Doris Moore and CHD: Addressing COVID-19 with Mental & Behavioral Services
Doris Moore and the Center for Holistic Development are celebrating 20 years of serving the community
When Doris Moore decided to enter the behavioral health field, she wanted to answer one question, “Why do people feel the way they do?” With no mental health background, and a Bachelor’s in Psychology, she returned to school 14 years later and received her Master’s degree in Community Counseling.
Moore is the founder and CEO of Center for Holistic Development (CHD), a non-profit focused on providing mental and behavioral health counseling and prevention programs in North Omaha.
The CHD offers programs that provide a culturally competent approach to address the behavioral health care needs of the Black community. Eighty percent of the clientele the organization serves is African American.
Moore is passionate about the work she gets to do on a daily basis. She refers to the work as “a calling” and she feels it is her mission to help others recognize how important their mental and emotional state is for living a productive life. Moore says, “There is a counseling term called stinky thinking. That is how your life will be; if you think you can’t, then you can’t. If you think of the positive possibilities, than you can.”
She also recognizes there are some individuals that have severe mental illness due to traumas, negative influence, racism, abuse, and micro aggressions. All these things impact our ability to be our authentic self and how we move forward.
“I recognize when people are struggling with depression or anxiety, and I want to know what is behind that. What is the thing that makes you feel life is becoming a challenge and question if living is worth it?,” says Moore.
(Photo: The late Betty Nelum, first contract therapist at CHD; Pastor Kenneth Allen, Senior Pastor of Zion Baptist Church; and, Doris Moore, CEO and Founder Center for Holistic Development)
She opened the doors to CHD in 2001 with the goal of providing a holistic approach to behavioral health care services to her community. Moore developed a model that focuses on the balance and well-being of individuals. She created the acronym S.P.E.C.I.A.L.™ which focuses on specific areas that she and her team practice within the CHD.
Spiritual – Acknowledging and valuing the presence of a higher power that influences your life’s purpose to create inner peace.
Physical – Adhering to standards that promote appropriate diet, weight, exercise, and rest.
Emotional/Economic – Ability to understand, recognize, and manage personal emotions. Also developing an approach for economic stability resulting in adequate finances to meet one’s obligations.
Cultural – Recognition and appreciation of your cultural and ethnic heritage as a positive influence on self-concept.
Intellectual – Promoting and participating in a personal philosophy of lifelong learning.
Associations (Social) – Developing and maintaining a social support system that encourages and enhances the positive self.
Love for Self and Others – Recognition and appreciation for self. Valuing the gift of interconnectedness to all individuals.
CHD provides intervention, prevention, education and community outreach services. The goal is to help perspective clients understand what mental health is, and what is defined as mental illness. CHD also strives to provide information to dispel the stigma and increase utilization rates through a staff of diverse mental health professionals.
(Photo: Center for Holistic Development Team)
Services Provided by CHD:
Center for Holistic Development is focused on four key areas which are related to bring mental and behavioral health:
- These programs are designed to interrupt potential negative influences that challenge mental health.
- Become an advocate for your own mental health and your self-care. Recognize the connection between mental health and total health care.
- Community education. CHD offers free behavioral stress screenings on their website, org.
- Intervention: CHD has professional mental health counselors that provide individual or family counseling, and substance abuse counseling.
CHD Prevention Programs are offered for 0 to 99 years of age. Many of the programs have made adjustments due to COVID restrictions.
KidSquad. The program works with teachers, staff, and parents at childcare centers to help children who have challenging behaviors.
Real Talk. A program within four Omaha Public middle schools that is now offered virtually due to COVID. The program is geared toward building social and emotional competence in middle school age students.
Urban Youth BOLT (Building Our Leaders Today) The program provides early intervention and prevention, and works with youth referred from the families, agencies, and the Juvenile Assessment Center.
Family Engagement and Resource connection. Provides parents with evidence-based techniques to enhance nurturing and parent engagement within all levels of parenting.
GrandFriends for Grassroots change. A mentoring program for young adults ages 19-30 to be matched up with seasoned adults.
CHD has seen an increase in the demand for counseling since the beginning of the pandemic. Due to COVID-19, the center offers socially distance or virtual counseling services for individuals, groups, youth and adults.
Most people haven’t recognized all the feelings that can be triggered from COVID. Emotions can range from anxiety and guilt, to grief and depression.
