History

 

HELP Adult Services is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that is celebrating its 30^th anniversary. It was first created as a mission by the First Presbyterian Church of Omaha in 1982 to assist those who are underserved. "Toward an Intentional Future" was the document created by Dr. Ross Robson that laid out the future that is HELP Adult Services today. The document was created in May of 1982 and officially began the mission on October 22, 1982.

 

The name of the organization originally was Presbyterian Metropolitan Ministries of Omaha and in 1986 it became a separate non-profit organization. In 1994, the name became Presbyterian Outreach Inc. The current name, HELP Adult Services; a Presbyterian community outreach, was adopted in 2008 as a result of the core mission of adult health supportive services.

 

What was once a vision, became a mission, and then grew into an organization. It transitioned from being a service provided out of a church boiler room to an organization that partners with hundreds of medical, social, and service organizations. And, is now located at the Center Mall on 42^nd & Center, near many of those partner organizations with easy access to the people it serves.

This human services organization empowers individuals and families to gain an improved lifestyle by obtaining health supportive assistance. The two main services provided are:

       · Health & medical Equipment Loan Program (H.E.L.P.)

       · Respite

              - Companion Services

              - Caregiver Resource Library

              - Caregiver Support & Recognition

Both the Health & medical Equipment Loan Program (H.E.L.P.) and Respite Companion Services are very unique in our community. They are truly one-of-a-kind. H.E.L.P. has over 6,000 pieces of medical equipment and durable goods that can be loaned for up to a year for a low processing fee. For example, a manual wheelchair can be used for up to a year for $70 (plus a $20 deposit). In comparison, Alegent Home Health charges $140 a month for the use of a manual wheelchair. The items range from hospital beds, lift chairs and hoyer lifts to briefs, nutritional supplements and walkers. Between 5,000 and 6,000 individuals benefit from this service each year. Benefits received from individuals utilize this service:

      ·  91% were relieved from financial stress

      ·  84% remained independent in their own homes

      ·  38% reported that they were released from the hospital sooner

“Improved his quality of life before he died. He was able to sit outside on the porch and front yard and enjoy the Fall weather before he died.”

“We could get our son home earlier and did not have to go into a nursing home for therapy.”

“I was able to get out of the house during a time when I felt completely useless. It helped me get out of a depressive state of being.”

The Respite Companion service recruits and trains volunteers to provide respite to a family when one is a 24/7 caregiver to a loved-one. This service provides a much needed break for the caregiver, while visiting with the person who is homebound. Most of the people served are those who are recovering from a stroke or are afflicted with Alzheimer’s, ALS or MS. The volunteers are trained to be companions and to stimulate the person’s mental and physical abilities through various activities. All services are non-medical. Although there are for-profit respite companies, these companies charge $18 – $35 an hour. Since HELP Adult Services is able to utilize volunteers to provide the services, there is a minimal charge of only $5 an hour.

      ·  There are 270,000 uncompensated caregivers in Nebraska

      ·  More than 65 million people, 29% of the US population, are caregivers

      ·  The monetary value of family caregiver services is $375 billion annually

HELP Adult Services is able to serve 100 – 150 families with Respite Companionship annually.

      ·  74% remained independent in their own homes

      ·  84% caregivers felt better able to take care of their own health

“Before I discovered HELP Adult Services, I felt I wanted to die.” – stated by a caregiver whose husband developed early Alzheimer’s at age 47.

“When they first call, they are frantic. Once we match them with a Respite Companion, you can hear their relief.” – stated by the Program Manager.

HELP Adult Services recognizes caregivers in the community at the annual Caregiver of the Year event. Nominated caregivers and their family and friends are invited to a free evening of entertainment. It is at the event where they see the appreciation for all of the love and selflessness they give to their loved-one.

Non-profits must be fiscally responsible with the funds they receive. HELP Adult Services is proud to say that out of every $1 received, 93¢ goes to services.

 

Mission & Values

 

Vision

An improved lifestyle by obtaining assistance where needed.

 

Mission

To help individuals attain a greater level of independence and improve their quality of life.

 

Core Values

Community Focused

   -      Provide inclusive programs that provide hope

   -      Offer resources to those in need

   -      Make programs accessible regardless of race, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, or

                  economic status

 

Faith Based

   -      Treat all people with dignity and respect

   -      Empower people to change their lives

   -      Communicate care and compassion for those in need

 

Responsible Management

   -      Assure effective stewardship of resources to meet challenges

   -      Commit to quality and excellence in all we do

   -      Practice visionary leadership

 

Motto

Empowering lives…one person at a time.