ADVANCING TRUE NORTH 2017 ANNUAL REPORT NORTHSTAR MISSION To change young men’s lives through programming that supports, challenges, inspires and instills a life rooted in education, self-discipline and service to the community.

This report was produced for the NorthStar Foundation and Omaha Outward Bound School in part through generous in-kind contributions by Turnpost Creative Group.

2 | OMAHA OUTWARD BOUND SCHOOL @OBOMAHA OUTWARDBOUNDOMAHA.ORG DEAR FRIENDS OF NORTHSTAR,

Polaris, the North Star, serves as a marker to guide explorers along their paths, ensuring they can identify “true north” and move in the right direction to meet their goals. In the same way, the NorthStar Foundation was formed with the mission of guiding North Omaha’s young men along the paths that will lead them to bright futures: supporting their academic endeavors and giving them the tools they need to achieve success.

In 2017, we continued to grow in that mission, in both the number of students we served and the opportunities available for those students. What began as a program for 5th-8th grade boys in 2014 has grown to welcome 3rd-12th graders in 2017, ensuring that North Omaha’s young men have access to a safe and supportive community after school and over the summer throughout these vital years of social development and academic growth. With the official opening and dedication of the HDR Leaders and Achievers Classroom in June, our high school students now have a designated space to help them prepare for and attain their goals leading to high school graduation.

We also continued to see an increase in the members of our NorthStar family. The number of students enrolled in after-school programming increased by 38%, while enrollment numbers for Camp NorthStar Summer School increased by 49%. With average onsite daily attendance increasing by 40% each year since opening, NorthStar realized programmatic and facility capacity for its summer services at 200 students per day in 2017. Similarly, NorthStar will reach capacity in its after-school program setting at 180 students per day, serving grades 3-12, in 2018.

2017 BOARD In response to growing student numbers, and to continue our strategy of providing OF DIRECTORS transformative outcomes for our young men through low student-to-staff ratios, we increased our staff capacity in May 2017 by welcoming a second Academic Manager John “Buzz” Garlock Chair to our full-time team. This new position took responsibility for managing elementary Ryan Downs grade curriculum, allowing our existing Academic Manager to focus on curriculum Vice Chair for middle and high school students. We anticipate the addition of a third Academic Scott Hazelrigg Manager to our team in mid-2018, ensuring that each one of our program participants President receives the attention he needs to meet his academic objectives. Susie Buffett Secretary Through your many generous contributions, NorthStar students are finding their Todd McQueen paths and achieving incredible successes both in and out of the classroom. Treasurer Thank you for your continued and vital support of our young men. Anthony Anderson Sincerely, Lili Buffett Henry A. Davis Deanne Fairfield Roy Patterson Kenny Rocker Scott Hazelrigg, J.D. Karnetta Rushing President, NorthStar Foundation Scott Semrad [email protected]

2017 ANNUAL REPORT | 3 FINDING TRUE NORTH

OPPORTUNITY GAPS FOR NORTH OMAHA BOYS

According to U.S. Census figures, is home to 12,000 school- aged black male youth (ages five to 19 years old). Over 9,300 of these young men reside in the Greater INDICATORS Omaha Metropolitan Area, with 40% OMAHA METRO concentrated in the North Omaha neighborhood—zip codes 68104 and 68111—comprising NorthStar’s area BLACK WHITE of geographic focus.1 MALES MALES

Significant fissures in the P-20 pipeline –the educational Male youth % % pathway spanning early childhood (0-17) in poverty 44 16 education, the K-12 system, through postsecondary education and labor force participation—hem in the Males 25+ with life prospects of North Omaha’s an associates % % boys. Profound disparities in familial degree or higher 57 73 income, educational attainment, and employment illustrate the devastating effect that these localized gaps in Employed males opportunity have on young men in of working age % % North Omaha. (16-64) 65 94

SOURCES 1U.S. Census Bureau, 2012-2016 American Community Survey 4 | NORTHSTAR FOUNDATION 2Nebraska Department of Education, 2016-17 School Membership by Grade, Race and Gender TRANSFORMING THE EDUCATIONAL TRAJECTORY

Just over 550 black male youth in Greater Omaha began 9th grade at the start of the 2016-17 school year.2

Historical education data would forecast that only half of these young men will successfully achieve high school graduation within four years.3 For the 275 young men who fail to attain a high school diploma on time, the prospect of eventual graduation or GED completion is bleak—increasing their lifetime risk of exposure to unemployment, substantive involvement with the criminal justice system, and incarceration by orders of magnitude.4 NorthStar serves young men in our community who are among the most vulnerable to failed educational progress and high school dropout: NorthStar’s founding vision is to dramatically increase the proportion of NorthStar boys reside in of low-income young men in North % homes with a median family Omaha who graduate high school 80 income of less than $30,000 on time, positioned to matriculate to postsecondary education or immediately enter the workforce. By of NorthStar boys are employing a model of high touch, % raised in single parent-led multi-year extended learning, NorthStar 86 households focuses on accelerating core academic and social-skill competencies of each and every young man it serves— of NorthStar boys participate ultimately broadening education and % in federal free and reduced opportunity for our students and for 97 lunch programming the Greater Omaha community.

1U.S. Census Bureau, 2012-2016 American Community Survey 32015 Schott Foundation Report on Black Males and Public Education 2Nebraska Department of Education, 2016-17 School Membership by Grade, Race and Gender 4Pettit, B., “Mass Incarceration, Family Complexity, and the Reproduction of Childhood Disadvantage,” 2014 2017 ANNUAL REPORT | 5 MAPPING OUR SUCCESS THE NORTHSTAR PROGRAM MODEL

NorthStar’s overarching focus is on preparing North Omaha’s school-aged boys—traditionally beset by significant barriers to educational attainment—to complete ninth grade on level and graduate high school on time, positioned for postsecondary academic success and/or immediate workforce participation.

