Innocence Freed is dedicated to providing shelter, healing, and hope to child sexual exploitation and human trafficking. Guided by the love of God, we bridge the gap between despair and recovery, offering comprehensive care and unwavering support.
Julie Shrader is the founder and CEO of Innocence Freed, an anti-trafficking NGO in Nebraska, following her 12 years as the leader of Rejuvenating Women, now known as Restored Wings. Throughout her tenure, Julie worked closely with hundreds of trafficking survivors, developing a deep understanding of their struggles and needs. In 2021, she envisioned an innovative on-site animal therapy residential program for trafficked children, and after three years of fundraising, the children's ranch was acquired in August 2023. However, in March 2024, Julie faced a significant setback when she was asked to leave Restored Wings, a ministry she had founded and nurtured, leading her to navigate a challenging transition while remaining faithful to her mission.
Despite this adversity, Julie's resilience shone through as she established Innocence Freed and a consulting business dedicated to combating human trafficking. Her personal experiences with homelessness and addiction enhance her empathy and understanding of survivors' challenges, driving her commitment to creating supportive healing environments like the Animal-Assisted Therapy Ranch. Julie actively raises awareness about human trafficking, educating various organizations on prevention and response strategies, which underscores her holistic approach to this complex issue. Balancing her advocacy with family life, Julie finds joy in running, exercising, and spending time with her husband, daughter, and grandsons, all of whom provide her with strength and motivation in her vital work.
This Thursday, September 26, 2024, is Rotary Guest Day! This is a fantastic opportunity for you to invite prospective members to join us. The best part? Rotary will cover the cost of your guest's lunch!
Let’s make this Rotary Guest Day memorable by sharing our Rotary spirit and values with potential new members. Thank you for your proactive involvement in growing our Rotary community!
Join us for an exciting Rotary After Hours event hosted by Jennifer Jirak-Brungardt of Cruise Planners on Thursday, October 3, at Beacon Hills, 6750 Mercy Rd, Omaha, NE 68106! This special evening will feature a captivating presentation on the Rocky Mountaineer trip, following the RI Convention in June 2025.
The presentation will be brief yet engaging, lasting about 25 minutes, allowing ample time for socializing, enjoying drinks, and sharing travel stories. Don’t miss this fantastic opportunity to explore an incredible travel experience and connect with fellow Rotarians in a relaxed, enjoyable setting. We look forward to seeing you there!
We are pleased to welcome Richard Runnels as our newest Rotarian, sponsored by Terri Greenwood. Richard is embracing an exciting new chapter in his retirement with the launch of Pickleball Adventure Travel, a business that caters to the rapidly growing pickleball community by offering adventurous travel experiences to destination hotspots. With pickleball becoming a favorite pastime for many, Richard's new venture taps into a niche market that combines travel with sports and recreation.
Before starting this new business, Richard had a distinguished career as the CEO of Reality-Based Leadership, a leadership development and training company that made a significant impact locally by helping businesses and individuals develop practical leadership skills. In addition, he founded Bulletproof Talent, a company specializing in employee engagement surveys, helping organizations boost employee satisfaction and performance through actionable insights. Richard’s earlier professional background includes holding several leadership roles in manufacturing and engineering, demonstrating his versatility across industries.
Outside of his professional accomplishments, Richard takes great pride in being a father to four sons, reflecting his deep connection to family and community. We are excited to have Richard as part of our Rotary family and look forward to the positive contributions he will bring to our club.
Richard Runnels with his Rotary sponsor Terri Greenwood and President Zach Ziler
September is Basic Education and Literacy Month for Rotary. As I am visiting clubs in our district, it is fantastic to see the number of clubs that are recognizing students for academic achievement, giving out dictionaries to grade schoolers and awarding scholarships to high school seniors to help support our next generation of leaders.
In addition, I would like to thank PDG Kathryn Schubert and her committee for all of the work that they have put in to bring the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) back on October 11-13 at Camp Sonshine in Roca, Nebraska. We truly are "People of Action".
I would also like to thank our District Conference Committee, led by James Mackiewicz for all of the work that they are doing to plan a terrific "Fusion 5650 District Conference".
