As Mutual of Omaha celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2009, the company is teaming up with the Mutual of Omaha Foundation to give back to the Omaha community through “100 Days of Caring.”

The 100-day volunteer initiative runs from April 16 through July 24. During this time, Mutual of Omaha employees are stepping out of the office and volunteering at local community agencies. Volunteer projects range from construction and landscaping to sorting and organizing.

The project will culminate with Mutual of Omaha’s Wild About Omaha Weekend, a citywide celebration commemorating Mutual of Omaha’s Centennial, July 24-25, 2009.

100 Days of Caring features volunteer opportunities for Mutual of Omaha employees at the following organizations:

Boys & Girls Clubs of the Midlands
The mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Midlands is to inspire and enable all young people to realize their full potential as productive, responsible, healthy and caring citizens. The organization also provides children a safe place to go when school is not in session. Learn more about Boys & Girls Clubs of the Midlands.

Girls Inc. Omaha
Girls Inc. is a research, education and direct advocacy organization that inspires girls to be strong, smart and bold. Programs based on research gathered at the Girls Inc. National Resource Center encourage girls ages 5 to 18 to take risks and master physical, intellectual and emotional challenges. Programs are offered through a network of 1,000 sites nationwide and are facilitated by trained professional staff. Learn more about Girls Inc.

Heart Ministry Center
Heart Ministry Center works to provide basic necessities, educational opportunities, health outreach and support to individuals and families in need in North Omaha and surrounding areas. Learn more about Heart Ministry Center.

Heartland Family Service
Heartland Family Service provides a variety of services to protect children, help adults and strengthen families. They offer education, counseling and support to give people the assistance they need to get back on their feet and look toward a brighter future. Learn more about Heartland Family Service.

Nebraska Food Bank Network
The mission of the Nebraska Food Bank Network is to alleviate hunger. The organization collects donated food through local food drives and from local food manufacturers, food distributors and grocery stores and partners with more than 360 organizations in eastern Nebraska and western Iowa to distribute the food, as well as donated household and personal items, to people in need. Learn more about the Nebraska Food Bank Network.

Omaha Street School
The Omaha Street School was founded in 1999 to serve high school students who have been unsuccessful in traditional learning environments. Located in North Omaha, the school offers these at-risk youth a second – and often last – chance to earn their high school diploma in an educationally nurturing environment with small class sizes and quality teachers. Learn more about the Omaha Street School.

The Salvation Army
Headquartered in Omaha, the Salvation Army Western Division includes 28 Corps Community Centers in Nebraska, South Dakota and western Iowa. Last year, the Salvation Army Omaha served more than 167,000 people through their many programs. Learn more about the Salvation Army.

Siena/Francis House
Founded in 1975, the Siena/Francis House is Nebraska’s largest homeless shelter, providing food, emergency shelter and clothing to homeless men, women and children. The Siena/Francis House offers a residential chemical addiction treatment center, a Day Services Center, an employment-training program and a medical clinic. Learn more about the Siena/Francis House.

Stephen Center
Stephen Center partners with the community, families and individuals to overcome homelessness, addiction and poverty. Stephen Center, Inc. has served the homeless and low-income men, women and children in Omaha since 1984. The organization has three programs: the Emergency Shelter which is the only dry shelter in the Metro area, the HERO Program which is a state-licensed substance abuse treatment program that also serves those with a co-occurring mental illness and a Transitional Living Program. Learn more about Stephen Center.

Youth Emergency Services
Youth Emergency Services (YES) is a source of hope and guidance for homeless, street dependent and at-risk youth. The organization provides shelter and support in an effort to let youth know there are people who want to help them turn their lives around. YES has provided short-term emergency shelter for teens in crisis since 1974. Learn more about Youth Emergency Services.

Big Garden Project
The Big Garden Project is a network of community gardens in Omaha created to empower neighbors to grow nutritious food, build community relationships, create safe neighborhood spaces and develop healthy lifestyles. The Big Garden Project partnered with 100 Days of Caring garden projects at Girls Inc., Heartland Family Service and Youth Emergency Services. Learn more about the Big Garden Project.

Lauritzen Gardens
Located in Omaha, Lauritzen Gardens is a living museum of unique four-season plant displays, maintained to the highest standards consistent with environmental stewardship. Learn more about Lauritzen Gardens.

Catholic Charities
The mission of Catholic Charities is to serve, empower and advocate for individuals and families in need. Learn more about Catholic Charities.

City of Omaha – Parks & Recreation
The City of Omaha Parks & Recreation Department is responsible for the maintenance of all city parks in Omaha. They welcomed the opportunity to work with Mutual of Omaha volunteers on some of their park clean-up projects. Learn more about the City of Omaha Parks & Recreation Department.