CORE ELEMENT IN PRACTICE

NorthStar’s 33,000 square foot program facility and full-size, Safe & Engaging multi-purpose athletic field at 49th and Ames Avenues provides Environment a safe community space for young men from economically distressed households to learn and explore.

NorthStar provides unique, culturally competent, and rigorous academic after-school and summer programming, including: Extended Learning Athletics, STEM & Robotics, Arts Immersion, Outward Bound & Enrichment Leadership & Character Development Courses, Employment Readiness, and Community Engagement & Service Initiatives.

NorthStar aims to forge long-term collaboration with parents/ Parent & Family care-givers and families. NorthStar parents draw on staff Engagement guidance to assist in their advocacy and involvement with their son’s development, in and out of the classroom.

NorthStar’s educational curriculum is deliberately aligned with Comprehensive the standards of instruction employed by Approach NorthStar Strategic School Partnership (OPS), and delivers tiered supports to effectively augment school-based frameworks and strategies for student success.

NorthStar front-line staff is comprised of highly experienced, certified Staff Culture of educators to deliver homework assistance, test preparation, and individualized tutoring for NorthStar boys. NorthStar employs Results-Driven research-tested behavioral management and cultural competency Excellence strategies, and provides continual training and development opportunities for front-line educators to support staff retention.

6 | NORTHSTAR FOUNDATION #TRUENORTH | NORTHSTAR360.ORG NorthStar delivers

1,600 program hours per student each year

GRADES 3-5 6-8 9-12 *Strengthening Program Leaders & Achievers Reading remediation Individualized Impact Through In- Programs – ACT and competency reading and math Prep + and School Partnerships development tutoring Career Readiness Forging alignment of school and After School Academic enrichment, Outward Bound experiential learning, after-school curricula is a chief pillar Up to 920 athletic engagement, career awareness, mindfulness + social- of NorthStar’s student-centered emotional development, and arts immersion Program Hours expanded learning model.1 NorthStar has established a novel approach to

Participation in Team Athletics – building curricular bridges between Team Athletics NorthStar Basketball and Lacrosse starts in 4th Grade target schools and its own program services by placing staff in schools, during the school day in the classroom Curriculum-bridging with partner schools + targeted NorthStar setting. In 2016-17 NorthStar staff staff-in-schools model worked in two target schools— Fontenelle Elementary and Central Park In Schools* Multi-year Outward Elementary—for a minimum of five Bound Leadership Outward Bound team-building courses Up to 180 program to support hours per week: liaising with front- for staff and students at partner schools Program Hours high school transition line educators and administrators to and graduation build collaborative learning strategies, supporting parent engagement and Multi-tiered academic and behavioral support + wraparound service coordination for students and families in need partnership, and assisting NorthStar boys in their daily classrooms.

8-week, full-day Camp NorthStar On-site NorthStar In 2017-18, NorthStar will continue program, focused on summer learning Navigators scaling this innovative model loss prevention Internships of tiered supports for students, families, and school educators at Summer Supported Off- Outward Bound social and emotional six target schools—strengthening Up to 500 Site Employment skill-building courses Program Hours Experiences the congruity of school and out-of- school time program environments, thereby expanding student success Multi-day Outward Financial .2 Bound Wilderness Literacy + FAFSA and academic performance. Expeditions Workshops

SOURCES 1 See, “The Intersection of Afterschool and Competency-Based Learning,” AYPF White Paper, 2016. 2 Balu, R., “Tiered Systems of Support,” MDRC, 2017. 2017 ANNUAL REPORT | 7 BRYCE MCGEORGE VOLUNTEER PROFILE

After attending a NorthStar lacrosse game, Bryce McGeorge knew he wanted to get more involved with the organization. An application developer at Union Pacific during the day, Bryce had been looking for an opportunity to spend some of his time outside of work giving back to the community.

Bryce now serves as a coach for NorthStar’s junior varsity lacrosse team. He also volunteers as a mentor to LaVounte, a tenth grader at . Bryce believes NorthStar’s holistic programming is helping boys like LaVounte. “NorthStar puts kids in touch with the right resources. They do a good job of balancing academics and athletics and encouraging them to succeed in both,” said Bryce.

LaVounte said that Bryce helps him stay on track. Bryce helps him with his homework and makes sure he gets it done before he leaves. LaVounte sees the results of Bryce’s tutoring at school. “Everything we do in tutoring usually shows up on a test,” LaVounte said. “Some of the problems on the test get easier.”

The individual attention Bryce and NorthStar staff members provide is making an impact on LaVounte, and the high expectations set by the organization motivate him. “NorthStar helps me to be a better person and when I’m not, they pull me aside and talk to me,” LaVounte said.

Bryce and LaVounte meet at NorthStar every Tuesday after school. They also meet on the lacrosse field two to three times a week during the season.

This level of support and engagement is something that LaVounte and other boys at NorthStar do not otherwise receive in the hours outside of the school day.

Bryce said lacrosse is a new experience for most of the boys, which fits NorthStar's objective of teaching new skills. "The kids are enjoying it. Lacrosse helps them make friends and build better relationships. They hold each other accountable,” said Bryce. “Along with their focus on academics, playing sports teaches young men perseverance, and they will need that as they go through life.”

“Along with their focus on academics, playing sports teaches young men perseverance, and

they will need that as they go through life.” Bryce McGeorge

Bryce and LaVounte both describe NorthStar as a brotherhood. In addition to lacrosse, NorthStar has given LaVounte other new experiences that help build new skills— and confidence. One of his favorite memories is a group rock climbing trip to Minnesota. “I was the first one to do everything,” he said. “And I conquered it.”

