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 Compassion can be defined in many ways. At the Stephen Center, Nebraska’s only homeless shelter licensed for substance abuse treatment, it most often comes in the form of a warm meal, a place to sleep and resources to help people overcome their addictions.
As executive director, Del Bomberger has seen firsthand the significant needs that exist within the community. Demand for the Stephen Center’s 90-day HERO (Health, Empowerment, Recovery, Opportunity) treatment program far exceeded its capacity for enrollment in 2004. And with some clients sleeping on the floor at night, the shelter knew that something needed to be done.
That’s why the Stephen Center embarked upon a quest to raise money for a new facility. Several organizations, including the Mutual of Omaha Foundation, joined the cause and helped bring the vision to reality.
During the fall of 2005, construction began on a brand new $4 million, 26,000 square-ft. building. The new facility, which was completed in 2006, not only allows the Stephen Center to double the enrollment capacity of its HERO program, but also double its staff and allow for greater program flexibility.
“It is an expansion that has increased our ability to play a key community role in providing substance abuse treatment, as well as housing more people in our emergency shelter,” Del said. “It’s just wonderful.”
Read more about the Mutual of Omaha Foundation’s focus on family health.
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