Our History

2025

• Community Alliance is one of the inaugural agencies meeting state and federal standards to earn designation by Nebraska Health and Human Services as a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC).
• Crisis response services expanded, including mobile crisis capacity.
• Targeted case management services initiated.

2024

• Construction completed on a new 127,000-square-foot facility, expanding capacity and access to services and enhancing integration of services and coordination of care. to expand services for our community. All services, with the exception of residential, are together enhancing coordination of care.
• Community outreach and care coordination services for persons with opioid addiction initiated.
• Inauguration of Healthy Transitions program focused on identifying and helping youth and young adults navigate the transition into adulthood.
• Long-time CEO Carole Boye retires; Aileen Brady assumes President and CEO position effective November, 2024.

2023

• The Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic Act is unanimously adopted by the State Legislature and signed into law by Governor Jim Pillen bringing this national framework to Nebraska, with full implementation by January, 2026. Community Alliance was part of a state-wide coalition of organizations bringing this multi-year legislative effort to fruition.
• Breaking the Silence 2023 saw record number of attendees to hear Presidential Historian Doris Kearns Goodwin share insight into the mental health challenges faced by four of our U.S. presidents, Abraham Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt, FDR and Lyndon Johnson, and how it affected their leadership.

2022

• Specialized team-based re-entry services for justice-involved individuals with mental health needs launched.
• Community Alliance adds levels of substance use treatment options including assessment, outpatient, and intensive outpatient modalities.
• Construction begins on new program headquarters, designed to offer a full range of treatment, rehabilitation, and recovery support services accessible in one location and fully integrated with primary health care, a health and wellness center and comprehensive care coordination.

2021

• Community Alliance first in Omaha, and third in state, to adopt new national framework for organization and delivery of community mental health services, meeting initial standards for designation as a Certified Community Behavioral Health Center (CCBHC).
• The agency closes on building purchase and prepares for launch of capital campaign for new program facilities to meet client growth and expand service offerings.

2020

• Community Alliance responds to pandemic by instituting comprehensive educational and safety measures and rapidly standing up telehealth services and other alternative means to maintain engagement and direct service delivery to clientele. Work continues to further expand and sustain telehealth services.
• Inaugurated a 5 year federal SAMHSA grant in partnership with Nebraska Health and Human Services to expand services and develop a replicable model of integrated health service delivery for adults with serious mental illness.
• At year end, assumed responsibility for all components of First Episode Psychosis program in Region 6, for purposes of expanding this best practice model and providing psychiatric, counseling, supported employment and education services to adolescents and young adults aged 14 to 35.

2019

• Community Alliance’s Peers in Shelters program receives “Most Inspiring Practice” award from Metro Area Continuum of Care for the Homeless, recognizing the positive impact of peers in mitigating crisis and confusion along with providing hope and an added layer of practical support among those experiencing mental illness in area’s emergency shelters.
• The 2019 ‘Breaking the Silence’ program, featuring Mayim Bialik of The Big Bang Theory fame, breaks records in outreach, attendance and fundraising support, furthering its position as one of the largest and most impactful mental illness awareness events in the Midwest.

2018

• Agency is recipient of the 2018 Integrity Award, given by the Better Business Bureau to organizations that demonstrate a sustained commitment to ethical business practices, going above and beyond in serving their stakeholders and their community.
• With addition of a full-time primary healthcare provider, coupled with full-time psychiatric provider, agency’s integrated health care clinic is open on a full-time basis, with walk-in hours and same-day access for both psychiatric and physical health services.
• Following comprehensive review and assessment, organization’s communication and outreach strategies were significantly broadened, incorporating updated website, social media, print and other materials.

2017

• New pilot introduced in collaboration with United Way of the Midlands and area emergency shelters aimed at reducing crisis in the shelters with the help of peer specialists.
• Community Alliance affirms commitment to best practices in its business operations and governance by joining the ‘Best Practices Partnership’ disseminated by the Nonprofit Association of the Midlands. Process includes a self-assessment of legal compliance and recommended practices in 12 major areas of nonprofit management.

2016

• SAMHSA integrated care demonstration grant ends; Community Alliance hires primary care provider and obtains health clinic license in support of decision to directly provide primary healthcare and sustain these services for clients.
• Two Community Alliance programs receive local United Way funding for first time.

2015

• SOAR team receives first “Most Inspiring Award” from Metro Area Continuum of Care for the Homeless, recognizing the positive outcomes achieved among the most vulnerable of community’s homeless when utilizing the national, best-practice SOAR model.
• Second full-time psychiatrist hired by agency; ACT team receives funding for expansion.