8 | NORTHSTAR FOUNDATION #TRUENORTH | NORTHSTAR360.ORG THE FOUNDER’S FUND M&M FOUNDATION DONOR PROFILE

The NorthStar Founder’s Fund Jim Huerter can trace his family’s legacy of giving back to the community to his was established to underwrite the great grandparents. They instilled the value of philanthropy into his grandparents, growth and sustainability of our Mickey and Mary Landen. Over four generations, the Landen family has lived by the program delivery through building philosophy that if you have the ability to give, it is your responsibility to do so through a base of long-term operating gift your time, talent, or treasure. The family supports numerous Omaha organizations commitments. NorthStar Founder’s through personal contributions, their family foundations, and their family’s business, Fund donors pledge a per-year gift Security National Bank, founded by Mickey in 1964. They have supported the of $1,000 or more for at least three NorthStar Foundation since its beginning. “It is hardwired in our DNA that we should years. Renewing and securing new give back,” said Shirley Huerter, Jim’s mother and Mickey and Mary’s daughter. multi-year pledge commitments is In 2006, Mickey and Mary started the M&M Foundation to teach Jim’s generation a principal focus of NorthStar’s about giving. Today, the Landen grandchildren research organizations and make ongoing fund development efforts. funding decisions together. A focus of the M&M Foundation is helping at-risk Founder’s children and supporting organizations like NorthStar that give children the tools to Fund Donors be successful.

Corporations & Foundations Shirley and her brother, Jim Landen, along with their other three siblings and all of Anonymous their spouses, have enjoyed watching their children learn about giving. “Giving is Rebecca Susan Buffett Foundation part of our family culture. My gut tells me it was my parents’ intent to ensure that DMSi Software culture was handed down as the family grew,” said Shirley. Ike & Roz Friedman Foundation Holland Foundation Peter Kiewit Foundation Landen Foundation* The Lozier Foundation Mammel Foundation Suzanne & Walter Scott Foundation The Scoular Foundation The Sherwood Foundation Sokolof Javitch Family Foundation Individuals & Families Sarah & Anthony Anderson* Cindy & Mogens Bay Henry A. Davis Valerie & Ryan Downs The Landen family believes that NorthStar is helping the Omaha community one Deanne & Bill Fairfield child at a time. “NorthStar is maturing as an organization and is at the point where Becky & John Garlock it has trackable results. Junior high school boys are going to high school and Hamann Family Fund graduating,” said Jim Landen. Denise & Scott Hazelrigg Laurie & Charles Kay Jim Huerter has also watched NorthStar achieve results firsthand. He recalls the Barb & Todd McQueen pride some of the boys showed during the dedication of a new classroom last The Patterson Family summer. “NorthStar gives boys an opportunity to fulfill the potential they all have. April & Kenny Rocker It is very clear now that it is something that was needed,” he said. Karnetta & Maverick Rushing* Lindsey & Scott Semrad* The staff, volunteers—and especially—the boys of NorthStar thank the Landen Becky & Jeff Sharp family for all of the ways the family has surrounded the organization with support, Sarah & Adam Yale and for developing a new generation of community leaders.

*New 2017 Pledge Photo credit: Johnston Portrait Studio 2017 ANNUAL REPORT | 9 NORTHSTAR'S The majority of young men served by NorthStar reside in two North Omaha zip SCHOOL codes with the highest concentration of families living in poverty in Douglas County: PARTNERS 68104 and 68111. In order to best serve our students and families, utilizing both organization-owned vehicles and contracted bus services, NorthStar provides transportation from 33 schools every day after school.

OMAHA PUBLIC SCHOOLS Masters Elementary PRIVATE SCHOOLS Alfonza W. Davis McMillan Magnet Center Holy Name School Alice Buffett Magnet Miller Park Elementary Jesuit Academy Middle School Monroe Middle School Omaha Street School Belvedere Elementary Morton Magnet Middle School Phoenix Academy Benson High School Magnet Mount View Elementary St. Paul Lutheran Burke High School Nathan Hale Middle School St. Pius X / St. Leo School 75% Central Park Elementary North High Magnet School Sacred Heart School Druid Hill Elementary OF CURRENT Northwest High Magnet School Fontenelle Elementary Pinewood Elementary NORTHSTAR Franklin Elementary Rose Hill Elementary STUDENTS RESIDE Fullerton Magnet Center Saddlebrook Elementary IN THE 68104 & Hartman Elementary Sherman Elementary King Science/Tech 68111 ZIP CODES Magnet School Skinner Magnet Center School

10 | NORTHSTAR FOUNDATION #TRUENORTH | NORTHSTAR360.ORG THE HAWKS FOUNDATION

Eliminating barriers to program access is a key component of NorthStar’s strategy to engage as many young men in need as possible. Lack of reliable transportation is a common barrier to accessing community resources and services for low income families in North Omaha, including students served by NorthStar. Utilizing both organization-owned vehicles and contracted bus services, NorthStar provides transportation from over 30 schools every day after school, and for daily off-site educational programs and field trips during the summer.

As NorthStar enrollment has increased, so has the need for transportation. During the 2016-17 school year, and in partnership with school administrators, NorthStar outreach and enrollment staff identified a waitlist of nearly 80 prospective students who—in part because current organization-owned vehicles were already at capacity—were unable to regularly attend after-school programming.

Responding to this need, several donors provided key funding to expand NorthStar’s “We were pleased student transportation resources in 2017. Howard and Rhonda Hawks gave a generous, to make this lead challenge grant to support the purchase of a new 12-passenger van, accelerating investment NorthStar’s efforts to enhance its student transportation model. Other donors followed the Hawks’ lead, contributing to the purchase of the new van to further reduce barriers in extending to program access for the young men, families, and schools NorthStar serves. NorthStar’s “Howard and I have been impressed with the promising results NorthStar has achieved for program reach young men in North Omaha since its opening in 2014. And we believe that NorthStar’s and increasing the specific focus on after-school programming for boys meets an important need, complementing the work of other youth-serving organizations in North Omaha,” said exceptional impact Rhonda Hawks. “We were pleased to make this investment in extending NorthStar’s this program has program reach and increasing the exceptional impact this program has on young men in our community,” added Howard Hawks. on young men in our community.” Thanks to the generous support of these donors, NorthStar has continued to efficiently address the needs of young men and ensure that opportunities for academic achievement are available to the greatest possible number of students. Howard Hawks

