Our History
The vision for the Hope Center for Kids took root in the heart of one man, Pastor Ty Schenzel. Believing that his mission and life purpose was to offer hope to children in the inner-city, Pastor Ty began by building a foundation of trust. He set up discussion groups between the white youth from his West Omaha church and black teens from North Omaha, and through these sessions, the young people gained a better understanding of each other.
In 1994, thanks to the generosity of many people in the community, the former Gene Eppley Boys Club was purchased to provide inner city youth and children with opportunities to grow spiritually, physically, emotionally, socially and intellectually. Today, the Hope Center for Kids offers its 500+ members a place to belong, a sense of security and a multitude of opportunities to grow into productive adults.
Our Strategy
The Hope Center for Kids has designed a unique strategy to transform the lives of children. The strategy includes refuge, education, recreation and daily living skills. Our staff works with more than one hundred volunteers who are helping to implement this 7-B’s strategy.
Bunker (Safe Refuge)- "Relax from the Attacks"
The vision for the Hope Center for Kids took root in the heart of one man, Pastor Ty Schenzel. Believing that his mission and life purpose was to offer hope to children in the inner-city, Pastor Ty began by building a foundation of trust. He set up discussion groups between the white youth from his West Omaha church and black teens from North Omaha, and through these sessions, the young people gained a better understanding of each other.
In 1994, thanks to the generosity of many people in the community, the former Gene Eppley Boys Club was purchased to provide inner city youth and children with opportunities to grow spiritually, physically, emotionally, socially and intellectually. Today, the Hope Center for Kids offers its 500+ members a place to belong, a sense of security and a multitude of opportunities to grow into productive adults.
Our Strategy
The Hope Center for Kids has designed a unique strategy to transform the lives of children. The strategy includes refuge, education, recreation and daily living skills. Our staff works with more than one hundred volunteers who are helping to implement this 7-B’s strategy.
Bunker (Safe Refuge)- "Relax from the Attacks"
- Daily hot meals (Kid’s Cafe)
- A place of innocence
- PS2’s, pool and ping-pong tables
- Thursday night’s "Crown of Praise"
- Bible studies
- Prayer
- Hope Education Center/tutoring
- Computer training
- Art Center
- Social skills training
- Leadership Club
- Hope "tour" training
- HOPE Skate (60+ part-time jobs)
- Y.E.S. T-Shirt Shop
- Paid youth internships (6)
- Hope football team
- Hope basketball leagues
- Soccer/Tennis Clubs
- Weight-lifting
- Volunteering at the Hope Center
- Summer outreach programs
- Service at Hope events
- Hope Missions Squad
- P.O. Box 20143
- 2200 North 20th Street
- Omaha, NE 68120
- 402.341.HOPE
