Omaha Forus Inc
About Omaha Forus Inc
Omaha ForUs gives LGBTQ+ individuals and families in eastern Nebraska and western Iowa one place to land for counseling, peer support, youth programming, pantry help, and a clothing closet. That matters because support is easier to use when it is under one roof, and Omaha ForUs has built exactly that kind of space. Since opening, it has become a steady place for thousands of people looking for affirming care, basic needs support, and community that feels intentional. Donors help keep those doors open for the people who need them most.
Omaha ForUs brings affirming mental health support, basic needs assistance, youth programming, and community events into a single community center in Omaha. It also describes itself as the first inclusive, sober space dedicated to LGBTQ+ people in the Omaha metro, which gives the center a very specific role in the city’s support landscape.
Programs
The concrete work this nonprofit runs. Each program may later become a fundable project.
Best Life behavioral health & wellness
One-on-one, couple, and family counseling on a sliding-fee scale with a licensed mental health professional, plus no-cost, affordable, culturally responsive behavioral health supports and affinity-based support groups.
Pride pantry
Immediate, temporary assistance with shelf-stable food, condiments, hygiene products, and other basic needs for qualifying individuals and families.
Clothing closet and social transition supplies
No-cost assistance with apparel, undergarments, shoes, accessories, and ordered supplies that support personal expression and social transition.
Youth programs
Free activities and support for LGBTQ+ youth ages 13 to 18, including dedicated drop-in space, teen game nights, crafts, homework time, and local field trips.
Inclusive events
Support groups, educational workshops, social gatherings, game nights, and book club activities that celebrate, support, and uplift the LGBTQ+ community.
Affirming provider referrals and case management
A private referral list of affirming providers and professionals, plus on-site social work practicum support that connects people with state resources.
Community center and partner space
A 5,800 square foot community gathering space with meeting rooms, drop-in space, and co-located office space for nonprofit partners serving LGBTQ+ individuals and families.
About this work
In their own words — what they do, who it reaches, and what your dollars actually fund.
Mission
Omaha ForUs builds intentional community and creates equitable space in service to LGBTQ+ individuals and families of eastern Nebraska and western Iowa.
Who they serve
LGBTQ+ individuals and families in eastern Nebraska and western Iowa, including LGBTQ+ youth ages 13 to 18 and adults seeking affirming mental health and community support.
Their impact
- Since opening in 2023, Omaha ForUs has been a place of intentional community for thousands of LGBTQ+ individuals and families.
- 300 households provided with shelf-stable food each month.
- 4,360+ people served in 2025.
- 355+ people served each month.
How your donation helps
- General operations and direct services
- Pride pantry food and hygiene supplies
- Clothing closet items and gender-affirming supplies
- Youth programming and events
- Mental health counseling and support groups
Our story
Omaha ForUs was formed in 2021 and opened in 2023 as a single-location community center designed to improve access to programs and support for LGBTQ+ individuals and families. It describes itself as the first inclusive, sober space dedicated to LGBTQ+ people in the Omaha metro.
Need help?
How someone in need can access Omaha Forus Inc’s services.
For pantry or clothing closet access, visit during open hours and let a staff member know you want to use those services. The pantry and clothing closet are self-serve, donation based, and do not require an appointment, with access generally available Tuesday through Thursday from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For mental health support, call 402-898-1113 to complete intake and schedule an appointment with CJ Elliott; in-person appointments take place at the Verve Collaborative Health satellite office. Youth programs are free for LGBTQ+ youth ages 13 to 18, and some groups or events require registration through the events calendar.
Stories
The people behind the work.
In their words
It’s just not the same if a program or service is built to serve someone else then suddenly opened to LGBTQ+ people. We deserve people trained, places built, and things designed for us, just like anyone else.
I love the opportunity volunteering gives me to feel connected to my community and make a difference in the lives of others.
The bravest thing you can ever do is ask for help.
Events
Parents & Caregivers of LGBTQ+ Individuals Support Group
Monthly, third WednesdayA virtual support group for caregivers and other adult family members of LGBTQ+ people of any age.
Adult LGBTQ+ Support Group
Weekly on WednesdaysA mental health support group for LGBTQ+ adults ages 19+ focused on the intersections of mental health and LGBTQ+ identity.
Teen game nights
RecurringAge-specific programming for LGBTQ+ youth in the dedicated youth space.
Monthly group volunteering opportunities
Monthly, second FridayGroup volunteer shifts for corporate, university, social, and service groups.
Ways to help
Concrete needs and volunteer roles Omaha Forus Inc has shared.
Current needs
- Shelf-stable food
- Hygiene products
- Apparel
- Undergarments
- Shoes
- Accessories
- Purses
- Clothing in extra small, small, and 2XL through 6XL sizes
- Women’s shoes size 10+
- Men’s shoes size 8+
Volunteer opportunities
- Administrative support
- Data entry
- Cleaning
- Community outreach and tabling
- Organizing the clothing closet and pride pantry
- Fundraising and donor outreach
- Peer-led discussion facilitation
- Maintenance repairs
- Monthly group volunteering projects
Recognition & press
Partners & funders
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this nonprofit and how its work happens.
How do I use the pantry or clothing closet?
Just let a staff member know when you visit that you’d like to use the pantry or clothing closet. Both are self-serve and donation based, no appointment is needed, and nobody is turned away because they do not have funds.
How do I get mental health support?
Call 402-898-1113 to complete intake and schedule an appointment with CJ Elliott. In-person appointments happen at the Verve Collaborative Health satellite office.
Who can join youth programming?
Youth programming is for LGBTQ+ youth ages 13 to 18. The center offers a dedicated youth space, teen game nights, crafts, homework time, and field trips.
Do parents or caregivers have to stay during youth programming?
No. Parents and caregivers do not have to stay in the building during youth programming, though they are welcome to wait in a separate area.
Can non-LGBTQ+ people visit?
Yes. Non-LGBTQ+ people are welcome to visit, and some offerings are open to the wider community. Omaha ForUs is still first and foremost an LGBTQ+ focused space.
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