2017 ANNUAL REPORT | 11 2017 NORTHSTAR FOUNDATION DONORS

$25,000 + $5,000 - $9,999 Pinnacle Bank Eve Simon Debra Kaplan Linda & Tom Riffner Joy & Gordon Watanabe Katie & Justin Kemerling Amis Family Foundation Anonymous Colleen & Scott Schmidt Micah White Michael Krainak Anonymous Oliver & Ferrol Barklage Dianne & John Scott Melanie & John Wright Jillyn & Chris Kratochvil Richard Brooke Foundation Foundation Sue & Steve Seline Vicki & David Krecek Rebecca Susan Buffett Cindy & Mogens Bay Foundation Capricorn Healthcare & Textron Inc. $249 and Below Krysta Larson Special Opportunities Judy & Bob Thomas Julie & Mark Lyons Dr. C.C. & Mabel L. Criss Kathryn Anderson Memorial Foundation Cox Communications Lois & Tommy Thompson Angela Mainor Anonymous (5) Ike & Roz Friedman Valerie & Ryan Downs Angela & Dr. William Thorell Patricia & James Malesh Muhammad Anwar Foundation Deanne & Bill Fairfield UMB Bank Marilyn Marsh Amanda Baker Holland Foundation Frontier Bank Ellen & Stavely Wright Julie McCarty Peter Kiewit Foundation Sarah & Adam Yale Mary Jo Barbush-Weiss & Seth McClurkin Becky & John Garlock Larry Weiss The Lozier Foundation Yana Morgan Paula Hazelrigg Lynn Barna Mammel Foundation Sue & Dave Morris i-Health, Inc. $250 - $999 Colleen & Bill Barstow Nebraska Crime Commission - Beth Morrissette Landen Foundation Dana & Josh Bartee Office of Violence Prevention American National Bank Barb Naughtin Linder Family Foundation Jennifer & Rick Bettger The Leland J. & Dorothy Anonymous (3) Diane & Hon. Ben Nelson H. Olson Charitable Barb & Todd McQueen Rodge Bickerstaff Bev & Ed Burchfield Nancy & Steve Nielsen Foundation Pegler Family Foundation Ande Bilyeu Theresa & Dr. Jeff Carstens Justine & Charlie Olsen Patterson Family Foundation April & Kenny Rocker Camden Bilyeu Stacy & David Claybourne Kitty & Michael O’Neil Suzanne & Walter Scott Phillip & Terri Schrager Dee Bowen Foundation Foundation Julie & Steven Collins Victor Padios The Boyd Family William & Ruth Scott Family Simmonds Family Controlled Comfort Connie & Doug Paskach Farrah Briggs Foundation Foundation Charlotte Conner & Bill Dana Natalie & Eric Petersen Brookestone Meadows The Sherwood Foundation Gilbert C. Swanson Lisa & Bruce Dale Ellen Prochaska Foundation Rehabilitation and Keith, Margareth & Melissa & Patrick Duffy Care Center Spencer Pruss Sandra Smith Foundation Dorothy & Dr. Stanley Truhlsen eCreamery Ice Cream Bo Buettenback Rachelle Randles Sokolof Javitch Family Linda & Dr. Jon Vanderhoof & Gelato Drlynn & Steve Bullock Diana & Del Rehn Foundation Donna & David Erker Angel & Dave Carl Rose Roeder $1,000 - $4,999 Five Points Bank Dinah & Tim Clark Betsy & Doug Schuring $10,000 - $24,999 Debbie & Russel Hallberg Sharon Comisar-Langdon & Pamela & Gregory Sears BCDM Architects Cindy & Jim Irvine Beth & Hank Adams Randy Langdon Debbie & Dave Selby Sharon & Randy Blackburn Julie & Eric Keen Amy & Ken Aldridge Drs. Alison & Ken Cowan Lindsey & Scott Semrad Amanda & Matthew Tim Kerrigan Cassling Family Foundation Brawner Anna Cramer Glenn Seymour Ashlee & Hal Koch Henry A. Davis Karla & Scott Cassels Dr. Mary Davey Marty Shukert Brandon Koch Dixon Family Foundation DMSi Software Joan Denton Andrea & Mike Siegel Peter Korff First National Bank Farm Credit Services Julie DeWitt Mary & Ken Smith Myrna & Bob Krohn Hamann Family Fund of America Dana Dyksterhuis Melissa Smith Molly & Joe Lang The Hawks Foundation Lisa & Dr. Tad Freeburg Elizabeth Elliot-Meisel Fern Spencer Deb & Scott Love Todd & Mary Heistand Julie & Lance Fritz Jacquie & Brent Estee Carol Stohlmann Carrie & Ed May Family Foundation Jim Harris Michael Faust Cathern Strief Nancy & Mike McCarthy Angela & Robert Hrbek Andrea & Jim Hassenstab Allyson Freeman Sheritta Strong Barb & Pat McNeal Lincoln Financial Foundation Denise & Scott Hazelrigg Robyn & Bob Freeman Dr. Jim Sutfin Jennifer & Tom Pansing McGowan Family Foundation Laurie & Charles Kay Kay Lynn & John Goldner Charles P. Trouba Drs. Audrey & Paul Paulman Mutual of Omaha Helen & Richard Kelley Mary & Gerald Gray Kim Ulrich Foundation Pat & Jim Phalen Jennifer & Rob Likes Gina & Mack Greder Michael Vandevoort Pacific Life Foundation Lori & Mitch Pirnie Likes, Meyerson & Hatch, LLC Julianne Harm Marilyn Vincent Ryan Foundation M&M Foundation Leanne Prewitt & Ginny & Larry Hinrichs Ryan Sorensen VMware Foundation The Scoular Foundation McCarthy Capital Troy Hodge RBC Wealth Management Maureen & Jim Waldron Becky & Jeff Sharp Terri & Jack McDonnell Ben Hoffman Margaret & John Rebensdorf Colleen & Edward Warin Sheppard’s Business Interiors McNeil Company Alex Hook Karnetta & Maverick Rushing Louise & Robert Way Lisa & Todd Skokan Carole & Kenneth McQueen Lori Horan-Fortina Mary & John Schuele Joan & Dr. Rowen Zetterman Robert H. Storz Foundation Molly & Matthew Scanlan Ginny & Dale Inglis Lindsey Scott Nora & Barry Zoob The Lee & Debbie Stuart Stephanie Moore Jim Larson Plumbing, LLC Family Foundation Shadow Lake Family & In Honor of Becky & Mary Helen & Rich Olsen Jennifer & John Johnson Buzz Garlock U.S. Bank Foundation Cosmetic Dentistry Olsson Associates Foundation Kathleen Johnson Simmons Jackie Mockelstrom