2014

• Community Alliance receives the 2014 ‘Recovery Award’, given by the state’s Director of Behavioral Health Services to an agency that improves behavioral health in Nebraska and furthers individual recovery.
• Outpatient psychiatric services expanded to full time.

2013

• Initiated outpatient psychiatric and therapy services as part of continued expansion of integrated primary and behavioral health services.
• Achieved third perfect accreditation review and record fourth out of the past five site surveys conducted since 2001; peer-run crisis diversion services, accredited for first time, cited as an exemplary service by national accreditation body.

2012

• Established peer-run crisis diversion services, offering on-site support for up to 24 hours as well as telephone “warm” line services.
• Community Alliance awarded one of 33 federal SAMHSA grants nationwide, and first in the Midwest (Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri) to develop integrated physical and behavioral health service model; partnered with OneWorld Community Health Centers to offer primary healthcare on-site at Community Alliance.

2011

• SOAR program integrated within Community Alliance’s array of services.
• Community Alliance celebrates the 15th anniversary of ‘Breaking the Silence’ and its 30th anniversary as an organization.

2010

• Community Alliance enters into a partnership with the Behavioral Health Education Center of Nebraska (BHECN) to develop a replicable model of inter-professional education and training within a non-hospital, community-based setting.
• The organization and all of its programs earned a perfect score in its national accreditation survey for the second time in succession, and the third time in its history. This is virtually unprecedented according to CARF, the national accreditation body, and ranks Community Alliance as one of the top 1% of all organizations surveyed by CARF.

2009

• Peer support services are formally added to Community Alliance’s service array with initial focus on integrating this emerging best practice within the organization’s initial engagement and admissions process.
• The organization affirmed its commitment to providing quality, affordable housing by renewing long-term commitment within its HUD-supported facilities and acquiring and renovating a 12-unit apartment building, bringing housing units owned and operated by Community Alliance to 215.

2008

• Two Community Alliance staff recognized as “Heroes in the Fight” by Eli Lilly and Nebraska Mental Health Association.
• Peer Support curriculum developed and offered by Community Alliance granted college credit status by University of Nebraska, Omaha. At year end, over 40 participants had graduated from the course and many were filling peer support positions in behavioral health agencies across the metro area.

2007

• Community Alliance staff and clients received national ‘Behavioral Health Provider of the Year’ and ‘Consumer of the Year’ awards for their leadership, innovation, and results in the community-wide CIT training effort with local law enforcement.
• Community Alliance programs earn second “perfect score” in its national accreditation survey the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF).

2006

• Community Alliance celebrated 25 years of service to individuals and their families with mental illness.
• Community Alliance surpassed 200 housing units with the opening of Franklin and Doyal Apartments. Intensive Community Services initiated as a new service level and provided on a daily basis for persons residing at Franklin and Doyal Apartments.
• Successfully partnered with the City of Omaha and Omaha Area Continuum of Care for the Homeless to obtain Nebraska’s first Shelter+ Care Program.
• WRAP (Wellness Recovery Action Planning) training provided to consumers as another proven tool in the journey to recovery.
• Community Alliance staff and consumers participated in the first ever Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) for Omaha Police and Douglas County Sheriff deputies.
• Community Alliance took a leadership role in a system change initiative to move the services system toward integrated care with mental health and substance use services. Community Alliance served as the fiscal agent with an Alegent Community Benefit Trust grant to provide education and training over the next two years.

2005

• Behavioral health reform is implemented with a transition of Vinton House to a Residential Rehabilitation program and the opening of Ashwood as Community Alliance’s 7th HUD Section 811 project and 9th Residential Rehabilitation home. The first regional center beds are closed at the second state hospital.
• Community Alliance Housing Management Services implements the state rental assistance housing voucher program.
• Consumer leadership and empowerment was expanded through the initiation of CAPS (Community Alliance Peer Support).

2004

• Historic behavioral health reform measure passed legislature with unprecedented levels of consumer involvement and self-advocacy; early implementation included down-sizing of Hastings regional center and expansion of community-based services, including Community Alliance’s residential rehabilitation, day rehabilitation, and ACT services.
• 7th HUD Section 811 project got underway, with construction of 9 additional housing units scheduled for completion in 2005.
• Organization earns full 3-year CARF accreditation of all program areas for 5th consecutive time.

2003

• Formalized family education services are initiated with assistance from private funders.
• Community Alliance actively involved in the behavioral health reform movement focused on closing 2 of 3 state psychiatric hospitals and expanding community-based services.
• Community Alliance’s main program & administrative facility at 4001 Leavenworth expanded.

