A non-profit organization in West Omaha has been significantly enhancing the lives of children and families through various initiatives. One notable project is their Care Closet, which functions like a store but offers everything free of charge. This closet primarily aids foster families, immigrant households, and those facing economic hardship by providing essential items such as clothing, hygiene products, and even birthday gifts. The community’s generous donations keep the closet stocked, while over 300 volunteers assist annually. Additionally, the non-profit extends its support to mentoring programs, incarcerated youth, and mental health services, emphasizing a comprehensive approach to community welfare.

The non-profit's influence extends beyond the Care Closet, reaching hundreds of individuals through community mentoring, counseling at the Hope Center, and outreach to young people in correctional facilities. Their mission focuses on fostering holistic development and support for both families and communities. With events like their annual fundraising gala, they continue to engage the public in their efforts to create lasting change.

Fulfilling Basic Needs Through Community Support

The Care Closet serves as a vital resource hub for families in need, offering essentials like clothing, shoes, and hygiene products without cost. Managed by Kim Cunningham, this initiative supports not only foster families but also immigrant and refugee households struggling financially. Donations from the local community sustain the closet, with shelves filled with new and gently used items. Over 2,000 children benefited from the closet last year alone, highlighting its crucial role in addressing basic needs within the community.

Operated by dedicated volunteers who organize and maintain inventory, the Care Closet exemplifies the power of community collaboration. Families can visit during designated hours or by appointment to select necessary supplies. Items such as socks and diapers remain in high demand, underscoring ongoing needs. The impact extends beyond material assistance; it fosters a sense of belonging and support among recipients. Lilli Cunningham, a foster mother benefiting from the service, shares her gratitude and highlights how the resources aid her family in caring for three special-needs boys now thriving under their care. Her story reflects the broader transformative effect of the Care Closet on countless lives.

Extending Impact Beyond Material Assistance

Beyond fulfilling immediate physical needs, the non-profit implements a wide array of programs aimed at nurturing personal growth and community cohesion. These include mentorship initiatives involving over 100 young participants, support for incarcerated youth across multiple counties, and continuous mental health counseling facilitated by a full-time counselor at the Hope Center. By adopting a holistic strategy, Release Inc. addresses diverse aspects of well-being, ensuring comprehensive support systems are in place for vulnerable populations.

This multifaceted approach underscores the organization's commitment to long-term societal improvement. Programs like mentoring foster leadership skills and resilience among youth, while mental health services provide critical emotional and psychological support. Chris Pruitt, Director of Development, emphasizes the importance of partnerships with local businesses and organizations in sustaining these efforts. Such collaborations amplify the non-profit's reach and effectiveness. Events like the annual fundraising gala serve as opportunities to engage further with the community, raising awareness and funds to bolster all facets of their mission. Together, these initiatives contribute to building stronger, more resilient communities capable of overcoming adversity.