Omaha nonprofit partners with Nebraska to help families overcome poverty

OMAHA, Neb. —

An Omaha nonprofit has partnered with Nebraska’s Department of Health and Human Services to provide one-on-one mentoring and career-building programs aimed at helping families overcome poverty and transition off public assistance.

Jessabelle Chandler, a mother of five, is one of the individuals benefiting from the program. Two years ago, her family was in crisis and homeless. She turned to the Guiding Grace Family Support Network for help.

“They’re the reason I do it. They’re my motivation,” Chandler said, referring to her children.

Gina Tomes, who runs the Guiding Grace Family Support Network, described the organization’s approach.

“It’s a step-by-step program. However, it’s possible,” Tomes said. “When we’re talking about dismantling homelessness and poverty, we have to address each family’s barriers individually.”

Chandler said her caseworker, Holly Jones, supports her during difficult times.

“I just wanted to give up, and she gave me a lot of hope and just told me to keep going. You can’t do this alone,” Chandler said.

Jones, who works closely with Chandler, said, “And then the next step is to start working on that resume, and we’ll get your income going up.”

Guiding Grace helped Chandler secure a job, a car, SNAP food assistance, and safe subsidized housing. Chandler said the support has been a lifeline.

“I can always call her and know she’ll answer and be there for me and my kids,” Chandler said.

The nonprofit recently signed a new contract with Nebraska DHHS to serve 250 families through a program to level up the employment and skills of clients.

“It’s an employment pathways program where we’re working with families on food stamps. Currently, we’re working with them on next steps. What’s it like to be off government assistance?” Tomes said.

Chandler has made significant progress, recently becoming a shift supervisor at her workplace, a fast food restaurant. With the help of Guiding Grace, she created a budget and identified her strengths through testing.

“I’ve always wanted to be an ultrasound tech,” Chandler said, sharing her career aspirations.

Her case managers will continue to guide her through challenges and goals, including balancing work, school, and family responsibilities.

“How you’re going to keep a job, how you’re going to go to school,” Jones said, describing the support provided.

While Chandler is proud of her progress, she remains focused on her ultimate goal.

“It’s still housing, and I want to be able to get out of housing, get out of state assistance, and be able to tell my kids I made it without all that,” Chandler said.

Tomes emphasized the importance of patience in the process, saying there’s no quick fix.

Guiding Grace is making an impact nationwide. They’ve merged with an organization in Florida that will become a training site for the rest of the nation. Tomes said 75 organizations around the country want to be trained and affiliated.

To learn more, go to Guiding Grace Network