2002

• Construction of 12 additional apartment units, completing the Birchwood development.

2001

• Organization achieved ‘perfect score’ on national accreditation survey, a level of excellence achieved by less than 1% of all behavioral health organizations accredited by the Commission on Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF).
• “Building Homes, Rebuilding Lives” capital campaign inaugurated as part of public-private partnership to expand supportive housing within our community.
• NorthStar, MorningStar, and Birchwood Apartments more than double the supportive, rehabilitative housing options available for those with mental illness.
• Community Alliance received “Provider of the Year”, “Metropolitan Community Development”, and “Building a City of Neighbors” awards.

2000

• Construction started on 12 new apartment units.
• Community Alliance assumed a leadership role in assisting consumers dislocated by closing of Paxton Manor; two new housing resources established in 90 days.

1999

• Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter visits Community Alliance, and is featured speaker at 3rd annual “Breaking the Silence” dinner.
• Adoption of catastrophic mental health insurance coverage and other legislation to assist individuals with serious mental illness in the return to work.
• Community Alliance began development of new 24-unit apartment complex.

1998

• Community Alliance earned national accreditation of all program areas for third successive 3-year period; cited as an “exceptional organization that is providing leadership in the field.”
• Renovation completed on new day rehabilitation at 75th & Pacific, consolidating two leased facilities and providing fully physical accessibility.
• Assertive Community Treatment services initiated.

1997

• Community Alliance awarded State “Housing our Community Award” by Nebraska Affordable Housing Commission.
• First community-wide educational event, “Breaking the Silence”, held by Community Alliance.
• Homeless services expanded through community collaboration in the Omaha Area Continuum of Care for the Homeless.

1996

• Construction began on second cooperative living home; expanded housing options and partnership with City of Omaha.

1995

• WorkSource, the largest, most comprehensive approach to returning persons with mental illness to work is initiated with funding from Vocational Rehabilitation.
• Community Alliance receives Ike Friedman Community Leadership Award.
• Two new group homes are constructed to replace leased facilities.
• Community Alliance dedicated its new, permanent program and administrative headquarters.
• Residential service continuum is expanded with a new, cooperative living component; first 6-bed facility constructed with City of Omaha financing.

1994

• Construction begins on 22 new housing units and new headquarters.
• First capital campaign initiated.

1993

• Community Alliance assumed operation of two existing residential homes and a day rehabilitation program from region; became sole provider in Omaha area of residential rehabilitation services for adults with mental illness.

1992

• National accreditation earned by all Community Alliance programs.
• Community Alliance sponsored first state-wide conference for psychiatric rehabilitation professionals in the field; it continued as an annual training event.
• Third group home opened by Community Alliance.

1991

• Second Day Rehabilitation center in Omaha opened by Community Alliance.
• New group home expanded housing opportunities.

1990

• Community Alliance led successful coalition to obtain changes in Omaha fair housing laws affecting persons with disabilities; state adopts federal fair housing standards.
• Organization cited as one of the “bright spots” in the state in national publication ranking state services for persons recovering from serious mental illness.

1989

• Community Alliance constructs & opens 24 new apartment units, offering quality, affordable housing in a first-of-its-kind program in Omaha; funding obtained through national HUD competitive housing program.

1988

• Opened Mercy House in cooperation with Sisters of Mercy; this 15 bed group home, in the former Holy Name convent, is only the second such facility in Omaha.
• Project: Hire, providing supported employment opportunities in businesses throughout the community, is introduced.

1987

• Fremont Day Rehabilitation center opened.

1986

• Community Alliance awarded 1 of 6 national demonstration grants to develop innovative services for homeless mentally ill; services initiated on Christmas Eve, 1986.
• Community Alliance nominated by Nebraska Psychiatric Society for APA National Achievement Award.

1985

• Community Alliance initiates nationally recognized Compeer volunteer program to Nebraska.

1984

• Residential support services for persons living in Omaha area boarding homes and private sector apartments introduced by Community Alliance.
• Family education & support group formed; later becomes chapter of National Alliance on Mental Illness.

1983

• Vocational services initiated.

1982

• First psychiatric day rehabilitation center in Nebraska opened by Community Alliance.
• Community-based case management services initiated by Community Alliance.

1981

• Community Alliance incorporated in Omaha as first organization in Nebraska to focus exclusively on adults with chronic mental illness; to serve as model in State of Nebraska.
• First client served in residential services.

1980

• Grassroots coalition formed to address lack of services for persons with serious mental illness.