A New Chapter Begins: Introducing the OHB Community Impact Kitchen
At Omaha Home for Boys, we’re excited to share the next step in our work to support youth and families, the launch of our OHB Community Impact Kitchen. This new initiative is built around two simple but meaningful goals: to provide nutritious meals to those who need them and to create opportunities for hands‑on skill building.
This work is rooted in what we see every day. People in our community need consistent access to healthy food—something as basic as a reliable, nutritious meal—and many young people benefit from opportunities to build practical skills that help them move forward. The OHB Community Impact Kitchen brings both of those needs together in one place.
Meeting a Real and Ongoing Need
Access to reliable, nutritious food remains a challenge for many individuals and families across Omaha. For some, that means skipping meals. For others, it means relying on whatever food is available, not always what is healthy.
The OHB Community Impact Kitchen is designed to help close these gaps by preparing and providing high‑quality meals in a setting that is welcoming, consistent, and grounded in dignity. Operating out of our existing but reimagined dining hall, the Kitchen allows us to expand access to meals both on our campus and through trusted community partners, making it easier for food to reach people where they are.
Building Skills Through Real‑World Experience
Alongside food access, the Kitchen also serves as a place for hands‑on learning. Youth and participants who choose to engage will have opportunities to take part in daily kitchen operations, learning skills like food preparation, teamwork, time management, and responsibility.
These experiences happen in real time, in a real kitchen, with real impact. Participants contribute to preparing meals that serve others, building both confidence and a sense of purpose along the way.
Serving Our First Meals
This important work is already beginning to take shape. The OHB Community Impact Kitchen has officially served its first meals in partnership with RADIUS, a local organization that, like Omaha Home for Boys, supports justice‑involved teens. This marks a significant moment that turned months of planning into something real.
“Both our youth and staff thoroughly enjoyed the meals and the overall dining experience,” shared Alice Lewis, Chief Finance and Administration Officer at RADIUS. “The quality, presentation, and consistency were evident, and we have already received positive feedback. We are excited about this partnership and look forward to working together to provide nutritious, high-quality meals for the youth we serve.”
A Partnership Making This Possible
This work is also made possible through the leadership of Medica, our founding partner, whose early investment and belief in this vision have been a driving force in bringing the OHB Community Impact Kitchen to life.
“At Medica, we believe health starts long before someone enters a clinic,” said Pat Bourne, Medica Market President, Nebraska. “Food insecurity and employment instability drive poor health outcomes, stress, and long-term healthcare costs. The OHB Community Impact Kitchen addresses the root causes, not just symptoms.”
Looking Ahead
As the Community Impact Kitchen continues to expand, so will its impact, reaching more individuals, strengthening partnerships, and creating more opportunities for connection and learning across Omaha.
“Our goal is simple but meaningful,” said Jeff DeWispelare, President and CEO of Omaha Home for Boys. “When people have access to consistent, nutritious meals, it creates a stronger foundation for everything else, like health, stability, and opportunity. Our Community Impact Kitchen allows us to meet that need in a way that also brings people together and creates space for growth. We’re excited about what this will mean not just for the youth we serve, but for our entire community.”
This is just the beginning. Because at its core, this work is about more than food; it’s about making sure people have what they need today and a stronger path forward tomorrow.
Watch the Impact in Action
Community Impact Kitchen aims to alleviate food insecurity in Omaha – Metro NCN