We will be hosting the conference on October 18th and 19th at the Downtown Omaha Marriott. Please make plans to attend. The discounted conference rate and the room rate will end on September 20th.
We are working on a great agenda that will include Don Eckles, Co-founder of Scooters as our keynote speaker at the District Luncheon on Friday. PDG Barbara Bartles will present on her group's NID trip to India on Saturday. We will have some interactive roundtable discussions on Membership Recruitment and Public Image best practices and more. We will post the entire agenda soon. I hope to see you all there.
Omaha, NE, August 29, 2024 — In a generous act of philanthropy, Rotarian Tom Vann has made a significant contribution to the Suburban Rotary Charitable Foundation, donating $50,000 to establish the Tom and Gina Vann Scholarship Fund. This fund aims to provide educational opportunities to deserving students, reinforcing the Rotary's commitment to service and community development.
Tom Vann, a devoted Rotarian for 39 years, has consistently exemplified the Rotary ideal of "Service Above Self." His longstanding dedication to the organization is evident in his recognition as a Paul Harris Fellow +9, an honor awarded to individuals who have made substantial contributions to the Rotary Foundation. Additionally, Tom is a Major Donor, reflecting his deep commitment to supporting the Rotary International Foundation's global initiatives.
This scholarship fund is a testament to Tom and Gina Vann's enduring legacy of service and their belief in the transformative power of education. Their generosity will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on the lives of many students, helping them achieve their academic goals and pursue successful futures.
Below is Tom's remarks at Rotary:
It is with immense joy and profound humility that my wife, Gina Vann, and I are honored to donate $50,000 to the Suburban Charitable Foundation for our Scholarship Program. Suburban Rotary has truly distinguished itself in the Omaha Metro area by providing college scholarships to outstanding students who excel academically despite facing significant physical challenges.
Today, I must express my deepest gratitude to my father, Howard Vann, the visionary Founder of Suburban Rotary, and my mother, Judy Vann, who is with us today. They have instilled in me the value of giving back to the community that has given my family and me more than we could ever need in our lifetime.
To my fellow Suburban Rotarians, I am grateful for the privilege of your company in our collective mission to make a difference in the lives of others, both here and abroad. Your dedication to "Service Above Self" has positively impacted countless lives in ways that words cannot fully capture. I am fortunate to be associated with such a remarkable group of individuals.
As I continue to work diligently in my industry, I am committed to doing more for our causes in the future. Together, we will keep pushing the boundaries of what we can achieve, knowing that our efforts today will create a brighter tomorrow for many.
Thank you, each and every one of you, for being a Rotarian and for making a difference in this world. The impact of your service reaches farther than you may ever know.
L to R: Tom Vann with his wife Gina Vann, his mother Judy Vann, Suburban Trustees Chair Katie Henry, and President Zach Ziler
The annual summer party at John Hoich's picturesque lake house was an unforgettable experience, filled with laughter, camaraderie, and great memories. John Hoich extends his heartfelt thanks to all the Rotarians and guests who joined in on the festivities, making the day truly special. The event was a fantastic opportunity to strengthen bonds within the community while enjoying the beauty of the lake and the warmth of good company. John's generous hospitality and the lively atmosphere made it a highlight of the summer, and he looks forward to creating even more memories with everyone in the years to come. Thanks to Dan Hosford for helping coordinate the party. Below is a video from the party submitted by Dan Hosford or copy/paste this link to your browser:https://youtu.be/vGRH2DXTAk4?feature=shared
Rotary Fellowships are international groups that share a common passion. Being part of a fellowship is a fun way to make friends around the world, explore a hobby or profession, and enhance your Rotary experience.
How do I join a fellowship?
Membership in a fellowship is open to any interested individual. You can contact a fellowship directly by using the link below. https://www.rotary.org/en/our-programs/more-fellowships
Thanks to the foresight of the Rotary Club of Bucyrus, Ohio, students were outfitted with 6,600 pairs of glasses for the 8 April total solar eclipse. In late 2022, with the eclipse still nearly two years away, “we talked about how neat it would be to get solar eclipse glasses for every school in our county for their students for the big event,” says Julie Rexroad, a club member, Interact club adviser, and science teacher at Wynford Local Schools. Once the club approved the $4,300 purchase, members designed, ordered, stored, and eventually delivered the glasses, purchased online from a company recommended by a local astronomy club. “Our location in Ohio is in the totality zone, and it is a once-in-a-lifetime event for most,” Rexroad says. For those missing out, northern Ohio can always look forward to 2099.