12 | NORTHSTAR FOUNDATION #TRUENORTH | NORTHSTAR360.ORG In Honor of Dr. Jim Huerter Jim, Mary, Megan, Becca, and Tommy Huerter In Honor of Ann & Ken Stinson Kitty & Dr. Michael O’Neil WAYS TO SUPPORT In Memory of Dick Holland NORTHSTAR AND Margaret & Nathan Dodge In Memory of Gale A. Totten THE OMAHA OUTWARD Mr. & Mrs. Steven Bredensteiner BOUND SCHOOL Ms. Elinor Brooks Mr. & Mrs. Jo Eyberg DONATE Ms. Judy Feit Mr. Scott Hazelrigg Contributions to NorthStar and the Omaha Outward Bound School help us put our Jeanne Peters students on the pathway to success in the classroom and in life. To donate, visit us online at Ms. Carol Pinkall northstar360.org or mail your contribution to 4242 North 49th Ave., Omaha, NE 68104. Mr. & Mrs. Frank Tomsu Mr. Joe Verbeek Other ways to give include: In Memory of Judy Wesolick • NorthStar • Camp NorthStar • IRAs • Trust/Annuities Kay & Bill Murff Founder’s Fund Sponsorship Thomas S. Olsen • Estate Planning • Omaha Gives! • Climb Higher • Outward Bound • Wills • Memorials Luncheon Scholarships In-Kind Gifts • Stocks • Matching Gifts

All Makes For more information, contact Charlie Olsen at [email protected] or Andy Armstrong (402) 614-6360 ext. 203. Jan, Tim, & Tommy Braun Christ the King Sports Council VOLUNTEER Buzz Garlock Volunteers support our mission by working alongside students in after-school and summer Indian Creek Nursery and Garden Center programs. Volunteer needs include after-school homework tutors, teacher’s aides and gym Janet Jackson supervisors. Contact Kate Bullerdick at [email protected] or (402) 614-6360 ext. 216 Lindsey & Alex Jacobsen for more information. Jim Larson Plumbing, LLC Henry Kammandel ENGAGE Debra S. Kaplan Jennifer & Rob Likes Increase the teamwork and leadership skills of your youth or corporate group by Likes, Meyerson, Hatch LLC participating in an Omaha Outward Bound School expedition. Contact Todd Deb Love Mercural-Chapman at [email protected] or (402) 614-6360 ext. 204 Carrie & Ed May Sarah McGowan to develop your individualized program. Carole McQueen Brienn & Jason Parker FOLLOW Drs. Audrey & Paul Paulman Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to stay up-to-date on our students’ activities. Linda & Tom Riffner Omaha SCHEELS facebook.com/northstar360 facebook.com/omahaoutwardboundschool Jeff Sharp @nstar360 @obomaha Turnpost Creative Group The Uphoff Family Thank you for making this important work possible!

2017 ANNUAL REPORT | 13 MOVING THE NEEDLE NORTHSTAR GRADUATING CLASS OF 2022

Numerous studies highlight the social and economic returns the number of instructional hours these students would produced by preventing high school dropout among students typically experience in their daily classroom settings. at risk. Notably, a 5% increase in male high school graduation This group of young men, along with their families and schools, rates would yield a net benefit to the Nebraska state economy have made a special commitment to NorthStar. Thanks to of $60,900,000 annually.1 your support, NorthStar will in turn deliver on its commitment

NORTHSTAR'S COMMITMENT TO THESE YOUNG MEN: that they will successfully transition to high school, graduate on time, and be positioned for success in post-secondary educational settings and in the workplace.

NorthStar opened its first full year of after-school programming to them: that they will successfully transition to high school, in Fall 2014. Among that first group of 110 boys was a cohort graduate on time, and be positioned for success in post- of 20 5th graders who, over the course of their three years at secondary educational settings and in the workplace. NorthStar, have participated in over 85% of every program Your investment in NorthStar will ensure that this Class of hour offered—equivalent to over 4,200 hours of academically- 2022, and each class thereafter, forms a growing vanguard of centered extended learning per student. Participation in North Omaha boys who will become our community's next NorthStar’s out-of-school-time services has essentially doubled generation of leaders.

