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As one of the world’s leaders in technology, company executives see this as just the start to a long-term partnership.

Two North Omaha nonprofits, Seventy Five North and The Empowerment Network, will each receive $50,000 of support from Google that aims to enable connectivity in the neighborhood.

The money will provide for connectivity through a variety of projects.

The Empowerment Network works together with residents and leaders to transform neighborhoods and improve the economic condition and quality of life. It will use the funds to ramp up its STEAM room, devoted to teaching young people about science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics, as well as improvements in its auditorium and teaching facilities. Located on the campus of the Omaha Home for Boys, the Network’s Village Empowerment Center houses offices for strategic partners, and serves as both a community meeting and collaboration space, and a place for educational opportunities.

“We could not be more pleased with the significant investment Google has made in the Village Empowerment Center. Technology has proven to be one of the key factors that helps to develop any community,” said Timothy Christian, President of the Empowerment Network Board of Directors. “Their investment will give our youth valuable tools that will allow them to be even greater contributors to the community and the world.”

Willie Barney, CEO and Founder of the Empowerment Network, said the funds will allow for a dramatic increase in capacity at the Village Empowerment Center.

“When we envisioned the Village Empowerment Center, we stepped out to create a one stop integrated service center where youth and families would get directly connected to employment, job training, housing, health services, financial education, entrepreneurship, technology and more,” he said. “This investment will help the Center, our community and partners to thrive in the midst of the pandemic and beyond.”

Google first broke ground in Nebraska in 2019, when it opened a data center in Papillion. The surrounding area – including Google’s largest global data center located in neighboring Council Bluffs, Iowa – is part of the company’s larger economic commitment to the state.

Since then, it has invested in the Omaha community. Google supported the development of the Kiewit Luminarium, the $101 million science museum opening on Omaha’s riverfront in 2023, and in 2020, helped provide more than $3.36 billion of economic activity for 8,000 Nebraska businesses, nonprofits, publishers, creators and developers. It also created more than 100 jobs for Nebraskans, according to the Google Nebraska economic impact report.

“The ability to connect to technology has a transformative impact on a community,” said Dan Harbeke, Regional Head of External Affairs at Google. “We’re proud to support the work of both Seventy Five North and The Empowerment Network, who are providing critical housing initiatives as well as educational programs. We are thrilled to be a part of expanding their efforts with these connectivity investments.”

The Empowerment Network’s Village Empowerment Center on the campus of the Omaha Home for Boys includes offices for collaborative partners:  Charles Drew Health Center, Church on Purpose, Emerging Ladies Academy, Family Housing Advisory Services, GrowNebraska, Technology Consulting Solutions, UNMC, Urban League of Nebraska and the Empowerment Network’s Step-Up team.

The Step-Up collaborative at the VEC includes partnerships with:  Business Seals, Gamble Tech Firm, House of Bah, Metropolitan Community College, No More Empty Pots and others.

The second grant will go toward supporting families living in recently constructed Highlander neighborhood residences and a community center in North Omaha creating opportunities for teens and adults.

Seventy Five North works to convene community members, educational partners and the philanthropic community to lead the transformation of the Highlander neighborhood. It will use the funds to outfit more than 100 units of affordable housing with new technology including audio systems, wireless connectivity and doorbells equipped with cameras, among other connected technologies. The funds will also provide limited maintenance for the technology. The units are split among low-income, moderate-income and market rate apartments, and homeownership opportunities exist for families at all income levels as the project grows.

“I am beyond grateful to Google and its regional leaders for its partnership and contribution to the revitalization of north Omaha’s Highlander neighborhood,” said Cydney Franklin, President and CEO of Seventy Five North Revitalization Group. “Google’s investment is both significant and timely considering the growing importance of connectivity and digital access in this 21st century economy.”

“Omaha’s business community is very generous,” Mayor Jean Stothert said. “The connectivity that Google is supporting will benefit families and individuals by extending education opportunities and building community. The city is grateful for their investment in two meaningful projects, and for their presence in the metro area.”

