Vision

Our vision is to empower teens with disabilities across Nebraska to achieve independence and meaningful contributions, blazing a trail for inclusive communities nationwide.

Goals

1. 1.The current facility restricts Our Place’s ability to serve local teens, with space limitations causing overcrowding, safety concerns, and teens being turned away. Lack of dedicated quiet, exercise, and ADA-compliant spaces prevents full participation, especially for those with special needs. A new facility is urgently needed for safety, inclusion, and expanded care.
2. 2.The Freedom Factory initiative at Our Place delivers vocational training and financial independence, enabling teens to develop financial literacy, pride, and entrepreneurial skills by creating and selling their own items. Since November 2022, participants have collectively earned over $1,000 in commissions, demonstrating real-world empowerment for a typically underserved population.
3. 3.The new Our Place facility will serve as a community hub with amenities like a commercial kitchen and gym, enabling partnerships with organizations such as Special Olympics and the Arc. These features promote physical and mental health for teens, while opening the kitchen to groups enhances meal offerings and inclusion, strengthening the facility’s role in supporting the community.