Our Purpose and Our People - Stephen Center
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Our Purpose and Our People
Our Purpose and Our People
Stephen Center
2026-01-06T15:58:24-06:00
Where We’ve Been
The Faces of Our Leadership
Our Board of Directors
Announcements & Events
Stephen Center has served homeless and low-income individuals in Omaha since 1984.
Stephen Center has grown to include a multi-facility campus designed to support vulnerable men, women and children as they seek to overcome homelessness, addiction and poverty.
Where We’ve Been
In 1983, Sharon and Dick McNeil were deeply moved upon learning of a tragic incident: a man had passed away in a dumpster while trying to keep warm. This heart-wrenching event prompted the McNeil’s to take action, determined that no person should ever suffer such a fate in their community. With a sense of urgency, determination, love, and a bit of stubbornness, they set out on a mission to try and prevent this tragedy from repeating itself.
In partnership with the McNeil family, the St. Vincent de Paul Society of Omaha’s Holy Ghost Church acquired a 103-year-old bar and pool hall on Q Street for $10,000. Officially established as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in December of 1983, the Stephen Center began its mission to serve the community with dignity and respect.
This grassroots initiative transformed the aging structure into a shelter for homeless men by early 1984. From these humble beginnings in a dilapidated former bar and pool hall, Stephen Center has grown into a multi-facility campus dedicated to supporting vulnerable men, women, and children in their efforts to overcome homelessness, addiction, mental health challenges, and poverty.
While the campus has evolved over time, its core value has remained steadfast: to ensure that every individual is treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.
View Stephen Center Timeline
Stephen Center Timeline
1984
Stephen Center opened its doors
to serve men who were homeless and living in poverty.
1989
The emergency shelter was expanded
to house additional people via a $354,000 addition designed by UNL students. This addition to the original building allowed Stephen Center’s homeless shelter to serve women and children for the first time.
1990
The HERO Program was founded
to assist those who have made a commitment to overcome the effects of drugs, alcohol and co-occurring mental illness. HERO is an acronym that stands for Health, Empowerment, Recovery and Opportunity.
1990
The MOBA clinic was founded
to provide free minor medical care and prescription assistance to anyone without health insurance. Local physicians, nurses and medical students volunteered their time. The clinic closed in 2005.
1991
The Stephen Center Guild was established
by Bunnie Kizer and Margaret Johnson (originally called “Stephen Center Sponsors”). Guild members continue to be a valuable fundraising partner, notably through the annual Cruise Away event. Members of the Guild volunteer significant hours to Stephen Center’s mission every year.
1994
The Transitional Living Program started.
Clients graduating from the HERO Program had the opportunity to live in scattered site housing in the south Omaha area. By definition, Transitional Living provides housing and supportive services to homeless persons to facilitate movement to independent living within 24 months.
1999
Administrative offices and eight Transitional Living apartments were constructed
at 27
th
and Q Street.
2005
The HERO Program received state licensure
as a substance abuse treatment facility.
2006
The HERO Program building (John L. Hoich Center for Recovery) was constructed.
The facility was designed as a combination low-income housing and substance abuse treatment center focusing on homeless and low-income individuals. It has the capacity to serve 32 men and 32 women.
2009
Stephen Center’s Thrift Store opened at 5128 S. 24
th
Street.
The Thrift Store accepts donations of clothing, furniture and household items – with proceeds from sales directly supporting Stephen Center’s mission and programs. The Thrift Store also provides jobs and job training to clients, plus vouchers for clients to shop for clothing and other items.
2010
The HERO Program received international accreditation from the Center for the Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF).
Accreditation was renewed in 2013. State licensure and national CARF accreditation is unique in the Omaha community. Stephen Center is the only local emergency shelter with licensed clinical staff and a nationally accredited program to address client addiction and co-occurring mental health needs.
2013
Following project approval and successful fundraising, demolition of the original buildings began and emergency shelter operations were temporarily relocated
to St. Mary’s Parish school at 36th & Q Streets. Following demolition, construction began on the Pettigrew Emergency Shelter and 62 units of permanent supportive housing apartments.
2015
Grand Opening of the Pettigrew Emergency Shelter and permanent supportive housing apartments.
The shelter provides expanded services for men, women and families. Permanent supportive housing (PSH) provides the opportunity for chronically homeless and disabled individuals and families to transition into a permanent housing option with supportive services.
