Originally Published: January 26, 2023
United Way of the Midlands powering area nonprofits through Giving Wednesday
OMAHA, Neb. —
On Wednesday, KETV helped raise money for United Way in order to help the organization support dozens of nonprofits that assist our neighbors in need.
One of those nonprofits United Way of the Midlands helps power is Heart Ministry Center. It’s an organization that provides food and health care, among other services, to those experiencing severe poverty in the Omaha area.
Frank Russ Jr. is one of the countless people Heart Ministry Center has helped. Russ Jr. was in rehab battling a substance abuse problem when someone introduced him to Heart Ministry Center’s Fresh Start Program.
“I just learned a lot and I got to love it so I just kept coming back every day and I was wanting to come back,” Russ Jr. said.
Today, Russ Jr. has a job and a car, courtesy of Heart Ministry Center. He uses the knowledge and experience he gained during the Fresh Start Program to help others.
“Now my goal is to help others, put other people before me and I’m finding that to be really huge in my life,” Russ Jr. said.
United Way of the Midlands CEO, Shawna Forsberg, acknowledges how crucial Giving Wednesday and donor support are in helping to support nonprofits in the Metro.