Community Impact Award
Junior League of Omaha Kitchen Connections. Photography by Roger Humphries.
At Core Bank, supporting our community is at the heart of everything we do. That’s why we are thrilled to present a $5,000 Community Impact Award to the Junior League of Omaha, an organization dedicated to empowering women and creating meaningful change through volunteerism, collaboration, and leadership training.
The Junior League of Omaha launched Kitchen Connections in 2021 as a direct response to the growing need for better access to healthy food in the Omaha community. After extensive research and community engagement dating back to 2018, the League identified Hunger & Access to Healthy Food as a critical focus area—and Kitchen Connections was born.
Kitchen Connections Impact
Photography by Roger Humphries.
This innovative program pairs League volunteers with young adults aging out of the foster care system. Acting as Food Mentors, the volunteers meet with participants monthly to cook a healthy recipe together, share stories, and build relationships. What starts as a cooking session becomes a meaningful connection that builds confidence and life skills.
And the impact speaks for itself:
- 140% increase in participants’ confidence in shopping for food
- 114% increase in confidence preparing their own meals
- 180% increase in feeling equipped to cook healthy meals at home
Each quarter, Kitchen Connections concludes with participants receiving a complete kitchen kit—including essential tools like a mini-indoor grill, pots and pans, silverware, plates, utensils, oven mitts, and more. These kits help participants continue their culinary journey and establish healthy habits in their own homes.
“At the Junior League of Omaha, we believe that access to healthy food and the confidence to prepare it are foundational to a thriving life,” shared Jillian Rahe, Junior League of Omaha President. “This support from Core Bank allows us to expand that mission and equip even more young adults with the tools and relationships they need to succeed. We are so grateful for the support!”
Core Bank Community Impact Award
The Community Impact Award from Core Bank will allow Kitchen Connections to serve three full cohorts, each supporting six young adults. The funds will go directly toward program supplies and the life-changing kitchen kits.
We are proud to support the Junior League of Omaha and their work to nourish not only bodies, but futures—one meal, one connection at a time.
Core Bank remains committed to building stronger communities through partnerships that make a real impact. The Core Bank Community Impact Award is granted to an organization every quarter. This Award reflects a deeper commitment to improving economic prosperity, especially for under-resourced individuals, families, and small businesses. Read more about past award winners.
