegiate volleyball. Denbeck has also served as a volunteer mentor for the Partnership’s group mentoring program.

In addition to her coaching and mentoring experience, Denbeck has an extensive background in education as well as fundraising and development. She is very passionate about the power of an education and she says the thing she is most looking forward to about working at the Partnership is having an opportunity to help more young people succeed. "We need to be strong advocates for today's youth--they are our future," she says.

To learn more about Deb, check out our team page

Announcing A New PFOK Addition

Meet the newest member of the PFOK team, Jennifer Arnold.

Jennifer will be serving as the Partnership’s administrative assistant. She will be responsible for providing assistance to the Partnership’s executive team, helping with event and meeting planning logistics, assisting with the new hire process, ordering office supplies, and ensuring that the office runs as smoothly as possible.

Jen is happily married and has two beautiful boys, Joshua and Cole. She and her family house what she refers to as “a small petting zoo,” consisting of 3 dogs, a snake, lizard and fish and various other critters that her boys bring home.

In her spare time, Jen enjoys summer bike rides and camping on the weekends, decorative painting, reading and evening walks.

To learn more about Jen, view her profile on our website “Teams” page