14 | NORTHSTAR FOUNDATION SOURCE 1“Saving Futures, Saving Dollars: The Impact of Education on Crime Reduction and Earnings,” Alliance for Excellent Education, 2013. NORTHSTAR FOUNDATION & OMAHA OUTWARD BOUND SCHOOL FINANCIALS | FY 2017 (JAN. 1-DEC. 31)

While governed by separate Boards of Directors with distinct program budgets, the NorthStar Foundation and the Omaha Outward Bound School operate in partnership under the same 501c3 nonprofit status. Together, we served over 3,270 students in 2017! Accordingly, the financial analysis presented here, reflecting industry standards of accounting practice, captures combined organizational revenues and expenses in 2017.1

2017 INCOME ANALYSIS 2017 EXPENSE ANALYSIS

Programming

Contributions & Grants Management & General Earned / Operations $2,034,986 Program Income $1,935,360 Special Events Insurance

Facilities & Utilities

NORTHSTAR OMAHA OUTWARD TOTALS FOUNDATION BOUND SCHOOL INCOME Contributions + Grants $1,619,920 $112,444 $1,732,364 Earned & Program Income $43,114 $117,235 $160,349 Special Events $15,000 $122,402 $137,402 In-Kind & Other $2,046 $2,825 $4,871 Totals $1,680,080 $354,906 $2,034,986 EXPENSES Programming $930,893 $279,979 $1,210,872 Management & General $412,206 $- $412,206 Operations $128,441 $31,469 $159,910 Insurance $42,357 $41,244 $83,601 Facilities & Utilities $68,771 $- $68,771 Totals $1,582,668 $352,692 $1,935,360

Net Operating Income $99,626

1 2017 figures have not been audited at time of publication. Audited Financials from an independent accounting agency will be available in July 2018. 2017 ANNUAL REPORT | 15 OUR STUDENT- CENTERED MODEL

As a fourth grader at Fontenelle Elementary School, Donte is part of academic, athletic, and experiential programs through NorthStar and the Omaha Outward Bound School that serve to support him. In partnership with his family and teachers, our organization’s student-centered model offers an innovative approach to engaging North Omaha young men in enriching, life-changing activities both in and out of the classroom.

SCHOOL-BASED PROGRAMS 250 NorthStar In-School Partnerships PROGRAM HOURS Through collaboration with teachers at Fontenelle Elementary School, Donte works with NorthStar educators for several hours a week during the school day, ensuring that his time at NorthStar after school and over the summer provides him ERIC NELSON Principal, Fontenelle with the support he needs to be successful in the classroom. Elementary Omaha Outward Bound School “Leading the Way” Program

Through generous support from the James C. Semerad Foundation, Donte and other fourth and fifth grade students from Fontenelle Elementary spent the school year working with Outward Bound staff for eight hours each month, building leadership skills and preparing for the transition to middle school.

Eric Nelson, principal at Fontenelle Elementary, believes that this program provides a unique and impactful educational opportunity for his students. “The Leading the Way program is playing an integral role in the development of the educational culture at Fontenelle,” he said. “It promotes students’ growth in confidence, critical thinking skills, compassion, character, leadership and, ultimately, self-reliance.”

NORTHSTAR AFTER-SCHOOL 720 NorthStar’s after-school environment provides Donte with a range of enriching programs, including individualized academic support, activities in STEM, PROGRAM HOURS Robotics, and the arts, field trips with community partners, and career exploration opportunities. Deliberately aligned with educational objectives BRANDY outlined by the schools NorthStar serves, these activities supplement Donte’s BROADWAY classroom learning and allow him to explore a variety of interests and options Academic Manager - for a future career. Elementary, NorthStar

16 | NORTHSTAR FOUNDATION NORTHSTAR ATHLETICS Throughout the winter basketball season, 150 Donte increased his capacity for teamwork PROGRAM HOURS and gained habits in living an active lifestyle as part of NorthStar’s competitive basketball team. He developed skills in ROSE ROEDER perseverance, cooperation, communication, Outreach & Enrollment leadership, and pro-social behaviors, Coordinator, and benefited from the guidance and NorthStar mentorship of NorthStar basketball coaches.

CAMP NORTHSTAR Donte avoided the potentially devastating 360 effects of summer learning loss through PROGRAM HOURS participation in Camp NorthStar 2017. Held Monday-Friday over eight weeks in the summer, educational and recreational JIM STEVENS activities such as STEM and Robotics courses, Director of field trips to local museums, supplementary Education, NorthStar reading programming, athletic camps, and career exploration opportunities ensured that Donte was prepared for academic success when he returned to school in the fall.

OMAHA OUTWARD BOUND SCHOOL NorthStar Leadership Program 120 Outward Bound instructors work with PROGRAM HOURS NorthStar students in the after-school setting on a quarterly basis to implement LUCY PUENTES experiential learning activities. Donte Program Manager, participated in group exercises that Omaha Outward “Through Outward Bound, these students emphasize smart decision making, setting Bound School saw that once they overcame something attainable goals, having compassion for difficult, they had power. They became others, communicating effectively, and stronger and learned to lead and to trust building self-confidence. others to lead. So, I didn’t have to be Brown v. Board of Education convinced this would work at NorthStar and During a two-day summer expedition, for the students at Fontenelle Elementary.” Donte practiced camping skills while FRED RICHART learning about the events that precluded James C. Semerad Foundation, Fontenelle the 1954 decision to desegregate public Elementary School Volunteer and former schools at the historical Brown v. Board of Outward Bound Volunteer Education site in Topeka, Kansas.

2017 ANNUAL REPORT | 17 CHARTING OUR COURSE 2017 ANNUAL REPORT 2017 Board of Directors Erin Murnan Chair Bank of the West Barney Marvin Vice Chair AcquireWeb Dear Friends of the Omaha Outward Bound School, Scott Hazelrigg From canoeing along the waters of the Nishnabotna River and climbing the cliffs of Blue President Omaha Outward Bound School Mounds State Park, to developing team skills on-site on the Hitchcock Rock Wall and the Hitchcock High Ropes Challenge Course, Omaha Outward Bound School students gain a John Sokolik Safety Committee Chair multitude of transformative experiences that challenge and inspire them. This year, we Omaha Police Department served a greater number of participants than ever, impacting the lives of 3,616 students Julius Agonor through 227 programs. HDR, Inc.