Moore says, “There is a lot of uncertainty and anxiety about the virus, and the volumes of information regarding the testing, vaccines, etc. There is guilt with the fact of screening positive and unknowingly infecting friends and family. It is important to find a balance and manage the myriad of emotions associated with this challenging time. While some people struggle with mild mental or emotional symptoms, and others are challenged with more severe concerns. When life gets to be too much, contact a behavioral health specialist. Just as with other medical conditions, treatment can be paid for through your insurance.”
“While there is a more heightened level of stress and loss of control and grief, it is important to stop and take care of yourself.”
The Center for Holistic Development offers a free anonymous online mental health screening for individuals on their website, and offers a free meditation video featuring Felicia Webster on their Facebook page: Facebook/CHDOmaha.
For more information about their programs, visit chdomaha.org or call 402-502-9788.
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B.J. Nelum Lighthouse Award
Betty Nelum was the Center for Holistic Development’s first contract therapist. Nelum had a long history in the community of providing behavioral health care and substance abuse services. She also assisted with the fundraising for the organization. Moore considers Nelum instrumental in getting the company to where it is today.
Since her passing in 2014, the CHD honors her legacy by presenting the BJ Nelum Lighthouse award to a recipient at their annual fundraising luncheon. As the Center for Holistic Development, Inc. celebrates 20 years of service to the community, they are deeply indebted to those who have helped them reach this momentous milestone.
Community Features
1,200+ attend Rebuilding the Village Conference featuring Eric Thomas
OMAHA, Neb. – June 11, 2024 – On Friday, June 7, more than 1,200 attendees walked through the doors of the CHI Health Center Omaha & Hilton Omaha Downtown to listen to captivating speakers during the 17th Annual Rebuilding the Village Conference and Luncheon. Hosted by the Empowerment Network, the event also featured the Revive Omaha Black Business Expo, as well as a powerful and energizing speech delivered by keynote speaker Eric Thomas, Ph.D., a New York Times best-selling author, educator and motivational guru.
“Think Big and Take Action! The Rebuilding the Village Conference was a tremendous success, bringing together local and national leaders, visionaries and community members who are committed to making a tangible difference,” said Willie Barney, CEO and founder, Empowerment Network. “We were able to convene over 1,200 participants including 600 youth from our Step-Up Omaha program. This conference is more than an event; it’s a movement that empowers teamwork to revitalize our communities. Together, we are forging a path towards sustainable growth and collective prosperity.”
Timothy Christian, Board Chair, Empowerment Network and CEO Night Fox Entertainment, Eric Thomas ET and Willie Barney, CEO and Founder, Empowerment Network. Photo Credit Nehemiah Barney
The Rebuilding the Village Conference and Luncheon brought together community leaders, activists, entrepreneurs and stakeholders to address critical issues facing underserved communities. With a strong focus on professional and community development, this year’s conference was centered around career advancement, DEI, entrepreneurship, leadership development and wealth building. Sessions were designed to enhance collaboration and strengthen the economic impact in Omaha and beyond.
As keynote speaker, Thomas talked about the importance of inclusive leadership strategies, purpose with emphasis on working collectively. “As a leader, you have to stop ambushing, as a leader, you have to stop doing the one-on-one, as the leader, you have to stop being in isolation,” said Thomas. “You’ve got to understand why [purpose] is so significant; it’s so significant because whoever you are, whatever assignment you’re on, you have to fulfill that assignment. You are better when you move together.”
Supported in part by the My Brother’s Keeper Alliance, a program of The Obama Foundation, the Empowerment Network is dedicated to building safe and thriving communities through economic, educational and social success. Programs like Omaha 360 and Step-Up Omaha exemplify these efforts. My Brother’s Keeper Alliance promotes supportive communities for boys and young men of color, ensuring they feel valued and have clear pathways to opportunity.
With representation from New Orleans, Kansas City, Lansing, Tulsa, Pittsburgh, Memphis, St. Louis and other national cities, attendees came far and wide to network, build community and grow professionally and personally during this year’s conference.
This year’s agenda also included special sessions just for Step-Up youth which aligns with the mission of My Brother’s Keeper Alliance. Breakout sessions focused on driving change, community investment and connecting students with their gifts and strengths.
“There’s always more work ahead, but we have seen a measurable impact through our collective work and collaboration with hundreds of organizations and the engagement of thousands,” said Barney. “Step-Up students are graduating from high school, going to college and entering the workforce. Graduates of Legacy Wealth are buying homes, launching and scaling businesses, saving and investing. Alumni of Redefine the Game are receiving promotions, advancing their careers and moving into leadership. We are launching the next round of these cohorts and two others focused on fund development and leadership.”
