Big Brothers of Omaha was founded in 1959 and merged with Big Sisters of Omaha to form Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Midlands (BBBSM). In 2024, BBBSM officially combined with Big Brothers Big Sisters Lincoln. BBBSM serves 850+ youth in a 9-county service region in Nebraska and Iowa (Douglas, Sarpy, Cass, Saunders, Lancaster, Seward, Washington, Pottawattamie, and Mills).
BBBSM’s vision is for all youth to reach their full potential. Their mission is to create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth.
Below is an interview with Emma Beebe, Marketing & Outreach Director for BBBSM.
Who is the primary group that you serve with your organization?
BBBSM primarily serves youth ages 7–26 through a variety of mentoring programs:
• Community-Based Mentoring program supports youth “Littles” ages 7–21, pairing them with adult mentors “Bigs.”
• School-Based Mentoring program (MentorU) focuses on high school students, pairing them with adult mentors.
• Big Futures serves alums Littles and Students up to age 26, helping them navigate education, career, and life transitions.
• Each program is designed to provide mentorship and resources tailored to the needs of youth at different stages of their journey.
What makes your organization different from others with a similar focus?
What sets BBBSM apart from other mentoring organizations is the dedicated, ongoing support we provide to every match. Each mentoring relationship is paired with a Match Support Specialist who offers guidance, resources, and regular check-ins to ensure a positive and lasting connection. Additionally, we take a personalized approach to matching and pairing mentors and youth based on shared interests to build strong, meaningful relationships that have a lasting impact.
What are some of your main fundraising events, and when are they held?
BBBSM’s largest annual fundraiser is Bowl for Kids’ Sake, a fun and engaging way for corporations, donors, and community members to support our mission. Participants create teams of 5-6 people, set a fundraising goal, rally their networks to contribute, and, after meeting their goal, celebrate with an hour and a half of free bowling at Spare Time, complete with pizza, drinks, and more! Bowl for Kids’ Sake 2025 will take place April 23–25.
Another exciting fundraiser is the Fore Potential Golf Outing, which has been reimagined for 2025! This year, the event will take place at Topgolf, offering a fresh and interactive experience. More details about this new format will be shared as the event approaches. Fore Potential will be held in September 2025.
Who are the main members/leaders of your organization?
Nichole Turgeon, President and CEO, has led BBBSM for nearly twenty years and is also a dedicated Big Sister.
Are there any local businesses that have been especially helpful in sponsoring or supporting your organization?
BBBSM is incredibly grateful for the support of its corporate partners, community resource partners, and match discount partners. These businesses provide financial contributions, essential resources for youth and families, and meaningful opportunities that help matches thrive together. Their generosity plays a vital role in advancing our mission and making a lasting impact in the community.
How do you get the word out about your organization?
BBBSM raises awareness about its mission through community tablings, presentations, mentor socials, and outreach to clubs, businesses, and groups. They also engage with the community through LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram social media. Additionally, our volunteers, donors, and families are some of our strongest advocates, sharing impactful stories and helping spread the word about the life-changing power of mentoring.
Where do you see your organization in 5 years? 10?
BBBSM is committed to expanding its impact by reaching more youth and connecting them with caring adult mentors. Additionally, they aim to strengthen their wraparound services to provide even greater support for families. In recent years, BBBSM has experienced significant growth and innovation, but its primary focus remains the same—empowering local youth to reach their full potential.
If someone asked how they could help your organization, what would you tell them?
There are many ways to support BBBSM and make a difference in the lives of local youth:
• Become a mentor – Volunteer as a Big Brother, Big Sister, Big Couple, or MentorU Mentor to provide guidance and friendship to a waiting youth.
• Donate – Financial contributions help us create and support life-changing mentoring relationships.
• Donate supplies – Support our Back-to-School drive by providing essential school supplies for the youth we serve.
• Give during the holidays – Participate in our Adopt-A-Family program to support families in need during the holiday season.
• Host a BBBSM speaker – Invite our team to speak at your business, organization, or event to spread awareness.
• Donate tickets – Provide sporting or community event tickets for our matches to enjoy memorable experiences together.
• Spread the word – Share our mission with your network and encourage others to get involved!
Every action, big or small, helps us make a lasting impact in the lives of young people.
What are the biggest needs of your organization right now?
BBBSM’s greatest need is adult mentors for the many young people on their waitlist. Approximately 100 young people are waiting to be matched with a caring adult, with the majority being boys in need of a Big Brother or Big Couple. Additionally, as a donor-supported organization, financial contributions are always essential. These gifts help them create and sustain life-changing mentoring relationships while providing valuable resources for the youth and families they serve.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
If you’d like to learn more about BBBSM’s impact, get involved as a volunteer, or donate, please visit www.BBBSMidlands.org.
