Vegetables sprout health, hope in Omaha

The lettuce waiting to be served at the weekly Nebraska AIDS Project meal is fiercely protected. It has survived rain, heat, weeds and the ever-present hungry rabbits.   Its protector is also its cultivator. Kevin Dorenbach is the head gardener of The Big Garden site, tucked in a grassy patch behind the Metropolitan Community Church in Omaha. Nine raised beds are full of leafy, green plants that have been neatly organized and weeded, watered and tended by Dorenbach’s watchful eye...

Ahlschwede honored for her contributions to Omaha community

OMAHA — The Women’s Center for Advancement honored the Rev. Stephanie Ahlschwede, Executive Director of United Methodist Ministries (UMM), as a part of their 24th annual Tribute to Women. Ahlschwede received the award at the annual luncheon on June 7, where she was recognized along with 10 other women from the Omaha community. She was given the award under the social services category. A large group of family, friends and colleagues attended the awards luncheon in honor of...

Omaha's Wesley House to close its doors

After much research, care and consideration, the Wesley House transition team has decided to move forward with the closure of the Wesley House Community Center and sale of the associated properties. The group has signed a purchase agreement for the property with the Omaha Economic Development Corporation (OEDC), a 501c3 non-profit that was created from Wesley House in the 1970s. Many will remember the OEDC executive director, Michael Maroney, from his days as a staff person at Wesley House....