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Bryant Resource Center, INC.
2417 Grant Street Omaha, Nebraska 68111
Dian Vogt
Bryant Resource Center Board Director
dvogt@sherrets.com
+1 (402) 981-4012
Yes
Diane Vogt, Board Director, dvogt@sherrets.com, 402-981-4012 - Attorney at Sherrets, Bruno & Vogt, LLC Judy Gregory, Assistant Director/ Treasurer- Ret. Purchasing Agent from Boys Town ,grejud72@gmail.com, 402-677-2235 - Retired from Boys Town Sherri Thompson, Board Member- Internal Accounting Auditor sharithompson180@gmail.com 402-740-4012 - Auditor at OPPD Gary Johnson, •Board Member- Technology Management, grjohnson1906@gmail.com, 912-228-0241 - IT Specialist, Retired Veteran Robert Wester, 402-315-8134, Board Member-Retired Judge
In addition to the 6-member volunteer board, Judy Gregory, retired church member, is the BRC on-site Facility Manager charged with: servicing tenants (currently one daycare center), suite leases, rent collection, building issues, and special events. The cleaning of the BRC is currently completed by volunteer church members. This proposal also engages two non-profits looking for space in North Omaha where the Directors are also members of the adjacent church (and former owner of the Bryant Center building. The following individuals are critical to planning and executing services which align with the funding requirements: Brea Worthington, Director of Lyfe Changers Resource Center (LCRC) Michella Blankman, Director of Omaha Skills Connection (OSC)
The Bryant Resource Center, Inc. (BRC) is a 501c3 nonprofit led by St. Benedict The Moor Catholic Church, whose 150+ year old legacy proudly stands as the first Catholic church in Omaha to serve Black parishioners and one of only 800 Black parishes out of 21,000 in the United States. Located in the North Omaha historic 24th and Lake neighborhood, at 2417 Grant Street, (qualified census tract 43#, zoned R7, zip 68111), the BRC is a 3-story building (8,962 square feet) and sits on .36 acres in the heart of the redevelopment area at 24th & Lake and was the central hub for the community. In 1966 the church closed its school when the Omaha Public School system began desegregating education. The school building transitioned into the community center and became its own nonprofit (1985) serving the community by leasing classroom space to local small businesses, providing recreational activities on the outdoor basketball court, and being a place for assembly to improve the socioeconomic development and well-being of the community in North Omaha. The Resource Center is named in honor of long-time community icon George Bryant, who led the Dan Des Dunes band for more than 20 years. (NorthOmahaHistory.com) Noteworthy completed projects and accomplishments include: 2020 - building stayed open during the heart of COVID-19 connecting people to the church’s food bank, the daycare and providing Internet connection to those needing broadband access and using outdoor basketball courts. Volunteers provided communication COVID-19 updates and dispersed PPP supplies. 2013 - received Scrub Bubbles grant from Queen Latifah’s Foundation to clean the outdoor basketball court and add a scoreboard. 1973 - The City of Omaha Parks & Recreation Department recommended the center be acquired as a civic community center. The neighborhood rallied together, retaining ownership for their beloved building. Provided Technology access and training for older adults and those without access to broadband and tech devices. Hosted recreation events (inside and outdoors) to include basketball camps and contests Every Sunday, dinner is served to anyone in the community for free. Due to proximity, a loyal homeless and low income population enjoys this regular fellowship and access to balanced meals in an area deemed as a food desert. Prior tenants included Labor Unions, Construction Firms, Suppliers, Business Professionals, Religious Groups; however due to the state of the building today, there is only 1 tenant (daycare which provides year-round services from birth to 12 years of age) Prior townhall site to connect to community advocates, political candidates and elected representatives. Hosted the North Omaha Black History Museum until it moved to its present location. Condors Drill Team Drum Corp. used the facility for practice and training engagements (Financial Literacy, Getting Hired, Keeping A Job). They have been temporarily moved to the basement of the church building due to the BRC’s renovation needs. Hosted annual religious youth programming including Zawadi, African Heritage youth leadership training focusing on learning gifts from God. Assembly center, providing for small to large group gatherings, was open for general community meetings at no charge. Community go-to center for many national and local celebrities that “grew up” using and volunteering for the Bryant Resource Center: Businessman Alvin Goodwin, Cattleman and Entrepreneur Herbert Rhodes, the Nebraska State Senator Ernie Chambers; actor John Beasley; and Theresa Glass-Union, the mother of actress Gabrielle Union. Preston Love, North Omaha Advocate and historian, Businesswoman Cathy Hughes, and native sports stars, including Baseball Hall of Famer Bob Gibson, football player Johnny Rodgers, Football Hall of Famer, Chicago Bears Gale Sayers, Houston Texans starting running back Ahman Green, unified Super lightweight and current WBO welterweight Champion Terence
Bryant Resource Center – A.M.E.S. Project: Advocate. Mentor. Educate. Support.