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Willie Barney, CEO of the Empowerment Network, full statement:

“This investment by Google is incredibly significant for our community.  The youth, families and collaborative partners will benefit greatly with the enhancements in technology, infrastructure and additional connectivity.

When we envisioned the Village Empowerment Center, we stepped out to create a one stop integrated service center where youth and families would get directly connected to employment, job training, housing, health services, financial education, entrepreneurship, technology and more.

For our Step Up youth, they are now being introduced to hands on training with entrepreneurship, culinary, drones, coding, trades, career exploration and college prep. They are learning to become innovators, creators and producers.

For our community partners, this is where Omaha 360, Cradle to Career, Legacy Wealth, Redefine the Game, summits, conferences and so many other collaborations and activities take place.

Google’s investment and partnership will allow us to dramatically increase our capacity at the Village Empowerment Center and accelerate our ability to accomplish our vision and mission.”

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Coming Events

Coming Dec. 7th…14th Annual Christmas in the Village at 24th and Lake

Shop, Play, Eat, Sing, and Celebrate! 

The Empowerment Network is inviting you to the 14th Annual Christmas in the Village at 24th and Lake on Saturday, December 7th, 2024 from Noon to 5 PM – a magical day filled with festive fun for the entire family!

Presented by the Empowerment Network and Omaha Economic Development Corporation, in partnership with dozens of 24th & Lake Partners, this one-of-a-kind cultural celebration is the largest holiday event in North Omaha, drawing over 7,000 visitors from across the region!

From the dazzling arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus in a horse-drawn carriage to the lively entertainment, holiday shopping, and delicious eats – this is the holiday event you don’t want to miss!

Here’s what’s in store:

Watch the 2024 Preview Commerical Here

• Kick-off with Santa and Mrs. Claus plus all your favorite cartoon characters!


• Live performances by local artists, choirs, and dancers.


• A live nativity scene with real animals (yes, there will be a camel!).


• Free carriage rides, toys, face painting, and balloon art!


• Over 30 vendors in the heated Holiday Boutique tent, perfect for holiday shopping.

• Visit the Grinch at Ital Vital Living!


• Delicious food from local restaurants and food trucks!

Whether you’re here for the holiday boutique, the music, or the family-friendly activities, there’s something for everyone. Plus, businesses in the district will be offering special discounts and holiday treats.

Make this your new holiday tradition! With over 70 businesses, organizations, and artists coming together, this will be the BIGGEST and BEST Christmas in the Village yet.

Plan ahead for street closures starting at 10 AM at 25th to 22nd on Lake Street and from 24th & Maple to 24th & Burdette. Streets reopen at 5:30 PM.

Don’t miss this unforgettable experience! Bring your family, friends, and holiday spirit to Christmas in the Village at 24th and Lake.

 

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Coming Events

Aaron Johnson, owner of Oasis, nationally-recognized black-owned grocery store to speak at AALC

Aaron Johnson, owner of Oasis Fresh Market in Tulsa, Oklahoma, home to Black Wall Street, to speak at the Empowerment Network’s 12th Annual African-American Leadership Conference on Friday, September 27, 2024.

Johnson will share what it has taken to launch and grow the successful grocery store and more about his entrepreneurial journey.

Tickets available here:  2024 African-American Leadership Conference (aalcomaha.com)

Johnson is blazing new trails as one of the most innovative and successful black-owned grocery stores in the nation.

With the support of City Councilor Vanessa Hall-Harper and Rose Washington, CEO of TEDC, he established Oasis, a fresh food market in North Tulsa after a 14-year drought in an area considered a food desert.

People from across the country are flocking to Oasis to learn more about the model and how it can be replicated in their communities.

Johnson’s leadership style is highly enthusiastic and contagious.  The energy in the store is amazing. Plenty of high fives to go around for customers and employees.  He has also built a pathway where student employees head to college after high school.

He partners frequently with Charles Harper and Damali Wilson of World Won Development to host large events to connect Oasis customers to services including employment, job training, health and more.

The food selection and quality available in the store make it one of the best in the nation.  Always full with fresh fruits and vegetables.

