Carole and David
Founders
Carole, Founder and CEO of Carole's House of Hope, has served the Omaha community for over 24 years, as a mentor and role model for young women. In 1992 Carole began her journey in Human Services when she became an advocate at EPS (then Emergency Pregnancy Services). She served for a 7-year period as an instructor for the Kid Ability program at Girls Inc. and later for YWCA as a Legal Advocate for victims of Domestic Violence. She has taught classes focused on life skill development, teen assertiveness, positive youth engagement and bullying. Her passion to help others led her to become a foster parent and family advocate for youth experiencing homelessness. Carole also worked as a Property Manager and Regional Supervisor for 14 years assisting low income families.
David, Founder and Director of Properties at Carole's House of Hope, in 1992 was beginning his career as a High School Vocational Counselor after 20 years in the Banking Industry. In 1999 he became a Juvenile Detention Specialist at the Douglas County Youth Detention Center, where he served for 15 years. Additionally, he worked as a Youth Care Worker at Uta Halee/Cooper Village. David's 22 years of experience working with at risk individuals, allowed him to understand both the needs and gaps in services for youth in the Omaha community. He viewed firsthand the number of young men unavailable to their children and young mothers.
Together, Carole and David began the Non-Profit Corporation, Carole's House of Hope in 2011, a transitional living program where women and their children could thrive. Their goal was to begin to meet the needs of homeless women and children, particularly the unique needs of young women who found themselves homeless after emancipating from foster care. In 2014, they opened the doors of CHH and began this new chapter of serving young adults and children.
CHH received a generous donation from Children's Hospital and Medical Center of the former Carolyn Scott Rainbow House we have occupied since 2016. Also, the CEO and her husband (co-founder) were also the recipients of the Angel's in Adoption awarded by the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute (CCIA) for 2021. Congressman Donald Bacon presented the award that was read to the House of Representatives in Washington, D.C. and is now a part of the permanent Congressional Record.
David and Carole have a family of 6 adult children and 17 grandchildren. They enjoy reading, relaxing travel and visiting family.
"Hope is believing, encouraging, dreaming, caring...hope is us"
Ms. Denise-LIMHP, LADC
Director of Behavioral Services
Ms. Denise joined CHH in 2016 having worked with children, adolescents and adults in the field of mental health and substance abuse for 20 years. She loves children, but her passion is to see young men and women learn to manage their mental illness and overcome their addictions to drugs and alcohol. Denise is currently dually licensed as an Independent Mental Health Practitioner and Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor in the State of Nebraska.
Denise has enjoyed a extensive and loving relationship with her spouse and they have two daring and spirited children. Denise finds beauty in God's creation and enjoys being in nature, traveling, reading, writing and spending time with her family.
"I strive to create a trauma-informed culture for both the staff and participants by offering training and supportive services to both."
"Faith is believing even when you can't see what the future holds."
Ms. Marjie
Director of Operations and Programs
Ms. Marjie joined CHH in 2016. She gained a wealth of experience in Administration and Human Resources while working in psychiatric services settings and assisted living facilities. Ms. Marjie is also an entrepreneur and has operated a successful small business for several years.
Ms. Marjie likes to read, sing, sew and cook. She has a passion to help women find their beauty within and to discover and develop their true gifts and talents. Family time is very important and she enjoys spending time with her son, parents and extended family.
“My goal is to be a positive influence on all the people I touch.”
Ms. Tina
Program Specialist
Ms.Tina joined CHH in 2021. Tina completed her B.A. in Criminal Justice and Social Work at the University of Nebraska at Kearney. Before CHH, Tina worked with high-risk youth in Nebraska. Tina is a certified advocate through Creighton University and is a part of the Youth Research Advisory in partnership with the Annie E. Casey Foundation. She is also a mentor and CASA advocate. Currently, Tina is a master student at The University of Nebraska at Omaha for Clinical Mental Health Counseling.
In her off time, she enjoys skiing in the winter, traveling, and spending time with her three dogs, Bean, Bear and Shadow.
"My goal is to show everyone that I cross paths with, that they have a purpose in life to do anything they put their minds to."