Canada
Atop self-crafted engineering marvels of corrugated paper and tape, about 80 cardboard toboggan enthusiasts sledded during a timed contest of the Rotaract Club of North Simcoe, Ontario, in February. The challenge is held in conjunction with Penetanguishene’s Winterama, a 76-year-old staple in the town, and is open to competitors at no cost, attracting as many as 160 each year. “We’ve seen so many amazing sleds, and each year they get even better,” Club President Elana Durtnall says. The club awards prizes for categories such as most creative, most team spirit, and fastest sled, with the speediest clocked at about 28 kilometers per hour (17 mph) by the radar of auxiliary officers of the Ontario Provincial Police. Club members handle tasks such as registration, social media promotion, sponsorship acquisition, and assistance with building a Rotaract cardboard toboggan used to promote the event in the parade the previous day.
Belize
The Rotaract Club of Belize City is renovating a rural school and a Rotary club-sponsored park as part of its youth-focused agenda. In April, club members met at the Hattieville Government Preschool to paint restrooms and complete other beautification work. A later phase will include new toilets. “We’ve been able to replace chalkboards in 10 classrooms with whiteboards and to donate a printer and other school and hygiene materials,” says Kristoff Nicholson, immediate past president. The club partnered with a telecom provider and raffled off smartphones to help pay for the project. It also received a District 4250 grant of $1,000. In March, club members replaced basketball and goal nets and painted benches and a playset at Love Park in Balama, another element of the project, Nicholson says.
Colombia
In January, the Rotary Club of Cúcuta-Ciudad de Arboles purchased about $600 of school supplies and delivered 100 sets of notebooks, pencils, pens, erasers, sharpeners, and more to students in the city. It’s about 350 miles northeast of Bogotá. Club members also visited with students in the neighborhood of Las Delicias, says Dora Patricia Lobo, a past president of the club. “The hustle and bustle and joy of these students when they receive their school package warms our souls and encourages us to continue,” Lobo says. More than 1,400 students have benefited since the project began.
Consider visiting another Rotary club for a make-up! Rotary.org has a club finder for locations around the world. Please see the District website at rotarydistrict5650.org for details on local clubs. Visit one of the following Metro-Area Clubs!
Monday: Omaha Millard Rotary, 12:00 pm, German American Society, 3717 South 120th St.
Tuesday: Omaha Morning 7:00 am, 88 Tactical, 15350 Shepard St., Suite 1, Omaha NE 68138
Tuesday: Omaha Northwest, 12:00 pm, Sand Point, New England Fare, 655 North 114th Street. Omaha, NE 68154
Wednesday: Omaha Downtown, 12:00 pm, Trinity 113 N 18th St., Omaha, NE 68124
Wednesday: Council Bluffs Centennial: 7:00 am, Hy-Vee Community Room 1745 Madison Avenue Thursday: West Douglas County, 12:00 PM Elkhorn Public Schools Foundation 20272 Veterans Drive
Thursday: Council Bluffs, 12:00 pm, Hoff Family Arts & Culture Center, 1001 South 6th Street
Friday: Omaha West, 12:00 pm, Charlie's on the Lake, 4151 S 144th St., Omaha, NE 68137
Email Yolanda for make-up/attendance credit at yolanda@suburbanrotary.org.
Julie Schrader
We are pleased to welcome Richard Runnels as our newest Rotarian, sponsored by Terri Greenwood. Richard is embracing an exciting new chapter in his retirement with the launch of Pickleball Adventure Travel, a business that caters to the rapidly growing pickleball community by offering adventurous travel experiences to destination hotspots. With pickleball becoming a favorite pastime for many, Richard's new venture taps into a niche market that combines travel with sports and recreation.
United States
Canada
Belize
Colombia
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