Candace Gregory has been named the 2026 Omahan of the Year by the Suburban Rotary Club of Omaha. For the past 30 years, she has served as President/ CEO of the Open Door Mission, a nonprofit that serves the poor and homeless populations in the Metro. She has become a noted national advocate for those experiencing homelessness and poverty and is sought out for her experience in implementing programs that help end the cycle of homelessness and poverty. Candace leads a well-run, financially secure service with compassion, grace and integrity, all-the-while staying under the radar, focused on her mission rather than her achievements. She will receive her award on June 18 at the noon weekly meeting of the club at Legends Restaurant, 6920 Pacific St., Suite 100.
As one client put it,” “I tore away from the wreckage of my past, and still have a long way to go. I know I can’t do it by myself. Open Door Mission saved my life,” said John
As one client put it,” “I tore away from the wreckage of my past, and still have a long way to go. I know I can’t do it by myself. Open Door Mission saved my life,” said John
Dr. Gregory is a graduate of Grace University with a degree in Human Development and Family Studies. In 2004, she received an honorary doctorate from Clarkson College of Sciences in Humanitarian Services.
Currently, ensuring responsible fiscal oversight of an annual budget of 34 million with approximately 132 employees and 14,000+ volunteers, she is known for her vision, strategic planning and success. Recently, Dr. Gregory launched a $20 million Expanding Hope Capital Campaign. The three-phase capital campaign will expand hope and address critical needs and challenges in our community.
Dr. Gregory has received numerous awards, accolades and accomplishments for her dedicated efforts.
Dr. Gregory resides in Iowa with her husband, Steve and their chiweenie, Dolly. They have four grown children and four grandchildren.
According to Mary Bernier Chairman of the Four- Way Test Committee of the Suburban Rotary Club of Omaha, Candace was chosen unanimously by the 4-Way Test Committee because of ‘her commitment to the Omaha Community. Through her efforts for the poor and homeless she exemplifies the Rotary motto service above self and has inspired our community take care of each other.’
As part of the onboarding process with new members, called Yearlings, this week the group met with past presidents of the club. They shared their leadership insights, experience and history with the club.
Last week Rotarians brought in baseball caps to share with the homless. Bob Bosco delivered the donations on Friday. Here is a note from him.
Suburban Rotarians attended an after-hours event at Todd Samland's studio on May 18. In addition to socializing, they were able to view extraordinary stain glass creations. See pics from the event.
Rotary members enjoyed a Rotary Means Business After-Hours gathering at Lucky Bucket Brewing Company on May 13.
Volunteers from Suburban Rotary Club help construct a soccer field for students at Dundee Elementary.
At Crestridge Elementary Rotarians provided volunteer support to operate the bounce houses that celebrate students' year-long achievements through physical exercise. See the slide show here.
As part of its commitment to sustainability, the Suburban Rotary Club of Omaha in conjunction with DataShield held a safe and secure electronics recycling event on Oct. 11 at Rockbrook Village. Many people dropped off their computers, laptops, printers, scanners, cell phones, scanners, networking equipment, keyboards, mice and cables. Rotarian volunteers took items and sorted them in bins, proudly reaffirming their commitment to the environment. See photos here.
Consider visiting another Rotary club for a make-up! Rotary.org has a club finder for locations around the world. Please see the District website at rotarydistrict5650.org for details on local clubs. Visit one of the following Metro-Area Clubs!
Monday: Omaha Millard Rotary, 12:00 pm, German American Society, 3717 South 120th St.
Tuesday: Omaha Morning 7:00 am, First Watch Aksarben, 1222 S. 71st, Ste. B, Omaha. NE 68106
Tuesday: Omaha Night, 5:30 p.m. at La Voltaire, 569 N. 155th Plaza (first and third Tuesdays) Omaha, NE http://www.omaharotarynight.org/
Wednesday: Omaha Downtown, 12:00 pm, Field Club of Omaha, 3615 Woolworth Ave., Omaha, NE 68105
Wednesday: Council Bluffs Centennial: 7:00 am, Hy-Vee Community Room 1745 Madison Avenue
Thursday: Western Douglas County, 12:00 PM Elkhorn Public Schools Foundation 20272 Veterans Drive, Elkhorn, NE 68022
Thursday: Council Bluffs, 12:00 pm, Hoff Family Arts & Culture Center, 1001 South 6th Street
Friday: Omaha West, 12:00 pm, Charlie's on the Lake, 4151 S 144th St., Omaha, NE 68137
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