The First Responders Foundation is honored to be inducting Omaha Steaks/Todd Simon into the Ancient Order of the National Society of St. Florian and St. Michael at the 6th Annual 9/11 Luncheon of Honor on September 9, 2022.

A Century of Support

For more than 100 years, Omaha Steaks has delivered exceptional experiences that bring people together. That mission extends beyond the company’s core business and shapes the way Omaha Steaks and its employees engage with the community. 

From community partnerships to volunteering and in-kind support, serving others and bringing people together with a spirit of generosity is a fundamental part of the company’s identity. The Simon family and Omaha Steaks believe that active and engaged businesses have an important role to play in building strong, sustainable, and thriving communities. 

Since 1917, Omaha Steaks has earned a reputation for its commitment to charitable causes that enhance the lives of others. Support for the arts and civic and military organizations in Omaha and across the country is a Simon family tradition that forms the foundation the company was built upon. Fighting food insecurity, supporting the arts, and giving back to the courageous first responders and military members who protect our communities is how Omaha Steaks invests on a local and national level to improve people’s lives. 

Omaha Steaks Partners with Organizations that Support First Responders and Veterans 

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The First Responders Foundation is honored to be inducting Tim and Mary McAlpine into the Ancient Order of the National Society of St. Florian and St. Michael at the 6th Annual 9/11 Luncheon of Honor on September 9, 2022.

Tim and Mary are two of the founders of JAVELAN which is now a successful program of the First Responders Foundation. JAVELAN provides funding for the training of service dogs, often assists recipients in obtaining service dogs (as much as possible rescue dogs), and provides service dog trainers. Named after a special service dog “Jack”, with the full acronym: Jack, Assisting Veterans Enjoying Life Again.

A Partnership For Growth

The McAlpine’s partnership with The First Responders Foundation began in 2019 when Tim met Al Batschelet, First Responders Foundation CEO.  JAVELAN was a highly successful, albeit small non-profit organization funding the training for military veterans to obtain service dogs. A very unique organization of volunteers, using the Community Model for training service dogs. The Community Model is a teaching and learning strategy that integrates meaningful community engagement with instruction and reflection to enrich the learning experience. JAVELAN uses this model by having the recipient of the service dog assist in all aspects of the training. Many times service dogs are trained in multiple areas in anticipation of what may be needed. This hands-on approach ensures that the service dog is trained specifically for the needs of the recipient. The training is done by a certified trainer who is teaching the recipient along with the service dog. The dog lives with the recipient while being trained. The respect and love bonds develop quickly with this approach as well.

In 2019 JAVELAN reached its potential as a total volunteer organization and needed professional involvement to continue the rapid growth. With over 30% of first responders former or current military veterans, the First Responders Foundation was the perfect fit to provide professional oversight and support to assure the continued growth of JAVELAN.

Continue reading “Tim & Mary McAlpine start JAVELAN”