Date:
November 1-30, 2023
National Runaway Prevention Month
Project Harmony is committed to bringing awareness to missing/runaway youth by recognizing November as National Runaway Prevention Month.
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Time:
All Day
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Location:
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Tickets:
$FREE
Did you know that each year there are an estimated 3,000 reports of missing juveniles through the Omaha Police Department? Missing/runaway youth are often expelled from their home, have experienced trauma, struggle to meet basic needs, and are at increased danger of falling into high-risk situations, including human trafficking.
Project Harmony is committed to bringing awareness to missing/runaway youth by recognizing November as National Runaway Prevention Month. NRPM is a public awareness campaign designed to “shine a light” on the experiences of runaway & homeless youth that too often remain invisible. It is also an opportunity to spotlight the resources available to support youth in crisis throughout the nation.
Through a partnership with OPD, both the Missing Youth Services Program and the Anti-Trafficking Youth Services Program at Project Harmony focus on providing services and support to missing and/or high-risk youth & their families.
How to Observe
- November 1 – Visit any of Zen Coffee’s locations throughout the month of November. Order a Light the Night Matcha drink (it’s a pistachio matcha with toasted marshmallow cold foam) and 20% of sales will go to the Missing Youth Services program at Project Harmony.
- November 1 – The Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge & Capitol District will be green to show support for NRPM.
- November 15 – Donut Leave Them Behind! Kickstart your morning with a sweet treat! Stop by Project Harmony’s drive-through event between 7:00am and 8:30am for a complimentary donut in partnership with Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, a green tea light to illuminate the night on the 17th and more information on how you can get involved.
- November 16 – Recognized as Wear Green Day. Everyone is encouraged to wear green to show your support for NRPM.
- November 17 – Recognized as Light the Night. The following sites will be green: Gene Leahy Mall, Physician’s Mutual, & the Fountain Ridge Fountain. Capitol District & Midtown Crossing (33rd & Dodge) will also feature a graphic for NRPM. Everyone is encouraged to light the night in creative ways to show support.
- Post a picture on social media and include the hashtag #NRPM2023 and #ProjectHarmony.
- Donate – Project Harmony, along with your support, is committed to seeking solutions to this wide spread community problem of our most vulnerable youth. Please take a look at the needed items for our Missing Youth Services and Anti-Trafficking Services program found within the Project Harmony Wishlist.
- Get Involved – Whether you write a check, volunteer, attend a training or an event, you can rest assured that your gift will help provide the services children and their families so desperately need.
National Runaway Prevention Month is spearheaded by the National Runaway Safeline and the Family and Youth Services Bureau. Resources such as the National Runaway Safeline’s 24-hour hotline and online crisis services, as well as counseling services, shelters, food pantries, employment training programs, are essential to youth who are considering running away as well as those living on the streets. You can find more information on the National Runaway Safeline website at: https://www.1800runaway.org/
I recently attended the Testifying Training course. Since that class I have been subpoenaed three times, and I had to testify at each hearing. Without this class I would have been less than prepared and too nervous to be credible. Thank you so much!
- Jenny Lewis
We wish to thank you for your hospitality and the wonderful program and tour of Project Harmony. We are so fortunate to have an organization acting on the behalf of our children with such outstanding enthusiasm and dedication.
- Rotary Club of Omaha Northwest
Thank you so much for coming to Children’s and speaking to our staff. Your talk on “Understanding Poverty” was excellent, and I could see “wheels turning” as some staff members commented on simple ways their interactions might make a difference for children and parents.
- Patty Carrell, CMSW
I have felt that my input has been highly valued and respected when it comes to doing my job, and that is something that speaks volumes to the working environment here at Project Harmony.
- Brenda Jewell
We began collaborating with the Project Harmony through their Connections program last year, and we’ve continued the partnership. Connections represents an extremely valuable partnership and an opportunity to provide our students with a bridge to mental health services.
- Papillion La Vista Community Schools
Our experience and partnership with Project Harmony/Connections has been fantastic! It is a comfort knowing we have a partner who can connect our students and families with the appropriate resources in times of crisis or trauma.
