The third of our Omaha nonprofit finalists in the 100 Year, $100k Office Makeover Contest is the Nebraska Urban Indian Health Coalition (NUIHC). Since its inception in 1986, the NUIHC has provided community health care and services targeting the urban American Indian and Alaska Native population in the Omaha, Lincoln and Sioux City, Iowa metro areas. Answers provided by June Bear-Noonan, Community Relations Coordinator at NUIHC.
To vote for the Omaha winner of the office makeover contest, click here!
Q: Why do you need an office makeover?
A: 1. Haven’t had one in 32 years. 2. We are expanding. 3. We are a non-profit. 4. My office furniture looks like a military bunker from the 50’s. 5. We are a non-profit. 6. We are in the middle of a capital campaign. 7. I would like to invite people to my office for a meeting. 8. A chair broke apart during a meeting. No one was hurt. 9. We were overlooked for state funding, two other Native organizations received $100,000 from the state. We did not. 10. Did we mention we are a non-profit? 
Q: How do you devote ethical business practices to fulfilling your mission?
A: We have a very small population to serve, and they depend on us. We are the only Native organization to survive this long in the Omaha community, 32 years. The mission of the Nebraska Urban Indian Health Coalition is to elevate the health status of Native Americans to the highest level possible.
Q: What are some positive examples of your influence on the community?
A: We are a health organization, with offices in Lincoln and Omaha. Native Americans that come from the reservation with no insurance or ability to pay, can come to our facilities and receive the services they need. We have an Elder’s and youth programming. We have an in-patient treatment program.
Q: Please demonstrate your leadership.
A: We are a leader for the Native American community. We are also the forgotten people, yet we have managed to stay strong in this community, regardless of funding decreases. Dr. Donna Polk has led this team through thick and thin.
