Programs in Action: Making an Impact in Our Community

We believe meaningful community impact requires more than financial support—it requires presence, partnership, mentorship, and action. Through a diverse portfolio of programs and initiatives, we work directly with young people, families, schools, community organizations, and individuals throughout the greater Omaha metropolitan area.

Our programs address some of the community’s most important needs, including violence prevention, education, mentorship, domestic violence awareness, youth development, philanthropy, foster care support, and assistance for families in need.

“Before the Casket”

“Before the Casket” is an anti-violence program for young adults designed to demonstrate the devastating impact and ripple effects of gun violence. The program features a simulated funeral experience held in a church, where participants encounter a mirrored casket that reflects their own image when they look inside.

This powerful experience is followed by candid discussions with EMTs, law enforcement officers, coroners, and family members who share firsthand accounts of how the violent death of a child or teenager has profoundly affected their lives and communities. The program challenges young people to confront the consequences of violence and make choices that protect their futures.

“Domestic Violence Walk”

The inaugural 2025 “Domestic Violence Walk,” held in partnership with the WCA, brought the community together to support survivors and advocate for change. The event and accompanying fundraising campaign highlighted critical community resources, honored victims, and raised $3,100 to support survivors and their families.

These funds help provide safety, healing, advocacy, and hope to individuals and families affected by domestic violence.

“Omaha Beautillion”

Since 2008, the “Omaha Beautillion” has served high school senior males while celebrating the unique and powerful bond between mothers and sons.

Through the program, participants develop confidence, character, leadership, and a commitment to higher education. Participants raise and receive funds for college scholarships, with more than $45,000 awarded since 2023 to help young men pursue their educational goals and build a foundation for future success.

“Omega sQuires”

Since 2009, “Omega sQuires” at North High School has helped young men develop professional, social, and leadership skills. Built around the pillars of scholarship, fitness, service, and leadership, the program provides participants with guidance, mentorship, and experiences that prepare them for future success.

The program empowers young men to become well-rounded individuals, successful professionals, and engaged community leaders.

“Project Hope”

“Project Hope,” in partnership with CASA for Douglas County, supports and uplifts youth entering or transitioning through the foster care system.

When children are removed from their homes because of abuse or neglect, they may leave with little more than the clothes they are wearing and a few personal belongings. CASA provides Hope Packs to children entering foster care or transitioning between placements. These backpacks include essential hygiene and comfort items while providing something equally important: a tangible reminder that someone cares.

Project Hope helps provide hope, dignity, resilience, and emotional support to children navigating an incredibly difficult and uncertain period in their lives.

“Project Manhood & Friends”

“Project Manhood & Friends” is a collaborative initiative with Central Park Elementary School that has served youth in grades 4 through 6 for more than 20 years.

Members provide positive leadership, mentorship, guidance, and exposure to experiences and opportunities that participants might not otherwise have access to. The program emphasizes character development, personal responsibility, positive decision-making, and the importance of strong role models.

“Purple Swipe”

“Purple Swipe” teaches philanthropy through direct, person-to-person engagement. Omega sQuires, alongside fraternity members, perform random acts of kindness by paying for groceries and gifts for individuals at checkout registers.

The initiative provides immediate assistance to individuals and families in need while teaching participating youth that philanthropy is not simply about writing a check—it is about seeing a need and taking action.

The program has expanded to support identified families at partner schools, and fraternity members have personally contributed more than $20,000 over the past three years.

“W. Craig Robinson & Edward F. White Scholarships”

The “W. Craig Robinson & Edward F. White Scholarships” provide financial assistance to high school seniors who have achieved a minimum 2.5 GPA and are pursuing higher education.

Scholarship awards range from $2,000 to $3,000, helping students offset the cost of college and move closer to achieving their educational goals. The program’s objective is to award a minimum of $7,000 in scholarships annually.

“Waddell Craig Robinson Thanksgiving Community Giveback”

The “Waddell Craig Robinson Thanksgiving Community Giveback” has become a meaningful annual tradition of service and generosity in the Omaha community.

What began with 334 Thanksgiving meals in 2022 has grown to nearly 500 meals in 2025. On Thanksgiving Day, dedicated volunteers from the Divine 9 distribute Thanksgiving dinners from Tri-Community Church, helping families throughout the community enjoy a warm holiday meal together.

This annual effort represents the organization's belief that community service is most meaningful when we show up, serve others, and make a difference where it matters most.

About Omega Charitable Foundation of Omaha