Dr. Pamies looks to brighten futures for Omaha’s youth

Rubens Pamies, M.D.

The goals are ambitious. But that may be what’s needed to reverse a tragic trend … too many of Omaha’s children living in poverty. The Building Bright Futures initiative takes a comprehensive approach to improving the lives of children and youth.

Rubens Pamies, M.D., UNMC vice chancellor for academic affairs, chairs the adolescent behavior health committee. Investing in a child’s future can spur community growth for years to come, he said.

“With support and encouragement, young people can reach their full potential,” Dr. Pamies said. “From early education initiatives, to proper nutrition, mentoring and intervention for troubled teens, we can fill in the gaps and shape the futures of the next generation of leaders.”

Building Bright Futures began with a group of metro area philanthropists who launched the long-term effort to create an environment where every child can succeed. The ultimate goal will be to provide a college education or vocational training to every low-income child in Douglas and Sarpy counties.

“We know education is the first step to end poverty,” Dr. Pamies said. “It allows graduates to obtain better paying jobs and opens the door to other advancement opportunities.”

Other initiatives include providing a support system for low-income families.

Many parents must work several jobs to make ends meet. In addition, they may not have the parenting skills they need to guide the educational steps of their children. That is where Building Bright Futures and other community organizations like the Empowerment Network and The Urban League are stepping in to fill the gaps and empower families.

“With support and encouragement, young people can reach their full potential. From early education initiatives, to proper nutrition, mentoring and intervention for troubled teens, we can fill in the gaps and shape the futures of the next generation of leaders.” Rubens Pamies, M.D.

This is a community-wide effort to change lives and hopefully prevent another generation from growing up in poverty. Hundreds of people have already given their time to build initial strategies to help children succeed.

“It’s good to live in a community where people genuinely care for their neighbors,” Dr. Pamies said. “People are not only committing financial resources to improve the lives of others, they are giving countless hours of their time.”

But they can’t do it without your help. This week, you have the opportunity to let your voice be heard on the future of Omaha’s children.

Several large community forums will be held to get feedback on strategies to rebuild the lives of our city’s youth and their families. These community forums will feature electronic keypads for interactive voting on proposed initiatives and suggestions.

Free child care and a light meal will be available at all forum sites starting at 5:30 p.m. The following is a schedule of the forums, which each will run from 6 to 8:30 p.m.:

• Tuesday — Omaha North High School, 4410 N. 36th St.;
  
• Wednesday — Livestock Exchange Building, 4920 S. 30th St.; and
  
• Thursday — 6 to 8:30 p.m., Westside Community Center, 3534 S. 108th St.

For more information, visit www.buildingbrightfutures.net.