No one can do everything, but
Everybody can do something.
Kids and families are hurting.
As a growing organization, we will always need foster parents, mentors, and staff. Not everyone who wants to help can make that kind of commitment. Thankfully, Release has a multitude of ways to get involved. No matter your skillset or availability, we're confident there is a place for you on our team. Whether you are a small business owner, a dedicated mentor, church or youth group, our job is to connect the children and families we serve with loving and caring members of the larger Omaha community.
✨January is "National Mentoring Month"!✨
We are so thankful for each one of our mentors and the time they give, along with the compassion they show to our youth. Here at Release, we deeply value the lasting impact mentoring has on the trajectory of life for a young person.
🤝 We currently have 27 youth who are waiting for a mentor. These youth have met with our mentoring team and expressed a longing to be matched with a mentor. Would you consider becoming a mentor today? If you have any interest, please reach out to our director of mentoring, Marcus Brown at marcus@releaseinc.org. Please check out our website to learn more: www.releaseinc.org/mentoring/
#NationalMentoringMonth
We thank Adalyn today for visiting the Release Care Closet and bringing us these cute “ positivity packs”. Each bag carries a positive message and a few trinkets that Adalyn has collected to make you smile❤️
Thank you for your support in 2024! We could not do this without you! Just a few more hours to double your gift for our "Release More Love" Campaign! Wishing you and your family a Happy New Year! Donate here: www.releaseinc.org/donations-rml/
For Shantel, life at home was full of uncertainty and struggle. Her grandmother did what she could as her guardian but was also overwhelmed by life. Shantel's mother had spent most of her childhood in and out of prison for crimes driven by a drug addiction. Eventually, Shantel's mom was released from prison and came home to live with Shantel and her grandma but she brought more chaos than comfort. Shantel's house often felt crowded and unsafe. “I don't want to go home,” she usually exclaimed to her Release mentor, Angela.
Thankfully Shantel had a refuge once a week with Angela, a cardiac unit nurse, who eventually would help her transform her life in unimaginable ways. Their time together was a lifeline—filled with small but meaningful moments, like sharing a Vietnamese bowl of pho or trying boba tea for the first time.
For the first time, Shantel felt like someone truly recognized her potential. Angela encouraged her to dream and to envision a life beyond the struggles she faced daily.
However, things took a frightening turn when a dead body was discovered in the garage just days later. One of Shantel's mother’s friends had died from an overdose, which led to Shantel being placed in foster care. After four unsuccessful placements, Angela stepped in once more—as her foster mom. Under Angela’s care, Shantel began to flourish. She found the courage to pursue her education and now dreams of becoming a surgeon. In a heartfelt moment of gratitude, she expressed to Angela, “I never imagined I’d get this far.”
Shantel's story is one of hope, resilience, and transformation. You can help more kids like Shantel find the support they need to thrive.
Will you help Release spark hope and transformation in the lives of over a thousand youth for another year?
This story has been a glimpse into the life of the youth we meet everyday and are privileged to serve (details have been changed to protect privacy). Kids are developing healthy relationships with caring mentors and foster parents because of generous donors like you.
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🎁 DONATE NOW
www.releaseinc.org/donations-rml/#give-now
We celebrated Christmas with our remarkable foster families at the Amazing Pizza Machine!✨ We are thankful for their unwavering dedication to providing a nurturing environment for children in need. We're deeply grateful for the love and care they show throughout the entire year! Thank you to the donors who made this joyous celebration possible! 🎁
Foster Care Support Volunteers
Not everyone feels they can take a child into their home, but there are still many ways you can support the foster families who do.- Meals
- Foster parents are busy driving kids around to various appointments. Sometimes a quick and tasty freezer meal or gift card is enough to help keep things moving.
- Childcare
- Foster parents need time for date nights, respite, and support group meetings.
- Household support
- Every foster home has its own unique needs with unique opportunities to serve. Maybe it's yard work, home maintenance, vehicle or computer repairs. If you have a desire and a special skillset, let us know. We'll find someone who could benefit.
Volunteer Groups
If you’re not coming alone, we have ways for you and your team (business, church or group) to help while having fun together.Event Volunteers
The more hands that help, the lighter a heavy work load. We have several events where you can make a big impact on the event’s success.- Bill Ellett Memorial Golf Classic
- Annual Gala Silent Auction
- Release More Love Christmas Drive
- Foster Family & Mentoring Events
