As we close out 2025 and welcome 2026, I’m taking a moment to reflect on a year of significant transition for COPE.
A Major Chapter Closes
This year, we wrapped up a substantial federally-funded rent and utility assistance grant. Launched in 2021 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, this Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) Program provided financial support and housing stability services to eligible households in Douglas County outside Omaha city limits. Over the program’s life, we administered nearly $10 million according to federal guidelines, helping families through incredibly challenging times.
You’d never know that when you walk into COPE. While our physical space remains humble and welcoming, this program transformed our organization in profound ways. We’ve significantly increased our overall capacity, and we’re eager to apply everything we’ve learned as we expand our program offerings. I’m especially excited to continue discovering what our neighbors truly need from COPE.
Meeting Our Community’s Needs
In tangible goods services at our outreach center, families visited nearly 2,700 times this year, serving almost 10,000 individuals. Neighbors in our service area can shop once per month for clothing, food, and personal care items. This is a crucial service we offer in the community, and we’re proud to be serving our neighbors in need.
I often find myself explaining why COPE exists “way out in West O.” When someone asks if there’s really a need here, it’s hard not to respond, “Ask the 250 families who rely on us every month!” Poverty exists everywhere. This work is my passion, and each time someone questions the need, I see it as an opportunity to shed some light on both the existing demand and the growing need for our services. Our community has tremendous resources to offer, and COPE’s role is to connect neighbors in need with the right resources. When you donate to COPE, you’re contributing to the bigger picture.
Rising to Urgent Challenges
Our enhanced organizational capacity and our amazing outreach center proved essential during the late 2025 government shutdown and SNAP benefits suspension. We were able to respond immediately with additional storage space, a large-scale food drive, and increased food distribution.
We’re also continuing our commitment through Disaster Case Management for families affected by the April 2024 tornadoes. Nearly two years later, many remain displaced and are still working toward recovery. As part of the Tri-County Long Term Recovery Group convened by Omaha Community Foundation, we’re partnering with organizations including Heartland Hope Mission and Society of Saint Vincent de Paul. Together, we’re walking alongside families, helping them access the resources and funding needed to achieve safe, sustainable housing again.
Looking Toward 2026: A Year to Thrive
Our theme for 2025 was “Cohesive”. We added multiple chains of communication including a regularly-updated slide desk on the TV in the reception area, monthly “ask” updates for churches and businesses and implementation of a new volunteer management system that allows us to message specific groups of volunteers to keep everyone in the loop.
My word for 2026 is “Thrive.” This coming year will focus on flourishing and succeeding as we identify and meet our neighbors’ evolving needs. We’ll be asking important questions:
- How can we provide case management that efficiently connects families with accessible resources?
- How can we offer financial assistance that empowers families toward greater stability?
- How can we bridge the gap between families in need and community members who have time, talents, and resources to share?
- Where do service gaps exist, and how might we address them?
My first job was at an agency that provided Speech, Physical, and Occupational Therapy services to schools. When we had difficult meetings, my boss would come along and always center the conversation around the child. He’d say, “First we’re going to talk about what’s best for this kid. Then we’re going to talk about what’s best for this kid’s family. And then and only then are we going to talk about what’s best for this kid’s school.” I’ve carried that principle with me: our clients come first, then COPE, then our broader community. So in 2026, I’ll be asking, “What’s best for the western Douglas County families we serve?”
Join the Conversation
I invite you to be part of this ongoing dialogue. Get in touch. Come visit. I’m open to all kinds of discussion and input about how we can best serve our community together. For COPE to truly thrive, we need strong stakeholders giving us support and input. Let’s talk!
Nancy Lary
Executive Director
