From Kalisha’s Desk—December Edition

This winter, Youth Emergency Services (YES) invites our community to “Leave the Light On” for youth experiencing homelessness. Even in the coldest, darkest moments, a guiding light can help guide a young person toward safety, stability, and hope. As the number of youth navigating homelessness continues to grow—we’ve served more than 800 unduplicated young people since July—your support ensures YES can keep that light shining.

Every meal, every warm bed, and every moment of guidance at our Drop-In Center and in our long-term housing programs is possible because of people like you. This season, I invite you to take action in whatever way feels meaningful to you and help brighten the path for young people who need it most.
Give to Keep the Light On

Give to Keep the Light On
Your financial support fuels everything we do—providing safe shelter, basic needs, stability, and life-changing guidance to hundreds of youth each year. A holiday gift to YES keeps our doors open—and keeps the light on—for every young person who turns to us. Donate now at yesomaha.org/donate. When you give before December 31, your contribution will be matched dollar for dollar, up to $25,000, thanks to an anonymous donor. Your generosity will have double the power and double the impact.

Donate Winter Items
When temperatures drop, the need for winter gear rises sharply. Our youth rely on donated coats (in all youth and adult sizes), gloves, mittens, hand and foot warmers, warm blankets, and more to stay safe through the winter. Find a list of our most-needed winter items on Amazon. Donations can be dropped off at the YES Drop-In Center (2602 Harney Street) anytime Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

Sign Up for Our Meal Calendar
A warm, home-cooked (or catered) meal can be a turning point in someone’s day. By signing up for a date on our Monthly Meal Calendar at yesomaha.org/meal-calendar, you can donate a meal that feeds up to 30 youth at our Drop-In Center. On your selected date, simply drop off your meal at 2602 Harney Street, between 11:30 a.m. and 12 p.m. Our team will do the rest!

Your generosity provides nourishment, comfort, and connection to youth who walk through our doors seeking support. This winter and all year long, YES is committed to lighting the way for youth who deserve the chance to feel safe, valued, and seen. With your partnership, we can ensure that no young person stays in the dark. Thank you for leaving the light on—and for helping brighten futures across Omaha.