News & Events

By Josefina Loza

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 7, 2024 – Omaha, NE –

Omaha Bridges, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering under-resourced families, will host an inspiring event at Baxter Arena on Saturday, June 22, 2024. The day will feature a Graduation Ceremony and the first-ever Family Reunion, celebrating more than 70 graduates. The event will draw over 500 attendees, including family members, community leaders, and former graduates, for a day of recognition, festivities, and networking.

Since its inception in 2016, Omaha Bridges has celebrated 1,541 graduates across 127 cohorts, said Marcus Bell, CEO of Omaha Bridges. The organization empowers under-resourced families to change their lives by discovering and overcoming barriers to success. Its mission is to reduce the number of families living in poverty by 50% in the next decade and collaborate with more than 100 community agencies.

“We are thrilled to bring together our graduates, their families, and our supporters for this special day of celebration,” Bell said. “The Graduation Ceremony and Family Reunion not only honor the achievements of our graduates but also strengthen the bonds within our community. It is a unique chance to connect with the hundreds we serve and celebrate our collective success.”

The Graduation Ceremony will take place from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Baxter Arena, 2425 S. 67th St., honoring the participants who recently completed Omaha Bridges’ 9-week educational program. This program provides resources for goal-setting, financial literacy, and job readiness skills.

Immediately following the ceremony, the Family Reunion will offer activities, refreshments, and various vendor booths showcasing the entrepreneurial ventures of graduates, providing a unique opportunity for attendees to support these new businesses.

Omaha Bridges Out of Poverty Announces New CEO

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 2023 – Omaha, NE – Omaha Bridges Out of Poverty is thrilled to welcome Marcus Bell as its new CEO effective September 5^th, 2023.

Founded in 2016 Omaha Bridges Out of Poverty is a nonprofit organization dedicated to breaking the cycle of poverty in the Omaha/Council Bluffs area. Using a new approach to defeating poverty, Omaha Bridges empowers individuals to make changes in their lives to create stability and self-sufficiency.

Marcus Bell succeeds Roger Howard, who announced the search for a successor CEO earlier this year, saying, “The dedication and efforts of our inspiring staff have truly changed lives. With a solid foundation now in place, the time has come to transition to new leadership that will build upon these accomplishments.”

Marcus most recently served as Executive Director at 100 Black Men where he also served as a board member. He brings positivity and a passion for helping others. Marcus, who grew up in the Omaha area, long has had a deep interest in giving back. Marcus said, “I believe that we have the opportunity to defeat poverty in a unique way.  Omaha Bridges is about giving a hand up, not a hand out. By empowering the people we serve with the tools and confidence to transform their lives, we are building a better community.”

Marcus brings a solid business background in banking and insurance along with non-profit and fundraising experience.

The selection committee of current Omaha Bridges Out of Poverty board members partnered with ThinkingAhead Executive Search, a Nashville-based firm focused on non-profit organizations, to find the best fit to lead Omaha Bridges forward.

“We are very excited to have Marcus as our new CEO.” said Board Chair John Langwith.  “With his solid business and non-profit background and his strong connections across our community, we have found the right leader to expand our impact in Omaha and Council Bluffs.”

About Omaha Bridges Out of Poverty:

Omaha Bridges Out of Poverty is a nonprofit organization dedicated to breaking the cycle of poverty in the Omaha and Council Bluffs area. Through a comprehensive 10-week program, Omaha Bridges Out of Poverty equips individuals with the necessary tools and support to overcome barriers to success. Omaha Bridges Out of Poverty has successfully helped over 1,100 individuals graduate from its program, achieving self-sufficiency and stability. Learn more at www.omabop.org.