In the coming months, the Empowerment Network is working with partners to launch the next phase of transformation this summer – pathway to careers, wealth and ownership. Additional growth opportunities including:
- Connecting 200 more youth per year to the Step-Up youth employment and entrepreneurship programs, to grow to 1,000 students per summer within three years
- Expanding STEAM programming including drones, robotics, music production, entrepreneurship and culinary.
- Launching Skill Up! and EmPower Up! for hundreds of North Omaha adult residents to increase wages by providing wrap around and certified educational services
- Investing in small businesses, entrepreneurship, tourism and job creation
- Expanding efforts to reduce gun violence by an additional 50%
- Assisting 250 organizations, small businesses, neighborhoods and churches with capacity-building
As an effort to invest back into Omaha’s Black-owned businesses, the conference featured entrepreneurs during the Black Business Expo, in addition to three breakout sessions specifically for small business owners.
More than 20 panel discussions and interactive workshops led by industry experts and community leaders were also held.
“We greatly appreciate all the attendees, sponsors, speakers, volunteers and all engaged. We encourage you to support small businesses and stay engaged,” said Barney.
To learn more about the Rebuilding the Village Conference visit https://www.rtvomaha.com/. To stay connected with the Empowerment Network and learn about upcoming events, visit https://empoweromaha.com/. Follow Empowerment Network on Facebook at Facebook.com/EmpowermentNetwork.
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About the Empowerment Network
The Empowerment Network is a nonprofit organization committed to advancing economic, social, and civic progress within Omaha’s African American community, North Omaha and the region. Through collaborative efforts and innovative initiatives, the Empowerment Network strives to create opportunities for empowerment and transformation in every zip code and neighborhood in Omaha and beyond.
Community Features
2024 Revive Omaha Black Business Guide
Community Features
New cohorts prepare to launch…Leadership, Fund Development, Wealth Building & Career Advancement
OMAHA, Neb.
Great News! After announcing four cohorts late last year, the Empowerment Network decided to delay the launch of the initiatives as they ran into the holiday season, received formal notice of their award of $10 million through the North and South Omaha Recovery Plan and continued the national collaboration with their partner cities introduced at last year’s African-American Leadership Summit.
The Network is now prepared to move forward with the four capacity-building cohort opportunities with their national strategic partners and advisors Dr. Pamela Jolly, Dr. Randal Pinkett, Dr. Jeffery Robinson, Suzan Hart and Anna Barber.
Keys to Fund Development to Make Your Vision a Reality & Intro to Cohort
Anna Barber, fundraising expert that has helped to raise hundreds of millions of dollars including for the Smithsonian’s National Black History Museum in Washington D.C., will lead a six-month cohort on Fund Development: building a donor base to make your vision a reality.
Barber will share insights gained through her work with major universities, the Museum, Obama Foundation and other national clients. Participants will develop a comprehensive step by step plan to build and maintain a strong, diversified donor base.
Complete this form to express interest in the Fund Development Cohort with Anna Barber.
Collaborative, Transformation Leadership and Powerful Storytelling & Intro to Cohort
Suzan Hart, one of world’s top storytellers and presenters, will launch a Collaborative Leadership and Storytelling cohort: Maximize Opportunities with the Power of Your Story.
Participants will learn more about the transformational power of collaboration and enhance their presentation skills by defining purpose, understanding their value, and releasing the power of their story.
Advancing Your Career with Key Principles from Redefine the Game & Intro to Cohort
Dr. Jefferey Robinson of BCT Partners will return to Omaha to help launch the 5th Cohort of the Redefine the Game Institute, an innovative career advancement and leadership development program. Over 150 have participated with most receiving promotions and increased compensation, expanded career opportunities or leadership positions within new organizations.
Understanding Your Wealth Building Code and Developing Your Plan & Intro to Cohort
Dr. Pamela Jolly a nationally recognized wealth-building strategist returns to launch the third cohort of the Legacy Wealth Initiative. Graduates of Legacy Wealth have developed wealth plans, saved thousands of dollars, become homeowners, launched and purchased businesses, invested individually and collectively and made contributions to their community.
Complete this form to express interest in the Legacy Wealth Cohort with Dr. Pamela Jolly.
Stay connected to the Empowerment Network website for the next steps.