Program partner feedback in 2017 reflects the Omaha Outward Bound School’s Allen Chaffee Cornhusker Bank commitment to providing life-changing experiences for those we serve. Among adult participants, 100% would recommend Outward Bound experiences to other groups, 96% Susan Christopherson Omaha Public Schools indicated that their experience would improve organizational culture, and 96% felt closer to their teammates. Youth participants saw key gains in Character, Leadership and Lisa Dale Community Volunteer Service skills – 88% were challenged and proud of what they accomplished, 81% said the experience positively affected the way they worked with others, and 79% learned skills Euclid deSouza, M.D. Adult Pediatric Urology & and had experiences that would transfer to other parts of their lives. Urogynecology

This past year also saw the start of innovative partner programs with area schools that Sal Issaka Omaha Housing Authority are working to increase impactful leadership and teambuilding opportunities for their students. In June 2017, we launched a 20-day summer program with staff and students Jeanie Jones Community Volunteer at Howard Kennedy Elementary School designed to develop team building skills and personal creativity. Through collaboration between Outward Bound instructors and Stuart Lundgren Turnpost Creative Group Howard Kennedy Elementary School teachers, students in kindergarten through fourth grade overcame group challenges, learned and implemented mindfulness techniques, and Sarah McGowan Community Volunteer developed stronger relationships with their peers. Travis Voss During the fall, we kicked off our year-long partnership with students and educators at Cox Communications Fontenelle Elementary School through the Leading the Way program. Outward Bound staff lead regular sessions with both Fontenelle students and teachers, teaching vital 2017 Safety Committee skills in team collaboration to strengthen school culture, promote positive impact in the John Sokolik classroom, and build universal respect for both fellow students and adults. Committee Chair Omaha Police Department Through our relationships with community organizations, schools, and businesses, we Lowell “Skip” Bailey reach thousands of young people in Greater Omaha and develop new opportunities to instill of Nebraska Omaha Aviation Institute in them strength of character, grit and tenacity in the face of challenges, and self-discovery. Laura Friesell Thank you for investing your time, talents, and resources in our great young people, and Backwoods Omaha for helping us achieve our mission to change lives through challenge and discovery. Capt. John Olson Omaha Fire Department Sincerely, Jim Quinn, M.D. Nebraska Methodist Hospital Emergency Room Ryan Schlabs Bank of the West Jenny Stewart, LMHC, IADC, LMHP, AFC Heartland Family Service Scott Hazelrigg J.D. President Shawn Whittington Omaha Outward Bound School 88 Tactical Sgt. Bob Wondra Omaha Police Department 2 | OMAHA OUTWARD BOUND SCHOOL For over 50 years, Outward Bound in the U.S. has been a premier provider of experience-based outdoor leadership programs, offering over 1,000 courses throughout the year for youth and adults. The Omaha Outward Bound School was founded—under the umbrella of the NorthStar Foundation 501c3—to provide these integral challenge and discovery courses for local youth in urban poverty based on these key design principles:

LEARNING THROUGH EXPERIENCE

Facilitating engaging, relevant, sequential experiences that promote skill mastery and incorporate reflection and transference while learning from both successes and failures.

CHALLENGE AND ADVENTURE

Using unfamiliar settings to impel students into mentally, emotionally and physically demanding experiences while utilizing and managing appropriate risk.

SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENT

Designing an experience that supports physical and emotional safety, and developing a caring and positive group culture.

The Omaha Outward Bound School engages students through a combination of in-school and after-school courses, through wilderness and urban expeditions, and programs on the Hitchcock High Ropes Challenge Course and the Hitchcock Climbing Wall at our program campus. Since 2009, the Omaha Outward Bound School has engaged over 10,000 students from Greater Omaha in transformational experiential learning courses.

20172017 ANNUAL ANNUAL REPORT REPORT | |23 3 Increasing Student Engagement Through School Partnerships

In partnership with several area schools, the Omaha Outward Bound School piloted an initiative to enhance the classroom readiness of students in 2017 by engaging them in evidence-based challenge and adventure interventions alongside their classmates and 3,616 instructors: students participated in an Omaha Outward Bound • A year-long collaboration with Fontenelle Elementary School introduced fourth and School course in 2017 fifth grade students to programming that focused on promoting school connectivity and leadership development, and strengthened staff culture through courses designed for Fontenelle educators.

• Students from Howard Kennedy Elementary School spent June 2017 working with 90% of students received a full or their teachers and Outward Bound instructors in a four-week program to develop team partial scholarship, thanks building skills and personal creativity. to the support of our donors • A multi-year partnership with Omaha Northwest High School leads juniors and seniors through adventure and leadership exercises to prepare them for post-graduate success.

Corporate Teams Student Program Days (SPDs) Central States Group Kreativ Element represent the number of days ConAgra Foods UNMC LEND that a participant engaged with Farm Credit Services of America Leadership Development Omaha Outward Bound School programming. Individuals Schools, Educators, & Civic Programs accumulate multiple SPDs if Bellevue West Girls Basketball Team Lewis & Clark Middle School they attend multiple programs or Benson High School MENS Group Logan Fontenelle Middle School participate in a multi-day experience. Burke High School Mens Basketball Team Nathan Hale Magnet Middle School For example, ten students who attend a five-day wilderness expedition Creighton University Northwest High School represent 50 SPDs, while five Fontenelle Elementary School SummerWorks students who attend a single-day Howard Kennedy Elementary School Westside High School program represent five SPDs. Kanesville Alternative Learning Center Our program model cultivates Youth-Serving Nonprofits participants’ skills in character, leadership, and service through Bryan High School - NorthStar Foundation long-term exposure to innovative AIM TRiO Upward Bound Omaha Home for Boys adventure-based programming. Buford Foundation Omaha Lady Jr. Lancers Measuring multi-day expeditions Family, Inc. U19 Hockey Team and programs through SPDs Girls Inc. of Omaha Partnership 4 Kids allows us to demonstrate the Goodwill Omaha YouthBuild Planned Parenthood transformational experiences that Wise Guys Program Jewish Community Center of Omaha our students gain through continued B’nai B’rith Youth Organization Salvation Army involvement with Outward Bound Metro Omaha Medical Society instructors. Nebraska Organ Recovery Leadership Team

