Who we are

Age-Friendly Omaha (AFO) is a community-driven initiative committed to creating an Omaha where people of all ages can live, remain, and thrive. We work to ensure that older adults are recognized, valued, and supported.

Our mission

To create an Omaha that values the dignity, worth, and well-being of people at every stage of life, where people of all ages can live, remain, and thrive throughout their entire lifetime.

AFO is part of the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities, a nationwide network working to improve livability for older adults through collaboration, planning, and community participation.

Our Origins 

Age-Friendly Omaha began with the Housing Coalition for Older Adults (HCOA), a grassroots group that formed when local leaders noticed that older adults were increasingly struggling with housing instability and barriers to aging in place. 

 
HCOA brought together more than 40 partner organizations. Through those early conversations, it became clear that Omaha needed a broader, coordinated, long-term strategy to support older adults across all aspects of community life.

That realization sparked the effort to join the AARP Network and launched Age-Friendly Omaha as a larger, community-owned initiative. Omaha officially joined the network on February 6, 2026. 

What We Do 

Age-Friendly Omaha leads a multiyear, inclusive planning and implementation process that includes: 

• Community Engagement 

We gather input from older adults across Omaha through surveys, listening sessions, multilingual outreach, and partnerships with culturally specific organizations, libraries, community centers, and neighborhood groups. 

• Cross-Sector Collaboration 

AFO convenes public agencies, service providers, nonprofits, health systems, universities, and community advocates to co-create solutions. 

• Action Plan Development 

Working committees craft a measurable, community-wide Age-Friendly Action Plan. The plan includes goals, strategies, and performance indicators aligned with AARP’s Eight Domains of Livability. 

Our Structure 

AFO is a community-owned initiative, not a single-agency program. Our structure includes:

Steering Committee

Trish Bergman / ENOA

Lauren Cencic / Metro Transit

Joe Coniglio / City of Omaha

Bridget Hadley / City of Omaha

Julie Kaminski / Immanuel

Julie Masters / UNO 

Carolina Padilla  / Inclusive Aging Consulting Services 

Todd Stubbendieck / AARP Nebraska

Buey Ray Tut / Spark

Ryan ZimmerMas / Spark

Working Committees 

Working Committees will be formed after community input identifies priority domains. These committees craft actionable goals and drive implementation, with older adults serving as essential members.

Champions & Community Ambassadors 

Trusted community members who help share information, ensure inclusivity, and build strong two-way communication. 

This shared leadership model ensures sustainability, broad buy-in, and long-term impact.

Our Values 

  • Equity 
    We prioritize inclusion, especially for those historically underrepresented in planning processes. 

  • Dignity 
    We honor the inherent worth of every individual at every stage of life.

  • Collaboration
    We believe Omaha thrives when organizations work together, not in silos.

  • Community Voice 
    Older adults shape our priorities, strategies, and actions.

  • Innovation 
    We look for creative, practical solutions that improve daily life for all.