Our Purpose and Our People

Our Purpose and Our People2026-01-06T15:58:24-06:00

Stephen Center has served homeless and low-income individuals in Omaha since 1984.

Stephen Center has grown to include a multi-facility campus designed to support vulnerable men, women and children as they seek to overcome homelessness, addiction and poverty.

stephen center omaha

Where We’ve Been

mother and son homeless in shelter at stephen center omaha

In 1983, Sharon and Dick McNeil were deeply moved upon learning of a tragic incident: a man had passed away in a dumpster while trying to keep warm. This heart-wrenching event prompted the McNeil’s to take action, determined that no person should ever suffer such a fate in their community. With a sense of urgency, determination, love, and a bit of stubbornness, they set out on a mission to try and prevent this tragedy from repeating itself.

In partnership with the McNeil family, the St. Vincent de Paul Society of Omaha’s Holy Ghost Church acquired a 103-year-old bar and pool hall on Q Street for $10,000. Officially established as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in December of 1983, the Stephen Center began its mission to serve the community with dignity and respect.

This grassroots initiative transformed the aging structure into a shelter for homeless men by early 1984. From these humble beginnings in a dilapidated former bar and pool hall, Stephen Center has grown into a multi-facility campus dedicated to supporting vulnerable men, women, and children in their efforts to overcome homelessness, addiction, mental health challenges, and poverty.

While the campus has evolved over time, its core value has remained steadfast: to ensure that every individual is treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.

The Faces of Our Leadership

Officers

Chris Knauf
Chris Knauf
Chief Executive Officer
JP Castillo
JP Castillo
Chief Program Officer
Christopher Frohardt
Christopher Frohardt
Chief Financial Officer
Shannon McNeil
Shannon McNeil
Chief Operations Officer
Beth Robbins
Beth Robbins
Chief Experience Officer
Rex Younkin
Rex Younkin
Chief Development Officer

Directors

Jamie Eddy-Hernandez
Jamie Eddy-Hernandez
Director of Human Resources
Ethan Newman
Ethan Newman
Manager Facilities
Robert Wilson
Robert Wilson
Head Chef and Director of Food Services
Daniel Zak
Daniel Zak
HERO Program Director

Managers

Shannon Barber
Shannon Barber
Manager Permanent Supportive Housing
Ashley Cherniss
Ashley Cherniss
Manager Culture and Engagement
Cesar Ramirez
Cesar Ramirez
Manager Shelter
Krystal Simpson
Krystal Simpson
Manager Hero

Introducing the Board of Directors

Board Officers

Dr. Kylie Widhelm
Dr. Kylie Widhelm
President
Creighton University
Lenli Corbett Kountze
Lenli Corbett Kountze
Secretary
Saving Grace Perishable Food Rescue
Grant Empson
Grant Empson
Treasurer
American National Ba

Board Members

James Ambrose
James Ambrose
Merrill Lynch
David Amburn
David Amburn
Core Construction
Lesley Brandt
Lesley Brandt
Move Coordinators
Kim Burkhalter
Kim Burkhalter
Guild President
Dr. Donna Faber
Dr. Donna Faber
OneWorld Community Health Center
Cesar Garcia
Cesar Garcia
Canopy South
Jay Koehn
Jay Koehn
McGrath North Mullin & Kratz, PC
Jeff McGill
Jeff McGill
Conductix-Wampfler
Amy Mead MBA, BSN, RN, CEN
Amy Mead MBA, BSN, RN, CEN
Nebraska Medicine
Jackie Ryan
Jackie Ryan
Koley Jessen PC
Lindsey Scott Stevens
Lindsey Scott Stevens
Don C. Scott Family Foundation
Michael Smith II, CPA
Michael Smith II, CPA
McFarlin & Brokke PC
Drew Sova
Drew Sova
White Lotus Group
Hallie Talley
Hallie Talley
AM Success Agency

Announcements and Activities

Donation Center Update

Exciting things are happening at Stephen Center! As part of critical campus updates, beginning Wednesday, August 13, our Donation Center will temporarily operate on weekends only — Saturdays & Sundays, 12p.m.–4 p.m. While these improvements are underway, we’re pausing furniture donations completely so we can focus on making your giving experience even better. And here’s something you might not know—our community partners work hand-in-hand with us to process your gifts, [...]

By |August 12, 2025|News|
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