Every Youth
Every Opportunity
Empowering youth ages 12–24 across Omaha through restorative wellness, civic leadership, and self-determined career pathways.
Our Area of Focus
Three commitments guide our work to put youth in the lead, build an equitable local economy, and ensure every family can access the basics.
- 01
Youth Engagement
Young people help shape the decisions and future of their communities.
- 02
Community Economic Development
We build equitable local opportunities and sustainable pathways to economic power.
- 03
Access to Basic Services
We strengthen community infrastructure so families can live with dignity.
Youth Engagement
Young people don't just deserve a seat at the table — they deserve to help build it. We put youth at the center of decision-making, giving them real influence over the future they'll inherit.
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Community Economic
Development
We work to build a sustainable local economy rooted in equity — one that creates real opportunity and meets the needs of the communities we serve.
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Access to Basic
Services
Every individual and family deserves the standard of living they deserve, regardless of barriers. We strengthen community infrastructure to address the root points of distress.
Explore Program arrow_forwardPartner with Forward Youth Foundation to invest in Omaha’s next generation.
Whether you represent a school district, civic institution, foundation, or local employer, partnering with Forward Youth expands drop-in sanctuary access, funds creative apprenticeships, and co-creates sovereign career pipelines for youth across Omaha.
Five Ways to Step Forward
Whether you are a young person seeking community or a neighbor ready to mentor, there is a place for you.
Walk into the studio. No fees, no referrals needed.
Open weekdays after 2:30 PM. Get homework help, creative studio access, warm meals, transit passes, and caring peer guides.
• Mon–Fri: 2:30 PM – 7:30 PM
• Free Omaha Transit passes provided
• Support in English, Nuer, Dinka, and Spanish
Walk alongside youth with consistency and care.
Commit 4 hours per month to support high school and college students through career navigation, academic advice, and genuine kinship.
• 4 hours / month commitment
• Comprehensive trauma-informed orientation provided
• Open to community members and alumni
Host interns or co-design community programs.
We partner with Omaha Public Schools, local businesses, and municipal bodies to offer paid internships and educational workshops.
• Host paid high-school or young-adult apprentices
• Collaborative civic labs and workshops
• Shared community resource networks
Invest directly in North Omaha youth.
86%+ of all gifts fund youth stipends, daily nutritious meals, wellness programs, and the Nyaliep Kuany Memorial Fund.
• 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization
• One-time gifts & monthly sustainer pledges
• Full financial transparency
Amplify youth-authored recommendations.
Stand with young leaders as they present civic research and testimony to Omaha City Council and the Nebraska Legislature.
• Legislative alerts & hearing schedules
• Youth policy whitepapers & briefs
• Community town halls & forums
Get Connected
Frequently asked questions about our programs & studio.
Who is eligible to participate in Forward Youth programs?
Do youth or families have to pay any fees or tuition?
Where is the drop-in studio located and what are the hours?
How can community members, mentors, or donors get involved?
Have more questions or want to partner?
Our studio team and youth advocates are here to welcome you, answer questions, or schedule a tour of our North 24th Street space.