Community in Action, Rooted in Care
The Friends of CRCC is a dedicated collective of volunteers and advocates committed to championing the mission of Connected Roots Care Center. We believe that every child—regardless of their medical or developmental path—deserves the opportunity to grow, learn, and reach their fullest potential. The Friends group serves as a vital bridge between CRCC and the broader community, enhancing CRCC’s impact through purposeful action and strong relationships. By creating joyful experiences for children and families, celebrating and supporting dedicated staff, fundraising to sustain and expand essential services, advocating for inclusion, accessibility, and awareness, and building lasting connections with donors, volunteers, and families, the Friends help strengthen and advance the mission of CRCC.
How We Make a Difference
As a member, you play a vital role in supporting CRCC’s "wraparound" model through direct action, fundraising, and advocacy. Our members serve as the "extended family" for CRCC by:
- Hosting Joy-Filled Events: We plan and staff essential events:
- Organizing volunteer-led activities that bring joy and connection to children and families, including seasonal celebrations, classroom activities, and parent appreciation initiatives.
- Hosting fundraising events and campaigns that help fund critical needs across CRCC centers including services such as inclusive early education, therapy, skilled nursing, and family support programs; infrastructure support and improvement; classroom and programmatic drives.
- Enhancing the Healing Environment: Members lead "beautification" and resource projects—such as refreshing sensory rooms, organizing "needs drives" for specialized equipment and classroom supplies, or curating therapeutic toy libraries—to ensure our facilities remain state-of-the-art.
- Providing Meaningful Support: We offer versatile volunteer hours that support both the children’s daily growth and essential operational needs.
- Collaborating: Members will collaborate with CRCC leadership and families to identify areas of need and to ensure the Friends' efforts align with the evolving priorities of the Center and the children it serves.
- Advocating for Inclusion: We serve as community ambassadors, sharing the CRCC story to help "fill the gap" in funding and awareness, ensuring no child is prevented from receiving specialized nursing, therapy, or education.
Join us as we lead with heart to cultivate hope, health, and a brighter future for over 600 children and families in the Omaha community.
Friends of CRCC Leadership
The Friends of CRCC is now forming its board leadership team. We invite members to step into service in the following positions:
- President
- President-Elect/Secretary
- Treasurer
- VP of Membership
- VP of Fundraising
- VP of Marketing & Communications
- Advisor
- Members-at-Large (up to 3)
Board member duties include:
- Attending regular board and committee meetings (6 to 9 meetings annually)
- Supporting and participating in Friends events and initiatives
- Acting as an ambassador for CRCC in the community
- Contributing to an inclusive, collaborative environment
- Assisting in identifying and cultivating potential supporters (volunteers, donors, partners)
Are you interested in helping shape the future of the Friends of CRCC? We’d love to hear from you. Please contact our Director of Events and Engagement, Annie Bougger, at abougger@crccomaha.org or (402) 895-4000 ext. 411.
