Magdalene Omaha Inc
About Magdalene Omaha Inc
Magdalene Omaha gives survivors of sex trafficking individualized support built around safety, stability, and real next steps. That means sober housing, peer support, workforce development, and practical help like transportation and a personal items pantry. In 2024, New Beginnings programming supported 253 individuals and provided 3,850 hours of classes and peer support opportunities, which gives a sense of how much steady, day-to-day support this work takes. For donors, the appeal is simple: this is a place where survivors are not asked to fit into a one-size-fits-all path.
What sets Magdalene Omaha apart is the way it meets survivors in more than one stage of healing. Someone can enter through residential services, stay connected through the New Beginnings Campus, and move toward work through Thistle Lights, with support that can continue into independent living through Housing Independence Pathway.
Programs
The concrete work this nonprofit runs. Each program may later become a fundable project.
Residential Services
A rent-free, sober living residential program for adult women who survived sex trafficking, trauma, and addiction. Residents receive individualized success plans, peer mentorship, and the option to stay for 15 to 24 months, and graduates can receive support through the Housing Independence Pathway.
New Beginnings Campus
A non-residential community setting that offers five pathways to healing, peer support groups, a weekly community dinner, life skills classes, success navigation, success mentors, free transportation, shower and laundry facilities, and a personal items pantry.
Workforce Development
Survivor-led job readiness and job training through Thistle Lights, including a Job Readiness Certificate Course open to all survivors community-wide and short-term job training positions that support individualized career paths.
Housing Independence Pathway (HIP)
Additional support for graduates of the residential program during their first year of successful independent living in their own apartment.
Tamar's Pantry
A personal items pantry at the community center that supports individual survivors and also assists other nonprofits serving survivors.
About this work
In their own words — what they do, who it reaches, and what your dollars actually fund.
Mission
We provide individualized support for survivors of sex trafficking to achieve freedom from violence, trauma, and addiction.
Who they serve
Survivors of sex trafficking, sexual violence, trauma, and addiction, including survivors of all gender identities; residential services are for adult women who survived sex trafficking, trauma, and addiction.
Their impact
- In 2024, New Beginnings programming supported 253 individuals.
- In 2024, New Beginnings programming provided 3,850 hours of classes and peer support opportunities.
- In the first ten years, over 1,000 people began their healing journeys through Magdalene Omaha.
- Among residential program participants who completed the orientation phase, 94% restored healthy family relationships, 82% had no new arrests, and 59% maintained continuous long-term sobriety.
How your donation helps
- New Beginnings Campus programming
- Residential support services
- Thistle Lights job training and workforce development
Our story
Magdalene Omaha began with Teresa Houser’s earlier work, Friends of Tamar, and grew from her attention to Omaha’s growing sex trafficking problem. In 2015, the organization studied the Thistle Farms Magdalene residential recovery model and consulted with survivors and community leaders before officially founding Magdalene Omaha in 2016. From there, it opened its residence, launched Thistle Lights, expanded into the New Beginnings Campus, and added services like the Community Center, free transportation, and the Housing Independence Pathway.
Need help?
How someone in need can access Magdalene Omaha Inc’s services.
To make a referral, call the office at 402-934-8599 or email info@magdaleneomaha.org. For emergencies, call 911, and survivors in after-hours crisis situations can call the Omaha Women's Center for Advancement 24-Hour Hotline at (402) 345-7273.
Stories
The people behind the work.
In their words
Love is the most powerful force for change.
You matter here!!
Events
Walking Club
Friday morningsA Friday morning community walk that raises awareness and personal step counts, with participation in local parade events as well.
Weekly Community Dinner
WeeklyA shared dinner for survivors at the New Beginnings Campus.
New Beginnings Challenge
Annual in AprilAn annual fundraising challenge supporting programming through the New Beginnings Campus.
Ways to help
Concrete needs and volunteer roles Magdalene Omaha Inc has shared.
Current needs
- Contributions to support daily operating expenses
Volunteer opportunities
- Join the Walking Club on Friday mornings to walk for freedom from sex trafficking
Partners & funders
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this nonprofit and how its work happens.
How does someone make a referral for services?
Call the office at 402-934-8599 or email info@magdaleneomaha.org to make a referral. If it is an emergency, call 911.
What services are available at the New Beginnings Campus?
The campus offers five pathways to healing, peer support groups, a weekly community dinner, life skills classes, success navigation, success mentors, free transportation, shower and laundry facilities, and a personal items pantry.
Who can participate in residential services?
Residential services are for adult women who survived sex trafficking, trauma, and addiction. The program offers rent-free, sober living with individualized success plans and peer support.
What does Thistle Lights provide?
Thistle Lights is a survivor-led small business that offers job readiness training, short-term job training positions, and support for building career paths through workforce development.
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