Gotta Be Me Inc
About Gotta Be Me Inc
Gotta Be Me gives adults with disabilities a place to belong in Omaha through the Heartlight Choir, online Gotta Be Zoom programming, art-making, and power wheelchair soccer. The work is as much about community life as it is about creativity, with welcoming spaces for members, families, and caregivers. If you care about inclusion that feels lived-in and real, this is the kind of organization that makes that possible.
Gotta Be Me is centered on one clear idea: people of all abilities should be able to join community life as they are. That shows up in music, online support, creative expression, and team sports, with room for families and caregivers too.
Programs
The concrete work this nonprofit runs. Each program may later become a fundable project.
Gotta Be Me Heartlight Choir
A social music program that brings people of all abilities together to have fun, express creativity, and enjoy the benefits of community life.
Gotta Be Zoom
Online programs that include support group space and educational experiences for members of the community.
Art-making and online shop opportunities
Members create art and sell it at events or in the online shop, with support from metro area artists.
Power Wheelchair Soccer
Tuesday-night power wheelchair soccer sessions where participants can have fun, learn the game, and be part of a team.
About this work
In their own words — what they do, who it reaches, and what your dollars actually fund.
Mission
Gotta Be Me promotes the inclusion of adults with disabilities into their communities, creating a culture that is brimming with life, dignity, and growth for all people.
Who they serve
Adults with disabilities, their families, and caregivers.
How your donation helps
- Art supplies
- Event support
- Transportation support
- Logistics for programs and activities
- Community opportunities for members
Our story
Gotta Be Me began in 2014, when Tiffiny Clifton started looking into local life-after-high-school options for her brother Caleb and worked with Marilyn Hinkle to create a social club for people of all abilities. The organization started with music, and the first Heartlight Choir meeting took place in a living room in November 2014.
Need help?
How someone in need can access Gotta Be Me Inc’s services.
To join or get more information, email info@gottabeme.org or call 402.669.0616. The Heartlight Choir meets Monday evenings from 7:00 to 8:00pm at the Barbara Weitz Community Engagement Center on the University of Nebraska at Omaha campus and on the Gotta Be Me Zoom Channel.
Stories
The people behind the work.
In their words
We believe anything is possible.
Come as you are - we are without judgment, and we create opportunities for people to become who they want to be - without limits.
Anyone who wants to join the GBM Heartlight Choir is accepted as they are, no matter what. We encourage our peeps to sing in whatever way they want - the most important thing is that they're enjoying themselves.
Events
GBM Heartlight Choir Show
April 30, 2022A live performance of the original production 'Plant, Nourish, Shine' featuring acting, music, dancing, and a celebratory finale.
GBM Heartlight Choir practices
WeeklyWeekly choir practices held Monday evenings from 7:00 to 8:00pm at the Barbara Weitz Community Engagement Center and on the Gotta Be Me Zoom Channel.
Ways to help
Concrete needs and volunteer roles Gotta Be Me Inc has shared.
Current needs
- Art supplies
Volunteer opportunities
- Event support for the Handmade Omaha Show
- Support for GBM Heartlight Choir shows and practices
- Transportation help
- Logistics support
- Power Wheelchair Soccer practice support
Partners & funders
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this nonprofit and how its work happens.
Who can join the Heartlight Choir?
Anyone who wants to join is welcome exactly as they are. People are encouraged to sing in whatever way feels right to them.
What is Gotta Be Zoom?
Gotta Be Zoom is an online program with support group space and educational experiences for members of the community.
What kinds of volunteer help are needed?
Volunteers help with events, logistics, transportation, choir activities, Handmade Omaha Show shifts, and power wheelchair soccer support.
How do members share their artwork?
Many members create art and sell it at events or in the online shop.
Similar nonprofits
Other centers to support the independence of specific populations nonprofits in NE.