Omaha Bridges Out Of Poverty Inc
About Omaha Bridges Out Of Poverty Inc
At Omaha Bridges Out of Poverty, the work starts with people who are already carrying a lot, adults and families in the Omaha/Council Bluffs metro area who are trying to make ends meet. Through the Getting Ahead curriculum, community workshops, and life skills coaching, participants get practical support around work, money, communication, and stability. For donors, the appeal is plain: this is an organization helping people build real footing, not just get through the week.
What sets Omaha Bridges Out of Poverty apart is how specific its support is. Participants can move from Getting Ahead workshops into coaching and alumni support, while employers, schools, agencies, churches, and correctional facilities can also take part through community workshops. The organization also offers its work in English and Spanish, which makes the support feel usable, not theoretical.
Programs
The concrete work this nonprofit runs. Each program may later become a fundable project.
Getting Ahead in a Just-Gettin’-By World workshop
An eight to nine-week workshop for under-resourced adults who are struggling to make ends meet. Participants work on resources, goal setting, problem-solving, time management, negotiation, mediation, professional communication, emotional regulation, and basic financial management.
Getting Ahead in the Workplace
An eight to nine-week workshop for entry-level staff that builds life skills and workplace skills, supports plans to reduce instability, and includes post-graduation access to Success Coaches on site.
Community workshops
Quarterly three-hour workshops for individuals, agencies, businesses, schools, church groups, and correctional facilities on Bridges Out of Poverty, the causes of poverty, hidden rules, language, resources, and related strategies.
Life Skills Coaching
Coaching and support for alumni, including goal action and accountability, staying ahead resources, and lifelong learning workshops.
About this work
In their own words — what they do, who it reaches, and what your dollars actually fund.
Mission
Empowering under-resourced families to change their lives by discovering and overcoming barriers to success.
Who they serve
Under-resourced individuals and families in the Omaha/Council Bluffs metro area, including adults living paycheck to paycheck, workshop participants, and entry-level workers.
Their impact
- 1,804 individuals have graduated from the Getting Ahead program since 2016.
- The organization graduates between 300 and 400 participants each year.
- The reported graduation rate is 94%.
- Graduates see an average increase of nearly $1,500 in net monthly income.
- Graduates see an average 58% decrease in debt-to-income ratio.
- Graduates see an average annual increase of $18,000 in income.
- Graduates see an average annual increase of $8,000 in assets.
How your donation helps
- Books and supplies for one participant
- Books and supplies for one cohort
- A participant stipend for one Getting Ahead class
- Half the cost of one participant’s Getting Ahead workshop and post-graduation Life Skills Coaching
- One participant’s full eight to nine-week Getting Ahead workshop and post-graduation Life Skills Coaching
- One full cohort, including post-graduation Life Skills Coaching
- Meals for one participant to complete a cohort class
- Snacks for a cohort class
Our story
In 2016, the founders of Omaha Bridges Out of Poverty began looking more closely at poverty in metro Omaha and Council Bluffs after seeing that more than 100,000 people were living in poverty. They visited more than fifty agencies, then built the organization around the Bridges Out of Poverty framework and the Getting Ahead curriculum, with a collaborative approach that works alongside community agencies.
Need help?
How someone in need can access Omaha Bridges Out Of Poverty Inc’s services.
Individuals 19 years of age and older can register for the eight to nine-week Getting Ahead workshop in English or Spanish. Questions can be sent to program@omabop.org or by calling 402-884-9665.
Stories
The people behind the work.
In their words
“This class has been so valuable and encouraging for me because it helped me realize I am not what society has tried to invoke on me...I am important, and I can make good choices even with the bad hand that circumstances have dealt me...it has really changed my life!”
“Sharon is amazing! Omaha Bridges Out of Poverty does amazing work with families and helps them understand the underlying mentality and culture of poverty and go much deeper than basic finances/budgeting.”
“It gave me better insight on how to achieve the life I want.”
Events
Graduation Ceremony
annualCelebrates the achievements of program graduates and supporters.
Family Reunion
annualA family-oriented event that reunites graduates and families and includes vendor booths, activities, refreshments, and social interaction.
Wine NOT, Defeat Poverty
date-specificA wine sampling and conversation event that helps raise awareness and support for Omaha Bridges classes in the Omaha/Council Bluffs community.
Ways to help
Concrete needs and volunteer roles Omaha Bridges Out Of Poverty Inc has shared.
Current needs
- Raise $100,000 in the next 45 days
- Community partners to host Getting Ahead workshops
- Support for participant books, supplies, meals, and coaching
Volunteer opportunities
- Become a certified Getting Ahead facilitator
Recognition & press
In the media
- Telemundo Nebraska, a feature on Spanish-language courses offered by Omaha Bridges Out of Poverty to help combat poverty.
Press & mentions
Partners & funders
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this nonprofit and how its work happens.
Who can take the Getting Ahead workshop?
It’s open to people 19 and older.
What does the Getting Ahead workshop cover?
Participants build a plan around their current resources and work on skills like problem-solving, time management, goal setting, negotiation, mediation, professional communication, emotional regulation, and basic financial management.
Is the workshop offered in more than one language?
Yes. Classes are offered in English and Spanish.
What happens after graduation?
Graduates can keep going with Life Skills Coaching and other alumni resources that help them stay accountable and keep building stability.
Who can request a community workshop?
Individuals, agencies, businesses, school districts, churches, and correctional facilities can request or host a workshop, and sessions can be tailored to fit their needs.
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