2016
The Stephen Center HERO Juvenile Program was created
to provide non-residential intensive outpatient substance abuse treatment for juveniles ages 13 to 19.
2019
The Stephen Center Pettigrew Emergency Shelter & Permanent Supportive Housing Apartments receive CARF Accreditation.
2020
Successfully navigated the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic with support of our community, clients, staff and volunteers.
2024
Stephen Center celebrates 40 years of serving individuals and families in the Omaha Community.
The Faces of Our Leadership
Officers
Chris Knauf
Chief Executive Officer
JP Castillo
Chief Program Officer
Christopher Frohardt
Chief Financial Officer
Shannon McNeil
Chief Operations Officer
Beth Robbins
Chief Experience Officer
Rex Younkin
Chief Development Officer
Directors
Jamie Eddy-Hernandez
Director of Human Resources
Ethan Newman
Manager Facilities
Robert Wilson
Head Chef and Director of Food Services
Daniel Zak
HERO Program Director
Managers
Shannon Barber
Manager Permanent Supportive Housing
Ashley Cherniss
Manager Culture and Engagement
Cesar Ramirez
Manager Shelter
Krystal Simpson
Manager Hero
Introducing the Board of Directors
Board Officers
Dr. Kylie Widhelm
President
Creighton University
Lenli Corbett Kountze
Secretary
Saving Grace Perishable Food Rescue
Grant Empson
Treasurer
American National Ba
Board Members
James Ambrose
Merrill Lynch
David Amburn
Core Construction
Lesley Brandt
Move Coordinators
Kim Burkhalter
Guild President
Dr. Donna Faber
OneWorld Community Health Center
Cesar Garcia
Canopy South
Jay Koehn
McGrath North Mullin & Kratz, PC
Jeff McGill
Conductix-Wampfler
Amy Mead MBA, BSN, RN, CEN
Nebraska Medicine
Jackie Ryan
Koley Jessen PC
Lindsey Scott Stevens
Don C. Scott Family Foundation
Michael Smith II, CPA
McFarlin & Brokke PC
Drew Sova
White Lotus Group
Hallie Talley
AM Success Agency
Announcements and Activities
Stories of Hope 2026
Gallery
Stories of Hope 2026
Advice
Stories of Hope 2026
Don’t miss this inspiring evening with Pulitzer Prize-Winning Author Mathew Desmond! Thursday, May 7 5:30pm – 8:30pm Heider College of Business at Creighton University • 602 N 20th St. This year, we are honored to welcome Pulitzer Prize-winning author Mathew Desmond, whose groundbreaking work has reshaped the national conversation around poverty and housing in America. Through compelling storytelling and thoughtful dialogue, this special event will explore the [...]
By
Rex Younkin
2026-04-13T15:05:27-05:00
April 13, 2026
Advice
Donation Center Update
Gallery
Donation Center Update
News
Donation Center Update
Exciting things are happening at Stephen Center! As part of critical campus updates, beginning Wednesday, August 13, our Donation Center will temporarily operate on weekends only — Saturdays & Sundays, 12p.m.–4 p.m. While these improvements are underway, we’re pausing furniture donations completely so we can focus on making your giving experience even better. And here’s something you might not know—our community partners work hand-in-hand with us to process your gifts, [...]
By
Stephen Center
2025-08-12T10:53:43-05:00
August 12, 2025
News
Berkshire Hathaway Days
Gallery
Berkshire Hathaway Days
News
Berkshire Hathaway Days
Berkshire Days –  May 2nd and May 3rd
By
Stephen Center
2025-03-02T21:11:50-06:00
February 27, 2025
News
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Pettigrew Emergency Shelter
2723 Q Street, Omaha, NE 68107
402-715-5464
[email protected]
HERO Addiction Recovery
2723 Q Street, Omaha, NE 68107
402-715-5495
[email protected]
Permanent Supportive Housing
2723 Q Street, Omaha, NE 68107
402-715-5458
[email protected]
Administrative Offices
2723 Q St, Omaha NE 68107
402-731-0238
[email protected]
Media & Press Inquiries
Elizabeth [Beth] Robbins
[email protected]
(402)715-5479
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Berkshire Hathaway Days
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123 Main Street, Queens, NY 11435
Phone: (800) 555 5555
[email protected]
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