25000000.0
25000000.0
Combination of capital project and service/program
In the last 5 years, the BRC building has been able to operate minimally due to a major water leakage precipitated by its aging structure (roof, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, commercial kitchen). The pandemic delayed rehabilitation planning and fundraising which has multiplied the impact and now due to increased costs; will require more financial resources to fix correctly. The BRC A.M.E.S. Project is a 2-phase plan to renovate and revitalize the space, returning it to the prior community landmark; where, once concluded, will offer educational, cultural, recreational and economic opportunities to improve the well-being and vocational capabilities of North Omaha. Location: The BRC is located at 2417 Grant Street in the heart of North Omaha, Nebraska (census tract #11, zoned R7) in the identified redevelopment zone on 24th street.
Phase 1: Upon award approval, Blair Freeman, a black women owned contractor business from North Omaha will create a punch list of renovation needs with itemized budget for Board approval. Based upon early conversations with construction experts (Alley Poyner Macchietto architect, area builder) and comparable research of other successful community rehabilitation projects (Nebraska City’s Veterans Memorial Building), this cost is anticipated at $15 million and can be 100% accomplished by mid 2024 (14 month period) after receipt of funding (June 2023). The building will remain open during renovation, and allow community access in phases as projects are completed. It is planned to host a public dedication during Native Omaha Days, Summer 2025. Phase 2: The building will partially remain open offering the present services (daycare, outdoor recreation, Sunday dinners) during the course of renovation. Upon award approval and as the building in sections is rehabilitated for public use, the Board will reinstate / expand its programming and services to include: family resources, workforce development resources, small business/technical planning and training, tenant space (small business, nonprofits, elected officials), computer lab, conference/class rooms, arts/music programming, coffee shop/mini cafeteria, commercial kitchen. A strategic consultant will assist with planning and grant management. Cost to support is $2 million and will be 100% expensed by July 2026.
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Fundamental Change (i.e., a proposal that will continue to elevate North or South Omaha's presence and perception within the region, significantly improving the lives of area residents through physical development) Long-Lasting Economic Growth (i.e., a proposal that will foster gainful employment opportunities and financial investment in the area, leading to the creation of generational wealth and widespread economic vitality in North and South Omaha) Transformational (i.e., a proposal that will help energize, recharge, or spur significant and favorable advancements in North or South Omaha's function or appearance)
Other Infrastructure (i.e., develop or improve broadband, business districts, roadways, sewer, etc.) Policy (i.e., develop or improve context-sensitive education, finance, health, training, zoning, etc.) Sustainable Community (i.e., create or enhance housing, services, education, civic uses, recreation, etc.)
The Bryant Resource Center A.M.E.S. project, gives rebirth to a building that once was the hub for the 24th street area and reinvigorates previous programming and offers an opportunity for new, needed services brought forth as a result of COVID-19 such as family support, mental health and wellness and recreation, while reestablishing revenue lost during COVID-19 (tenant space). This project meets the following 3 ARPA-eligible uses of funds and aligns with the United States’ Department of Treasury areas: Community and Small Business Recovery, Community Well-Being, and Community Assistance Programming.
The North Omaha vision workshop’s key takeaways identified the following topics which will be addressed by the BRC proposal: Culture and character integrated into the neighborhood Economic hub proximate to North Omaha Identified as Community Reinvestment Area and Opportunity Zone Leverage current residents and entrepreneurial efforts into additional economic activity The needs addressed thru supporting actions are: Create high paying jobs Support local businesses Change marketing / external perception Create community vision and buy-in Build destinations Access and tools to leverage community resources Development that fits within the cultural context Insufficient infrastructure
In alignment with LB1024, the BRC Project: Is in a qualified census tract #11 Will foster desirable transformation Will support fundamental change Will continue to elevate North Omaha’s presence and perception within the region, significantly improving the lives of area residents thru significant development Will foster long-lasting economic development growth; foster gainful employment opportunities and investment in the area, leading to the creation of generational wealth and widespread economic vitality in North Omaha.