4 | OMAHA OUTWARD BOUND SCHOOL 2017 Students by Program Partners

Corporate Teams 2%

Youth-Serving Nonprofits 11% Schools, Educators & Civic Programs 52% NorthStar Boys 35%

2017 ANNUAL REPORT | 5 2017 Donors

$10,000 + Broadmoor Apartment Lindsey Miltner Dianne & Mark McMillan Communities Amis Family Foundation Erin & Michael Murnan Laurie & Paul Meyers Catholic Mutual Group Bank of the West Heather & Bryan Schneider P.J. Morgan Colliers International Dr. C.C. and Mabel L. Criss Vicki Nakibuuka-Muli Charlotte Conner & Bill Dana Memorial Foundation LESS THAN $500 Andrea & Daniel Nash Omaha SCHEELS D.A. Davidson & Co. Karen O’Keefe Julius Agonor Pape Family Foundation Lisa & Bruce Dale Justine & Charlie Olsen Anonymous (4) James C. Semerad Foundation Dundee Bank Omaha Car Care Amanda Baker Sokolof Javitch First National Bank Connie & Doug Paskach Ande Bilyeu Family Foundation Fraser Stryker PC LLO Tyler Paskach Brent Bloom Bridget & Kip Gordman Suzanne & Harry Pocras Paula & Matt Boggust $5,000 - $9,999 Linda & Nelson Gordman Erin & Joe Pogge Bev & Ed Burchfield Great Western Bank Alan Potash ASIS International - Omaha Angel & Dave Carl Heartland Chapter HDR, Inc. Kate & Spencer Putnam Kevin Chick Arthur M. Blank Family Lawrence R. & Jeannette Linda & Tom Riffner James Foundation Kate Dodge Foundation Jacqueline Roach Jeanie & Lance Jones Jean & Jim Farrell Cox Communications Rose Roeder Kiewit Building Group Debra & Steven Ginn Henry A. Davis Libby & Darin Ruf Marcotte Jennifer & John Glazer Outward Bound U.S.A. Carol & Rick Russell The Marvin Family Jordana & James Glazer Patterson Family Foundation Betsy & Doug Schuring Carrie & Ed May Kay Lynn & John Goldner Greg Schuring Mutual of Omaha Bank Sarah Gudeman $2,500 - $4,999 Debbie & David Selby Nelson Murphy Insurance & Mary Beth Gust Andra & Connor Sharp Blue Cross and Investments Gayle & Tom Heldridge Blue Shield of Nebraska Connie & Rick Spellman Olsson Associates Lori Horan-Fortina S.D. Bechtel, Jr. Foundation Ellen Stageman Physicians Mutual Paul Horner KB Building Services Libby & Dave Stiles Proxibid Chrisi & John Hughes lululemon athletica Dr. Jim Sutfin Quantum Real Estate Josephine & Sal Issaka McGowan Family Foundation Turnpost Creative Group RBC Wealth Management Katherine Finnegan & Midwest Dermatology RDG Planning & Design David Gilinsky Linda & Jon Vanderhoof Clinic, P.C. Ruff Waters, Inc. Joanie & Richard Jacobson Donna Walsh & Sue & Dave Morris Grant Lippincott Andrea & Mike Siegel Sara Janke Noddle Companies Westside Community Schools Amy & Jim Tichota Sheryn & Arnold Joffe Security National Bank Josh White Travel and Transport, Inc. Kathleen Johnson Simmons Union Pacific Carey Wilcox UMB Bank Amanda Jones Valmont Industries Nora & Barry Zoob University of Nebraska Omaha Sharon & Jeff Kirshenbaum Anne & Arnie Weitz Donna Kush $1,000 - $2,499 Krysta Larson IN-KIND GIFTS AcquireWeb, Inc. $500 - $999 Lawlor’s Custom Sportswear Flower Girl Adult Pediatric Urology & Teresa Layton Debra Kaplan Sharon Marvin Griffin Urogynecology Kristin & Chuck Lewis Omaha SCHEELS Denise & Scott Hazelrigg All Makes Stacie & Jay Matz Turnpost Creative Group Paula Hazelrigg BCDM Architects Blane McCann

186 | | OMAHA OMAHA OUTWARD OUTWARD BOUND BOUND SCHOOL SCHOOL @OBOMAHA OUTWARDBOUNDOMAHA.ORG Brown v. Board Of Education

In May of 1954, a unanimous decision made by the Supreme Court propelled the civil rights movement forward through the integration of public schools. Brown v. Board of Education “It’s imperative declared “separate but equal” schools for black and white children to be a violation of the fourteenth amendment, overturning the Plessy v. Ferguson decision made 58 years earlier. that students get

In a partnership with the National Park Service that began in 2014, the Omaha Outward out there and Bound School and NorthStar teamed up to give students the chance to explore this historic event while developing skills in Leadership, Character and Service. In July 2017, experience these two groups of young men traveled to the Brown v. Board of Education National Historic sorts of things, Site in Topeka, Kansas to learn about the sacrifices made by past generations, practice outdoor camping and urban navigation skills, and develop their capacity to work as a team. and learn to put Established as a National Historic Landmark in 1992, the park strives to preserve the past themselves in by educating its visitors about the events surrounding public school integration. Through multimedia presentations, students are taken through the Brown v. Board of Education other people’s decision process, the public response, and its impact. “Being able to place yourself in a time like that in history is invaluable,” said Nichole McHenry, Volunteer Program Manager for shoes along the National Park Service. “It’s imperative that students get out there and experience these sorts of things, and learn to put themselves in other people’s shoes along the way.” the way.” Through collaboration with local and national community partners, the Omaha Outward Bound School is able to offer life-changing educational and experiential opportunities like the Brown v. Board of Education summer expedition to underserved students. “The most important thing is to generate interest in the parks and to ensure that students from Nichole McHenry all walks of life have the opportunity to experience them,” said McHenry. “It has been a really great partnership, and we look forward to continuing it in the future.”

20172017 ANNUAL ANNUAL REPORT REPORT | | 19 7