Aaron Johnson

Aaron “AJ” Johnson is the Founder of Oasis Fresh Markets, the first full-service grocery store in North Tulsa’s historically black-neighborhood (once called Black Wall Street) in 14 years.

Growing up in Milwaukee, AJ saw the tremendous differences between resourced and under-resourced communities. After moving to Oklahoma, he learned that residents in North Tulsa neighborhoods have a life expectancy 11 years shorter than those living in other Tulsa communities.

Whether it was the school systems, playgrounds, or even access to grocery stores, many North Tulsa residents had to travel for miles to enjoy the same resources that non-distressed communities have readily available.

AJ also launched a non-profit called The Oasis Projects to provide wrap-around services, including rental and utility assistance, support for single parents, banking, workforce training, and health-related educational classes.

AJ believes the Oasis model provides a blueprint for under-served communities by equipping people for every aspect of a healthy life.

The African-American Leadership Conference which attracts hundreds of leaders will feature keynote, Eric ET Thomas, one of the nation’s top motivators, influencers, and New York Times best-selling author along with dozens of local and national speakers.

Tickets available.  2024 African-American Leadership Conference (aalcomaha.com)

The African-American Leadership Conference is presented by the Empowerment Network of Omaha and features local and national leaders along with allies from every sector.

Tickets available.  2024 African-American Leadership Conference (aalcomaha.com)

For more information on the Empowerment Network, please go to empoweromaha.com

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Coming Events

Frank Hayes, Founder of Hayes & Associates to share financial wisdom at AALC

Frank Hayes will share financial principles he has learned during his 40 years of advising clients at the Empowerment Network’s 12th Annual African-American Leadership Conference on Friday, September 27, 2024.

Tickets available here:  2024 African-American Leadership Conference (aalcomaha.com)

Hayes is the founder of one of the oldest and most successful Black-owned businesses in the state of Nebraska. Through his leadership, Hayes had established accounting and consulting offices in several states and has clients across the country.

Frank and his team have assisted thousands of businesses and customers over the years with establishing a solid financial foundation.  Through Hayes and Associates, clients have attained success through growth and expansion.

Beyond their day to day work with clients, Frank and his team have dedicated themselves to investing back into the community as volunteers, board members and support for churches, non-profits and small businesses across the community, but especially in North Omaha.

The African-American Leadership Conference which attracts hundreds of leaders will feature keynote, Eric ET Thomas, one of the nation’s top motivators, influencers, and New York Times best-selling author along with dozens of local and national speakers.

Tickets available.  2024 African-American Leadership Conference (aalcomaha.com)

 

Frank Hayes

Hayes is the owner and President of Hayes & Associates, LLC, a CPA and consulting firm he founded in 1983 in Omaha, Neb. He has more than 40 years of experience in the financial services industry, including previous roles as the Director of the tax department at Grant Thornton CPAs and an internal revenue agent for the Internal Revenue Service.

Hayes earned his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Creighton University in Omaha. He also is a graduate of the Small Business Executive Education Program at Clark Atlanta University and the Minority Business Executive Program at Dartmouth College.

Hayes has received numerous honors during his career including induction into the Omaha Business Hall of Fame in 2009. He was recognized by the 100 Black Men of Omaha as one of its Men of Honor in 2013.

He has also received the Nebraska Society of CPA’s Public Service Award; the Otto Swanson Spirit of Service Award, sponsored by the NCCJ; the Distinguished Leadership Award from the Community Leadership Association of America; the Rotary Club of Omaha Free Enterprise Award; and the Western Heritage Museum African American Award for Corporate and Community Leadership.

Hayes currently serves on the Creighton University Board of Trustees as well as the Business Ethics Alliance, Great Plains Black Museum, Kaneko. He is a member of the Board of Directors at Mutual of Omaha Bank and the Companion Life Insurance Company.

The African-American Leadership Conference is presented by the Empowerment Network of Omaha and features local and national leaders along with allies from every sector.

Tickets available.  2024 African-American Leadership Conference (aalcomaha.com)

For more information on the Empowerment Network, please go to empoweromaha.com

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