- Millard Public Schools
This shadowing experience actually made me very interested in this field. One aspect that helped me narrow my choice of careers is the environment that Project Harmony had. It was very upbeat, cheerful and bright.
- UNMC High School Alliance Program – Student Journal
We would like to take this opportunity to thank Project Harmony for planning and delivering professional development to our 70 counselors, social workers and community counselors. We feel fortunate to have such a valuable resource in our community to partner with.
- Millard Public Schools
You have a top rate program – really national quality. I’m totally impressed.
- Lisa Fontes
At our last D2 Center Board meeting, I was describing the training and professional development we provide for our staff. At the top of the list was Project Harmony. Please know that you are providing an invaluable service to nonprofits in our community.
- Greg Emmel
Congratulations on the great media coverage of your Stewards class at Project Harmony on WOWT. You did a great job articulating the importance of prevention, and Susan was amazing too. Thank you so much for your partnership and all the important work you are doing.
- Cindy McElhinney – Darkness to Light
Just wanted to know that you made a difference in my life, and I will be using that momentum to make a difference in the lives of others. You are truly a rock star and a role model for me. Thank you for a new life I’m getting the chance to live.
- Anonymous
Many children through my caseload have received a backpack generously donated to the Project Harmony Triage Center. I have witnessed many faces light up when given the opportunity to pick out a new backpack, and I am very grateful for the generosity of the Junior League.
- DHHS – Children & Family Services
I have never felt as valued at other organizations like I do at Project Harmony. I really feel that the culture of a working environment is incredibly important. If an employee feels respected, valued and supported, that person will likely give more to fulfill the mission.
- Javier Castellote
Nick and Javier were great teachers and role players. It gave us an opportunity to see how someone in that situation would have reacted to our questions. They did a great job at showing us the difference between sympathy and empathy.
- Anonymous
I was able to shadow Mr. Nick Zadina. He was in charge of dealing with abused kids and help them. I am thankful to know all the information I learned during shadowing because it was eye opening.
- UNMC High School Alliance Program – Student Journal
The experience at Project Harmony was a deepening reminder of empathy that will be vital in my career as a nurse. I felt my perspective was widened on how others think, especially when discussing the assumptions we make.
- Anonymous
I didn’t know how many people work at Project Harmony, so I drew a lot to show how much Project Harmony means to me!
- Project Harmony Client
As difficult as a removal is on a child, the backpack they receive at Project Harmony provides a sense of belonging and hope. It truly is amazing something that seems so simple can change the perspective and shine light on these children.
- DHHS – Children & Family Services
Great leadership for a wonderful cause with outstanding long-term goals. Keep on doing all the good you do.
- Bill & Jean O’Conner
Project Harmony is the reason I started my journey in college. I just finished my associates and I'm going for my bachelors now in Child Protection and Juvenile Justice. Y'all helped my daughter back in early 2013 and I knew what I wanted to do with my life — help children.
- LaLa Ann
A young lady who works in our field told me that she loved what we do here at Project Harmony — she had been to Project Harmony seven years ago for a forensic interview. She said her positive experience was the biggest reason she is doing the work that she is today.
- Trainee
I found out that my foster son is going to have a forensic interview here at Project Harmony soon. It’s been interesting being on the other side of things and feeling so reassured that the child I care so deeply about is in very caring and capable hands.
- Jessica Kroeker
Nick demonstrated how one person could impact a huge group of student nurses by just attending his presentation. He gave me the reason, the courage to act, and the knowledge how to save victims that I will face in my future nursing career.
- Anonymous
I recently attended the Testifying Training course. Since that class I have been subpoenaed three times, and I had to testify at each hearing. Without this class I would have been less than prepared and too nervous to be credible. Thank you so much!
- Jenny Lewis
We wish to thank you for your hospitality and the wonderful program and tour of Project Harmony. We are so fortunate to have an organization acting on the behalf of our children with such outstanding enthusiasm and dedication.
- Rotary Club of Omaha Northwest
You are part of the solution.
The cycle of abuse does not have to continue, but we can’t end it alone. Anyone has the power to be someone who makes our community a safe place for all children.
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