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Ward Chambers, M.D., associate professor of cardiology and Aura Whitney-Jackson, community liaison in the Center for Reducing Health Disparities, helped launch the South Omaha Community Care Council. |
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From left: Keith Mueller, Ph.D., interim dean of UNMC’s College of Public Health, Aura Whitney-Jackson, community liaison in the Center for Reducing Health Disparities, Alexander Sanchez, United Way senior vice president of community impact leadership, and Shireen Rajaram, Ph.D., interim director of UNMC’s Center for Reducing Health Disparities, enjoy the anniversary banquet. |
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Board members from the SOCCC celebrate 10 years of service to the south Omaha community. |
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Keynote speaker Alexander Sanchez, United Way of America senior vice president for community impact, said he was impressed by the council’s strong partnerships and community work. |
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Hundreds of community members gather at the Livestock Exchange Building to praise the work of the SOCCC. The council includes 95 agencies. |
Housing, health care, services for the elderly and youth activities are just some of the programs designed by the South Omaha Community Care Council (SOCCC) to benefit the south Omaha community.
This year, the SOCCC celebrates 10 years of service. The partnership, formed by UNMC, began as a way to address health needs of the south Omaha patient population.
“From the very beginning, UNMC leaders met with the south Omaha community to hear their needs and concerns about health care,” said Aura Whitney-Jackson, community liaison in UNMC’s Center for Reducing Health Disparities in the College of Public Health. “Together we built a partnership that provides support and resources to people who live in this growing community.”
The SOCCC has grown to include 95 social service agencies. It is a strong voice for the south Omaha community.
“We want to be visible in the community so that citizens know there are resources available to assist them in every part of their life,” said Alberto Cervantes, SOCCC president. “As a council, we value the relationships we have in the south Omaha community. However, our goal is to create partnerships across the city.”
National United Way leader, Alexander Sanchez, recently praised the work of the SOCCC at a banquet celebration. Hundreds gathered at the Livestock Exchange Building to recognize the valuable services provided by the all-volunteer organization.
Sanchez told the group that their work is even more critical during a recession. The needs of families increase and the funding for non-profits often does not keep pace with need. However, he encouraged the group to continue making a positive difference on the Omaha community.
During the last 10 years, the SOCCC leadership developed various successful programs including:
- Heartland Latino Leadership Conference — an annual event;
- Bi-National Health Week — annual partnership with Mexico to address health Hispanic health needs;
- Every Shot is Through the Heart — a coalition against youth violence;
- Mentoring partnerships with Omaha Public Schools;
- NATI — program to train interpreters; and
- Numerous health education fairs.
All metropolitan health care institutions have been strong partners with the SOCCC. In addition, the council has received support from banking institutions including Wells Fargo, and from numerous non-profit agencies and corporations.
“It is a tremendous experience for us to partner with the SOCCC,” said Maria Valentin, community representative at ConAgra Foods. “The council created an opportunity for us to engage with the south Omaha community. As a corporate citizen, we know that the financial support we provide to the council is having a great impact. We are happy to partner with the SOCCC and build on the momentum that is already happening in this community.”