Per a construction superintendent employed with an Omaha developer, it is estimated that this building renovation project will create minimum 40 temporary construction-related jobs.
The BRC project will create 20 permanent jobs; where 70% personnel will reside within the designated census track.
It is unknown by the applicant the number of jobs which may be created by the vendors and suppliers it will work with to rehabilitate the building. The BRC intends to utilize minority contractors and preferably from North Omaha to complete individual phases of projects, where possible.
It is unknown by the applicant the wage structure provided by the vendors and suppliers it will work with to rehabilitate the building. The BRC will be mindful to seek those that are paying $16.50 plus per hour, where possible placing OSC participants.
The BRC project will create high paying, sustainable new jobs for its internal needs as the building engages with its planned services. It will provide opportunities for participants to work in a progressive environment that encourages professional career growth. Mentoring programs are extremely beneficial for new hires to model professional workplace skill sets. Ongoing career fairs onsite allows employers to engage with potential new hires.
The BRC Project was once saved by the local neighborhood from becoming a city civic center and now the present-day project will improve the local neighborhood by offering family resources, Sunday dinners, innovative small business hub, recreational activities and broadband access. Its combined workforce and economic development initiatives will impact the economy, offering diversified ways for growth and improvement to include computer literacy training and tutoring services, community based organizations and career readiness opportunities and building financial wealth.
The BRC AMES Project will host several community events including financial literacy and educational forums, community support groups, public policy Q&A, and other community programs to educate and inform the individuals impacted by these deficits.
The BRC will offer unique, innovative programming to include: Mock trials and court room interview assistance for litigants by a retired judge to help navigate the judicial system; Family stress trauma support; Indoor fitness center for older adults to age-in-place; Entrepreneurial match up for mutual service exchange.
# of new jobs created, paying high wages ($16.50+) Decrease in unemployment rate in zip code 68111 # of new small business starts in zip code 68111 # of job seeker placements # of users by service # of repeat users by service Perception evaluations Tenant rates: satisfaction, employment, customer growth, revenue growth Community Surveys: Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE)
The BRC building and events manager will be ultimately responsible for identifying and implementing data collection points. Google Analytics will capture data from its digital presence to know where clients are engaging from, Eventbrite will collect attendee information at the point of registration, Constant Contact will be used to create a database and draft targeted communications by category of building user (tenants, small business owners, nearby resident, etc…). Surveys will be offered both digitally and via paper to insure users ability to complete in their preferred modality.
Yes, The BRC Project will add to the 24th Street corridor revitalization endeavors, attracting new business and residential partners by providing vitality and encouragement which will result in monetary and non-monetary investment.
Yes
Lyfe Changes Resource Center, INC. & Omaha Skills Connection
Both
No
The BRC is located in the North Omaha historic 24th and Lake neighborhood, at 2417 Grant Street, (qualified census tract 43#, zoned R7, zip 68111), the BRC is a 3-story building (8,962 square feet) and sits on .36 acres in the heart of the redevelopment area at 24th & Lake and was the central hub for the community.
Within one or more QCTs
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
Cost estimates based on
No
This project meets the following 3 ARPA-eligible uses of funds and aligns with the United States’ Department of Treasury areas: Community and Small Business Recovery, Community Well-Being, and Community Assistance Programming.
Building rehabilitation - hiring of local contractors Fund new jobs created Implement broadband for free, public access Mold and lead remediation Stabilize and assist small businesses Provide job training activities Negative economic impact recovery Health and wellness initiatives
Yes
Fiscal operations will include the basic maitence upkeep of the building, programming cost for resource provided the community a functional resource.
BRC A.M.E.S project presently supported by multiple funding sources to include sponsorship, grants, private donations, federal contacts, private pay and capital campaign all of which are needed during following funding timelines.
Funding sources ongoing, Borsheims grant, private pay, Katie Weitz Foundation, Omaha Community Foundation, Capacity Building Grant, William and Ruth Scott Foundation, Robert Daugherty Foundation, Sherwood Foundation, Mutual of Omaha Foundation, Lozier Foundation and Immanuel Vision Foundation
No
Yes
This is an achievable and scalable proposal presented to be completed in phases where the building can stay operational at the present level; and as completed, will begin to add in its new service plans.
The BRC is committed to launching the planned capital campaign to raise $500,000 by 2025 to provide overhead capacity support and sustain future programming while tenant leasing reaches 80% occupancy; after which, a recurring revenue stream will be in place.
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Additional Location Documents (see application for list) Organizational Chart